What a Reckless Rogue Needs (The Sinful Scoundrels, #2)(72)
“Yes,” she said. When she stroked him with her hand, he was wild to be inside of her. Then he showed her how to guide him.
He felt the barrier give way, and she gasped. He stayed very still until the tension inside her eased. Then he withdrew part of the way and entered again slowly. He kept his gaze on her as he rocked in and out in a slow rhythm. Soon he realized it would be more pleasurable for her if she rode him. “Hold on tight,” he said. Then he flipped them.
She blinked. Then he showed her the rhythm. She started slowly but eventually she rode him faster. He pulled her forward and suckled her while she rocked against him. When he switched to her other breast, she cried out and her inner muscles contracted all around him.
He pressed her back to the mattress and entered her again. His heart was thudding fast in his chest, and his skin tingled. In some dim place in his brain, he knew he needed to withdraw at just the right moment. When she wrapped her long, soft thighs around him and squeezed, he strained and exploded inside her.
As his breathing slowed, he pulled the covers over them and gazed into her eyes. “Sleep,” he whispered.
Chapter Twelve
Colin awoke to find her watching him. “You are awake,” he said in a sleep-roughened voice.
Her face grew hot.
“Is something wrong?”
She shook her head.
Clearly, she must be remembering the things they’d done in bed. “I’ll announce our engagement when we return to Deerfield tomorrow.”
She drew the sheet over her luscious breasts. “I beg your pardon?”
He plumped the pillow behind him. “Angeline, do not kick up a fuss. I had every intention of making a timely exit, but I lost control, and now it is quite possible we have created our firstborn.”
She snorted. “It only happened one time. My friend Charlotte did not conceive for nearly six months.”
“You’re not Charlotte, and I’m not Portsworth. It only takes once, and I’d rather not have to face your father after your belly expands.”
“You speak as if it is a foregone conclusion,” she said. “Furthermore, if we announce an engagement tomorrow, our families will know what we’ve been doing.”
He released a loud sigh. Damnation, he was still in danger of losing Sommerall. Of course she was right. He imagined Wycoff pointing a rifle at him. Granted the man was a terrible shot, but Colin knew he’d make an easier target than a flying bird.
“When will you know if there are consequences?” he asked.
“Oh, my stars.”
“Angeline, after the things we did in this bed, I’m astounded by your sudden bashfulness.”
“A week,” she muttered.
“Ah, well it matters not one way or the other.”
“How can you be so cavalier about it?” she said.
“Because, darling, I want to announce our engagement.”
“You do not have my permission,” she said.
“Angeline, it is true that we both will benefit from the marriage, but it is equally true that I took your virginity.”
“Well, you can’t put it back.”
He laughed. “In all seriousness, my honor demands that we marry.”
“What nonsense.”
“You know the rules as well as I do. Why are you being so difficult?”
“I need time to think,” she said. I’m scared that you will never love me.
“Let us be officially engaged,” he said. “That way we will have freedom, and we can talk about our expectations.”
“Suppose we find we do not suit. I cannot break another engagement, Colin.” Panic set in.
She might be engaged to him in a week. Why did that frighten her? He wasn’t Brentmoor. Yes, he had a rakish reputation, but he had never lied to her or tried to manipulate her. They had already agreed to a trial engagement. The only reason they had waited was to learn more about each other so that they could see if they would suit. She ought to be rejoicing, knowing that the marriage would resolve all of her problems and his as well.
“I know you, Angeline. You are worried. Tell me what troubles you.”
You don’t love me. “It is nothing, really.”
His eyes softened. “Are you feeling guilty about what we did?”
“No.” I probably should, but I cannot when I love you.
“You will tell me one way or the other when you know if there are consequences,” he said.
She knew he was only being practical, but she yearned for a declaration of love that would not be forthcoming.
“You should not worry. I will not abandon you,” he said.
Of all the foolish things to say. “Hah! I might abandon you.”
“Where are my smelling salts?” he said, his chest shaking with laughter.
“In all seriousness, we should not rush into an engagement just because we made love.”
“Angeline, we already discussed the possibility of marriage. We agreed to spend time together to discover if we are compatible. We are.”
“You mean in bed,” she said.
He kissed her cheek. “You surpassed my greatest hopes.”
“You think I’m wanton.”
“No, I think we’re both passionate and compatible. Granted, we like to spar, but that is part of the passion. You must admit we have worked well together at Sommerall.”