Earl of Sussex (Wicked Lords of London 0.50)

Chuckling, her insides glowed with happiness, as he pulled her down the street and to the alley. “Were you able to secure passage?” she whispered in the quiet night.

“Yes, on a lovely ship. I think you were correct, that is the better way to travel. Your father will immediately begin checking all the popular post and stage coach stations.”

Her insides fluttered, not from excitement but fear. “My father may very well disown me. I’ll likely have no dowry.”

“It doesn’t bother me if it’s all right with you.” He kissed her long and slow.

Nodding, she rested her forehead against his. “It’s strange to cut ties with your family. I am putting my life completely in your hands, Luke.”

His fingers laced with hers. “I know you’ve had your reservations; I can’t tell you how much your trust in me means. I love you, Tabbie. I’ll never hurt you.”

“Thank you,” her voice was scratc

hy as though she were holding back tears. She wasn’t, she told herself as she swiped at a small drop of water on her cheek. “I love you, too.”

“When we return, I will set up an account of money for you. If for any reason you are dissatisfied, you could live comfortably on your own. I know it doesn’t replace your family, but it gives you some measure of independence.”

Her heart nearly stopped in her chest. She would never have asked for such a gift. While her heart still ached over the loss of her family, it was so much easier to trust knowing that he had provided her with an alternate option. “Oh Luke,” her words failed and so she used her lips to express her feeling by pressing them to his.

The kiss deepened, lengthened until her head was so muddled she could think of nothing else but him. Their bodies were pressed together and without even realizing it was happening, she found herself sitting sideways on his lap, her derriere cradled between his legs, the hard press of him against her soft flesh.

“Luke,” she gasped, wanting more, wanting all of him.

He didn’t answer as the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Paying the driver, he handed her out of the buggy and holding her hand, they walked down the docks toward a cluster of ships.

A large vessel stood apart and she grinned as Luke propelled them toward it. The Destiny emblazoned on her side. “You didn’t pick this ship for the name, did you?”

He gave her a wink. “I ship a decent amount of cargo to Scotland. I work with the captain often.”

They made their way up the plank and then were ushered into the captain’s quarters where a buffet of food was already laid out for them.

She turned to Luke. “What’s all this?”

“I told them we were recently wed and going to visit your family in Scotland.” Luke popped a fig in his mouth, as his eyes devoured her.

She blushed to her roots. “How long will the journey take?” Some of her desire had cooled, replaced with little niggles of fear. She’d already traveled past any redemption with her family and perhaps with society, but here, alone with him, this felt like the moment that would change everything.

His eyes never left hers as he reached for her and pulled her closer. “Three or four days. Similar to the land journey and hopefully less taxing.”

“Where will we go after the wedding?” She swallowed the lump in her throat.

His lips brushed her temple. “To my country estate in Norfolk, though I haven’t been there in some time. It may be a bit…rustic at first. It will have to be staffed and—”

“I’m sure it will be fine.” Nerves gripped at her belly. “We can return to London if you’d prefer. I—” But the idea of returning to London made her heart beat wildly.

“No, my love,” he whispered close to her ear. His arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. The fear that had been building was replaced with an emotion of another kind entirely…desire. She recognized it now. “We will spend some time just the two of us. Build trust,” he murmured as his lips brushed her cheek. “Which leads me to my next point. It will be difficult, since we are sharing a room, but I want to wait to be intimate until after we are married.”

Her stomach near dropped to the floor as her head reared back. “What?”

He gave a low chuckle. “It sounds awful, I know. But this is a fresh start for me and I want to do it correctly.”

She gave him a sideways glance, a small smile playing at her lips. He was protecting her, giving her the very best of himself and she appreciated it more than she could possibly say. But her fear was gone, and in its wake, was a rising need to be close to him. “Am I the only woman you won’t practice your roguish charm on?”

It was his turn to look stunned. Then, with a flurry of ribbons and fabric, her cloak was off and the buttons of her dress undone. “Just because I won’t take your maidenhead, does not mean I can’t act like a rogue.”

As her dress slipped off her shoulders, his lips followed a trail behind them. When he reached the top of her chemise, his fingers came to the ties of her corset and in moments, the boned piece fell away. Dimly, she thought her personal maid would be jealous of the dexterity with which he removed the pieces.

But all thought left her as his hands came to her breasts, cupping them, his thumb brushing her nipples. “Oh,” she gasped as his mouth dropped to suck on the flesh still covered by the chemise.