Page 29 of Brazen Rogue
"You know what I mean." She gave a small smile of resignation. "I'm not much liked as it is, and your butler disapproves of my presence. I'm certain he thinks bad of me," she said, shaking her head. "No, I must stay where I am to lower suspicion," she informed him.
"I will speak to them both and ensure you are not harassed. And if you would like, I shall keep away from you. Keep our association one that is platonic and professional only." The words tasted like vinegar on his tongue, yet they had to be said. He did not want Reign to feel uncomfortable under his roof, nor did he want her to think he only wanted her for one thing.
He did not.
If he had the choice, if he could alter time, he would change all of his past. Have Reign be the woman he was caught with in London. Marry her, have children with her.
She would make a wonderful mother, just as she was a tremendous governess.
She stepped closer to him, and he had to lean back in his chair to look up at her. "I do not want to be scared away from you by some housekeeper. I like what we have, what we're doing together," she said, a wicked grin on her lips. "I lost what I wanted due to another's selfish deeds many years ago. I shall not be bullied away from taking what little happiness I can have now for as long as I'm here. I'm sick of people determining my life and telling me what I can and cannot do. I shall do what I want, and that is my choice."
He stared at her, unable to believe, to hope, she was in earnest.
Anger thrummed through her at the thought of Bellamy being torn away from her yet again. If they were careful no scandal would break and she could be with him for as long as she remained here.
Which, if her pitiful wage was any indication, may be longer than she expected.
But no matter, she did not mind living in the lovely Lake District, and nor did she mind having Bellamy in her bed.
"Do you really mean that?" he asked her, reaching for her and pulling her onto his lap.
She nodded, slipping her arms around his neck and playing with the hair at his nape. "I do mean it. Every word. I know what I agreed to and what price I was willing to pay to be with you. We are breaking no vows. That is enough for me," she said, leaning forward and kissing him quickly.
He clasped the back of her head and held her close, deepening the kiss.
Heat pooled at her core, and she wiggled, needing to be closer. His touch slipped down her leg, and he seized a good portion of her gown, dragging it over her thigh. Cool air kissed her skin, and expectation thrummed in her veins.
What wickedness did he have up his sleeve now?
She met his eye, seeing mischief burning in his blue gaze.
"What are you doing?" she asked, sucking in a startled breath when his hand brushed across her sex.
"Oh, my darling. You weep for me here," he said, teasing her further.
She moaned. Would it always be like this with him? Would she always crave his touch, his kisses?
"Tell me what you're going to do," she begged him, like a wanton.
"You will see," he teased, pushing her legs farther apart.
Reign stilled, her body on a precipice of expectation before his hand slid over her mons and across her sex, pressing upward in a teasing stroke.
She moaned again, lifting herself toward his touch. "Yes," she breathed. "I wanted this. I need this from you."
He dipped his fingers into her sex, watching her as he took her with his hand. Played and teased her sex with exquisite ability. Reign bit her lip as his touch taunted her toward release.
Now that she knew what pleasure could be had, she could not get enough of Bellamy. Nor would she deny him anything.
She wanted him as much as he wanted her.
"Do not stop," she pleaded, kissing him. Their tongues tangled, their breathing one. He was all maddening sweet rogue, the man she had always adored and now who held so much more than mere affection in her heart.
She did not want to name the emotions coiling within her, but even so, they were there, simmering, longing, wanting to come out.
"You drive me to distraction," he said, his eyes wild with determination.
Reign pushed against him, seeking him deeper, harder, faster. Pleasure burst from within her, thrumming through her body. "Bellamy," she gasped, holding him, hoping she did not scream too loudly for anyone to hear.
