She wanted this as badly as he did. It was enough to have him pressing into her, not even an inch at a time. Hot, tight and unbearably welcoming. He moved another fraction deeper and Violet gasped but her hands slipped down and gripped his buttocks. He met her gaze and saw it as he slid home—the look he’d been fearing and wanting all at the same time. She felt the same as he did.
Duke held his position for several breaths and felt the tension leave her body. When he slid forwards, she cried out, but he knew the sound to be pleasure. It was the same for him. The friction was unbearable though he wanted it to go on forever. He could lose himself to Violet so easily.
They moved together, finding an easy rhythm. He couldn’t help but watch her expression as he drove her closer and closer. Putting his weight on one elbow, he slipped a hand between them and rubbed a thumb over her folds. Violet’s nails dug into his skin and he buried his head in her hair, drawing in the floral scent of her. Here, buried amongst the softness of her locks and in her sweet body, he would happily remain if she let him.
She unraveled quickly. It started with shaking limbs and small cries and ended with his name on her lips and her body stiffening then giving way. He no longer held back and thrust into her with relish until the pleasure burned through his body. Eyes clenched shut, he thrust one last time and withdrew to spill upon her thigh. He groaned and milked himself while she swept her hands up and down his back.
When his breathing steadied and the world was coming back to him in small parts, he pulled open his eyes to find her beaming at him. Duke could not resist returning her grin. He was no fool—as he always told her—and he’d be a fool to deny this.
It was finally time to stop protecting himself from the hurts loving a woman could bring.
Chapter Twenty-One
Having never slept next to a man before, Violet had little idea quite how much of the bed the opposite sex occupied. Of course, it did not help that Duke was no wiry man and was surely built of nothing but muscle.
It wasn’t unpleasant—having all of his warmth and strength next to her, especially on such a freezing morning. She needed no warming brick or snuggly dog with Duke next to her. The temptation to curl back into his body whilst he slumbered made her feel slothful and indulgent.
But he had to move.
She gave him a tentative push, pressing gently upon a shoulder, being mindful his ribs had healed not long ago. Not that his injuries had seemed to have any impact last night. When he remained asleep, Violet turned her head and stared at the gap between the thick curtains.
The room remained gloomy but the gray light slipping through the crack told her it would not be long before the sun rose, and servants would be stirring. No doubt the rest of her family would sleep for several hours particularly given the previous two nights’ events, however, she could not risk being discovered with Duke in her bedroom.
A smile slipped across her lips, entirely out of her control. She stretched, aware of aches and tenderness in new places. She most certainly should not be smiling considering being caught would lead to her ruination.
The way her body felt, though, it was as if it was alive in a way it had never been before, and her mind...well, it was mostly occupied with Duke and in the most pleasant of manners. How wonderful to have been made love to so thoroughly by such a man. Taking an indulgent moment for herself had impacted her more than she thought possible.
And now she wanted more.
But he really, really had to go. Violet attempted another push to his arm, then put both hands to his shoulder when he did not stir. He gave a slight grumble, tossed onto his side, and looped a heavy arm about her waist. She should have known the man would have no troubles sleeping in another’s bed. He had enough practice, after all, something on which she would try not to dwell.
“Duke,” she whispered and tried to lift his arm from her with no luck. “Duke,” she repeated, stroking a hand over his slightly stubbled cheek.
The smile lingering on her lips threaten to broaden as she took in his handsome, slightly crumpled appearance. Even in the dim light of the bedroom, he stole her breath. The planes and angles of his face were almost harsh against the silken bedding, a welcome contrast to the femininity of her room.
She gave herself a little shake. Now was not the time for distraction. She gave his cheek a prod with one finger, murmuring his name again. He grumbled, swatted at her hand, and slowly opened his eyes.
A languorous smile moved across his face, stealing her breath.
“Vi.”
Even the way he said her name made her feel warm and slightly faint. As many beds as he might have occupied, Duke left her feeling as though there was no other woman in the world but her.
“You need to leave.”
An eyebrow lifted. “Trying to rid yourself of me already?”
“It is the morning,” she whispered. “The household shall be stirring soon and, needless to say, you should not be in my bedchamber.”
He stared at her for several moments, leaving her wondering if her hair was a wild mess or perhaps she had creases on her cheeks or sleepy dust in her eyes. “How can you possibly be more beautiful in the morning than when you have spent hours getting ready for a ball?”
She rolled her eyes, but the compliment warmed. “Duke,” she said, a palm to his chest. “Move.” She gave him a little shove.
Reluctantly, he unwound his arm for her and moved onto his back. He gave a long stretch, giving her too much time to admire his muscular body—a body that had been all hers last night.
Duke gave her a knowing smile.
“Duke, go,” she insisted.