“My lovely Ella,” he murmured.
As the tip of his manhood pressed against her opening, she found herself thrusting closer. Wanting more of him rather than being afraid. “I want all of you,” she cried. She meant it and though she knew it would never be, she spoke of far more than just this evening.
He combed her h
air back from her face as he slowly slid inside of her. “You have me.”
She knew he meant now, this, but in her heart she allowed herself to believe he meant forever. And as the pain subsided, she arched against him and dreamed of a future where it was always like this. Her body climbed again, but this time it was slower, deeper, and so much stronger as they moved together.
As her body tensed, she pulled him tight against her. “I love you,” she cried out as she broke into a thousand tiny beautiful pieces.
“Yes,” he groaned as he spasmed with her. For just a moment, Ella pretended that he’d said, I love you too.
Tomorrow she’d face the harsh truth that he hadn’t.
Ella lay in the circle of Matthew’s arms as she slept soundly. Her soft breath fanned across his face as he studied each line of hers. He’d protect her forever.
She’d said that she loved him. It made his heart squeeze in his chest to remember the words and he wanted to hold them, and her, close for always.
He fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning and woke with the sun. She still slept peacefully next to him and, not wanting to wake her, he slipped from the bed. She needed her rest and it would be a busy day. He intended to make an early morning visit to a jewelry shop they’d passed just down the street. He wanted to give her a token of his affection.
Dressing, he left instructions to have breakfast ready for Ella as soon as she woke. Then he slipped out of the suite and made his way out onto the street in the early morning hours.
He knew the shop wouldn’t be open, but at the right price, the jeweler would make an exception.
After banging on the door several times, the shopkeeper finally stuck his head out the upstairs window. “Allo?” he called, looking rather surly.
“Pardon my unannounced visit,” Matthew returned. “If I could trouble you to open the shop, I am in need of your longest strand of pearls.” He pulled out a satchel of coins for the jeweler’s benefit.
Even from several feet above, Matthew saw the man’s eyes light. “Of course.” His demeanor softened. “I will be down in just a few moments.”
Matthew gave a nod, and waited as the man readied himself.
Within a half an hour he’d entered the shop, picked out a lovely strand of pearls that was accented with rubies, and paid handsomely for the gift. The shopkeeper assured him he was welcome to return at any time. Matthew had to smile at that. Ella was the only person he knew not seeking a fortune.
Thoughts of her quickened his steps as he made his way back to the inn. He wanted to give her this gift at breakfast. Somehow, it was important that she understand exactly how much he loved her.
Chapter Twelve
Ella woke knowing everything was wrong. Matthew was gone. Tears stung her eyes but she rose from bed, hoping she was incorrect but he wasn’t at breakfast to greet her as had become their routine. She’d known it would be this way. Now that they’d been intimate, he would be done with her, except of course, as his interpreter. She consoled herself that she’d just wanted the one night, but somehow, it still made her ache to know that it was done. He would never be hers again.
She ate alone and, by the time she finished, she’d nearly broken into tears several times. She should have known that one night with Matthew would never be enough and with the memories of his love would be the feeling of loss. Unable to take it for another second, she stood, and grabbing her pelice she made for the door. This is why she had to make her own way. Every man she cared for left.
She didn’t have a real idea of where she might go, she just wanted to walk. Hyde Park was only a half block away and she made her was to its gate, hoping that the quiet garden might soothe her. But as she entered, she immediately heard the sound of hooves upon the ground. Thinking that it might be better to stay on the street, she turned away again.
But the sound of hooves moved closer and as her hand grasped the gate she looked up to see a familiar figure riding toward her. Lord Michaels had broken from a group of men who now waited some distance away.
Once he reached her, he swung down from his mount and tied it to the fence. “Lady Eleanor,” he called in greeting.
She returned his smile. He had been exceedingly kind to her the other evening. His words having helped her more than she could say. “Lord Michaels, what an unexpected pleasure.”
“What are you doing here…alone?” He searched as though a companion might miraculously appear.
A blush heated her cheeks. She’d been alone so often this past month that in her distress she had completely forgotten that a proper lady would be chaperoned. “I must confess that I was in desperate need of some time to sort my thoughts. “
Lord Michaels nodded sympathetically. “I understand. Losing your father must have been terrible.”
She nibbled at her lip, wondering how she could ever explain all that she had been through and the myriad of feelings that had accompanied it. Would he ever understand that grief for a man that had left her destitute was hardly what troubled her? “Yes, thank you.”