The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Nathaniel's grip around her waist was firm, but not rushed. Evelyn felt the pounding of his heart where her back met his chest, his breath steady but deep, controlled, as always. He kicked the door open with one boot and entered their chambers. The fire had already been stoked by the maids. It glowed warm and golden, painting the high walls with flickering light.

He closed the door behind him.

Still holding her, Nathaniel moved to the edge of the bed and set her down gently. His hands remained on her waist, holding her in place, as if even now, he wasn't sure he should let go. Evelyn looked up, breathless, her body flushed from both the heat and the way he was looking at her dark, fierce, yet revere

His hands were already at her skirts, his mouth hot and urgent against her neck.

"You shouldn't be distracted by that ledger," he said finally.

"You shouldn't have left it open," she replied, challenging his scolding with her gaze.

He tilted his head slightly. "You should've been gasping my name. Instead, you were correcting my accounts."

Her mouth twitched into a smile. "You'll have to work harder next time."

"Mm, how should l punish you then,"he murmured into her neck, nibbling on her earlobes. Evelyn moaned.

"Now," he rasped, "unless you plan to correct any mathematical errors mid-stroke..."

"Stop talking," Evelyn whispered, tugging him down for another kiss.

And he did.

He kissed her hard, hungrily, their tongues danced in a play of dominance. Then he stepped back just enough to remove his coat, his cravat, and the dark waistcoat beneath. Evelyn watched as he methodically undressed, each layer peeled off with precision, revealing strong shoulders, lean muscle, and scars not many, but enough to speak of a life hardened by responsibility and danger. Her gaze caught on the healing wound near his ribs. Her chest ached.

"Let me," she said, rising slowly from the bed.

He paused, surprised by her offer, but didn't resist as she reached out to unbutton his shirt. Her fingers were light against the bruised flesh. She looked up at him. "Does it still hurt?"She asked.

"No. It doesn't."he replied.

"Don't get hurt again".

Those quiet words made his heart stutter. She leaned up, brushing her lips along the skin near the bruise soft, tender. Nathaniel inhaled sharply. Then, in one motion, his hand cupped her jaw and pulled her mouth to his.

The kiss was no longer restrained.

It was deep, claiming, and thorough, his lips exploring hers with hunger and precision. Evelyn moaned softly against him, melting under the weight of his body as he leaned her back onto the bed. His hands roamed over her gown, fingers toying with the ties at her back, undoing them one by one until the fabric slipped loose, exposing her shoulders, then her breasts.

He paused to look at her.

The firelight painted her skin in gold and shadow. Her chest rose and fell with quick, shallow breaths. Nathaniel reached to the nearby table and opened a small velvet box. Inside lay the beautiful necklace, baby pink and exquisite.

"Sit up," he said, voice thick.

She obeyed, watching him curiously as he moved behind her, lifting her hair. The necklace rested cold against her warm skin, the emerald nestled above the swell of her breasts. When she looked down at it, she gasped. It was stunning.

Nathaniel came around, his eyes burning as they landed on her adorned form. "Now you look exactly as you should," he said hoarsely. "Mine."

Heat bloomed under her skin. He pressed a kiss to the hollow of her throat before lowering her to the bed again, parting her legs with his knee. He stared down at her fully now, naked but for the necklace, hair fanned around her on the bed, flushed and waiting.

"You should be worshipped," he murmured.

His kisses deepened, their tongues touching.

His mouth moved down her body slowly kissing her neck, moving down to her collarbone and then her breasts. He licked and sucked her nipples until they are hard, then moves down to her stomach.

She moans as he kissd her belly button, and then continues down to her secret cave.

Evelyn arched into him, her hands gripping the sheets. He spreads her legs and stuffed his face in between her legs, licking her pink slit, tasting her wetness. He touched the heat between her thighs, the place that pulsed with need and then inserted his fingers into her, moving them in and out.

She arched as his fingers slid into her slick channel, drawing a gasp from her lips and making her moan louder.

He continued licking and sucking her cherry until she reached her peak screaming his name.

He then positioned himself between her legs and enters her slowly, filling her completely. When he finally entered her, it was with a groan that sounded like it had been torn from his chest.

Evelyn gasped as he thrust into her, he grabbed her hips and started moving faster and harder.

But he didn't stop there.

He pulled back, turned her gently, guiding her onto her knees. Her breath caught, her cheeks burning as she realized what he meant to do.

"I… You did it that time too," she whispered.

He stilled. Then leaned close. "I know."

Her face turned crimson.

He brushed her hair off her neck. "You didn't like it?"

Panting, eyes glazed with desire, Evelyn bit her lips. "You… I liked it"

"Good."

Then he pushed into her again, and Evelyn gasped, body arching, fingers clutching the bed. He moved slowly, deeply, gripping her hips as he rocked into her. She buried her face in her arms, moaning helplessly as each thrust left her trembling. His hand slid up her back, fingers tracing her spine, then curling around her throat not choking, just claiming, holding.

"Say it," he growled low. "Tell me you're mine."

"I'm yours," she gasped. "I'm yours, Nathaniel...please..."

He bent over her, one hand gripping the headboard, the other still at her neck, his breath hot against her ear. "And no one else will ever touch you like this."

Her climax hit with such force that she cried out, shuddering beneath him. He followed a moment later, his own body tensing before collapsing against her back. They stayed that way breathless, sweaty, limbs tangled until the fire dimmed and the only sounds left were their soft breaths and the distant hush of wind outside.

Nathaniel eased them down onto the bed, pulling her close to his chest. Her fingers curled around the emerald at her throat. His hand rested over hers.

"You're dangerous," he murmured sleepily.

"I thought you liked danger," she whispered, pressing her lips to his skin.

He didn't reply but his arms around her tightened, and that was answer enough.