Leath told himself that powerful sex turned his mind to mush. Tomorrow, his brain would return to its ruthless, ambitious, logical ways. No man made a lifetime commitment to a paramour. He owed his family a brilliant aristocratic wedding and political success at the highest level. A temporary mistress couldn’t upset plans made in his cradle.
A temporary mistress…
Eleanor snuggled closer. The way she drifted off in his embrace moved him in ways he couldn’t explain. He shifted to settle her more comfortably and drew the covers to keep her warm.
He’d never slept with a woman. It would never have occurred to him to linger cuddling the experienced ladies who had shared their favors. Yet while Eleanor’s nearness stirred his hunger—he had an almighty hunger to appease—he didn’t wake her. Not just because only a brute would use her again so soon.
The fire died down. He probably should do something about stoking it, but he was too contented to budge. Through the shadows, he watched Eleanor’s beautiful face. She was so lovely. The sight of her made his heart dip in delight. It always had. He should have long ago realized that he was in love.
He closed his eyes, yet something clawed at him, rattled his peace. As he stared into the night, he realized that it was a single word.
Temporary.
Nell stirred to warmth and a glow of happiness. Strong arms encircled her. Musky scent teased her senses. She rested her head on a man’s bare chest and his heart thudded beneath her ear. She nestled closer to that reassuring sound.
It was early. Pale light edged the curtains, but the sun was yet to rise. The room was dark. The fire had died long ago.
“Good morning,” a deep voice murmured above her head.
She stretched against James, loving the hot slide of his skin. So far, life as a fallen woman was full of splendid surprises. She hadn’t expected the pleasure she’d found last night, especially after the awkward beginning. She hadn’t expected to feel so blissful waking in the marquess’s arms.
“Good morning, my lord,” she whispered back.
“I was James last night,” he said softly.
“James.” She said the word slowly, relishing the mellifluous hiss.
She kissed his chest, the hair tickling her nose. Luxuriously she rubbed her foot along his leg, feeling the rasp of hair there too.
“If you keep doing that, there will be consequences,” he said on a rumble of amusement.
“How terrifying,” she said drily. He started the day interested, she discovered.
She gasped when he tipped her onto her back and rose above her. “You’re an impudent baggage.”
Breathlessly, she laughed, running her hands over his broad shoulders. “I don’t think you should call me names.”
“I do.” He glanced a kiss across her nose. “Sweetheart.”
She shivered at the playful contact. The last traces of sleep ebbed.
Another kiss between her eyebrows. “Darling.”
A squeak of pleasure escaped. She liked him to tease her. She liked it even better when he kissed her at the same time.
“Dearest.” Two kisses this time, one on each fluttering eyelid. “Sweeting.”
She tilted her chin in silent invitation. This game was diverting, of course it was. But her lips tingled for the taste of his.
“Beautiful girl.” A kiss on her ear and a subtle puff of breath that made her toes curl.
She caught his arms in eager hands. “You won your point, my lord.”
“My lord again?” He nibbled a line from her jaw up to her ear and nipped at her earlobe. Another shivery ripple had her squirming into the sheets.
“Perhaps I want to call you names too.”
He bit her earlobe again, then tugged with his teeth. She caught her breath. Who knew that something as humble as her ear offered such pleasure?