Chapter Eighteen
Still standing on the meadow and discussing the art of love…
A slow smile spread over Melissa’s face that made John’s insides churn.
“I’d be much obliged to have the opportunity to provide the feedback you sought for… I mean, as to your progress once it comes to it,” she said.
The ground must have been wet because John felt as though he were sliding. Or was this what it felt like when one’s knees grew weak?
All he heard was sex. Lots of sex. Uninhibited and sweaty sex of the exact sort he’d been burning for since the day he’d met her. But since he’d kissed her… and seen her naked, he had all but combusted with desire.
“Did you just say you’d…”
She gave a bright smile, and her eyes sparkled brighter than the dew drops on the poppies swaying in the meadow.
“Your kisses made my knees melt, and I want to know what else you will do,” Melissa said quietly.
John considered that for a moment, and it seemed like a brilliant idea.
“But you’re so much more experienced than me.” He feared this might be an understatement.
“Am I?” She quirked a brow and came closer.
“You are widowed,” he tested.
“Yes.”
“And you were called to Prinny’s court as his… ahem…” This he’d rather not say aloud.
“Mistress.”
“Yes,” he croaked. He could feel her warm breath when she placed a hand on his chest. But he allowed the intimate contact, looking at her hand. “And you have been royally—”
“Nothing.” She batted her lashes.
“What?”
“I have been called to court. As have many others. I actually made my debut with Lady Rochester. Did you know that her husband died on their journey to their honeymoon?”
“I’m sorry, what are we talking about?”
“I’ve been called to court. Even to his chambers once.”
John groaned.
“Wait! Nothing happened,” Melissa interjected.
“What?” John bit his cheek.
“We talked.” She shrugged ruefully.
“With words, or do you mean you communicated in a carnal sense?” he asked.
Melissa seemed to stifle a laugh, but a tiny snort came out. “He was in need of medical attention, and we talked. As it turned out, I had just the connections for him.”
“Dustin?” Now it dawned on John and it also explained why the doctors on Harley Street were earning their Royal warrant.
“I shan’t say.” Melissa held his gaze.
“You don’t need to. When you were here for the wedding, Dustin was called to London, but Felix stepped in, and the entire building was reserved for the prince for three days.”
She shrugged.
“You mean, he never…?”
She shook her head.
John raised his chin.
“You’ve never…?” His voice cracked like Herbert’s.
“I’ve never.” Melissa pursed her lips.
He furrowed his brows. “Ever?”
She shook her head.
“Not even with your husband?” John pressed on.
“No. Not pleasure of the sort Lexi spoke about, at least.”
John narrowed his eyes, gave her a once-over, and then nodded.
Sure, women talk. Especially sisters.
“Why?” he managed.
“I don’t know. It wasn’t at all what my sister makes it out to be.”
John inhaled deeply and gave her a calculating look. Then he unbuttoned his coat slowly. He loosened his cravat.
And with a swift motion, he bent down, swept her in his arms, and carried her away. She let out a delicious yelp.
“What are you doing with me?” Melissa laughed out loud as John tightened his grip and held her in his arms as if she were a bride carried over the threshold.
“Oh darling, I’m going to do what a beauty like you deserves. If you’ll allow it, of course.”
Her arms wrapped around his neck, her trust in him evident in the way she clung to him.
It was all he needed as a response.
He carried her as if she were the most precious treasure, each step measured, his breath mingling with the scent of her hair. Melissa’s long amber curls, with their hints of copper, brushed against his chest, a tantalizing reminder of what he could barely fathom in his excitement.
As they reached his bedchamber, John carefully nudged the door open with his foot. He stepped inside, the warmth of the room was a sanctuary, bathed in the golden glow of light that cast dancing shadows on the walls.
John set Melissa gently on the plush bed, her body sinking slightly into the soft covers. For a moment, he simply gazed at her, taking in every detail. Her dress, pale blue and delicate, contrasted beautifully with the rich tones of her hair and the flush on her cheeks.
