To Desire a Wicked Duke (Courtship Wars)

folds enveloped him, creamy hot and wet. It was like plunging into molten honey, and it was his undoing.

His body bucked just as she went rigid and began to sob. Groaning, he preceded her shivering convulsions in a climax that was bright and brilliant and explosive, her sweet cries of pleasure mingling with his hoarse shout of release.

When their shudders at last subsided, Ian collapsed to one side of her shoulder, barely having the strength to spare Tess his weight. He could scarcely believe his lack of control. No other woman had ever affected him this strongly.

Yet he no longer marveled at his wild physical response to Tess. The powerful sexual drive churning in his blood was matched only by his possessiveness. Already he wanted her again—yet he had to remember her inexperience. He had to be gentle with Tess, at least until she could grow accustomed to the demands he made on her body.

Easing off her, he drew Tess’s naked form against him, lying with her head on his shoulder.

The sigh she gave was sated and content, although her voice was hoarse and held a teasing note when she spoke. “Admit it, Ian, you came very close to begging me.”

Indeed, he had. But he would not share that thought aloud. “I would say we came to a draw this time.”

She glanced up at him, her mouth fighting a smile. “Very well, I will acknowledge a draw. But if I am to have a fair chance at winning, you must teach me more about passion.”

“What more do you need to learn? Your knowledge seems more than adequate now.”

“Not adequate enough. You have a vast advantage over me. If you show me the secrets of being an ideal lover, it will put us on more equal footing.”

He pressed a light kiss on the crown of her head. “I will be happy to oblige, darling. I am surprised you know so little about lovemaking,” he added absently.

Her eyebrow lifted. “Why would you be surprised? Setting aside the fact that ladies are supposed to remain chaste until after marriage, where would I have gained any experience?”

“From Richard. I would never have thought he would be slow in that arena.”

Ian felt Tess stiffen at the mention of her betrothed.

“Richard was a gentleman,” she replied in his defense. “He never attempted more than a kiss or two. And we never had much opportunity for anything else. He was away with his regiment for much of the time we were betrothed.”

Ian’s jaw hardened for a moment. He was infinitely glad his cousin hadn’t had the chance to spoil Tess’s innocence. But he should never have brought up the subject.

Seeking to distract her, Ian drew a finger over her swollen lips. “So you wish me to share my secrets, hmmm? Where would you like to begin?”

Tess allowed him to divert her attention, even though the reference to Richard had unsettled her. Eventually they fell asleep from sated exhaustion, but later when she woke from a doze, as she lay beside her sleeping husband, her thoughts returned to her late betrothed.

Her marriage was nothing like what she’d dreamed of when she accepted Richard’s proposal. She had loved him a great deal, both as a friend and future husband, yet she honestly had never felt much passion for him. Certainly not the kind of fiery sparks she always felt for Ian.

Richard had been kind and gentle and sweet and compassionate. He frequently made her laugh, and even when she was vexed with him, he always managed to charm her out of her ill mood.

Ian, on the other hand, made her burn for him and yearn for something more exciting and fulfilling.

Still, despite the danger of being swept up in an ardor beyond her control, she could justify her decision to share his bed, Tess reflected defensively. Simply because Ian could arouse her body did not mean she would lose her heart to him.

Yes, he made her feel a fierce desire for him. It was also true that he fired her emotions by challenging her, that he forced her to feel.

But she relished that exhilarating sensation and had no intention of giving it up. She would never return to that numb state she had existed in for the past two years, Tess vowed. She refused to let life pass her by, to grow old wondering what might have been.

Her hopes of having a loving marriage would likely elude her, but at least she could have passion.

Moreover, she was not as vulnerable now, Tess knew. It was quite possible that she’d fallen so earnestly in love with Richard because she had recently lost both her parents, but she was much stronger now, and fully on her guard.

Hearing Ian’s quiet breathing, she opened her eyes and studied him as he slept. His striking features were softer in repose, but she would not make the mistake of thinking he had a heart.

After today’s sensual battles, she felt much more optimistic that she could enjoy their nuptial bed, but keep their physical relations from leading to anything more intimate. Especially if Ian was willing to teach her how to be his ideal lover. She was a quick study, and she would use his expert skills to further arm herself against her handsome husband.

With that comforting thought, Tess once more closed her eyes and slept.

Ian believes me to be softhearted and idealistic, but it is only right that we help those who most deserve our compassion.