Page 40 of The Beast

He continued driving in and out of her harder and faster, and soon Beatrice could barely hold on to him. Whatever was on the desk crashed to the floor, the sounds adding to the excitement of the moment.

Beatrice cried out at the sensation of shattering and she dug her fingernails into the rough fabric of Duncan’s tunic in an effort to keep from floating away.

When his hoarse moans filled her ears, she raked her fingers through his hair, taking his mouth once again greedily.

Duncan lifted her up and still joined managed to lower to the floor where he lay over Beatrice as he attempted to gain control of his breathing.

“This is wonderful. I am so happy to have married ye,” Beatrice whispered.

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Do not think this will keep me from yer bed tonight.”

“Good,” Beatrice replied with a giggle.

They finally stood and did what they could to arrange their clothing. Beatrice knew it was useless to return her hair to the same style, so she unbraided it and ran her fingers through it.

When they walked out of the study, the house remained eerily silent.

Orla appeared from the direction of the kitchen. “There ye are,” she said with a bright smile.

By the sly look Orla slid to Duncan, the maid was perfectly aware of where they’d been and what they’d been doing. “Would ye like me to assist ye in dressing for last meal?”

Beatrice looked up to Duncan. “Do ye dress for last meal here?”

He shook his head. “It is yer home, ye can change things to how ye see fit.”

“I will not change,” Beatrice told Orla. “I would like tea and perhaps some toasted bread for my husband and I brought to the parlor, please.”

Duncan followed her to the parlor. “Usually, a wife only brings a husband to the parlor when they have something to discuss.”

“I do wish to discuss something with ye,” Beatrice replied.

They sat in front of windows and she looked out to the lavender field. “I wish to speak to ye about yer expectations. Today, I wished to go for a walk and Firtha explained ye did not wish me to leave the house.”

Her husband nodded. “There could be people about that are not trustworthy.”

“Understandable. However, I would have liked it if ye would have told me directly and not informed me through someone on our staff.”

“There are only Firtha and Gara…”

“And they are exhausted. The two of them cannot possibly maintain a house of this size now that I am here. I must insist on at least one more servant and a lad to help with menial tasks.”

“Such as?”

“The cleaning of the hearths. Sweeping of the great room. Fetching water for the kitchen and for washing.”

Beatrice continued, “Not only have Gara and Firtha done all of that, but they’ve also handled the cooking, gardening, and keeping the house clean. It is unfathomable that ye have not seen to more help.”

“Very well. Ye can hire a woman and a lad. No more. I cannot have too many people about. I need privacy.”

Beatrice was glad Lady Mariel had informed her of Duncan’s horrid past, so she did not have to question him. “I understand. What is off-limits?”

“I bathe alone. No need to order baths for me.” He thought for a long moment. “The area by the stone wall. No one is to go there or touch it. The guardsmen have already been told.”

“I am sure Gara and Firtha will ensure to inform whoever comes to work here what is allowed.”

After a discreet knock, Orla walked in with a tray. She set the items down and immediately left without a word.

Beatrice poured the tea and smiled up at Duncan. “I did not ask. Do ye drink tea?”