He turned back to the door, closing it with a resolute click. The sound seemed to seal them off from the rest of the world, creating an intimate cocoon where nothing else mattered but the two of them.
Returning to the bed, John knelt beside her, his gaze never wavering. He reached out, his fingers brushing gently against her cheek. Melissa leaned into his touch, her eyes closing briefly as if savoring the sensation.
“Melissa,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with promise. “Tonight, you will feel truly cherished.”
She looked up at him, her eyes wide and luminous in the soft light. “Anything with you.”
His heart swelled at her words, the simple declaration of trust fueling his determination. “I want to be with you,” she said.
“Me too.” His simple declaration became an irrevocable promise.
He began to undress with slow, deliberate movements, wanting her to see every inch of him, to understand that he was doing this not just out of desire but out of a deep emotional connection.
First, he shrugged off his shirt, baring his muscular chest and the taut lines of his abdomen. Perhaps she’d seen more of the prince, but John knew he had much more to offer in the realm of a masculine build. He saw Melissa’s eyes widen slightly, a soft gasp escaping her lips. The sight of her appreciation sent a thrill through him, but he remained focused, taking his time to ensure every moment was savored.
Reaching out, he took her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing each fingertip tenderly. His touch was reverent, worshipping her very being. When he brushed her wrist, he felt the rapid pulse beneath his lips, a rhythm that mirrored his own.
Slowly, he guided her hand to his chest, allowing her to explore the contours of his body. He reveled in her reaction when she glanced down and took him in. Her fingers traced the lines of muscle beneath his skin. The sensation was electrifying, a mix of tenderness and desire.
John leaned in, capturing her lips in a passionate, teasing kiss. He wanted her to feel every ounce of his devotion, to understand that this was more than just physical pleasure. Their tongues danced together, exploring, tasting, each movement deliberate and filled with intent.
He pulled back slightly, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Shall I continue, Melissa?”
“Yes,” she breathed, her voice a mere whisper.
With that assurance, John began to undress her, his hands moving with a gentle yet purposeful determination. He untied the delicate laces of her gown. As the dress slipped from her shoulders, he couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty before him.
Her skin was soft and warm under his touch, each curve inviting and perfect. He placed a trail of kisses along the line of her collarbone with his fingers, his touch featherlight as he explored the expanse of her bare skin. The sight of her in the low light took his breath away, her long curls cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of gold and copper. Although he’d seen her naked before and knew she was perfect, this was the first time he’d been allowed to look.
“Melissa,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, “you are absolutely exquisite.”
She blushed at his words, her eyes lowering shyly. John lifted her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze. “You are,” he reiterated softly, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that allowed no doubt. “Not only because you are incredibly beautiful. You are brilliant and fierce, and I love you in a way I never knew I was capable of.” She gasped, and he followed up with a tender kiss on her shoulder. “So sweet.” Then he almost kissed her on the lips but didn’t. He withdrew when she parted her lips, ready to receive him, but he half-turned his head. “So eager.”
He continued to undress her, his movements slow and deliberate, ensuring she felt cherished with every touch. When she was finally bare before him, he took a moment to admire her, the curves of her body, the softness of her skin, the vulnerability in her eyes.
Melissa melted into him, her body relaxing as she gave herself over to the sensation and lay on the bed. He felt her so deeply; he was attuned to her every reaction. Each kiss, each touch, was a symphony of pleasure and emotion, building slowly until she was trembling.
John’s hands roamed over her, his touch firm, sure, yet infinitely gentle. He kissed his way down her neck, lingering at the sensitive spot just below her ear, eliciting a soft moan from her. The sound sent a shiver of delight through him, spurring him on.
As he moved lower, his lips and hands worshipping her body, Melissa’s breath came in shallow gasps. John could feel the tension in her, the anticipation building with each passing moment. He wanted to take his time, to ensure that every touch, every kiss, was a step toward the fulfillment that had eluded her for so long.
