He took a breath, caught the cold brass handle of the bedroom door, and then let himself inside. Matilda was sitting on the side of the bed, a faraway look in her eyes.
“Good morning, wife.”
“Husband,” she said, but her expression remained troubled.
“I trust you slept well.”
She nodded slowly enough that he was concerned. He crossed the room, cupped her face, and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “I couldn’t sleep and got up very early today. I watched the sun rise over London for the first time since my recovery. I hope I did not wake you when I left our bed.”
“You didn’t.” Her shoulders sagged a little. “I had wondered where you had gone. I don’t remember your coming to bed. I thought perhaps you had gone out to that place.”
“Never,” he assured her before he brushed his fingers across her warm cheeks. He didn’t want anyone else while he had Matilda. She must not realize how fixed his attentions had become. “Whenever I have gone there, it is to discipline, and you had already allowed me that. I had everything I needed last night with you.”
Her frown lifted and a hesitant smile turned up the corners of her beautiful lips. “I was not sure if I should dress myself or wait.”
“I’m here now to do that.” He caressed her neck and enjoyed the view down her nightgown. Her breasts jiggled as she moved, and her nipples hardened to points as he caressed her. He began to silently count backward from one hundred in an effort to curb his arousal. “I am on my way out shortly, and I hoped you might wish to accompany me.”
Her frown returned. “Where are you going?”
“I have a meeting with my man of business at ten in his offices, and then I have a second meeting in Mayfair to look at a house at one o’clock. In between, I thought you might like to do some shopping or perhaps visit my sisters for luncheon.”
She groaned. “More shopping? Captain, you have already spent too much on me.”
“That’s one.” He drew closer to her, warming to the idea of spanking her again and then spoiling her afterward. Something light in a pale shade of pink to accent her blushes would be just the thing. “If you believe that, then you will be surprised to learn I have not spent a tenth on you yet that is not already spent on my youngest sister for her come-out next year.”
Her eyes widened. “Surely not.”
He nodded. “I have seen the bills of sale for Evelyn, and it is far larger than your upkeep. Besides, is it not my privilege to pay your expenses for the next two years as part of our arrangement?”
“I suppose. But I already have more gowns than I can possibly wear.”
“Nonsense.” He glanced around. “We shall see what else I think you need today.”
Matilda leaned back from him, resting one hand on the bed so that her nightgown slid down, exposing her shoulder. “You are disturbingly opinionated about my wardrobe.”
“I am.” He liked knowing she wore what he chose, but that bold pose was causing him to thicken in his trousers beyond his ability to stop it. He would be counting all day at this rate. “That will not change. Matilda, you should understand your husband. I do have strong opinions about how a lady should look. I don’t agree that her assets”—he glanced down at her bustline—“should be on show for just anyone to admire. I prefer modesty in a woman’s attire in public. We may not be married for life, but I intend to protect you from any unwanted attention. Even my own.”
She smiled a little and gave a halfhearted laugh. Her gaze flickered downward, and then her eyes widened. She swallowed as she stared at his hips, or rather the bulge of his erection growing beyond his control between them. Her lips parted a little, and there wasn’t chance he could restrain his arousal when she stared at him like that.
“Matilda, look at my face.”
She glanced up quickly, though her eyes were wide. She licked her lips, swallowed, and then darted another look at his arousal. She sat up, and his breath caught as she drew near. What would she do? Ignore his condition or explore him?
He hoped the former since they had appointments to keep.
“So you sent those three gowns back to the modiste because they were immodest?” She clenched her hands in her lap and looked up into his eyes. “Evelyn was very enthusiastic about the design and colors.”
“Far too revealing. You must remember that a gentleman of greater height than you could have been granted a most extraordinary view of your cleavage that he would not have deserved.” He took in that same view but kept his hands back. Now was not the moment for indulgence, but he had always enjoyed the anticipation of touching the things he craved.
Matilda’s gaze flickered from his face and back to his arousal. “I liked how I looked in those gowns.”
His cock twitched. “So did I, which is why they went back.” He stroked his fingers over the exposed skin of her leg. “Far too tempting, like you appear now.”
Matilda glanced up at him, eyes wide, and then glanced down at her bare legs where he touched her. For a change she did not seek to cover herself. Her legs were slightly parted, revealing the softness of her inner thighs.
“I should get dressed,” she whispered.
“Indeed, but first a kiss to start the day, just to make sure I have this right.” He cupped her face and kissed her softly, moving his lips over hers in a gentle possession.