Page 85 of Love, the Duke
“You have never been harsh, my love. And if I ever sound that way to you just let me know. It will never be my intention.”
“Thank you, but I don’t think I will. I like seeing in your face and hearing in your voice what you are really thinking.” She gave him a pert tilt of her chin but then quickly turned serious again. “With all your past, I can’t believe you went to Lord Gagingcliffe’s house and searched for the chalice. I now know how hard that must have been for you.”
He shook his head. “It really wasn’t. I couldn’t let you lose. You always believed the chalice was in a titled man’s home. I had to help you prove that was true. You once said you thought I was looking for redemption, but Inever was. I was looking to finally forgive my father and myself. Today, I knew I had to stop fighting myself about whether what I did was right or wrong. I remember we talked about redemption and revenge being powerful motivators, but so is love. I did it because I love you.”
Ophelia kissed his lips and then whispered, “I love you, Hurst. And, I know I don’t have a lot of bad memories in my past to draw from and probably shouldn’t be one to speak to it, but maybe you don’t need to do anything about thoughts of the past other than embrace them for what they are when they come to you. A young boy learning how to be a fine man who knows how to care for people like me.”
His gave her a curious look. “Like you? What does that mean?”
Ophelia placed her hands on his chest. She felt his heart beating beneath his linen shirt. “I haven’t been the easiest of ladies you could have married.”
“You had me from the moment you walked into my life. I love you, Ophelia.” He chuckled softly. “I like that you came into my room looking for me tonight wearing your white gown with the ribbons untied.” He kissed her neck, the hollow of her throat, and then nuzzled her ear.
She smiled and enjoyed every thrill his touch gave her. “Does that mean I should do it more often?”
He pulled her tighter to him. “Definitely.”
Ophelia tugged on the tail of Hurst’s shirt and pulled it from the waistband of his trousers. From there he took over and yanked it over his head.
“What’s this?” he asked, tossing the garment aside. “Are you so eager for my kisses and attention tonight that you are ripping the clothes from my body?”
She ran her hand tantalizingly slowly down his rippledribs and up across his wide, muscular shoulders. “Is it all right if I am?”
“It’s the way I always want you to be.” He reached down and hooked his arm under her knees, lifted and carried her over to his bed. He slowly removed his trousers and stretched out onto the bed beside her as he pulled her close. “I love you, Ophelia,” he whispered.
She saw the smoldering hunger for her in his eyes and she embraced it by whispering, “And I love you, my duke.”
Their lips met and their bodies entwined.
