Page 20 of Read To Me, Lyon

“Well, that how-to book is insightful on how to pleasure one’s spouse as well as ways they can please you. The right man will enjoy both.”

Was Oliver that man? She hoped so, but now even her ears were heating, making her wonder if she should be thinking such things.

“There is no shame in enjoying a good tupping from your husband.”

“Beth!” Kitty exclaimed.

Her friend grinned wickedly. “Read the book and begin your seduction. I suspect your husband is waiting for a sign from you that you are ready.”

Perhaps Beth was correct. Oliver had been tempting her since they married, but was also always holding back. At least, it felt that way. She couldn’t be sure. But was he waiting for her to act first? “I think I will try.”

Beth’s eyes went dreamy. “The first year of marriage is special. Exploring and learning each other’s wants and needs is nothing short of magical.”

Kitty wanted that for her and Oliver. She clutched the book to her chest, hopeful Oliver would desire such a connection as well.

“I did have a question for you. A Dominic Larson requested an appointment with me. Is he related to your family?”

Her words snapped Kitty out of her romantic thoughts about Oliver. Why was her uncle reaching out to Beth? “He is my uncle, and before I married, he hoped to become my and my sisters’ guardian. He is unhappy that I’ve wed and he can’t control me or the business’s finances. He has threatened to expose that we print and sell illicit books unless I pay him an absurd amount of money, and often.”

Beth frowned. “I will refuse.”

“Thank you,” Kitty said. She couldn’t prevent the concern flaring in her at her uncle’s actions. His trying to connect with her partners in the underground book market was highly unusual and boded nothing good.

Oliver held his arm out to his wife. “Would you join me for a respite on the terrace?”

Kitty nodded. “A bit of a break would be marvelous.”

They were hosting their first ball together. Well, truthfully, his mother was in charge of the spectacle, but Kitty didn’t seem to mind. He glanced across the ballroom where Kitty’s sister, Hazel, and Julia chatted. They, along with Kitty’s youngest sister, had become fast friends while residing with his mother at the smaller family townhouse. Eventually, everyone would move back here, but his mother supported his decision that he and Kitty have some privacy to become better acquainted.

Most of the people who greeted them tonight were part of the ton. Kitty had invited a few individuals, but she’d suspected the majority wouldn’t attend, and she was correct. Even her lawyer, whom she was close to, had sent a missive declining but hoped to meet over tea later in the month. Their social circles were so different.

He supposed there was some truth to the gossip swirling about the huge divide between families of old money and new money. Still, he didn’t care about any of that. Oliver was simply thrilled that he and Kitty enjoyed each other’s company. He hadn’t been sure that would be possible when he’d first reached out to Mrs. Dove-Lyon about finding a wife.

Surprisingly and happily, Kitty was starting to matter a great deal to him. He adored chatting with her. Oliver glanced at her. She also took his breath away, especially tonight. Her brown hair was elegantly tied up on top of her head, and a light-blue ballgown accentuated her curvy figure. Hunger coursed through him, imagining what it would be like to touch her and to get lost in her body.

Last night, he’d dreamed of her being in his bed and awakened with a rock-hard cock. He’d almost used the door separating his bedchamber from hers. Take it slow, he’d silently scolded himself. He wouldn’t rush his wife; there would be time for all of that. First, they needed to get through this ball.

They reached the terrace and stopped. The area was also packed with people. Disappointment flickered across Kitty’s face, and Oliver grinned at her. “The beauty of playing host is you can go where guests can’t. Shall we take our break on one of the garden paths?”

Kitty beamed at him. “I would love that.”

They hurried down the stone steps, rushing to a path with tall hedges bordering it on both sides. Oliver laughed once there. Kitty continued to hold his arm. She asked, “Do you think anyone saw us?”

He shrugged. “Who cares? If I want to sneak away with my wife, I’m well within my rights to do so.”

Their eyes connected, and desire sparked between them. She squeezed his forearm with her hand, and he was tempted to kiss her. Loud laughter startled them, and he guided her further down the path, lit only by the moon.

“It is a lovely night,” he said.

She stopped, and he turned to her. “Is something amiss?”

Kitty glanced around. She bit her lip, as if she were contemplating something. Finally, she whispered, “Will you kiss me, Oliver?”

“Of course.”

He could never deny such a request. She placed her hand on his chest, stopping him from coming any closer. “Passionately.”

The hum of desire crackled between them. He lifted a brow, waiting for her to explain. She took a deep breath, drawing his eyes to her smooth throat and to the crests of her breasts pressing up from the neckline of her gown. How Oliver hungered to run his mouth along her silken skin. With a soft, timorous voice, she said, “We kiss, but it is always so controlled. I suspect you want to kiss me differently, and you are holding back.”