Viscount of Vanity, Tammy Andresen [top reads txt] 📗

distant relation to the man your mother knew.”

She wrapped her arms about his neck. Because these were the types of things that it was so helpful to know. They were sharing their lives in a way she hadn’t…well…since her mother. And even then, she’d been a child. There had been so much her mother had never confided. “Thank you for telling me all of that.”

He kissed her as his fingers traced her spine. “I like your policy of honesty. It strengthens us and our marriage.”

“I agree,” she said as she kissed him again. “As does this.” And she gestured up and down their intimate position.

He smiled. “I can think of a better way to strengthen our bond further.”

“Really?” she breathed, but she already knew what he referred to. Her fingers traced the lapels of his coat before he let her go to shrug off the garment.

She slid off his lap and watched as he removed his boots and shirt next. Then he turned back to her, climbing up her body, with a grace that made her heart beat out of her chest. “I’ve never seen a man move like you. It’s riveting.”

He gave her a lopsided grin. “Years of exercise.”

“I love it,” she whispered.

He stopped, his mouth now just inches from hers. “Most of my youth, I spent alone.”

“As did I,” she returned, her fingers stroking along the scruff of his jaw.

“I never considered the companionship a marriage would bring, but now that I have you,” he leaned down and kissed her, “I never want to be without you.”

“Me either,” she answered, wrapping her arms about his neck. “I don’t mean to frighten you, but you’ve been terribly heroic, swooping in to save me. I fear you might be claiming my heart.”

He stilled, lifting up. “Are you saying that you love me?”

She nodded. “Does that worry you?”

He kissed her then, long and slow and so achingly sweet, she melted into the mattress. “No, love. From the moment I saw you, sitting on that stoop, I couldn’t hold myself apart from you either. I think I might have loved you from that very first moment.”

He slid his hands down her body and lifted the hem of her chemise even as she pulled at his breeches.

As their skin came in contact, they both groaned, even as Austin gently pushed into her slick folds.

She cried out at the feel of him filling her, causing pleasure to spiral out from her center.

He pushed in again and then a third time and she made to roll on top again, but he stilled her with a kiss. “I’m not afraid anymore. We’ll try making love like this. If it doesn’t work, then…”

She nodded as he picked up the pace.

Together they moved, his muscles working over her until they were both panting with desire. She clutched him to her body even as she fell over the edge, shattering into a million beautiful shards.

He followed close behind her, his body going rigid, his groans of pleasure filling the room until he collapsed on top of her.

“Are you all right?” she whispered in his ear, stroking her fingertips all over his skin.

He picked his head up, his eyes sparkling, his face relaxed. “I’m perfect, love. That was perfect.”

She sighed, happiness filling her as she squeezed his waist. “I’m so glad. We’re going to build the most wonderful life.”

He kissed her. “We are. I can’t wait for you to come to London with me and then to my country estate. As soon as we’re able, we’ll leave Overton.”

She nodded, snuggling into his large frame. “I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”

He tucked her into his side. “Still, the sooner we leave here, the better. We don’t need your father stirring up any more mischief.”

That was the truth. Much as Gabriella wanted to understand her past, it was likely best left alone. She should leave this place and focus on her future.

Chapter Fourteen

A week passed in relative quiet. Austin looked down at his sleeping wife, a smile touching his lips. It had been the happiest week of his life.

His childhood had been marked with disease and loneliness, his adulthood brought a level of control, which had been comforting, but exhausting. Finally, he’d reached some middle ground. He was in love; he was not sick, not lonely, no longer caged by his need for militant mastery of his body.

He still exercised daily. Those were habits he couldn’t break, not sure he wished to, but most of his fears had dissipated. His lungs hadn’t tightened a bit during their amorous activities, and all the while his affection for his wife had amplified exponentially.

And while he was happy to have provided for her future, he was far less concerned about leaving her and their children alone in the world, and more focused on, well, enjoying his life.

Gabriella snuggled closer, murmuring unintelligible words as her hands slipped about him. The sun was about to rise and she’d wake soon, but for the moment, she fell back into her slumber.

He let her black hair slip through his fingers.

His carriage had arrived yesterday evening. Today he’d make the final preparations for their journey, and then they’d leave for London.

He’d considered going to his country estate first, then he grinned. Maybe they would go to hers. She would surely enjoy seeing her new property. But in the end, he’d chosen London as their first destination. He wanted to sell his shares in the club. Not only would he make a hefty profit, but it would be a clean slate for them both.

He’d never cared for the club and he knew she didn’t like it either. He’d joined to participate with his friends and to keep up the appearance of a rake. It had hidden the truth about him. But he didn’t need that shroud any longer. Not now that he was happily married.

And in love.

She sighed in her sleep and his fingers flexed. He wished to gather her up against his chest and keep her