Her Christmas Pleasure (The Merry Widows 2)

“Celia.” He cupped her chin with gentle fingers and tilted her head back so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “I never confessed to you my feelings. I was afraid Lawrence would get in the way.”

“But he’s…gone.” Her eyes were a wide, beautiful blue, filled with unshed tears. His heart ached. Was it a mistake to mention Lawrence’s name?

“I know. And you’re still here. As am I. And I must agree.” He dropped a kiss to the tip of her nose and then brushed her mouth with his, a fleeting touch that filled him with yearning. “I too believe we make a good pair.”

A shaky smile curved her lips. She shook her head, an errant tear falling to slide down her cheek. She dropped her hands to her sides. “I cannot bear the thought of you leaving. Will you stay?”

“Do you want me to?” He wiped the tear away with the pad of his thumb.

She nodded, and the hair he tousled while removing the ivy fell about her face. “I—I think my heart might break if you were to leave.”

Damien’s heart might break just from hearing her confession.

He wrapped his arms around her narrow waist and crushed her to him, pressing his face in her fragrant hair. Her words were like a balm to his soul, reassuring him he had what he’d always wanted.

Celia. She was all his.

“I love you.” His voice was fierce, his heart full to bursting. “I love you so much, Celia. And I believed I would never be able to tell you.”

“Oh, Damien.” Her arms we

nt around him and she stroked his back. “I love you too. I wish—I wish you would’ve confessed your feelings sooner.”

“You weren’t ready yet.” He kissed the top of her head. Perhaps he hadn’t been ready either. “Though I can’t deny I’ve been silently suffering for what feels like an age.”

She laughed and shook her head, withdrawing from him slightly. “I hope I didn’t put you through too much torture.”

“It was the most torturous experience I’ve ever suffered through.” Her somber expression forced him to kiss her. “The reward will be more than worth it, I believe.”

She melted against him and reached between them to rest her hand against the center of his chest, her palm atop his wildly racing heart. Their mouths met in a gentle, searching kiss, their tongues tangling lazily. He groaned.

He should wait, should make an honorable woman out of her. He’d marry her as soon as he was able and bring her and Theo back to his small town house in London. Regretfully resign from the job with the marquis so he could continue his work for Urswick, managing the books and finances for his estates and holdings. He had a feeling the earl would be most pleased with the newfound arrangements.

Hopefully the countess would become pleased as well.

“I want you, Damien,” Celia murmured when she broke the kiss. She watched him with glittering eyes.

All thoughts of keeping his hands from her flew out the window. Without a word, he bent and swooped her into his arms, earning a startled gasp. He strode toward the bed and deposited her on her feet, waving an impatient hand at her. “Undress,” he practically growled.

Her delicate brows rose, and a smirk formed. “Are you turning into a heathen?”

“I find I can hardly wait to get naked with you, Celia, so I suggest you get undressed and hurry. I’ll help you,” he added with what he hoped was a charming smile.

Her smirk grew. “Only if I get to help you too.”

“Oh, I’ll allow that, don’t worry.”

They assisted in removing each other’s clothing, Celia needing the majority of the help in removing her gown and corset. No lady’s maid played a part in tonight’s game, he mused as he unlaced her corset, removing it as quickly as he could. His breath stuck in his throat while he drank in her beauty. As she stood in her thin shift, he could see her hard nipples poking against the nearly sheer fabric. And he couldn’t help but notice the shadow of dark hair between her legs.

His cock strained against his binding trousers. He divested himself of them, thankful he’d already stumbled about removing his boots. She studied him with unabashed interest, staring directly at his groin, and her cheeks turned pink when she realized he caught her.

“You’re staring,” he teased, and she jerked her gaze away from his growing cock.

“I just can’t believe…this is happening.”

“It’s most definitely happening, sweetheart.” He wrapped his fingers around her upper arms and led her backward until her legs hit the edge of the bed. With one gentle shove, she was falling onto the bed, and he followed. Pressing her into the mattress with his weight, he braced his hands on either side of her head, leaning in to kiss her. “I vow tonight will be even more spectacular than last.”

She smiled lazily and arched against him, his erection brushing against her soft belly and leaving a wet trail on her skin. He was so eager to get inside her he was afraid he might burst. “That’s a big promise.”