Accidentally Compromising the Duke (20 page)

His hands burrowed beneath her nightgown, and slid up and down her back in a heated sensual stroke then around to her front. His palms cupped her breasts, his fingers tweaking at her nipples, plumping them. Adel’s moans poured forth and she was unable to stop the encouragement for more from spilling from her lips.

He released her nipples, and trailed his hands down to grip her buttocks. Their mouths still melded together in a passionate dance, he glided her up and then slammed her down hard. She moaned into his slow sensual kiss, which was an erotic contrast to the manner in which he rocked her with depth onto his length.

One of his hands slid around to her front, outlining the shape of her hips and stomach, and then Edmond gripped a fistful of nightgown from inside and ripped. Cool air washed over her chest as the silk parted under his strength. He bent her forward, thrusting her breast into his mouth, the move almost lifting her completely from his length. His teeth raked the sensitive tip of her nipple.

Every tug and lick of her nipple resonated in the ache deep in her core.

A wail of agonized need slipped from her as he impaled her once more. Her hips jerked, a cry tearing from her lips as he seated her over and over on his throbbing thickness with more piercing depth and strength.

“Ride me, duchess.” His growl was low and rich.

A broken cry of need escaped her as she responded with wantonness. It was almost too much, the need clawing at her, the broad length stretching her, at times lashing her with a hint of pain to swirl with the intense ecstasy pummeling her.

“Adeline.”

No other sound followed the guttural groan of her name, but his grip tightened and instinctively she realized the same exquisite tension peaking inside her, rose in him as well.

Sweat slicked their skins as they slid together in the raw, beautiful and primal rhythm. Waves of blinding sensations stormed her senses and she exploded with such intensity that she couldn’t breathe, and seconds later he clasped her to him and lifted her, a hot splash landing on her stomach as he groaned his pleasure.

They remained held like that for a few minutes. Then he raised his head, and the hunger she saw, strangled her breath. Edmond stood with her, and in a few strides tumbled with her to the bed, fusing their lips together, nudged her thighs apart, and with acute gentleness, slid deep inside her.

“Travel with me to town,” he breathed against her lips.

“To town?”

“Yes, I depart Rosette Park tomorrow.”

He shifted, and she shuddered at the pleasure of him buried so deep.

“It is too soon.”

“I will delay my journey for a couple days. Is this sufficient?”

Adel swallowed. She hardly knew what prompted such an invitation, but he truly wanted her company. A grin split her lips. “Oh, yes, quite sufficient.”

“Good.” Then he lowered his lips to hers once more. And for the rest of the night, Adel knew nothing but bliss.

Chapter Nineteen

Two days later, Adel arrived at one of the most fashionable townhouses she had ever seen in Upper Brook Street, several long tedious hours after departing Hampshire. She was tired, but filled with too much excitement at the thought of retiring. She was never the one to look forward to balls and tea parties, given her dismal receptions these last seasons. But to know it was Edmond she would be making the rounds with filled her with an electrifying thrill.

“You are excited,” he observed with a small smile.

“A bit. I have longed to visit the theatres and Vauxhall. Only Papa and Lady Margaret had been able to afford certain social pleasures, since we were practicing economy, and no gentleman invited me.”

“They were fools…and I am glad they were, for I never would have met you,” Edmond said with sincerity.

She smiled at his compliments though she did not take it to heart. Since he had consummated their vows, he had taken her several times and Adeline would not wish it any other way. But she could still see the reserve in his eyes, and many times, the puzzled look that creased his brows whenever she caught him watching her.

The door to the carriage opened, and he hopped down to assist her out. Large wrought iron gates greeted her, and as they entered, she couldn’t help marvel at the elegance of the townhouse.

As they entered she was introduced to the butler and the housekeeper. Meg had traveled with her, and in quick order Adeline was being directed to her chambers. A large pile of expensive papers tied with a ribbon was handed to her by the housekeeper Mrs. Bromley.

“These are for you, Your Grace.”

