Chapter Thirty-Four
Leo watched his beloved Theo standing at the window. If anything was going to happen today, it would be up to him. He smiled to himself. This was one area where she had no experience, and he did.
Setting down his wine, he strolled over to her. “Do you like the view?”
He took her glass as she turned, and set it on a small table. She gazed up at him with her lapis eyes. “It is wonderful.”
He framed her face with his palms. Her eyes drifted shut as their lips met.
He’d only really kissed her once before.
She opened her lips for him, allowing him to taste her.
Soon her arms were around his neck, and her tongue tangled with his.
He quickly unmoored the buttons on the back of her gown.
As it slid down, he feathered kisses on her neck and shoulders, then removed the pins holding her hair.
The chestnut curls poured over her body almost to her waist.
“More.” She squirmed in his arms.
“More is coming, my love.” Next her stays dropped away, and all that was left was her chemise.
She untied the bow at the neckline, and he followed with his lips.
Twirling his tongue around one nipple, then the other, they came to stiff peaks under his ministrations.
Her clothing pooled around her feet, and he swept her into his arms, opened the door to the bedroom, and placed her gently on the bed.
She was beautiful, staring up at him. “You have on too many clothes.”
“That is easily rectified. Do you wish to watch?”
Her cheeks and neck pinkened. “Yes.”
Slowly Leo removed his clothes, watching her eyes as he did. He was concerned about her reaction to his cock when he removed his trousers, but she appeared more fascinated than afraid. That was a very good sign.
“Come to me.” Theo held out her hand.
He climbed carefully onto the bed. “Now what?”
A line formed between her brows. “I am not sure. More kisses?”
Their lips came together again, but this time he stroked one finger over her cheek, down her neck, and cupped her ample breasts. She pushed up into his hand, and he bent his head, taking one nipple into his mouth before kissing his way down to her mons. Settling between her legs he licked.
“Oh. Oh, Lord! That feels so good!” Her body pushed up, wanting more.
Leo claimed her mouth again and he inserted one finger and lightly rubbed with his thumb. Theo threw her head back as she spasmed around him. Then he entered her. She gasped as he breached her maidenhead and clung to him. “Are you well?”
“Yes.” Her voice was shaky. “I knew it would hurt.”
He stilled, then when she relaxed began to move again, and, thankfully, she moved with him.
It wasn’t long before she convulsed around him and he allowed himself his release.
She was his. Leo hadn’t expected this, with Theo, to be so different.
Yet it was. Love made the difference. He reached over to a bowl he knew contained water and a small linen cloth to clean them.
Even though he’d expected the blood, it was still shocking somehow.
He cuddled her, holding her in his arms. He’d been with many women, but it was never like this.
His love grew even stronger for Theo. From this day forward, she was his wife.
She would be the mother of his children. And he’d protect her with his life.
Theo lay in bed, curled next to Chandos. In his arms. Savoring the fading feelings of his lovemaking. She had known it would be good. She had not realized how wonderful it would be. Aside from the bite of pain, the experience was like no other.
His chin nuzzled her head. “How do you feel?”
“Perfect.” It was true. She had never been so content, so happy.
“We really are one now.”
“We are. Forever.” A smile played around his lips.
She rolled onto her side, then threaded her fingers through his soft, black chest curls. “I am very glad we visited this house. In a way, I wish we could keep it.”
Theo could feel him looking down at her. “Do you?”
“Yes.” She moved to be able to see him better. “I do. It is comfortable, quiet, and very pretty.”
“The reputation of the area doesn’t bother you?”
“Not really.” She kissed his chest. “After all, you will not have a mistress here.”
“That’s true.”
“And now that we have done this, it is an excellent place to do it again.” She couldn’t keep from grinning. “I would ask to do it again, but I know I will probably be sore.”
“A warm bath would help.” He cuddled her closer.
“But we have no servants. You would have to carry up the water.”
“Ah, you have yet to see the bathing chamber.”
“I will definitely enjoy that.” She started to push herself up, and he covered her again and kissed her.
Theo still could not believe how erotic a kiss could be.
As their tongues danced, she grew hotter, her desire building faster than it had before.
She spread her legs to encourage him, but instead, he caressed and kissed her breasts, then stroked between her legs until she saw bright lights and stars.
Chandos caressed her back as she recovered. “There are many ways to make love.”
“You did that so I would not be too sore.” She knew she sounded like she was making an accusation.
“I did that because I enjoy the way you look when you come for me.” His warm green gaze moved over her body. “You don’t know what you do to me. I’ve dreamed of this for months.” He kissed her again. “Just looking at you makes my cock come alive.”
Theo glanced down. He was right. At least one part of him wanted to take her again. “I suppose we should bathe. Who will go first?”
