Whirlwind Wedding

'I doubt it. We're newly married. I'm sure they'll assume we'd rather spend time here by ourselves.'

Her cheeks flushed. 'You mean they'll think we're…' Her voice trailed off into embarrassed silence.

Stepping closer, he drew her into his arms and pressed his lips to the sensitive skin just below her ear. 'Yes, they'll think we're making love.'

'How utterly… scandalous. What on earth will your mother think of me?'

'She'll be thrilled that we're getting on so well.' He studied her flushed face. 'Are you certain you're up to joining me this evening?'

'Of course. You know how robust I am.'

'Indeed I do.' He dropped a quick kiss on her forehead and stepped back. 'Now I must go to Bow Street to report what I know about James Kinney. I'll see you in the drawing room at seven.'

* * *

Austin sat through dinner that evening wishing his family would take their leave. He had much to think about, mainly the fact that William was probably alive. And in danger.

How the hell had the military authorities mistaken the matter of his death? Where was he? Was he still engaging in traitorous activities? Ah, William… how did I fail you?

But it was impossible to properly collect his thoughts with his family present. His normally self-contained mother was all but bouncing in her seat at the opposite end of the table, enthusiastically chatting with Elizabeth.

Caroline and Robert were engaged in a lively dis-agreement punctuated by lots of eye rolling and when their mother wasn't looking, stuck-out tongues, a favorite childish gesture neither had outgrown. Austin noticed that Miles was the only silent member of the group, no doubt because the man couldn't wedge a word in anywhere.

The moment the meal ended Austin stood and walked to the foot of the table where Elizabeth sat. 'If you'll excuse us, I believe Elizabeth and I shall retire. Enjoy your evening.' Holding out his hand he assisted her to her feet, his fingers wrapping around her gloved hand.

Caroline's eyes widened. 'Retire? At this hour?'

'Yes,' Austin said calmly, purposely ignoring the smirks Miles and Robert weren't even attempting to hide.

'But it's so early! Don't you want-' Caroline's words snapped off and she glared across the table at Robert. 'Did you just kick me?'

'Yes. But only because I can't reach you to stuff my napkin in your mouth.' He waggled his fingers at Austin, then winked at Elizabeth. 'Good night, Austin. Sweet dreams, Elizabeth.'

Without further ado, Austin led Elizabeth from the dining room and up the stairs. He didn't pause until he'd closed his bedchamber door behind them. Leaning against it, he surveyed his wife's flaming face.

'Heavens above, I'll never be able to face them again,' she said pacing across the rug. 'They all think we're doing that?

An overwhelming desire to do that slammed into him like a fist to his gut. He was restless and edgy and the mere thought of touching her ignited him. Pushing away from the door, he walked toward her. As she paced by him, he reached out, snagged her arm, and pulled her against him. Looking into her startled eyes, he murmured 'Well, as long as they all think so, we shouldn't disappoint them.'

'I thought you wanted to leave as soon as they depart for the theater.'

He reached behind her and began unbuttoning her bodice. 'I do, but it will take them half an hour to ready themselves. Besides, you need to get into your costume, and as long as you'll be out of this gown, I suggest we make the most of the opportunity.' Slipping the last button free, he eased the gown down her arms, then let go. It puddled at her feet.

'Heavens. No doubt I should develop the vapors at such a scandalous suggestion.'

He trailed his fingertips over her breasts. 'Vapors? Shall I ring for the hartshorn?'

'That won't be necessary. Fortunately I possess a most-'

'Robust constitution. Yes, that is indeed… for-tunate.'

'Oh, my. Your tone indicates a need for stamina. What did you have in mind? A race?'

'Well, I do want to leave in half an hour.' Her chemise joined her gown at her ankles. The sight of her, naked and impossibly beautiful, a half shy, half devilish smile lighting her face, tightened his throat. Bloody hell, she moved him like no other woman ever had.

This feeling she inspired in him confused and confounded him. It was more than wanting. It was a need. A soul-wrenching need to touch her, feel her.

He drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply, endlessly, his muscles straining with the effort of bringing her closer, holding her tighter. Turning them, he backed her against the wall, pinning her in place while his mouth devoured hers and his hands skimmed down her sides.

She responded to his every touch, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him until he could feel her heart slamming against his own.

'Austin… please…'

Her plea snapped something inside him. Please. God yes, please. He was about to burst. He needed her. Now. Now.

Reaching between them, he all but tore his breeches open, then hauled her upward. 'Wrap your legs around me,' he ground out in a voice he didn't recognize.

With wide eyes, she obeyed and he slipped inside her. Her heat engulfed him, squeezing him in a velvety fist. Gripping her hips, he moved within her, his thrusts rough and fast. His brow beaded with sweat and his choppy breathing burned his lungs. With one final thrust, his climax battered him. Burying his head against her shoulder, he clenched his fingers into her hips, and for an endless moment, he pulsed inside her, spilling his seed and part of his soul into her.

It took a moment for sanity to return. When it did he lifted his head and looked at her. Her eyes were closed her face pale. Guilt hit him like a rock.

What the hell was wrong with him? He'd just taken his wife against the wall. As if she were some dockside whore. Without a thought to her feelings or pleasure. He'd probably hurt her. He looked down and saw the red marks his fingers had branded on her hips. She must think him a monster.

As gently as he could he eased himself from her. Her legs unclasped from his waist and slid down. She would have sagged onto the floor if he hadn't grabbed her. Damn it! She couldn't even stand! How badly had he hurt her?

Holding her with one arm around her waist, he brushed a tangled auburn lock from her forehead. 'Elizabeth. God. I'm sorry. Are you all right?'

Her eyelids fluttered and slowly opened. He braced himself for the condemnation he knew he'd see in her eyes, the angry words he deserved.

Her golden brown eyes focused on his. 'I'm utterly marvelous. Who won?'

'Won?'

A small smiled played around her lips. 'The race. I believe I won, but I'm willing to concede.'

'I… didn't hurt you?'

'Certainly not. Of course, my knees feel like porridge, but that is an affliction that happens every time you touch me.' Concern clouded her eyes. 'Did I hurt you?'

Relief hit him so hard his own knees nearly sagged. A lump lodged in his throat and he had to force the word around it. 'No.'

He needed to explain, to apologize, but how could he explain what he didn't understand himself? He never lost control like that. He didn't know the words, but he certainly owed it to her to try.

Before he could speak, however, she brushed her lips over his. 'I believe we still have ten minutes left,' she whispered against his mouth. 'Do you really want to spend them talking?'

A half laugh, half groan escaped him. He should have known to expect the unexpected from her. Bending, he scooped her up into his arms and headed toward the bed.