She accepted them with a nod, and climbed the stairs, Edmond right behind her. They entered his chamber and a sigh escaped her as they were finally alone. She walked over to the barouche desk in the corner and set the pile of correspondence on it.

“What do you think these are?”

“Invitations to balls, teas, house parties, and begging letters from charities seeking your patronage.”

She glanced at him and heat flushed through her when she saw that he was undressing, his lids lowered with intent.

“Surely you jest, there must be hundreds,” she said, and tried to clear the huskiness from her voice. “I had thought the manner in which we wed would have society shunning me.”

“Come here, duchess.”

She arched a brow, and he smiled.

“Please,” he said with warm sensuality.

She sauntered over to him, and his eyes tracked her movements. He untied her bonnet and tugged the pins from her hair, tumbling the heavy coil to her back. With a sharp tug, he made her stumble into him, then clasped her hips with infinite gentleness. Yet there was nothing gentle in his mien when he spoke, only an icy ruthlessness that made her shivered.

“Society will gossip about you—us—always, but you are the Duchess of Wolverton. You cannot be cut, it is you now who decides who will enter your circle.”

Cannot be cut.

She withdrew from his embrace and moved to the table and selected a few. After breaking the seal of the first three, she lifted her head. “There is an invitation to the Marchioness of Deerwood’s annual ball. That is tonight.”

“Would you like to attend?”

“It is truly strange. My stepmother had always wanted an invitation to this much coveted event, and now I am inundated. Perhaps I shall invite them for a visit from Bath, surely Papa and Lady Margaret will be happy to attend.”

“If that is your wish.”

She glanced at him and grinned. “You are naked, Edmond.”

“A state you will soon be in, Duchess.”

“We are attending this ball tonight.”

“Ah…so that gives us three hours. I have been meaning to make use of that sinful mouth of yours.”

“Doing?” she purred, sauntering over to him.

“You shall see, Adeline.” Then he took her lips in a kiss, and for this moment all else was forgotten as Edmond’s touch roused the unquenchable desire inside once more.

…

Adel donned a dark green gown and the bodice was low enough just to show the flush of her décolletage, and the cinched high waist of the empire gown fell in straight lines to her delicate ankles. Her hair had been curled and arranged in a high pile upon her head, with tendrils cascading down her cheeks. A truly exquisite emerald and diamond necklace circled her throat with the matching earrings at her lobes. Edmond had presented to her several pieces of stunning jewels he’d had England’s most renowned jeweler make for her. Adel had never felt more beautiful and tonight she would be walking out in society for the first time as the Duchess of Wolverton.

She descended the stairs, and a smile burst from her lips at her duke’s regard.

His bold, admiring gaze swept over her. “You are ravishing, Adeline.”

“It is kind of you to say so,” she said huskily.

“It is not a kindness. You are beautiful, and there are times my heart shudders at the knowledge if you had not climbed into my bed, I would not be so content now. I will be the envy of many men tonight, and if any those jaded rakes looks at you for more than a few seconds, I foresee having many duels to fight in the upcoming months,” he teased.

She laughed. “With my too-dark hair and pale skin, I know I am only passably pretty, but I welcome the words ravishing and beautiful from your lips always.”

His mood turned serious, and his eyes blazed with possessiveness and something more heated than she was unable to identify.

“You are very dashing yourself, Your Grace.”

He was sinful. The cut of his evening clothes was impeccable. Edmond was dressed in stark black and white, with a very elegant and intricately tied cravat. His dark hair was tamed almost severely, the cut highlighting the savage beauty of his face and his nose, which was chiseled sharply, aquiline and proud.

He helped her with her cloak and in short order, they were whisked away in their town carriage.

“I must prepare you. Though you’ve had three seasons and have endured some gossip, tonight will be nothing like you have experienced before.”

Her heart jolted. “It won’t?”

“You are only second to royalty. You will be fawned over and hated in equal measure. The eyes of the world will be upon you, waiting eagerly to declare in the scandal sheets tomorrow, if you are a fraud or an original.” He tugged her close. “Let me assure you, Adeline, you are an original, a swan among crows and I want you to only be yourself, nothing less.”

