The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)(89)

He thought of the twelve-year-olds and their huge bonnets and the two younger girls who were so earnest in their interrogation of him. “You’re probably right.” He took one rosy pink nipple in his mouth and sucked. “We should make use of the time we have before we’re separated.”

That was not something she was going to think of at the moment. Charlotte’s breath became ragged, and she rubbed her body against his erection. “The feelings . . . I do not know what else to call them, are stronger than they were last night.”

He slid his hand over the swell of her hips, brushing his fingers against her mons. His lips curved against her full breasts. “There?”

“Yes.” His deep, seductive voice increased her desire. “As if everything coalesces right there.”

She grabbed his face, pressing kisses along his lips, demanding he open to her. Her tongue tangled with his, and she moaned as he raised her gown, and slid his finger back and forth, dipping it into her sheath. “As if you’ll die if you don’t get relief.”

“I need you.”

He lifted her up and carried her to the bed. “You are not the only one who is going to die.”

Drawing her nightgown over her head, he released the fastenings on his banyan and shrugged it off.

“I love your chest.” Abandoning his mouth, she kissed her way down his throat, down to his chest, and licked one of his nipples. “You like that. I can tell.”

Con groaned. “If I don’t get inside you right now, I’m going to spill.”

“In that case”—he could feel her lips curve against his chest—“what are you waiting for?”

They barely made it on the mattress before Charlotte wrapped her legs around Constantine, urging him to take her. He thrust deep, deeper than he had last night, filling her, taking her. She reveled in their joining.

The sharp feeling of need spun tighter and soon her tension broke and she found Heaven again. A moment later, he plunged even deeper, and cried her name. She held him to her for a long minute before he fell off to her side, and drew her against him. For the rest of her life, this was where she belonged. She prayed that they would have a very long life together. She knew how easily it could be cut short.

Charlotte drew patterns on his chest, simply to play in the soft hair covering it. “Will we sleep together after we are wed?”

His breath stopped for a second. “If I have my way.”

“Good.” That was exactly what she wanted him to say. “I enjoyed waking up with you this morning. As far as I know, my parents always slept together. At least, they were in the same bed when I had bad dreams.”

“As we shall be for our children.” He nuzzled her hair, and her already loose bones threatened to melt.

If only this could last forever. She stroked lower down his chest, over his hard stomach, and allowed her fingers to delve down the line of hair to his member. At first it was soft, then it grew hard in her hand.

“Lord, Charlotte, what you do to me.”

He rolled her over onto her back, and covered her, entering gently. This time their lovemaking was slower, not so frenzied. She came quickly, bringing him with her to completion.

He kissed her forehead, and eyelids, and lips before pulling her back against his chest. “We need to go to sleep.”

She closed her eyes, then a thought came to her, causing them to pop open again. “I’m going to hate going back to Town.”

“Let’s not worry about that now.” Constantine’s voice was low, sleepy. “We’ll manage something. Preferably a quick wedding.”

They woke just as the sun showed through the slit in the curtains. Collette was curled up next to Charlotte, purring.

His hand stroked her breast and desire filled her again. She wanted him. “I’ll move the kitten.”

“No need.” His chest rumbled against her back as if he was chuckling. “I’ll show you a new position.”

*

An hour later they were in the parlor with Dotty and Merton, breaking their fast. Constantine handed Charlotte a piece of toast that had already been spread with jam, just the way she liked it. “Thank you. I didn’t know you paid attention.”

“There is nothing I do not notice about you.” His look made her heart flutter as if butterflies had taken up residence. “How could I not when you fix my tea so perfectly.”

Charlotte wondered if this was simply part of new love, or if it would last throughout their marriage. Her stomach growled, disrupting her thoughts. She was more ravenous than she had been in years, and for a few minutes hadn’t noticed no one else was making conversation.

After she had finished, she set her cup down and sighed. “I do not know when I have eaten so much.”

“I know what you mean,” Dotty replied. “Ever since I married, my appetite has increased.”

Merton flashed Constantine a sly grin Charlotte didn’t understand. “You are eating for two, my love.”

“I suppose you are right.” Dotty started to push her chair back, but her husband jumped up to assist her. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

“The coach will be ready in a half hour,” Merton said over his shoulder as he followed Dotty to their chamber.

“We shall be ready.” Charlotte poured another cup of tea and watched Constantine finish his breakfast.