Eight Hunting Lyons (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Fourteen

F aint light curled around the edges of the drapes as they did each morning Honoria had spent in the solar, urging her to wake before Paxton could arrive. Sleepily, she stretched and turned over, thinking to go back to sleep, only to be startled fully awake at the sight of her husband lying on his back, one arm flung over his eyes. Perhaps he was bothered by the light as well.

The thought that they had something so mundane in common stilled Honoria’s panicked breathing, and she lay back down quietly, so as not to disturb him. It might take her a few days to become accustomed to having Thomas here in her bed, but a lesson she’d be very glad to learn after last night’s pleasures. Her cheeks heated as she remembered how they had abandoned themselves to the throes of their passion, time and time again. So much so, she was surprised she’d awakened early despite the light. She should still be asleep after so much vigorous activity.

Stretching her legs gently, Honoria winced. Her nether regions were more than a little sore. A price she’d gladly pay for the incredible sensations Thomas had aroused within her. She’d enjoyed behaving the wanton with him and could scarcely wait for more. Closing her eyes, she recalled vividly their couplings, as if each one was seared into her memory. She arched her back, remembering the feel of his hands and lips on every part of her body. An exquisite sensation she could not get enough of.

Becoming drowsy again, Honoria smiled as she evoked the feel of his lips on her breasts, her shoulders, and the sensitive nape of her neck. Ah, he knew exactly where to nibble to send shivers down her back, just like now. Rousing herself, Honoria became aware that her dream had turned into reality. While she dozed, her husband had apparently begun caressing her once more. What a wonderful way to be awakened. She turned over to meet the warm gaze of Thomas’s amber eyes, fixed intently on her face.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” His lazy smile went straight to her heart. “Are you well?”

“Good morning, my love. Yes, very well indeed.” She inched closer to him and boldly pressed her lips to his.

His response was swift and passionate, deepening the kiss immediately, exploring her mouth with a thoroughness that took her breath away. Apparently, they were to resume where they left off in the wee hours this morning, which suited her perfectly. Honoria grasped his shoulders and tried to pull him on top of her, but he broke the kiss and shook his head. “Wait, my dear. Although I would like nothing better than to continue our lovemaking, I fear you will be too indisposed to tolerate more at the moment.” He cocked his head. “Do you feel soreness down there?”

Tempted to deny it, Honoria hesitated, then nodded. She would not begin her marriage by lying to her husband. Especially about something like this. He was looking out for her welfare, as he had promised to do. “I did feel a twinge or two when I stretched earlier.”

“Have Paxton draw you a bath. The hot water will soothe the hurt enough that we can continue this lovely interlude this evening.” Thomas kissed her again. “I would not have my wife hurt at my hands again when I have promised her otherwise.”

“It didn’t actually hurt last night,” Honoria blurted, then wanted to bite her tongue. Perhaps wives were supposed to feel a lot of pain. Did that mean she’d done something wrong?

“Really? I am very glad to hear that.” He pulled the sheet down and cupped her breast. “I would never wish to cause you pain, my love.” With a suddenness she didn’t expect, he lowered his head and licked and kissed her breast.

Honoria moaned as those exquisite sensations from last night began to overtake her again. With each lave of his tongue, her nipple drew into a tighter and tighter point. “Oh, Thomas. Don’t stop.” She slid her hands over his sleek shoulders, then up to his head, holding him there, just where she wanted him.

His other hand had moved to her other breast and was circling the already taut tip.

Somehow, her husband knew just what to do to give her the utmost pleasure. But now he’d started that coiling deep in her belly, and she wouldn’t be satisfied until he brought her to that ultimate ecstasy once more. Surely, she wasn’t that sore. “Thomas, I need you to come into me, my love.”

He raised his head and peered at her. “Are you certain?”

“Yes, yes, I am.” How bold she had become in less than a day…or night rather.

But instead of pulling himself over her, he slid his hand down to her triangle of curls, his fingers seeking and finding her opening. He extended a finger to brush against her flesh and—

“Oww, ouch.” Honoria tensed all over against the unexpected pain. She’d not believed herself to be that sore, but the ache didn’t lie.

Thomas looked at her reproachfully. “I thought as much, madam.” He withdrew his hand and sat up. “We will continue this after you’ve had your bath, and I suggest you soak for a long time, else we will not be repeating last night’s delights.”

