“Yes.”
Lucas felt a knot in his stomach.
“That wasn’t planned, was it?”
“Of course not. I said I had a prior engagement, but Mother said it would be rude to leave when I had a guest coming. So, Frederica practically dragged me out to the carriage, and we made our way here.”
“You mean you and Frederica defied your mother?”
“Yes.” Dorothy bit her lip. “I’m going to be in trouble when I get back. I’ve never done anything like this before. And I’m sure they will have figured out what we’re up to.”
Lucas hoped not. Otherwise, there would be a lot of questions he needed to answer.
“Let’s hope they don’t get the wrong impression.”
“The wrong impression?” Dorothy snorted. “In this case, it would be the right impression. Now I’m tense because I feel like everyone will know my business.”
Lucas could see her pulling away, and he gave up on not touching her. He shifted closer and started to tug Dorothy towards him. Dorothy tensed.
“What are you doing?”
“Trust me. Sit across my lap.”
“What?”
Lucas tugged again, and Dorothy ended up on his lap. His erection flared to life, and he could feel Dorothy shuffle against his cock. Trying to ignore the tightening arousal in his crotch, he urged Dorothy to lean her head on his shoulder.
“Just take some deep breaths,” he said gently as he rubbed her arm. “You’re overthinking everything, and it’s just getting you worked up.”
“I know.” Dorothy huffed against his neck, her breath tickling his skin. “It’s just … I know what I said last night, and what … you know … and it’s just making me … well, I’m nervous.”
“Are you having second thoughts about it?”
“I don’t know.” Dorothy shifted her head to look up at him. “I want to do this, Lucas. I mean it. It’s just …”
Lucas could understand. It wasn’t something that anyone could take in their stride, and for Dorothy, it would be a big thing. To give up something that should only happen on her wedding night was enormous, and it would prove to be monumental to Dorothy.
But considering I’m going to marry her, anyway, it shouldn’t matter so much.
Wait, where did that come from?
He kissed her softly, brushing his lips across hers.
“You won’t have to do anything you don’t want. It’s up to you.”
“Do you mean it?”
“Of course. I’m not going to force you into anything.” Lucas cleared his throat and shifted as Dorothy nudged his cock. “Obviously, I would be delighted, but it’s up to you what you want. I’ll follow anything you need.”
He was probably going to end up struggling if Dorothy said no and left without him feeling her naked body against his, but Lucas would do it to make her feel confident in herself.
“I want to do this.” Dorothy licked her lips. “Is there … is there any way you can make me relax? That it’s not all … painful?”
“Painful?”
“I’ve heard that it can be painful. And … uncomfortable.” Dorothy groaned and covered her face with her hands. “God, I can’t believe I’m talking about this. I must sound so stupid right now.”
“You don’t sound stupid at all.” Lucas took her hands and lowered them. “It’s perfectly reasonable. Whatever you need, I’ll do it.”