When he reached her breasts, he took one of her nipples into his mouth, suckling gently. Melissa arched into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she moaned softly. His other hand caressed the soft curve of her waist, his thumb brushing over the sensitive skin just below her ribs.
John continued his exploration, his lips and hands moving lower, tracing the lines of her body with a reverence that made her heart swell. When he finally reached the apex of her thighs, he paused, looking up at her with an intensity that took her breath away.
“I need you now.” Her voice quivered with urgency.
“Melissa,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, “I want to make sure you feel every moment, every touch. Trust me.”
She nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and hunger. John kissed her inner thighs, his touch gentle and teasing. He could feel the heat radiating from her, the way her body responded to his touch, the way her breath hitched with every kiss.
He took his time, but when he finally reached her core, he kissed her there too, his tongue teasing her, exploring her, tasting her; Melissa’s moans grew louder. She arched into him as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.
John could feel the tension building in her, the way her body trembled with anticipation. He wanted to prolong the pleasure, to ensure that when she finally found release, it would be like nothing she had ever experienced before.
He continued to tease her, his tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony, building the tension higher and higher. Melissa’s moans became desperate, her fingers clutching at the sheets as she teetered on the edge.
“John,” she gasped, her voice pleading.
He looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire. “I’m right here for you.”
With those words, she pulled him up.
From the moment he laid her down on the soft bed, Melissa’s body tingled with anticipation as John’s fingers traced delicate patterns across her skin. Each touch sent shivers down her spine, a mix of excitement and vulnerability that left her breathless. It was a new experience, and she couldn’t help but marvel at what her body could feel.
John was the right man.
He was so right.
In her heart, and with his touch.
John’s hands moved slowly and deliberately, exploring every inch of her as if committing her to memory, and she had nothing to hold back from the man she loved. His touch was gentle yet firm, caressing her curves with a reverence that made her heartache. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, “Trust me, Melissa.”
Oh, how she did!
Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t. The way he touched her, challenging her body but holding her close, was as if he was cradling her soul with all the love she’d longed for all this time.
She nodded, her eyes closing as she surrendered to the moment. Her senses were heightened, every touch, every kiss magnified in the quiet stillness of the room. John kissed his way down her neck as he lay his middle on her stomach. His lips left a trail of fire in their wake. Melissa moaned softly, her fingers tangling in his blond hair as she arched into him.
The sensation was exquisite, a blend of pleasure and need that left her trembling. John’s other hand caressed her waist, brushing over her sensitive skin. She wanted more, needed more, but she also wanted to savor every moment, but she thought she might burst with desire for him.
As John continued his exploration and kissed his way down her stomach, his touch was teasing and tantalizing. When he finally reached the apex of her thighs, he paused, looking up at her with an intensity that took her breath away.
“Melissa,” he murmured, his voice thick, “may I?”
Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through her. She nodded again, her trust in him implicit as his fingers entered where his tongue had been before.
The pleasure built steadily, a slow, torturous climb that left her breathless. John’s hands held her steady, his touch firm and sure as he guided her toward the brink. Melissa’s cries became desperate, her fingers clutching at the sheets as she teetered on the edge of something she couldn’t quite name.
“John,” she gasped, her voice pleading.
He looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire.
With those words, he redoubled his efforts, his touch more insistent as he brought her to the brink. Melissa’s cries grew louder, her body arching into him, and she froze. Her insides throbbed.
“I need you now!”
His hand stilled, and he looked up at her. Disheveled, licking his lips, he rose to his knees and then climbed off the bed. “Are you quite sure?”
She nodded, reaching out for him.
“What if you… I don’t have any…” John stuttered.
“Then we have a baby?”
“You’ll marry me?” he asked.
She nodded, now propping herself up and grabbing his face to kiss him.
“Promise?” he asked again.
“Yes,” she spoke into his mouth while his gorgeous smile appeared, and she felt him making rushed movements to position himself between her legs. “I want all of this with you.”
