Confessions of a Royal Bridegroom(169)

“Quite a bit later,” he said firmly. “In fact, we’ll be staying the night.”

Dominic paused in the doorway, gazing at the sparsely furnished room. “Here? Why the hell don’t you just go home?” he asked incredulously.

“Because Justine needs to rest,” Griffin said. “I’m sure her nerves are shattered.”

“My nerves are fine,” Justine protested.

Griffin gave her an exasperated look. “Well, then, my nerves are shattered.”

“That’s all very well,” Dominic protested, “but I could use your help—”

He broke off when Chloe pinched his arm and hissed something under her breath. Startled, Dominic peered at her, then let out a sigh. “Very well, I’ll deal with it myself.” He directed a final scowl at Griffin as Chloe tugged him by the sleeve. “Take care of your wife, Griffin, or else you’ll answer to me.”

Griffin slammed the door behind them. “Sodding old lady, that Dominic,” he muttered.

Justine peered at him, still mystified. “I don’t mean to be disagreeable, but why don’t you wish to return home?”

He came to her, his gaze heating as rapidly as a flash fire as it roamed over her body.

“Oh,” she breathed. “Now I understand.”

“Do you?” he said as he yanked his coat off and dropped it on the floor. His waistcoat followed a few seconds later and then he went to work on his cravat. “I’m glad someone does, because my life is a hell of a mystery to me right now. But, more importantly, I’ve had precious little opportunity to be alone with my wife, much less alone in a room with a bed.”

Then she was in his arms, and he held her so fiercely she could barely breathe.

“I’ll never let you go, Justine,” he said in a voice husky with emotion. “I think I’d go insane if I ever lost you.”

She’d been on the verge of crying today more times than she could count. But his declaration tipped her over the edge.

He cradled her against his hard chest. “Whatever is there to cry about, my love? Everything’s fine.”

She let out a choked laugh because, well, everything was fine. It was more than fine. It was splendid. “You must admit it’s been a very disconcerting day.”

He tipped her chin up and gently kissed the tears from her cheek. “I know. I was barely jesting when I said my nerves were shattered. We need to repair to bed for some rest and restoration.”

Almost without thought, she started on the laces of his shirt. “Your nerves are never shattered and I doubt we’ll get much rest at all. But what about Deacon and Joshua? Won’t they be waiting for us?”

He frowned and reached up to pull the lace cap off her head, tossing it over his shoulder. His deft fingers started to unbutton her gown. “They’ll be happy to kick their heels up in the taproom for an hour or so. God knows I pay them enough to do so.” He parted the back of her garment and his warm hands slipped inside.

Justine shivered as he began unlacing her stays. “I thought we were staying the night?” she whispered.

His dark laugh weakened her knees. “You’re right as always, my sweet. All night, it is.”

Then he spun her around so quickly she gasped. He lifted her straight off her feet and marched with her to the bed.

“Hold on to the post,” he said, his voice rough and urgent as he put her down.

With trembling hands, she complied as he swiftly finished undressing her, down to her chemise and stockings. But when she let go of the post to help him remove the rest, he clamped his hands around her waist and held her in place.