Page 38 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

His hips slapped against hers, and then he swiveled so it created friction at her sensitive nub. She grasped his back, clawing at him, overcome with need. Damion did it again.

“Come with me. Let me see you fall apart while I find my release.”

The urgency and hunger in his words and his continued thrusts caused the ache in Cora’s lower half to explode and pulsate through her body. Damion whimpered and released his seed deep within her. She clung to him, wanting them to be as deeply intertwined as they could be.

He kissed her softly and withdrew from her. She let out a strangled protest, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. “I will clean us up.”

After he did, Damion rolled her against his body. Cora wasn’t sure any moment could be more perfect than this.

***

Hours later, Damion lay against Cora’s headboard with her wrapped in his arms. They’d explored each other’s bodies a few more times and now were talking about the future.

“I think a marriage sooner than later would be best,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head.

She pressed her lips to one of his hands. “I agree.”

“I want us to take an extended trip after our marriage, and we need to discuss children as well.”

“Is it selfish that I want all those things with you and as soon as possible?” she asked.

The idea of this woman carrying his child was heady. Damion had long thought children were not in his future, but now, with her in his arms, he was more open to it. He slid his hand along her flat belly, imagining it round with his children.

Still, they had time for that. Just as important, he wanted to make sure they traveled to the places Cora dreamed about seeing. “I want children too, but first I want us to visit America. Maybe see some of the locations on your maps.”

She sat up and faced him, excited. “Truly? I never thought I would go.”

He smiled. “The moment you talked about your maps, I wanted to take you abroad.”

Cora wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes going a bit watery. “I’m so glad that I requested you teach me how to be tempting.”

He brushed a kiss across her lips. “You needed no lessons.”

She snorted. “You are saying that because you fancy me.”

Damion flipped her on her back, staring down at her lovely face. “I more than fancy you. I crave you.”

Cora laughed at his dramatics. Still, Damion wasn’t lying. He would desire and love this woman for the rest of his life. Maybe they would travel, maybe they would have children; they were all options. What mattered most was that he had her. “I love you.”

Epilogue

Five years later – The London Docks

Cora stood at the railing of the SS Dover. She was thrilled to finally be leaving the ship. She and Damion had traveled on several vessels in the last few years, but he’d turned into an overprotective bear of a man since they discovered she was pregnant. She patted her round belly, happiness coursing through her.

Cora had assumed she couldn’t have children after so many years had passed without them. Her wonderful husband always assured her it didn’t matter, explaining he had plenty of nephews to take over his title. Still, Cora had secretly longed for a child. When she’d missed her monthlies twice, she’d promptly burst into tears.

For some reason, it hadn’t dawned on Damion what that meant until she happily explained she was with child. Unfortunately, Damion, since then, had hovered over her, alarmed that she would hurt herself. It drove her mad.

“Why are you standing? You shouldn’t be on your feet,” he demanded.

She sighed. “I wanted to wave to the people on the dock as we arrived. I promise, my love, I’m fine.”

Cora tried to be a little understanding about his grumpiness. They’d fought about it recently, and Damion confessed he was afraid she might die. She, of course, assured him women had babies all the time. Hopefully, now back in England, he would be a little better.

“Let me retrieve a chair.”

“Damion, I do not want one.”

His expression turned sullen, and Cora said, “Stop worrying. It isn’t good for you. I’m fine, and the baby is fine.”

He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Have I been horrid on the voyage?”

She tapped his chest. “An absolute beast, but I love you, so you are forgiven.”

Cora turned to face the docks, and Damion wrapped his arms around her, placing his hand on her belly. The baby kicked, and he patted her bump. “Soon enough, little one.”

She leaned against him. Cora did adore him even if he’d been so moody lately. Over the last few years, they’d traveled to the Continent and America. It had been a splendid time. In some ways, not getting pregnant right away allowed them to grow together. She felt lucky they had so much time, just the two of them.

Still, she couldn’t wait for their little one to come into the world and was happy she’d be near her family when she gave birth. Damion interrupted her musing and said, “Look, there is Stanton and your mother.”

Cora looked to where he was pointing. Excitement flared in her. It was good to be home. “I love you, Damion.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, my temptress.”