The Duke's Embrace: A sensually steamy historical romance (Romancing Intrigue) by Laura Shipley

Author:Laura Shipley [Shipley, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-10-11T18:30:00+00:00

Tabitha peered into the serene waters. The pond was calm, with no breeze to disturb the quiet tranquility. She needed the peacefulness to quell the jumble of emotions racing through her.

Last night with Andrew had been more than she could have imagined. It unnerved her, how easily she had succumbed to her wanton urges. Each time he touched her, she wanted more. Every time Andrew kissed her, it left her wishing it would never end. She hadn’t realized two people could be so connected. Tabitha had thought it would be easy to be with Andrew and move on, but now she wasn’t sure if her heart could bear the pain of leaving him.

Even this morning, when she had slipped out just before the sun had risen, it had taken everything in Tabitha not to crawl back in bed with him. He’d looked so peaceful. The lines of worry that, at times, etched his brow were gone. A few strands of hair had fallen over his face, and all Tabitha had wanted to do was brush them aside so she could look upon his features once more. But the distant crow of a rooster had reminded her it was time to return to her chambers before she was missed.

In the past, Tabitha had listened to friends who complained about the marriage bed and how unpleasant it was to be with their husbands. They never spoke of the wondrous sensations, the sheer delight of a man’s caress.

If Tabitha had to live the rest of her life sharing a bed with Andrew, she’d consider herself lucky. Instead, she would have to be content with the memories of their one sinful night. Now, in the light of day, Tabitha was faced with her looming confrontation with Lord Vance. She prayed her plan would work and she would come out of this unharmed, having assured Phillip’s safety.

In the distance, Tabitha heard hoofbeats followed by the neighing of a horse. She stood and brushed out her skirt, which had become wrinkled from sitting on the grass. When she turned around, Tabitha saw Andrew on horseback breaking through the woods. He pulled up his mount and in one smooth movement was off the horse and walking towards her. His pace was quick and urgent. Was something wrong?

He came up to her. “We are leaving for London within the hour. There has been a fire at one of my warehouses, and my presence is required. Gran wants to return with me, so I came to fetch you. The servants should be packing your things, so we can leave as soon as possible.”

Tabitha nodded her understanding. “All right. I’ll meet you there.”

She walked by him when he took hold of her arm.

“It will be faster if we ride back together. I can put you in front of me on the saddle.”

Andrew led her toward the horse before she could say anything. Without any hesitation, he lifted her up onto the horse and hoisted himself up behind her.

He put one arm around her waist and, with the other, grabbed the reins and put the horse into a trot.

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