My Duke's Seduction (Wicked Lords of London 1)

“Yes, my love,” he murmured against her lips. “I never realized how much I needed you until you were here.” He thrust inside her and she felt a pinch of pain but he stilled and kissed her over and over. “I’ve been missing so much. You have brought such color and warmth to my life.”

Emotion swept through her at his words. “And you to mine.”

Then he moved again and rather than pain, pleasure radiated through her.

They moved, nearly as one, as pleasure built again. Never had she felt more connected to one person. In her heart, she knew that what she felt for Ryker was forever.

It was with that thought that her passion broke again, and then he groaned, his own release following hers.

As they lay twined in each other’s arms, Tricia knew she’d found exactly where she was meant to be.

Epilogue

Ryker stood before the priest, Luke just to his right, and Teddie beside him. He hadn’t been alone with Tricia since their one night together, but waking up with her curled into his side had felt like the most natural act in the world.

By contrast, having been separated, especially after that unconventional courtship, had been difficult to say the least. But it ended tonight.

His mother had made the journey to London for the occasion and her father was even able to attend the ceremony.

The doors swung open and the organ began to play.

Ryker turned toward the door and caught his breath at the sight of Tricia. Her ivory gown fit her perfectly, molding to her beautiful curves and complimenting her auburn curls.

While a veil shadowed her face from him, his fingers itched to lift it up and look into her beautiful hazel green eyes.

As she and her father slowly approached, Ryker attempted not to fidget. He wanted her hands in his.

“Soon enough,” Luke whispered.

“What is soon enough?” Teddie asked, looking at the two men. The boy had proven an apt student and was as charming as his sisters. Fortunately for the dukedom, he had less of a penchant for trouble.

“When Ryker will have your sister by his side,” Luke whispered.

“Do you love her?” Teddie asked, his face growing pink.

Ryker gave his soon to be brother-in-law a grin. “With all my heart.” He reached behind Luke and gave Teddie a pat on the shoulder.

“Most marriages aren’t for love.” Teddie lifted his chin back up, giving Ryker a questioning glance.

At fifteen, it was natural to wonder about such things. “Each man chooses what is most important for himself. But I can say that your sister is best for both my dukedom and for me personally.”

Teddie

nodded. “And you’re the best for her. Even Mama says so. She said Tricia would have stuffed herself in some hovel otherwise.”

“We’ll finish this later,” Luke said as he clapped Teddie on the back.

Tricia came to stand next to him, her father placing her hand into Ryker’s. A warmth spread through Ryker at the touch. This was where Tricia belonged. With him. And he was meant to be next to her.

For just a moment, he leaned his head down to rest his forehead against hers. “I love you,” he softly whispered.

Her fingers squeezed his, and though he couldn’t see them, somehow he knew there were tears in her eyes. “I love you.”

As her father returned to his seat next to her mother, Ryker heard her say, “Unbelievable. Two love matches.”

Tricia suppressed a giggle as her father replied, “Yes, dear. See what happens when you raise your children correctly?”

“I’m going to have to remember that one.” Tricia gave his hands another squeeze.