This was his wedding night.
He’d made love to her a few weeks back which only fueled the fire. This day also felt different. She’d stood in front of the church and swore to the heavens and their family she was his.
Her father, though weak, made it for the ceremony. Clarke knew it meant the world to her to have him there. He’d taken his elbow and told him he knew he’d make a fine and noble husband for his daughter. He then apologized for Adeline’s meager dowry offering. As if Clarke cared. His family had more money then they would ever need. Money wasn’t what was important.
Adeline was important.
He grinned at her and hooked a finger. “Come… Lady Garrison.”
A blush spread up her throat to her cheeks. “I…we can’t… the footmen. The new carriage.” Her gaze darted out the window.
He pulled the drape closed. “Dash the footmen. The next time I will drive the coach myself if it means you will sooner be in my bed.”
“Clarke!” Her blush deepened.
“Adeline!” He mocked her indignation. “You are my wife. There is nothing wrong with admitting how much I want you at this moment.” He moved his coat to one side to show her the arousal tenting his britches. He grinned again and lunged across the coach pinning her to the back of the seat. “Kiss me wife, before I die!”
She laughed, but it was short lived as he took her mouth with his. He kissed a trail down her neck and tugged the front of her dress lower to capture a nipple between his teeth. She let out a small groan.
“I love to hear you make that sound. Do it again.” He bit until she did. He was losing all trail of coherent thought. “Touch me.” The words came out almost a plea.
“Where?” she asked.
“God, anywhere.”
Her small hand ran down his chest. When the tips of her fingers pressed along his erection he thought he would lose himself that second. He was practically panting. He should have taken the edge off himself earlier, for now he fought with himself to keep from throwing her back and plowing into her… new carriage or not. It did have much wider seats.
He never wanted anything like he wanted her at this moment.
The horses whinnied and the carriage came to a jarring halt.
“Damn,” Clarke swore as he tried to adjust his waistcoat back into place a moment before the footman knocked on the side door.
Clarke stepped out and waited to take Adeline’s hand to help her descend.
When he turned, she was smiling. “Welcome home, husband.” The place was ablaze with what seemed to be a million candles. A house staff lined the stairs and dipped their heads or curtseyed as they entered the front entryway. His mouth hung open.
“There’s staff… there’s furniture… it’s…” his throat felt tight.
“Beautiful.” Adeline caressed his cheek as she looked up into his eyes. “Spencer said he was no longer in need of these pieces and loaned us staff until we find our own. They worked around the clock to make the place presentable to their new Lord.” She turned back to the waiting faces. “You have all done such a wonderful job. The house looks splendid, like it once did. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. But for now we must bid you all goodnight, it has been a long day of travel.”
The handmaid opened the chamber door and turned down the bed. “Will you be needing more assistance, my lady?” She asked.
“No thank you, Marielle. You have been a great help already.” She shut the door and turned to face him. “At least I hoped to get my husband’s help undressing?”
Clarke strode to her and pulled her against him. He kissed her until his head spun from the taste of her.
“I want to watch you do it,” he asked, his voice husky.
Adeline let a slow seductive smile curled her lips. The pure hunger on his face made her feel beautiful. Sexy. Wanted. She pointed to the bed where he sat down heavily and fought with his boots to yank them free.
Each open button exposed an inch more of skin. Adeline brushed it off her shoulder and the dress pooled at her feet. She stepped free. She wanted this, she wanted him as much as she was sure he wanted her. It would be a night neither would forget. She fought with shyness and let the remainder of her undergarments drop as she stood naked before him.
His eyes darkened. When she came closer, he ran a finger from her neck down the length of her body generating a shiver. “You’re still dressed,” she choked out.
“I am.” He yanked her hand and tumbled her on the bed before he straddled her. He leaned down to kiss her breast. The brass buttons of his waistcoat brushed her bare skin. With her naked and him dressed there was an added air of… well… naughtiness to it all. He slid fingers up her thigh and then one finger inside her.