William pursed his lips. “So I thought too. Which is why I ordered a costume for her and a mask when I remembered the event was coming up. It was meant to be a secret gift, but there you have it—a surprise ruined by your curiosity yet again.”
“My very own mask?”
William winked. “You should never wear anyone else’s. Not while I live and breathe.”
Matilda pressed her lips together, excited by William’s thoughtful and generous purchase. He planned everything so carefully, often making decisions for her many days, weeks, in advance. She had glimpsed his appointment book and seen her name written several times. It gave her a warm glow to see their names written side by side so often.
Victoria closed her eyes briefly. “Well, she does deserve something nice for putting up with you.”
He grinned widely and retrieved the invitation. “Nice and painfully expensive, I promise.”
“Excellent.” Victoria clapped her hands and embraced him suddenly. “You really are a good husband. Who would have thought you’d be so considerate?”
William’s gaze flitted to Matilda. “I must have married the right woman.”
Matilda could feel heat creeping up her cheeks. She moved away as embarrassment made her throat tight. They were not going to be married for long, only pretending to be man and wife for a time, and then they would go their separate ways. Even if, at times, she couldn’t imagine not being with William. He was very considerate and generous, except when punishing her. And even that seemed to please her now.
It would be very strange to go on without him.
Victoria hurried away with her letter clutched in her hand. When she could no longer be heard, Matilda sank into a chair, wincing a little as her bottom throbbed.
William moved close, squeezing into the space at her side and kissing her neck. “What are you thinking about?”
“You.”
A delighted smile burst over his face. “And I was thinking about you. Especially about last night and what we did together. Chasing spiders was thrilling.”
Matilda grew hot. “I thought you would have done more.”
“Taken your innocence?” His breath beat hot against her throat. “I considered it.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I don’t know.” He sighed and then nibbled her neck again. “Perhaps my conscience got the better of me.”
“Because we’re not truly husband and wife.”
“We had an arrangement, and I don’t mean to dishonor it.” He nodded. “Once you give your innocence to me, there is no going back. Last night was wonderful, and I loved arousing you. But I think if I were to slide inside you and make you mine, I would prefer to keep you in my bed forever.”
Matilda panted. “You should probably be more worried that I?
??d become your slave. You can be very persuasive when you try.”
William slid his hand across her belly. “Are you not that already? You have an obedient disposition made for me, and I crave that and more.”
“I suppose I am very malleable.”
“But only with me.” His fingers slid up her side, coming to rest beside her breast. “I won’t lie. Last night I ached to be inside you.”
Hearing the confession of his lust made Matilda smile. “That pleases me,” she said, aiming at mimicking his confessions of wanting to spank her.
“I will, but only if you truly understand what that means for you.” He met her gaze, serious once more. “I can’t change who I am. I will always want to correct your behavior, take you over my knee and spank you. I will always tell you how to dress, order your days and nights. It is who I am, but I can understand if that makes you uncomfortable.”
“It does make me uncomfortable. I have always been a woman who worked. I’m not easy being so idle, but you will likely punish me for attempting to fill the hours.”
He was silent, and then he kissed her neck once more. The fast quality of his breathing gave her gooseflesh. “Let us compromise,” he whispered.
Matilda struggled to concentrate. His lips were traveling along her collarbone, and she began to shiver. He might have had doubts about the appeal of his kisses, but Matilda was putty in his hands, near reduced to ash by his scorching passions. “What kind of compromise?”