Page 39 of A Bloom for a Blacksmith

Yes. That had to be it. He was probably lonely and happy to meet someone new. She certainly was, even if their paths had no reason to cross once more.

Turning down the flame on the candle lamp, her thoughts turned to the next day’s work. To how she would arrange the florals for display. To how she would set up the tropical plants. To how she might create a bouquet meant for the hall table of an aristocrat’s home.

It was far better to think of work.

After all, it was unlikely she would ever again see Angus Thompson.

Chapter Eighteen

Murmurs in the Night

Meanwhile, in the master bedchamber, Agremon House

Although his stomach grumbled with hunger, Darius remained sprawled on his bed in a post-coital stupor. At his side and half atop him, Stella continued to place kisses along his upper arm and across a collar bone to the middle of his chest.

He chuckled softly. “You’re certainly in a loving mood this evening,” he whispered, his voice sounding far away. “Not that I mind, because I do not.”

Stella paused her kisses and rested her chin on his chest. “I’m merely showing my appreciation for what you did today.”

Opening one eye, he glanced down at her before lifting his head to place a kiss on her forehead. “I was happy to do it. Besides, I needed the exercise. I don’t think I’ve climbed that many stairs since we lived in Greece.”

She tittered softly. “Do you think our plan worked?”

Frowning, he dropped his head onto the pillow. “I think it did for Mr. Thompson,” he hedged.

“But?” she prompted.

Sighing, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her until she was straddling him, his rigid cock pressed to her belly. She had been in almost the same position earlier, his manhood buried in her tight channel before she began lifting and lowering her hips, her arms braced against his shoulders. The movements had the tips of her nipples grazing his bare chest until he moved his hands to her sides so he could use his thumbs to flick the tight buds.

He adored hearing her inhalations of breath. Craved the sensations her darts of pleasure created in his head. The erotic friction that had led to a physical release, sending his body into an all-consuming spasm of pleasure while Stella’s orgasms induced a cascade of pleasures that seemed to go on and on until they were both spent. Satiation and bliss had soon followed.

After so many centuries, Darius was relieved Stella still found their couplings satisfying enough not to attempt an affair with a mortal.

Since their joining, they had remained faithful to one another. Although he’d had carnal knowledge of a number of women before her—he had even taken several wives—sexual congress with a mortal wasn’t nearly as spectacular as it was with her.

“Miss O’Connor is in mourning. She’s not of a mind to consider courtship,” he murmured.

Stella appeared disappointed. “For how long, do you suppose?”

Darius audibly sighed. He rubbed a hand against the small of her back and pulled her down, so she was forced to lay her torso on his chest, her head ending up against his shoulder. “I believe Society’s expectation is six months.”

Jerking in his hold, she furrowed her brows in dismay. “Six months?” she repeated.

He regarded her with curiosity, and one of his dark brows arched. “Surely this cannot be a surprise?” he countered.

She sighed, the warm puff of breath washing over the side of his neck. “Could they court in secret, do you think?”

Despite the seriousness of the topic, Darius once again chuckled. “I’m not exactly sure how that would work.”

“He does like her, though,” she commented.

“That he does,” Darius agreed. How could he not notice Angus’s desire to do the young woman’s bidding? How eager he was to please her. The young man hadn’t tried to hide his yearning.

Stella inhaled softly. “So… you noticed?”

He scoffed. “A blind man would have noticed.” He once again furrowed his brows. “I don’t think she’s enamored of him in quite the same way, though.”

“I fear I’m in agreement,” Stella murmured. “I’m rather dismayed. I was sure they were perfect for one another.”