Page 23 of Reforming the Rakish Marquess
Her body went limp, satiated by the waves of pleasure. Jude’s tongue had shifted inside of her and she glanced down at him, seeing his shoulder moving and his breath more labored. He appeared to be stroking himself, and something about watching him do so intrigued her, but not as much as bringing him to completion from her own hand.
“Jude,” she called to him, sitting up so she could confirm what she suspected. “Let me.”
“You don’t have to. I am quite content licking you clean.”
“I want to. I want to know what you feel like when you come.”
Her words affected him if the low growl he released was any indication. Jude rose and put his thick cock within her grasp. She wrapped her fingers around his shaft and began stroking him. As good as it felt for him to pleasure her, she relished the way he moved his hips to meet her hand and that his head fell back when his breath became more labored.
“Fuck, that’s so good,” he ground out, moving himself faster in her fist.
Tilting his chin forward, he caught and held her gaze. Something intense passed between them and she wouldn’t be able to find the words to describe it. He grabbed the handkerchief he had nearby and held it to the end of his cock when he groaned and slowed his thrusts.
Jude grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away. He appeared a bit disoriented and then grinned at her.
“I didn’t wish to leave any evidence for your maid to find,” he said, indicating the handkerchief in his hand.
“How thoughtful,” she said, teasing him.
“At your service, my lady.” Jude gave her an elaborate bow.
She bit her bottom lip. “That you were.”
Smiling at her, his deep dimples appeared on his far too handsome face. “Did that meet your expectations?”
“You know it did. Will you come tomorrow night?” she asked without hesitation.
“If you wish it, I will be happy to oblige.”
Juliana enjoyed the comfort she felt with him, both naked and conversing as if it was a normal occurrence.
“I do. You can sneak up here to my chamber after the ball tomorrow night. I will ensure the terrace is unlocked.”
He slipped his breeches on. “I’ll be here.”
She slid her feet to the floor and found her night rail, slipping it back over herself, while Jude worked to fasten the buttons of his shirt.
Juliana watched him dress in his coats and tuck his cravat in his pocket, before setting to work on his boots. She wished she could have continued to stare at his perfect naked form for a while longer. At least she would have the chance again tomorrow.
“Our friends would be quite scandalized, wouldn’t they?” she asked.
He laughed. “Indeed. I already worry I am taking advantage of you, and I have no doubt they would believe so.”
“I assure you,” she said, “you are not taking advantage of me, Jude. If anything, you are keeping me safe from entering the wrong arrangement.” She touched his arm and tried to ignore the electric feeling that she had felt. She should have pulled her hand back, but a part of her needed to touch him.
He smiled at her, and she melted. There wasn’t a man alive she trusted more than the man before her, and she knew there wasn’t any other man she wanted to touch her in the ways he had tonight. She shook off the feeling. Of course, she was attracted to him. Attraction and passion weren’t the same as love, she reminded herself. They had always been friendly towards each other, so of course she liked him.
He donned his boots and started towards the door. “I must be off. I shall see you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Jude.”
“Good night, Juliana.”
Jude flashed her a quick grin and then closed the door behind him before she crawled into her bed. As hard as she tried not to, she laid there recalling every detail of Jude’s eyes, smile, muscular chest, and…other things. She fell asleep with a satisfied smile on her face.
Chapter Seven
Jude awoke the next morning, delighted to find that he had slept through the night. Only waking up a few times, but no nightmares or memories plagued his ability to sleep. He sat up in his bed and extended his arms out in a wide stretch.
