Page 24 of My Beastly Duke
Marina dropped her hand from the bird and looked at him. “Or what, Your Grace?” She backed away from the cage when Aaron began to advance on her.
“Or I might just make good on my promise.” He stopped in front of her and raised an arm above her head when her back was pressed against a wall.
The dark look of passion in her eyes almost sent him over the edge as he looked down at her, resting his forearm on the wall above her head.
Her chest rose and fell with every breath as she parted her lips ever so slightly. “Isn’t that part of the agreement, Your Grace? That you should sire an heir. Our marriage will not be consummated until you do.”
Aaron allowed the corner of his mouth to hook into a smile as he raised one hand and ran the back of his finger over her jawline. “And what does a lady like you know of consummating a marriage?” His eyes dipped to her perfect lips, wandering to her slender neck before resting on the perfect shape of her breasts.
“I… I do not know much, but I do know that it is more than what you have already given me.” Her voice was low and breathy, almost husky as her eyelids fluttered a few times.
Leaning in closer, Aaron pressed his body into hers, enjoying the subtle gasp that escaped her lips. “And when I do decide to consummate this marriage properly, will you obey my every command?” His finger traced a path down her jawline to her throat, stopping at the swelling of her breasts above her corset. The plump flesh made him draw his lower lip into his mouth as he breathed in the warm scent of her skin.
“I…” Her breathing deepened even further when he brought his lips closer to hers.
“You what?” He demanded more firmly, bringing his free hand up to her waist where he gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I shall obey your every command when the time comes…” Her eyes fluttered shut as she turned her head to the side, exposing her slender neck.
His passion almost overtook him as he pressed the full weight of his body into hers before dipping his head to her neck.
The tiny gasp of pleasure that escaped her throat, drove him on as he pulled his lips over the tender flesh of her neck. “How badly do you want to become my wife?” He growled against her throat, dragging his hand up the side of her body before placing it around her neck.
Her breasts pressed against his chest with every labored breath that came from her lips. “More than you know.” She seemed to be in a trance when he moved his hand up her throat and over her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes as he spoke.
“I will make you mine, Marina… Do not regret your request when I make you crawl to me…” He expected to see fear in her eyes, yet the desire that darkened the deep hues of blue only proved to flame the fire in his chest.
She is so beautiful.
His thoughts almost betrayed him when he leaned in closer for a kiss, brushing his lips against hers.
“Shit! You bloody bastard!” The bird squawked uncontrollably, seemingly losing his mind in his cage as he flapped his wings.
Realizing how exposed they were in the open parlor, Aaron let go of her chin, stealing one last glance at her before taking a step back.
Marina’s daze seemed to lift as well as she pushed herself up from the wall and struggled to regain control of her breathing.
Licking over his lips, he turned toward the bird. “That thing shall be kept in a room far away from quests, you may bring him out when nobody is here.” He tried to focus on his breathing, needing to calm the fire she had ignited in his loins.
She simply nodded while letting out a deep breath.
“And as for the cats and dogs, the moment I see any ‘mess’ in the house, they shall be banished to the barn. The only reason I am not doing so now is because of our agreement.”
Her chest still rose and fell as she breathed, seemingly unable to speak. The rich color that had filled her cheeks made him want her even more when he realized that she had been just as taken by the situation as he had.
How is it possible for her to want me?
Chapter 11
Aaron braced himself as he stepped into her chambers, shutting the door behind him. He had not wanted his hand to be forced, yet the day had shown him that the sooner he sired an heir, the sooner his house would return to normal.
The animals had run amuck for most of the afternoon until Aaron forced them into the servants’ hall. He had warned Marina that the creatures, including the foul-mouthed bird, would reside below the stairs until further notice.
None of those things seemed to matter anymore as he watched her running a comb through her long hair. The soft strands glinted in the dim light, creating a waterfall of silk down her shoulders.
Marina looked up from her dresser, meeting his gaze in the mirror. “Your Grace?” Her eyes were intensely dark as she followed his path to the bedside table where a single candle burned in its holder.
“Don’t.” She suddenly stood with her hand on the back of her chair, looking at him with her lips slightly parted.