Page 70 of Duke with a Deception
“You are trying to spoil me, I fear.”
“Oh, I intend to spoil you quite thoroughly and at every opportunity I have.” His grin showed off his neat, even teeth.
King was impossible to resist when he plied his legendary charm. Her heart beat faster, and she couldn’t help but think about their sensual interlude on the carriage ride to the jeweler. How he had teased and pleasured her until she had all but ruined her drawers. The glide of his fingers inside her had been expert and knowing, and when he had sucked them clean afterward, she had nearly come a second time. Her nipples hardened just thinking about it again.
She sighed. “You, sir, are a menace. I do believe you have already spoiled me amply.”
His dark eyes glittered to rival the diamonds, holding untold promise. “I’ve only just begun, angel.”
“I must insist that this is a gift I cannot accept.”
“Of course you can.” He took off his gloves with slow, elegant motions, and Verity was entranced by the revelation of his hands, so large and masculine, hands that were capable of bringing her such unimaginable pleasure.
She had never previously found the act of a man removing his gloves to be erotic, but somehow her husband seemed to make the most mundane and ordinary of acts sensual and rousing. She shifted in her chair, an ache igniting between her thighs.
King took note of her sudden restlessness, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Are you not comfortable in your chair? I would be happy to fetch you another.”
The tufted chair arranged before the low, glossy table was quite comfortable. That wasn’t the problem, and her sinful husband knew it.
“The chair is fine.”
“Whatever is the problem, then?” He reached for the velvet ribbon holding her hat in place, methodically untying it.
“There is no problem. Whatever are you doing?”
“Taking off this blasted hat so I can see how lovely you shall look wearing the tiara.”
He was impossibly near, his divine scent teasing her senses. And although she knew the jeweler could reemerge at any moment, Verity found herself wanting to kiss him. His full lips were sensual and well-defined. They fitted against hers perfectly.
He leaned nearer, his warm breath coasting over her mouth. “I do believe this knot is stuck.”
“Stuck? Are you certain?”
“Mmm.” His lips were on hers now, just as she had wished, his agile fingers untangling the knot beneath her chin. “Perhaps this shall do it.”
He kissed her deeply, and she forgot herself, kissing him back as she let go of all restraint and modesty. Their tongues tangled, and she couldn’t stifle a moan until the abrupt thump of something in the back room drew her back to the present and made her tear her mouth from his.
“We shall cause a scandal.”
He winked. “My darling, we are about to buy a king’s ransom in jewels. I do think Mr. Goodner will find it in his best interest to hold his tongue if the Duke of Kingham cannot resist kissing his gorgeous duchess.”
And before she could protest, he kissed her again, deeply and lingeringly. Love for him bubbled up inside her, along with desire. Life at his side would never be tedious or boring. How fortunate she was to be this man’s wife.
His lips didn’t leave hers until a familiar lassitude flooded her, and he finished untying the ribbon, gently removing her jaunty hat with its spray of silk blossoms on the crown.
“There,” he murmured, placing her chapeau on the table. “Now humor me, my love, and wear the tiara.”
She would do anything he asked of her, particularly after those toe-curling kisses.
“Very well,” she acquiesced, holding still as he placed the diamond tiara atop her head.
His eyes traveled over her with naked admiration. “They sparkle even more when you wear them.”
“Impossible.” She shook her head, smiling at his antics. “How can I make them sparkle more?”
He reached behind her and undid the clasp on her locket, removing it with swift ease. “Because you make everything better, angel. Even a disgraceful voluptuary like me.”
His words stole her breath. It took Verity a moment to sufficiently gather her wits to respond.
