Page 19 of Love with a Notorious Rake

“I’ve shocked you.”

“Heavens, no. I’ve waited months for you to make the suggestion.” She placed her cup on the tray, and Julian took note of her hand shaking slightly. “I was beginning to wonder if I would have to take the bold step and propose it. But then, I thought perhaps you may not wish to move forward on such a path.” She paused, and huffed out a short breath. “I know of the curse. Abbie told me, as did my late uncle in his letters. Do you believe in it?”

“I do…to a certain degree. But there is a way to break it.”

“Oh? By having sex in the middle of the afternoon?”

Julian stared blankly at her.

“I am teasing.”

His mouth twisted into an amused grin. “Apologies. It’s a touchy subject—the curse, not sex.” She laughed lightly in response. “Riordan recently located ancient papers in the attic that stated all living Wollstonecraft men must form a love bond within a twelve-month period.” He tugged on his earlobe, giving her a sheepish look. “Now that I speak it aloud, it sounds completely foolish. The truth is Fiona’s death left me bereft. I hesitated—because of the curse, to an extent, but also because I did not want my heart engaged.” He paused. Might as well lay it all out. “I was afraid to love.”

“Love?” she whispered.

He stood and held out his hand. “Come, and let us make love.”

“It has been a long time, Julian,” Alberta murmured. “More than three years, since Reese passed.” She slipped her hand in his, and her touch sent a bolt of desire through him, arousing him further.

He gently pulled her into his embrace. “It’s been close to two years for me,” he whispered hotly in her ear. Then he nibbled on the curve of her neck. When she moaned softly, he took her hand once again and led her upstairs. Julian hesitated. “Your room?”

Alberta smiled. “This way.”

Once inside the room, he was taken by cozy yellow shades on the walls, carpets, and bedding. “I confess that one of the first rooms I had renovated was this one. The furniture, including the bed, are recent purchases,” she said.

Julian glanced toward the four-post canopy bed with yellow sheers draped across the upper posts. “Beautiful, like you.”

She blushed, making her even more attractive. God, how he wanted her. He shrugged out of his coat and tossed it onto the yellow rose divan. Unbuttoning his waistcoat, then his shirt, he tossed both next to his coat. Alberta’s gaze remained on him, her eyes swimming with desire. “Should I keep going?” he asked, giving her a sensual smile.

“Please.”

He stood before her naked and fully aroused. Alberta’s gaze traveled the length of him.

“Oh, my, Julian,” she gasped. “You are…quite stunning.” Reaching for the buttons on her tea gown, she licked her bottom lip, causing his cock to jerk in response. “I do hope we will not be disturbed.” She kicked her slippers aside.

Julian marched to the door, closed it, and turned the key. “Jonas is with Garrett this afternoon, working and training in the stables.” He tossed the key on the bedside table, then leaned against the poster, crossing his arms. “Please, continue. Unless you need my assistance?”

“No, I’ve managed without a lady’s maid for years.” The copper-colored gown pooled at her feet. Next, the petticoats, then her front-lacing corset. She stood before him in a chemise and stockings, allowing him to look his fill. Curvy, lush. Her nipples were hard, pressing against the sheer material. Alberta pulled the garment over her head. Her breasts were full, glorious, and he ached to touch them. “Keep the stockings on?” he asked, his voice husky.

“As you wish.”

In a few quick strides, he stood before her and gathered her into his arms. They were skin against skin, igniting the flame that sizzled between them. Julian captured her lips with his, kissing her fiercely. She ran her fingers through his hair, returning the kiss with equal fervor.

They tumbled to the bed, touching and kissing. Already this had moved beyond his few casual affairs. He removed the pins that held her coiffure in place, and her silken locks fell to her shoulders. As he nuzzled her neck, inhaling the rosewater scent of her hair, his hand trailed down her side and slid between her legs. God. Wet. Inserting two fingers, his thumb found that sensitive nub and he stroked her, faster, as she moaned and arched her back under his ministrations. With a piercing cry, she reached her peak. Damn it, he couldn’t wait. Rising above her, he gripped his cock, moving it across her slick entrance.

“Yes, Julian,” she urged, raising her hips to meet him.

He plunged into her, groaning as her inner muscles clutched him. They found a heart-pulsing rhythm, moving together. Alberta gasped, reaching another climax. Close to his own, he started to pull out.

She grasped his arse and held in him place. “No. Stay.”

About to question her, his peak slammed him hard. He groaned long and loud, and it ended on an awed whisper of her name.

Alberta gently swiped aside the lock of hair that had fallen across his forehead, and Julian heard a door slam.

“Tens! Bert! Where are you?”

They stared at each other, still breathing hard. Alberta’s eyes widened in shock. “Jonas!” she whispered harshly. “Quick, we must dress.”