Page 25 of The Heir’s Return

“No,” Harry repeated, a charmingly lopsided smile on his lips.

“How?” Mina asked incredulously.

“Because I believe in what we’ve done. I believe in you.” Harry shifted to share the forward-facing seat.

“I hope your faith is not misplaced.”

“It is not,” he said resolutely before lifting one of her hands from the package in her lap and rubbing her chilled fingers between his palms. “You are brilliant. Without you, Ravenshire Manor would not have survived as long as it has without your efforts. It is because of you that the staff have remained, the tenants are supported and can look forward to the future, and the sale of the orchard acres was a success.”

“That last one should be credited to you.”

“I merely met with the man; it was you who convinced him of the profitability with your careful records…and charming personality.”

Mina rolled her eyes, but she could not suppress her chuckle entirely.

Harry continued, “Your father is well cared for, and we will return to Kent within the week. My solicitors have reviewed all your efforts, and they agree that the offer is a good one.”

“I still think Mr. Brand was quite put out that we declined his offer to accompany us to meet with Townsend.”

Harry waved her words away. “He is a naturally nervous individual. I know the two of us are perfectly capable of meeting with the man on our own.”

“Are you certain you wish for me to join you?” She was instantly reassured when Harry squeezed her fingers.

“Absolutely. Besides, any success we have belongs to you, darling.”

Harry reached up and stroked an artful curl she’d draped over her shoulder. She’d donned her most expensive and well-made gown in rich burgundy silk. It made her feel bold and powerful, and she needed to feel every bit of control she could that day.

The carriage rocked and slowed with the congestion in the street.

“How much longer until we arrive?” she asked, her anxiety creeping into her voice.

“At least another thirty minutes with this traffic,” Harry replied, hooking one finger into the scalloped neckline of her bodice and tugging her toward him. “You are so tense.”

“I want this to be over,” Mina said somewhat unsteadily, hardly registering that his lips were caressing her ear.

“Forget about Townsend for a few minutes; forget about Ravenshire Manor,” Harry murmured against her neck. His breath began to tickle the bare tops of her breasts.

“Why did you do that?” Mina yelped when he used his free hand to pluck the packet from her lap and toss it to the unoccupied cushion.

“Because it is very difficult for me to pleasure you when you are holding something there,” he answered matter-of-factly.

Mina’s eyes widened, and she had just a moment to process his words and register his wicked smile before his hand ran up her leg and she felt the cool air tickle the naked skin above her stocking.

“Harry…” she cautioned halfheartedly. He’d somehow removed his glove, and now his warm fingers were dancing above her garter, stroking higher and higher.

“There is plenty of time for this,” he reassured her before capturing her lips, slipping two fingers through the slit in her drawers, and stroking the rapidly dampening seam of her sex. “Let me help you relax,” he said between nibbles of her lower lip.

Helpless against his tender seduction, Mina could only nod breathlessly and cant her hips to accept the delicious invasion of his fingers. He began with one, sinking to the knuckle and stroking her in a delicious rhythm. The second followed soon after, stretching her as he curled them within her tight channel.

“You are already so wet,” Harry murmured with a throaty chuckle. He’d had an immeasurable growth in confidence since their first time together, and Mina was forever grateful at how well he took instruction. He was brilliant at listening and remembering what she liked and didn’t like—that she mewled in anticipation until he filled her with either his thick cock or—yes, like that!—a third finger. Soon, the carriage was filled with the squelching sound of his fingers working her sex, his thumb pressing that bundle of nerves in just the right way that every rock of Mina’s hips sent sparks throughout her body. She had to hold onto the squabs lest she slide to the floor.

“Oh, yes, Harry!” she gasped as he reached the rhythm she craved—strong, slightly rough, and consistent. The heels of her slippers scrabbled for purchase, one eventually losing the battle and slipping from her foot.

“Will you come for me?” Harry growled. “Will you come on my hand now and then later on my cock, hm?”

All Mina needed was the image of this perfect man pounding into her to send her over the edge.

As soon as the keening cry of her orgasm began to rise from her throat, Harry covered her mouth with his, swallowing every one of her blissful gasping sobs.