She stared at him, transfixed. “Thank you.”

He pressed a hard urgent kiss to her lips, and she moaned.

“I am in favor of not attending the marchioness’s ball, and returning to our chambers to explore at once.”

“That was a kiss meant to inspire confidence, not desire.”

She grinned. “I am feeling a decided lack of confidence; I may need a few more kisses for it to reach an acceptable level.”

He tugged her even closer.

“Don’t you dare muss my hair,” she warned on a soft gasp, before he claimed her lips.

The carriage ride passed in the most delightful way, and when they arrived, Adel’s lips stung from being kissed so thoroughly, and she ached. From the tension holding Edmond rigid, he suffered a similar fate.

Their carriage joined a queue of conveyances, which were delivering guests to the ball. When they finally reached the door, they descended and they made their way into the marchioness’s mansion. “It will be interesting seeing the
ton
through the mirror of power,” she said softly as they were announced.

There was a ripple through the crowd as they entered. When they reached the receiving line, the marchioness was eager to greet them.

“Your Graces,” she said with a pleased smile.

The silence in their immediate vicinity began to spread until they had the regard of everyone in the receiving line. Adeline thought it all ridiculous.

You are second only to royalty
.

The marchioness was clearly thrilled to be the first host in years to have the elusive duke at a social setting where he would hopefully mingle with her guests.

Greetings were exchanged under the watchful eyes of the
ton
. Adel and Edmond mingled with the guests in the entrance hall, before heading to the more densely populated ballroom.

“It’s Wolverton…and his duchess.
”

The whispers started immediately and echoed through the ballroom.

“They are such a beautiful match.”

Several ladies and their lords surged forward, and the trepidation Adel had felt melted. She nodded, responded to polite enquiry, and even had a few occasions to laugh. The entire time, her duke stood beside her, a dark protective force. Then she spied Evie on the periphery of the room observing her. Adel turned to Edmond. “I must speak with Evie.”

He glanced down. “Remember to thank her for arranging our downfall.”

Adel laughed.

“I will take some air on the balcony.”

She nodded, and he strolled unhurriedly through the fringe of the crowd to the terrace windows. She turned with the intention of moving to her friend, but Evie was suddenly there.

Adel embraced her, uncaring of the throng’s rabid notice. “Oh, Evie, forgive me for not writing you.”

“Not at all,” she gasped, with a watery smile. “I am very pleased you are even speaking with me now.”

“I…I do not resent you for your actions, Evie. In fact I would like to thank you.”

Her friend’s eyes widened quite comically.

“While Edmond does not love me yet, I find our marriage has a comfortable feel…and we have passion, a thing many marriages lack. I am certain I would not have felt such rousing emotions being Mrs. Atwood.” Adel ignored the pinch in her heart that hinted she wanted much more from her duke. She wanted his love, his child…his unconditional acceptance.

“Oh!” Evie smiled. “I am so relieved. I have been tormented, fearing for your unhappiness.”

Adel chuckled. “I am very content, actually.”

Evie glanced through the terrace door at where Wolverton leaned casually on the balcony railing, a cold imperious duke who held himself aloof from the glittering whirl of society, the facile chattering, and the frivolity of the entire ball. It was very apparent he was there only for his duchess. Pleasure warmed Adel.

“So he improves on closer acquaintance,” Evie said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Indeed he does, my opinion of him has improved.”

I fear I am falling in love…

“So under that severe austerity lies a man of sensitive sensibilities?”

Now Evie’s tone rang with such incredulity that Adel laughed.

“I fear he is as reserved as he ever was…but there is a keen consideration for others, and I find I much prefer his passion to poetic sensibilities.”
Such passions…

“I must say I cannot imagine Wolverton as passionate. But his eyes have not left you since you started the rounds. He is besotted.”

Adel blushed, and Evie eyes widened even more. Then they both laughed. Adel noted her friend’s laughter lacked true merriment. “Are you truly well, Evie?”

For a brief moment despair clouded her gaze, before she looked away. Then she spoke. “Rumors mention Westfall as having an attachment.”