“We’ll bathe together. Wait here.” He rose from the bed and disappeared through a door. When he returned, he lifted her into his arms. “Your bath awaits, my lady.”
The tub was massive. It could easily fit three people. Then again, water did not splash out nearly as much as it would if it had been smaller. She had the foresight to put her hair back up before getting into the water. “You must have put a good deal of thought into the size.”
“I did.” He lifted her from the bath, placed a towel over Theo’s shoulders, and began to dry her. Pleasant shivers speared through her. She might like to stay here for a much longer time. “A friend had a vessel that was too small. He hit his head when he slipped getting out of his bathtub.”
“You could put towels down around it.”
He shrugged. “This seemed easier and less work for the maid cleaning up.” He poured an oil onto his fingers and stroked between her legs and into her passage. “That should help you feel better.”
“What is it?” Theo really did have a great deal to discuss with her married sisters.
“Almond oil. I have a small vial for you to take home.” Chandos kissed her neck.
If he did not stop, she would never leave. “What time is it?”
“We need to dress if we are not going to be late for dinner.” They had been here for hours?
It did not seem that long. They went into the bedroom, and she was surprised to find her gown hung over a chair along with the rest of her clothing.
When had he done that? “Lift your arms.” She did as he asked and he dropped her chemise over her head.
Theo quickly tied it, and donned her stays, which Chandos tied.
Before she knew it, she was dressed. “Someone will have to look closely to see anything amiss.”
Soon he was dressed. He tugged a bellpull, and they went downstairs. A few minutes later, the coach came to the front of the house, and she donned her bonnet and veil. “I am sorry to leave.”
“I am as well.” He lifted her into the coach and followed after, putting his arm around her. “When we’re wed, we can do this as much as we like.”
Theo tried to bring her diary into her mind, but she was having a little trouble concentrating on it. “How soon can we return?”
“When you are ready.” There was a distinctly amorous look in his eyes. The problem was that she was responding to it. “A day or two. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“More than you know.” She felt sorry for the ladies whom she overheard talking. “I think I am lucky. I could not imagine being married to someone who did not know what they were doing.”
Chandos settled her closer to him. “Are you speaking about the women you overheard talking?”
“Yes.” She craned her neck to see his face. “One of them has never seen her husband naked, nor he her. You seemed to enjoy seeing me, and I liked seeing you.”
The corner of his lips rose. “You are the most beautiful female I have ever seen.”
“You remind me of the statues I saw, but with more hair. And larger. Much larger.”
He tossed back his head and laughed. “That is the best compliment I’ve ever received.”
Theo leaned her head on his shoulder. “I wonder who they are.”
“Considering they almost drove you from me, if I found out, it would not go well for them.” The crown of her bonnet pressed down. “I don’t like that hat. I can’t kiss your hair.”
Theo laughed. “I’ll be able to remove it soon.”
“Good.” He turned his head. “What can you tell me about them?”
“Not much.” She shook her head. “One has a husband whose name is Gerald. One spoke in a nasal tone. Oh, and there is a brother who purports to know you. That is where most of the information came from.”
“The erroneous information.” Chandos’s voice was hard.
“Yes.” He had a right to be upset. They had almost lost each other because of the gossip.
“Do they sound like anyone you know?”
He shook his head. “No.” He glanced out the coach window. “It’s time to change hats.”
Theo quickly donned her own bonnet. “That is better. I can see everything now.” Including someone staring at the coach. “Who is that, I wonder?”
“Who?” Chandos leaned forward. “We must have passed them.”
She shrugged. “I suppose it does not matter. I am allowed to be here with you.”
“When is the next ball?”
“Why?”
“Because every set is mine.” He cut her a look. “If you agree, of course.”
“As long as we do not have to stand up for every dance.”
“Only the waltzes.” The amorous look was back in his eyes. “We can explore the grounds.”
“That sounds delightful.” Now that she knew what he meant to do. “It is tomorrow evening.”
When they arrived at Worthington House, there was a note waiting from Mrs. Rollins informing Theo that the Rollinses were available the next morning. “We have an appointment with Mr. and Mrs. Rollins tomorrow at ten.”
“Excellent. The sooner we can have what we want done in the house the better.”
“I will write back to her, accepting the time.” A few minutes later, Theo sent Jones off with the message. “Do you know if your mother will be there?”
“No. I do know that she plans to invite you to tea. I shall be there as well.”
“Perhaps she is ready to accept our marriage.” Although, she would not mind Chandos being present.
“We had a discussion, but I’m still not certain about her feelings.”
They were in a small parlor when the door opened, and she heard Charlotte’s voice. Chandos turned to Theo. “What do we tell them about where we were?”
“Nothing. I doubt if anyone will ask.” She reached up and stroked his cheek. “We are betrothed. We can always tell them about our luncheon.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “We are indeed.”