Page 32 of Pursuing a Duke
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Andrew knew themoment Emmeline drifted off to sleep. Her breathing evened out, and her head and hand resting on his chest sank further into his body. The emotions and feelings inundating his mind and body were almost too much to handle. He had known for ten years he loved her. But until they’d made love tonight, he had not realized how intense that love was. Never in his wildest imaginings had he known such a connection between two souls could genuinely exist. And she felt it, too. He was as sure of it as he was sure he had two hands.
When midnight had passed tonight, he almost hadn’t come to her. He’d feared it was too late, and he didn’t want to disturb her sleep. Thank goodness he hadn’t listened to reason and had come anyway, regardless of the late hour—or rather early morning, as it was. It had been a long time since he’d been able to elude the pain and guilt of the past. But cradling Emmeline close to his heart had erased it. He wasn’t fool enough to think those emotions wouldn’t come back to him in the morning, but for now, he would relish the freeness and weightlessness his body and soul were experiencing.
Making love to—no, not to...with—Emmeline transcended the stars. His mind and body still had trouble comprehending how their bodies came together so perfectly. Where she ended, he began, and vice versa.
Two bodies joined together as a whole.
Two souls fading and blending to become one.
Two hearts beating in perfect rhythm.
If only he had known ten years ago what he knew now. He never would have stepped aside for Aiden. Pain pierced his heart. No. He couldn’t change the past. And truthfully, he wouldn’t wish to. Ten years ago, perhaps he and Emmeline wouldn’t have been ready for what existed between them now. Perhaps they needed the years of life’s experiences, good and bad, to become the people they were now. To become peoplewho were vulnerable and willing to put the pain of the past aside and love in the present.
Little mewling sounds came from Emmeline. It could be considered light snoring, but it was too pleasing a sound to really compare it to snoring. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes.
Not that he wanted to sleep. He wanted to hold her close and watch her sleep for the rest of the night. But his body and mind were drained. And nothing good would come tomorrow if he stayed awake. He would be too tired to enjoy the day’s events and activities. Too exhausted to enjoy Emmeline.
