She felt Darius get impossibly harder, just before he spurted his seed. It shot up deep, and she could smell the earthy scent she remembered from before.
He worked her fast, up and down, one last burst, his fingers gripping into the seam of her bottom. One final thrust finished the frenzy, and he crushed her to his chest, his cock jerking spasmodically.
He choked out roughly, “Bellissima, you are most splendid…”
Easing down from fulfillment, they stroked each other. Marianne rubbed his back and kissed his collarbone. Darius kissed his favorite spot on her neck and caressed low on her hips. They stayed locked together for a long time.
Marianne felt his erection slowly soften inside her.
Eventually he roused them up to standing again. Helping her up, Darius kissed her deeply on the mouth and swept her into his arms, never breaking contact with her lips.
He carried her that way back to the bed, whispering through soft kisses the whole way. Cradling her head carefully, he laid her out, down on the bed. Darius was so gentle and tender in the way he touched her, it nearly caused her tears to return.
“Responding so sweetly to me, your skin touching mine is blissful, my Marianne.”
Being drawn close, Marianne indulged in the comfort of his sculpted body next to hers.
They stared at one another, lying on their sides, eyes each studying the other’s features. Marianne memorized every line, ridge, and hollow of his handsome face.
“I am glad, Darius, that I please you,” she finally spoke, sighing into the security of his embrace, relishing the solace of being cherished. “I want to. It makes me feel…better. You know what I need.”
He stroked over her hair. “I do know, Marianne, and I will always give you what you need. It is my duty to care for you and protect you now, and it gives me great pleasure to do so. Precious—that’s what you are. You are precious and perfect to me, Marianne.”
Far, far from perfect, Darius!
1st July, 1837
I have learned of the pleasures of belonging to another. He makes me burn when he touches me. The discovery has been a revelation, and he is always kind. Demanding, but gentle with me, and done in a way that I adore. Darius always knows exactly what I need. I trust him. I want to be a good wife for him, but worry the day will come when I disappoint him.
MG
CHAPTER 10
The Realization
DARIUS paused to look at Marianne, still sleeping in their bed. Her shining hair flowed out like a glossy halo upon the pillow. The sheet had slipped down, exposing one beauteous breast. Darius felt his breath catch at the sight of her. So beautiful. The stab to the gut that followed upon the heels of his admiration was so powerful, he widened his eyes at the sensation of pain. He wondered how unrecognizable he had truly become from the man he used to be. The past month had changed him. Marianne had changed him.
As the new mistress of a large estate, there had been much to acquaint her with. The house was named Stonewell Court, due to the light gray stone of which it was built, and stood along the southern coast. The sea could be viewed from the back of the house, which delighted Marianne. She’d told Darius so, and he didn’t forget details like that.
There were an abundance of servants to introduce. Mr. and Mrs. West ran most business about the estate and house¸ Mr. West as Darius’s steward, and Mrs. West as the housekeeper.
There were also the dogs. Darius had two wolfhounds, Brutus and Cleo, who took a great liking to their new mistress. If Marianne was outside, they were sure to be with her. When they were allowed inside the house, both were liable to be stretched out at her feet. Marianne told him she didn’t mind. Darius had teased, saying she’d quite stolen away their loyalty to him, but secretly he was glad she did not mind the dogs, for their guard eased his worry some.
Upon this day though, Darius had business calling him away for the morning, and thus the reason for the stealth in observing his wife’s womanly charms while she slept.
His breath caught at the sight, when she opened her eyes. So blue.
“Good morning, beautiful wife. I s’pose you’ve caught me leering at you before I must go.” He reached out his knuckles to trace over the creamy, rounded flesh, her nipple hardening in response.
Catching his hand, she brought it to her lips. “You are leaving.”
He nodded, loving the fact she’d kissed his hand. “Solicitors first, then some business with Greymont on a matter he’s asked for some support.”
“When will you return?”
He smiled at that. “Will you be missing me today, my sweet?”
She gave him the tiniest of nods and then a look.