Chapter One #3
Already primed, Mary slipped over the edge into bliss with a cry that echoed in the quiet.
With another forceful thrust, Gabriel was thrown into the abyss where the vortex sucked him under, and bright stars burst behind his closed eyelids.
Like every time he was with his wife in this manner, he went too quickly, for their bodies responded as if made for each other.
“Bloody hell, Mary.” She was incredible as well as beautiful, always would be. “It is almost criminal how good coupling is with you.” He ground his hips into hers in an effort to prolong the wild sensations coursing through his body.
“I quite agree,” she whispered as she shivered from the release that still trembled about his member. “There are times when I still haven’t acclimated to the knowledge I’ve won you.”
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” He kissed her because he could, and eventually, his shaft ceased to pulse. Seconds later, he lay with her cradled beneath him while her arms remained looped about his shoulders. “I suppose that means we don’t take each other for granted.”
“At least we are trying. We’ve had our peaks and valleys.” With a sigh, she relaxed her legs but didn’t try to separate herself from him. “That was completely satisfying. You always seem to know exactly what I need.” When she gave one of his buttocks a pinch, he almost plunged over the edge again.
“Let us hope that I always will.” He pressed his lips to her temple as they lay on the bed. Eventually, the candles guttered low and the sound of the rain persisted. “By the by, I’m thinking about getting the children a dog for Christmas.”
“It’s adorable you have such a soft heart when it comes to them.” Mary’s chuckle followed the words. “Do you think they’re ready for such a commitment?”
“I do, rather. It will help them feel more like a part of the household, I think, especially since they’re both excelling with their studies.
Well, Charlie is trying his best.” He couldn’t help but grin.
“When the studies are postponed until after the Michaelmas term is over, he and Cassandra will need something to occupy them.”
“Perhaps, but why can they not be children? Play with their toys and each other, involve themselves with Christmastide festivities?”
“Oh, they can, but I’d like them to learn to care for something beyond themselves.
It will help with their growth.” He lifted up onto an elbow to peer down into her face.
“Coming from the streets, they have a tendency to shrink into themselves, but they have love to give. I merely wish to encourage them to show it more.”
Mary’s eyes twinkled in the low light. “It’s a fine idea, but you’ll need to keep the secret, and that’s difficult for you.”
Another laugh escaped him. “Can I help it that I adore making my family happy?”
“That you do.” She joined in on the mirth. “I say this not to criticize but to help your growth—you need to spend some time with Cassandra alone as her father.”
He nodded while knots of worry pulled in his gut. “I fear I’ve neglected her a bit while being so busy with cases.”
“Perhaps.” Mary nodded. “You spend plenty of time with Charlie and you’ve bonded because you’re both male, but I think Cassandra feels left out, and she formed an attachment to you long before she did me.
Don’t let that die merely because she is on a different path than her brother.
Just because she is a girl doesn’t mean you should treat her differently. ”
“Noted.” Thus chastised, and for good reason, Gabriel struggled into a sitting position then swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I’ll be sure to do something special with her. I do love them equally.”
“I know, and thank you.” Mary slipped from the bed. She came around and then presented him her back. “Undo the buttons, please.”
“Of course.” Immediately, his fingers went to her gown.
“Also, we should probably talk about perhaps moving house in exchange for something slightly larger. When you first came here after we wed, it was fine, but this townhouse was meant for a love nest when I was your mistress during our courtship. Now that we have the children and staff, and with your business growing…”
“Indeed.” He quickly finished with the buttons. “That has been pressing into my mind as well. I promise we’ll discuss it soon.”
“Good, I—”
The sound of breaking glass filtered to his ears as well as disrupted her words. Instantly, he became alert. He stuffed his flagging member into his evening breeches and then did up the buttons. “Did you hear that?”
“I did.” Her eyes widened. Fear shallowed in the blue depths.
“Do you think someone is breaking into the house?” As she spoke, she removed the remainder of her clothes then slipped into a night dress and matching robe of thick, bleached cotton.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was serviceable, and she wore it when she felt comfortable and homey.
“I don’t know, but we’re going to find out.” He padded to the door, his feet making no sound in the hosiery. “No doubt it’s useless to ask you to remain here and safe?”
“Yes, of course.” Mary flashed him a grin though it was tight. “Where you go, I go.”
He nodded. “Then let’s go defend our home.”