To Teach A Gentleman Page 17

  When Christopher turned, he saw Genny flanked by no less than eight women coming toward him. All thought of everything not related to her fled his mind. She looked stunning and when her eyes met his, she offered him a tentative smile. That small bit of reassurance was exactly what he needed.

  It was time to take his bride home.

  ~ ~ ~

  Genevieve stood in the middle of her new bedchamber, feeling terrified and overwhelmed. After quite an elaborate dinner with Christopher, he had left her in her room to ready herself. The maid who had helped her dress and take down her hair had been kind and patient with her nerves. Now, there was nothing to do but wait for her husband to join her.

  As her mother had promised, she hadn’t allowed anyone to so much as speak to her about tonight, and for that, Genevieve had been grateful. Christopher’s assurances combined with his kiss in the carriage had confused her enough. But, she would suffer through her duty tonight. After all, she was a wife now.

  The thought brought an uncomfortable tingling in her stomach, and she had to sit down to keep from losing her footing. The day had not given her many opportunities to dwell on the fact she had achieved her ultimate goal, but there was nothing else to distract her now.

  A noise sent her eyes to the door adjoining her bedchamber to her husband’s. Worry engulfed her, and she could hardly breathe. This was it. The moment her mother had warned her about. As the door slowly crept open, she felt her anxiety rise. How could she do this?

  Then, Christopher was there. Standing in the doorway in nothing but a dressing gown. Her eyes fell to his bare feet, and she quickly looked away. Having him here in such a state of undress made her even more uncomfortable.

  “How are you feeling, Lady Andel?”

  His low voice combined with the use of her title made her shiver. “I’m well, my lord.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, for it’s time for me to finally fulfill the request you made of me a month ago.”

  She swallowed, then stood, knowing what was expected of her. “I’m ready.”

  He laughed. “No. I don’t believe you are, but we will get there. Come here.”

  Although she had no idea what he meant by that, she moved to stand in front of him. The smile he shot her was soft and helped ease her. When he reached out and ran his fingers through her lose hair, he groaned.

  “I’ve wanted to do that for so long,” he confessed, then with his hands still in her hair, he drew her into his arms and kissed her.

  Just as it had when she’d been dressed as a boy, the sensation of his body against hers overwhelmed. Determined to take any amount of pleasure from this night, she wrapped her arms around him and met his kiss as vehemently as he kissed her.

  Knowing the rules of behavior had somewhat lifted, she mirrored his actions and slid her hands into his hair. The silken strands moved through her fingers, and she loved being able to touch him in such a private way. As she held onto the locks of his hair, she felt her body hum, craving the experience she’d had a month ago. But, she tried to stifle the feelings knowing it wouldn’t happen.

  Worried that she was becoming too desperate for more, she pulled back. Their breath mingled, both heavy with need. And, his wouldn’t be denied tonight. With eyes nearly black, he ran his hands down her body and gripped her night rail. Then, in one smooth motion, he pulled it over her head and tossed it aside.

  “Beautiful,” he breathed as his eyes trailed over her.

  She gasped, embarrassed to remain there unclothed, but she bit her lip to ignore the feeling. Her mother had already warned her of the necessity of going through this process. She would accustom herself.

  As she trained her gaze on his chest, she was fascinated to discover his dressing gown had slightly parted. Considering he was gazing upon her, she shamelessly looked at the patch of skin dusted in hair. She wished she could see more, but didn’t know if she was allowed to ask.

  However, before she could decide, Christopher gathered her into his arms, carried her to the bed and laid her upon it. When he covered her body with his, settling between her legs, she knew this would be the painful part. She bit down on her teeth in preparation.

  Instead of what she expected, he closed his palm over her bare breast while his leg pressed against her most private place. She let out a strangled sound as she clutched onto his shoulders at the pleasure of it. She knew it was wrong for her to enjoy this night, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

  She grabbed his face and kissed him hard. All the while, she fought with her body and her need. When she couldn’t take it any longer, she gave in and pressed herself against him. Spikes of pleasure shot through her at the contact, and she gasped.

  Not deterred, his mouth moved down her body to close over one of her sensitive nipples. Although, she rejoiced at the attention he lavished with his skillful tongue, he had moved his body down and left her center aching.

  Her body was in such a state of turmoil, she was near pain. Could this be the suffering she’d been warned about? It was both torturous and wonderful. She wanted to ask him for more, but knew that wouldn’t be right. Then, his hand moved down her body, settling in the one place she craved him the most. A tear slipped down her cheek at the sheer joy of it all.

  She clutched onto him as the wondrous feeling built up within her. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be enjoying herself, but she wanted it too much to stop him. Suddenly, she froze and closed her eyes as pleasure drowned her. Fire licked at her and she buried her face in his neck, inhaling the scent of him. The experience was better than the last, only intensified by the pressure of his body on her. And, when the wave faded, she fell back against the mattress, content and exhausted.

