Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

“Tonight,” he answered. “Once we’re married, I’ll spend endless hours accomplishing the task.”

“Married?” Diana, now in her corset and chemise took a step back. “Did you say married?”

“Yes,” he held her face. “Is that a problem?”

“Problem?” Diana couldn’t think the words let alone speak them. “Is marrying you a problem?”

Exile squinted at her, cocking his head to the side. “Ye’re right. That was a lousy way to ask.” Then he dropped down to one knee, reaching for her hand.

Her heart thudded in her chest so loudly, she could hardly hear. “Diana Chase, would ye do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“I’m dressed only in a corset and chemise,” she whispered back, her hand covering her chest.

He grimaced. “I ken I wish I’d asked ye when ye were sitting in the garden out on the terrace of a fancy ball.”

She shook her head. “I don’t care about traditions.”

He gave her a soft smile. “That’s one of the things I love about ye.”

“I just didn’t expect you to ask. I thought this would just be for tonight. I—”

“Are ye complaining?” he asked.

She shook her head, too overwhelmed to answer right away. “No,” she squeaked.

“Are ye going to say yes?” He stood, clasping her other hand.

“Yes,” she answered again.

He gave her hands a firm squeeze. “Tomorrow I’ll ask again in front of yer family. But I wanted ye to understand tonight what I am thinking.”

Her mind began to work again. Part of her was tempted to ask what had changed. Why he hadn’t wanted to marry her to begin with but she didn’t want to ruin this perfect moment. And so, rather than ask, she stepped closer, her chest just touching his, their hands still laced together. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

“Good,” he answered and then he kissed her again.

This kiss set fire to her blood and made her ache in places she didn’t even know existed as his mouth took hers over and over. She barely noticed as the strings of her half corset gave way and the garment fell to the ground.

Not breaking their kiss, she tugged at the ties of his shirt, yanking the garment free. When he winced, she finally broke their kiss. “I forgot about your arm. I am so sorry.”

“No’ to worry, love,” he answered, pulling the cloth up over his head. Then with his uninjured arm, he lifted her off the ground and carried her over to the bed.

She ran her fingers through his hair, loving the copper that glinted from the strands. One candle burned next to the bed, its light catching the flecks of red.

He lay her down on the mattress, then grabbed the hem of her chemise to skim the fabric up her thighs even as his lips kissed a path down. Diana wiggled out of garment and sent it sailing onto the floor as she lay in nothing but her stockings before him.

“Diana,” his voice was hoarse as he trailed a hand down her body. He cupped one breast, then the other, lightly tweaking her nipples in a way that made her gasp and arch for more. “Ye’re so lovely. It almost hurts…” He trailed off, dropping his mouth to one breast.

A moan ripped from her lips as he sucked in the sensitive flesh, causing it to peak.

But he didn’t stop there. Lower and lower he kissed, raising shivers and sighs of delight to fall from her lips until he dropped his mouth to her most intimate parts. Then no sound came out at all as her body spasmed in pleasure.

But he didn’t stop with just one touch, over and over, he ran his tongue along her flesh, causing pleasure to build inside her until she thought she might burst from it.

She’d been with a man, she knew that. But the experience had been nothing like this. Callum was everything to her. She could think of nothing else as her body fell over the edge, crashing into an abyss of pleasure.

Chapter Seventeen

Exile wanted to roar his own satisfaction as he listened to her moans of pleasure. Giving had never been so satisfying. He meant to keep his promise. He’d not risk impregnating her tonight, but giving her pleasure like that was all the satisfaction he’d need. He’d remember this night for the rest of his life.