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Enjoying his kiss

Julia

My feet are feeling so much better. Noah’s massage has done wonders. It has also helped that once he left, I called for my maid and changed from the stiff black dress into my softest nightdress and wrap. Although I enjoy visiting with our guests, I welcome the opportunity to simply relax with my husband.

Sitting in a plush chair near the fire, I put my feet on a low stool and curl my toes. Unfurled them, thinking of the callused hands that had stroked me with such surety, as though he had rubbed my feet a thousand times before, when he had never once performed that intimate and luxurious service for me. I imagine those strong hands skimming over all of me, how marvelous the different textures would feel, what a very different experience it might be. I rather hope they won’t go completely soft before we make love again.

Hearing the click of the door opening, I look over to see my husband stride in with two wine glasses dangling between the fingers of one hand and two wine bottles caught in the other. He staggers to a stop and stares at me, his gaze running the length of me as though he has never before seen her in a nightdress and wrap.

Perhaps it is simply that my condition is not as disguised as when I wear a dress. Self consciously I tug on the sides of my wrap, trying to close it over my belly and breasts, but it refuses to cooperate. “I’ve become huge while you were away.”

“No, not at all." With his elbow, he closes the door before bringing the wine and glasses over and setting them on the small table before the sofa. I can see now that one is a bottle of red, the other white. “Our guests were completely understanding, and the servants should be bringing our dinner any moment now. I thought we might enjoy a glass of wine while we waited."

“I’m not sure spirits are good for the baby." I say softly, my eyes locked onto his.

He looks up from pouring himself a drink and gazes at me with a mix of concern and desire. “You’re absolutely right. Not certain what I was thinking."

His voice is low and rough, sending a shiver down my spine. I watch as he takes a sip and makes his way over to the fireplace, the fire casting a warm glow across his features. My eyes travel down his body, taking in the broadness of his shoulders, the way his black waistcoat fits him perfectly, and the way his trousers hug his lean frame. I can feel the heat building inside me as I try to suppress the desire that threatens to consume me.

“No reason you can’t indulge,” I say, my voice breathless.

He turns to look at me, his eyes darkening as he sets his glass down. “I think I’ve had enough for now,” he says, his voice husky.

I feel a pang of disappointment but try to hide it as I get to my feet. My body feels like it’s on fire, and I can barely contain the urge to touch him. I make my way over to him, relieved that the swelling in my feet has gone down and I can walk without any pain. As I approach, I can see the way his eyes drink me in, the way his chest rises and falls with each breath.

“You should be as comfortable," I murmur, reaching for his glass and setting it on the mantel.

My hands slip beneath the opening of his unbuttoned jacket, and I feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingertips as I glide them over his shoulders, tugging off his coat. “You’ve broadened a bit while you were away," I say, my voice low.

“Trekking through the wilds is strenuous work,” he mumbles, his eyes flickering with desire.

I let the jacket fall, catching it before it hits the floor and tossing it onto the nearest chair. Slowly, I free the buttons of his black waistcoat, my fingers trembling with need. “Your skin is darker too," I say, my voice barely a whisper.

“The sun over there is harsh," he murmurs.

I lift my gaze to his, the heat between us almost unbearable. “I could always tell you and Nick apart because he wasn’t nearly as fair as you. Did you blister when you arrived?”

“No," he says softly, his breath hitching in his chest.

I ease off the waistcoat, pitch it onto the jacket. Lowering my gaze, I begin to unknot his neck cloth, my fingers fumbling with the fabric. “Julia, I’m not certain this is wise," he half groans.

I give him a wicked smile, my heart racing with anticipation. “To be comfortable?" I ask, knowing full well what he means.

“To tempt me," he growls, his eyes smoldering with desire.

I can feel the electricity crackling between us as I fling the neck cloth aside and cup his face between my hands, my fingers dancing along the back of his neck. “I missed you so much," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper.

I tilt his head down, rising up on my toes and pressing my lips to his. The moment our lips meet, I feel a jolt of pleasure shoot through me. He responds with equal urgency, his tongue sliding between my lips and exploring my mouth. I can feel the hunger and need building inside me, the unbearable attraction between us almost too much to bear.

As we kiss, I feel as though death is hovering nearby, waiting to steal us away. But with every touch, every.

Our kisses deepen, each one more urgent than the last. We seem to be fighting for something, but what it is, I cannot tell. The air between us is electric, the room is hot, and my body is alive with a hunger I've never felt before.

His hand slides down my back and grips my hip, pulling me even closer to him. I can feel the hardness of his body pressed against mine, and it only fuels my desire. My hands roam over his chest, feeling the heat emanating from his body.

Suddenly, he breaks the kiss and takes a step back, his eyes wild with lust. "We can't do this," he says, his voice strained.

"Why not?" I ask, feeling emboldened by the way he's looking at me.

"Because we're in mourning," he says, running his hands through his hair. "It's not appropriate."

"I don't care about that," I say, taking a step towards him. "I want you, and I know you want me too."

He shakes his head, as though trying to clear his thoughts. "It's not just about that. There's something between us, something we can't ignore."

"What is it?" I ask, desperation creeping into my voice. "Tell me."

He takes a deep breath and steps towards me, his eyes fixed on mine. "It's this... this unbearable attraction between us. I've tried to fight it, but I can't anymore."

I can feel my heart racing in my chest as he takes me in his arms again, his mouth crushing down on mine. This time, the kiss is even more intense than before, as though he's trying to make up for lost time. His hands roam over my body, touching me in ways that make my mind go blank.

I know we should stop, but I can't bring myself to care. All I want is him, here, now, in this moment. And I know he wants the same thing.

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