  “Now, you are ready.” He sat back and brought his hands to the ties of his dressing gown.

  Curiosity caught her and erased all traces of her earlier exhaustion. She pulled her legs underneath her and knelt before him. He looked at her with confusion in his eyes. Unfortunately, he also stilled his fingers.

  “Don’t stop,” she pleaded. I want to see you.”

  A slow smile transformed his features. “Very well, but I’m in no state for delay.”

  When he shrugged out of his dressing gown, she trained her eyes on the expanse of perfectly toned skin. She bit her lip and gave into her desire to run her fingers over his chest. The sound of him sucking in his breath gave her the courage to peruse him.

  His delicate hair tickled her fingertips as the hardness of his muscles made her shiver. The pure strength of his body, although evident when he was dressed was compounded like this. It made her feel safe. He made her feel safe.

  Giving into temptation, she dropped her gaze to the part of him straining toward her. She gasped as her mouth dropped open. Dear God, what did he intend to do with that? Curiosity overwhelmed. As he had touched her, she wanted to touch him. Continuing her dissent, she neared him when he grabbed her wrist.

  “That’s not the wisest idea,” he stated through clenched teeth.

  She trained her frightened eyes on his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Nothing you do in this bed is ever wrong. It’s just . . . It’s been so long. I don’t know if I can handle it.”

  Curious, she glanced down at that part of him again, wanting to touch it even more just to see what would happen. Would it bring him pleasure as he had done to her? If so, why would he deny himself? She licked her lips, and he groaned.

  “What will happen if I touch it?”

  He pulled her up against him and they fell back against the mattress. “Your first night isn’t the time to find out. I need every ounce of control tonight.”

  Although she wanted to question him further, his mouth closed over hers, effectively silencing all thoughts. Then, she felt that part of him nudging at her entrance, and
she pulled back. So, that was his plan.

  Fear claimed her as she understood everything now. She had enjoyed the feel of his finger, but considering the large size of that other part of him, she wasn’t surprised to know there would be pain. Holding her breath, she tried to steel herself against what was to come.

  “This is going to hurt, but I promise it won’t last long.”

  Her mouth fell open at his acknowledgment of what he was about to do. Suffering in silence was one thing, but he knew the truth. Somehow that made it so much worse. However, she didn’t have long to contemplate as Christopher slowly pushed himself inside her.

  The foreign feeling wasn’t painful as much as uncomfortable until he thrust hard and sent a stab of pain reverberating through her body. She bit down on her tongue as she tried not to react. The worst part was the fact that his presence made healing near impossible.

  “Genny, are you all right?” The concern in his voice touched her. “I won’t move again until you are ready.”

  Hearing the strain in his voice told her how much it cost him. And, she was surprised to discover that despite the fact he hadn’t withdrawn, she had begun to accustom herself to his presence. In an experiment, she moved, and he groaned. To her surprise, it hadn’t been painful. Actually, the movement proved to be rather nice. She did it again, and this time Christopher moved with her.

  His movements stretched her and readied her, and she was stunned to realize this was more pleasurable than what they had done previously. Grabbing onto his arms for leverage, she met his every thrust, becoming more and more desperate for the release that was building inside her.

  She writhed against the mattress until the brilliance of white, hot pleasure exploded within her. Tears slid down her face at the most intense experience she’d ever encountered. When Christopher called out her name, she could see a wonderment in his eyes that she knew would be mirrored in her own.

  Her heart swelled at the sight. She never should have doubted him, for he would never hurt her.

  ~ ~ ~

  Christopher fell on the mattress beside his wife. Last night he hadn’t planned to sleep next to her, as he’d never done so with Leslie, but he hadn’t had the motivation to leave Genny. Then, this morning, he’d received quite a reward for remaining.

  “Now, I understand.” Genny draped herself across his chest. “And, you were right. I wasn’t ready for that last night. This morning, however, was a different matter.”

  He chuckled, wondering how he’d been so lucky to have such a bold wife. “Then, I’m glad we had this lesson about consequences.”

  “Is that what this was? Well, you conduct your lessons quite differently than I do.”

  “Yes, I prefer the hands-on approach.” To emphasize his words, he ran his fingertips down her side.

  She giggled and snuggled further into him. “You won’t get a complaint from me about your methods. I do apologize for waking you, though.”

  “Do you, now?” He rolled them over, trapping her underneath him. “Am I to understand your attentions were meant to be in secret? That your plan was to touch me without my knowledge whatsoever?”

  Her face turned bright red. “Not exactly. I mean, I hadn’t thought of it like that. It was just . . . there, and I was curious.”

  His laughter rumbled in his chest as he tried to keep it in. “And, my dear, where else did you expect it to be? That part is quite attached.”

  She turned her face as her color deepened. “Considering you have taken a great deal of amusement at my expense, I must respectfully ask that you leave.”

  “Oh, no. That’s not how this works. You can’t send me away when just yesterday you promised to remain by my side.”

