His Wayward Ward - A Regency Novella (Risque Regency) (8 page)

She had not thought that anything could match what her body had just endured but then Carlton slid over her and she opened dazzled eyes to find him positioning himself between her legs. Instinct made her part them wider and the world began to spiral out of control once again as he pushed his long, hard length into her. He moved slowly, easing his way to the crux of her innocence, which fell before the onslaught with no more than one sharp pang. Then, incredibly, the wave began to build once more as he began to move, slowly at first, but then with increasing speed, faster and faster as they both climbed towards eternity. His release matched hers and Eliza felt as if the world had turned itself inside out, shaken and re-shaken to form an entirely different landscape.

One in which Lord Carlton’s arms were suddenly wrapped around her, tethering her firmly against him. A sensible move; Eliza felt as if she might float away.

They lay in silence for some time, both catching their breath. Carlton tucked the top of Eliza’s head beneath his chin and held her close while they caught their breath. ‘I am unmanned,’ he murmured, after a time. ‘I have wanted that for too long, I think. Later, we will try again, when I have mastered myself a little.’

‘
I
did not care for you at all.’ Eliza said, a trifle smugly. Her body was humming in the aftermath, glowing like an ember on the fire. ‘Not until the night of Lady Bellingham’s cotillion.’

‘I would dispute that, but I’m loathed to start our future off with you thinking me perverse.’

‘You
are
perverse. I find it an attractive quality.’

‘Life with you will never be dull, dear heart.’ He stroked her hair back from her face and smiled. ‘Poor Eliza, married to a rake. Everybody will pity you.’

‘More like envy me,’ she retorted, raising her head to look into his eyes. ‘Every girl secretly desires a rake, no matter what their mothers’ might say to the contrary. I do not know how you are going to manage reinstating my respectability, my lord. But if it does not take, I am prepared to live in shame with you.’

‘Wicked woman,’ he whispered. ‘From this night on, you have no choice but to live with me, for I cannot countenance life without you beside me. You have my heart and I claim you for my own, Eliza Percival. And may God have mercy on my soul!’

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