His hard member stuck out as he climbed onto her. All of the sadness, mistakes, and the weight of the loss they’d both suffered had melted away in the heat of their passion—or was it the pureness of their love? Never had she felt prettier, and never had she been more certain of what she wanted.
He parted her folds gently with his fingers, his kiss unrelenting.
And then she felt it.
Not his fingers, nor his mouth. It was larger, blunt, hard, and she inhaled deeply as he gave a little push. Melissa forgot the kiss for an instant and tensed.
“Does this hurt?” he asked.
“No.”
He propped himself on his hands and tilted his hips, suddenly altering the angle of his manhood.
Just when Melissa’s insides quivered at the invasion, she felt him pushing further.
It wasn’t much that he needed to enter her because she was slick with desire. As if her entire body were watering with an appetite only he could satisfy, Melissa welcomed him so deeply that she thought he’d touched her heart.
For that was how he felt inside of her.
Slow, steadily exerting pressure as he entered until he was buried to the hilt, Melissa relaxed again and pulled him back for a kiss. He complied, but on the way up, he gently nibbled her breasts as if they were a treat he couldn’t forgo.
By the time their mouths reconnected, he’d pulled out and pushed back, establishing a slow but steady rhythm.
She closed her eyes and pressed her head backward into the soft bed. John brought one hand to the back of her head, cradling her, holding her, keeping her safe on the wave that carried her.
The room seemed to spin around her, the sheer intensity of the pleasure overwhelming her senses.
Ripples of tension and exquisite perfection with his every thrust washed over her in waves, each more intense than the last. As his movements grew more urgent, he let out a guttural roar and then pressed deeply into her, twitching inside of her as his warmth let her know that he was reaching his peak with her.
John continued to kiss her, drawing out the sensation until she was left trembling and breathless, her body spent and sated.
As the aftershocks of her climax subsided, John moved up beside her and held her close. Melissa nestled against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to process the overwhelming pleasure she had just experienced. The steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek was a comforting rhythm, grounding her in the present.
She blinked, unable to find the words for what had just occurred.
“So, was this your first?” John asked, a proud grin building on his face.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. “Thank you.”
“Thank me?” He snuffed and brushed the hair out of her face as he climbed back over her. “As my wife, you’ll never have to thank me.”
“So, how do I tell you when I want to do this again?” Melissa realized she’d gotten her teasing tone back and was almost ready to experience the pleasure again. Now that she knew what she’d been missing, she didn’t want to waste another minute without John’s lovemaking.
John kissed her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin. “You deserve to be cherished. I’ll strive to do that for as long as I live.”
“You do make me feel alive in a way that I have never… I mean—”
“Me too,” he said, lowering his mouth onto hers. His hand found her folds again. “Are you sore?”
“No,” she whispered onto his lips. “I’m ready.”
“Then there is something else I’d like to show you.” John gently drew Melissa closer, his right leg slipping over her own, guiding her into a snug position against him. Their bodies became a seamless tangle of warmth and connection as they lay sideways. His hand found its place in the curve of her thigh resting atop him, gently drawing her nearer. He pressed his chest against her back, a comforting weight that seemed to meld them together, enveloping her in his protective embrace. The sensation was one of profound closeness, each breath and heartbeat shared, creating a cocoon of intimacy and quiet contentment.
They lay there together, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the world outside fading away. In the intimacy of her bedchamber, they had found something beautiful and enduring, a connection that transcended mere physical desire and touched the very essence of their souls.
They made love all night, with short breaks to catch their breaths, until Melissa finally fell asleep in his arms when the day broke.
The night had been everything she had hoped for and more, a promise of the love and passion they would share in the days to come. Now, she just had to ensure nothing stood in the way of becoming John’s wife. But every step hinged on the fragile threads of her plan with Mrs. Dove-Lyon—threads that could snap if she made even one wrong move. Her happiness was only part of the gamble; failure might cost them both everything. Pressing a trembling hand to her lips, she forced herself to focus, though doubt gnawed at her. The question wasn’t just if her plan would work—she realized with a chill—it was whether she could bear what would happen if it didn’t.