  Dropping his head down, he ran his lips along her neck and down to her shoulder. She shuddered. Although he knew he should be spent, he was raring take her again. He’d never known any woman like Genny, and he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her.

  “I suppose you’re right. Perhaps I should allow you to stay.”

  “Good, for it wouldn’t be gentlemanly for me to leave without ensuring that your curiosity has been sated.”

  She grabbed his face and pulled him down for a searing kiss. As he gave himself over to her desires, he realized it was a great start to their marriage. She was so much more than he could have imagined, and an hour later, he still had trouble tearing himself out of her bed.

  Once they were finally dressed and fed, he made arrangements for her to see her friend, Lady Rivers. Tomorrow they would be leaving for the country, and he knew his wife would miss the countess while they were away. However, for Genny, he would consider making yearly trips to London if that was her wish.

  “Bonjour, mon amie,” Jacques called from the doorway to his study. “I received word that you wished to see me. I do hope you are not experiencing trouble with Lady Andel so soon.”

  Christopher laughed. “Not at all. I actually am planning on taking her home to my estate tomorrow and thought it prudent to speak with you first.”

  “I see.” Jacques took a seat on the chair as he eyed him in a contemplative way. “I would warn you, that you are perhaps moving too fast.”

  Confused, Christopher crossed his arms. “I was referring to Philip and your sister being in Scotland, but you have my attention. How is taking my bride home moving too fast? I would think the time for those concerns have passed.”

  “I’m afraid not. You are taking her to a new life to live at the same place where your first one did.”

  “As that is my preferred residence, there is no help for it.” Christopher couldn’t contain his rising anger. “Nor do I see it as a problem.”

  “Then, tell me, has the manor changed since the previous countess decorated? Or, has everything remained exactly the way she preferred it?”

  “What are you trying to say?”

  His friend let out a long breath. “Women are not as we are. You don’t have a care for the color of the draperies or carpets, but Lady Andel shall look around and see the touch of your previous wife. I implore you, make the necessary changes first to remove the reminders, then bring your bride home.”

  Christopher frowned. He didn’t like that idea. What if Genny wasn’t fond of the changes he made? Besides, how would she know Leslie had been the one to style the house to begin with? His friend had never given him wrong advice, and he trusted him but this was different. Putting his shoulders back, Christopher firmed his resolve. He would bring his wife home as he had originally planned.

  “Although, I see where you are coming from, I don’t believe I shall experience those troubles with my countess.”

  With a shrug, Jacques leaned back in his chair. “I do hope you’re right, but in the event that you are not, I would advise keeping a close watch on Lady Andel. The last thing she needs is to believe you only wed her to obtain your heir.”

  Chuckling, Christopher slapped his hand against his knees and stood, hoping for a change of subject. He knew Genny wouldn’t feel he’d only married her to obtain his heir. Time and again, he’d shown his interest in her. Not to mention his desire for her was so great he was surprised she retained the ability to walk today.

  “Don’t worry about my marriage, my friend. Now, I asked you to come today to discuss Philip and the soon-to-be Marguerite Valentine. Did the two of them discuss their plans with you?”

  “The only thing I know is that they plan on living in London once they return. Marguerite enjoys society, and I understand your brother does as well.”

  Letting out a sigh of relief, Christopher nodded. He had been slightly worried Miss Auclair would hope to live in the country to be closer to her brother. That would mean she and Philip would have to stay at the manor as Philip currently held no residence of his own.

  One day soon his brother would have to ta
ke care of that, but at the moment, Christopher didn’t care. As long as he could have Genny alone in the country right now, nothing else mattered. All Jacques’s concerns were inconsequential when it came to his countess.

  It was easy to envision their life now. During the day, they would be free to live their separate lives, then at night, she would warm his bed. Although he did care for her more than he had planned, he would deal with it later. After all, it wasn’t as if his feelings went beyond that.

  He smiled to himself. As soon as they were in the country and had more space to spread out, everything would fall into place. As it was, his plan was turning out as perfectly as he’d hoped.

  Chapter 14

  “You must calm your body, my lady, or she shall never trust you.”

  Cameron’s voice was nearly lost on Genevieve as she gripped the reins so tightly, she thought they would snap.

  “Loosen your hands,” Cameron commanded. “The mare doesn’t like that.”

  Taking a deep breath, she tried to do as the head groom instructed. It wasn’t easy to give over control while sitting on the great, white beast. How could you trust something with so much power? The question had her mind drifting to Christopher and his strange actions as of late, but she quickly returned her attention to the mare. It wouldn’t serve her to lose focus and have the horse take off.

  “I’m scared,” she admitted.

  “You’re doing well, my lady. I’ve got you. I won’t let go of the lead until you’ve got it good and right.”

  She wanted to learn to ride a horse more than she’d wanted anything. They had only arrived at Christopher’s estate yesterday, and she’d insisted upon the lesson this morning. If she didn’t get this right, she’d never forgive herself.