“Yes, Thomas.” Honoria lay back on the bed, contrite. “I promise.”

He laughed and kissed her with a thoroughness that made her toes curl. “Good. Listen to your husband.” With one last swift kiss, he rose from the bed and picked up his abandoned robe. “Today I must ride to Cocking to take care of business with my attorney.” He pulled the banyan on and tied the belt. “Usually, I’d have him attend me here, however, I must act swiftly if I am to afford you the protections I can, in the event you are left a widow.”

“No!” Dear God, she could not think of a worse tragedy. “Thomas, I beg of you, do not fight Lord Danford. I cannot…” she had to pause to stifle a sob, “I cannot bear the thought of losing you.”

“We have spoken of this already, Honoria.” He approached the bed and took her hands. “You know why I must make an end to him. I would never forgive myself if I let him live and he attacked you again.” He kissed her hands and let them go. “I will return in time for dinner. And then we will be together again for another night.”

Distraught, but determined now not to let him see, Honoria squared her shoulders and nodded. “I will make sure we have an excellent dinner, my love. I’m certain you’ll have an appetite after a long day on the road.”

Thomas nodded, his gaze approving of her newfound resolve. “I will think about nothing else while I am in the saddle, save the delights of our dinner.” He quirked his mouth up in a seductive smile. “And those that will follow it.”

Honoria managed to grin at him, though it took all the strength she could muster.

“Until then, my dear.” He nodded and strode out.

Honoria dropped back on the mattress, the tears she’d been holding back springing forth at last. She could not bear the thought that Thomas might be taken from her, but she understood now, better than ever, that nothing she could say to him would dissuade him from this duel. She would simply have to swallow her fears, take comfort in their time together tonight and tomorrow, and pray to God to spare him. And if not, to give her the fortitude to continue should the worst indeed come to pass.

Thanks to Paxton and Miss Potter, Honoria came down the main staircase to dinner dressed in a lovely gown of pale blue silk with a lacy white overlay. The low neckline showed off her bosom to her advantage and was trimmed with darker blue-ribbon rosettes. The bottom of the gown was drawn up and festooned with silk flowers and lace around the edge. Honoria could scarcely take in her appearance when Paxton was finally done pinning her hair up in an elegant coiffure. She only hoped Thomas thought it looked as beautiful as she did.

As she reached the landing and started down the final steps to the entry hall, Thomas appeared, elegantly attired in black with a cream-colored waistcoat and snowy white cravat tied in an elaborate knot. He stood at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at her, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly agape.

Honoria tilted her head back slightly, proud that her appearance seemed to have made a favorable impression on him. When she reached the bottom step, she curtsied. “Good evening, my lord. I trust you had a pleasant ride today.”

Unmoving, Thomas continued to stare at her as though he could not take his gaze from her. At last, he seemed to recollect himself and bowed to her. “Good evening, my lady. ‘Mine eyes dazzle.’” He offered his arm. “You are absolutely stunning, Honoria. I am in awe of you.”

Unaccustomed to such expansive compliments, she ducked her head. “Thank you, Thomas.”

“And to answer your question, yes, it was an excellent ride, and the errand taken care of to my satisfaction.” He led her into the dining room and sat her at the end of the long dining table, then took his seat next to her. “I took the liberty of arranging the place settings as before, so we will be close enough to talk to one another without becoming hoarse by the end of the evening.”

Honoria smiled, but her mind had fixated on his comment about the “errand” he’d discharged today. He’d changed his will. She tried to persuade herself that it was nothing more than a precaution, that preparing for an eventuality did not mean the thing would come to pass. “Thank you, Thomas. I’d feel quite foolish shouting to you from the far end of the table.”

“We would seem mad shouting back and forth.” He chuckled, laying his napkin in his lap, then leaned over toward her. “I’d much rather have an intimate dinner, wouldn’t you?”

His proximity made Honoria’s heart race and her knees wobbly—even sitting down. She smiled back and twisted her napkin in her hands. Wanting to keep his attention squarely on her, she leaned close to him and whispered, “That I would. There are so many appetites to be satisfied tonight.”

Thomas’s eyes darkened, and he grasped her hands. “Would you prefer to have our dinner served upstairs—”

Pearce entered and strode to the end of the table. “Lord Longford, Lord Rochdale, Lady Rochdale, and Mr. Pratt, my lord.”