Madeleine's Christmas Wish by Ella Quinn Page A

Cruzy-le-Châtel.”
    Mon Dieu . What had she been thinking? If he hadn’t had stopped her, she would have confessed all. Georges mustn’t know anything until she’d rescued her family. “You are correct.”
    Madeleine smiled until her face hurt, accepting good wishes. At one point her new mother-in-law pulled her aside. “My dear, if there is anything you wish to know before you retire for the evening, feel free to ask me.”
    For a moment she did not understand what the woman was saying, then . . . Well she couldn’t very well tell Georges’s mother she would not be sleeping with her son. “ Non. I will be fine.”
    Fortunately Anna appeared. “Madeleine, you’re wanted.”
    Her friend led her away. “Thank you. She was going to give me advice about . . .”
    Anna nodded sagely. “By the look on your face, I thought it was something like that. I have a feeling your husband will be able to explain it all to your satisfaction.”
    The sun had set, and Georges took her hand. “It is time for us to leave the party.”
    â€œIt has been enjoyable,” she lied.
    â€œIt’s been hell.” He smiled at a guest and hurried Madeleine out the door. “Finally we’re alone.” He escorted her to a different bedchamber. “These are now your rooms when we are here.”
    They were at the back of the house overlooking the formal gardens. He took her through a large parlor. Showed her the dressing room and bathing chamber, then led her to the bedroom and pointed. “My chamber is through that door.”
    â€œThank you for telling me. I shall ring for my maid.”
    â€œThere is no need. I shall do myself the honor of undressing you.”
    Suddenly her heart was pounding so hard, she couldn’t breathe. He’d lied to her! “ You promised! You promised we would not sleep together.”
    Georges stroked her shoulders and arms. “Calm down. I always keep my vows. However, I did not pledge, nor did you ask me not to sleep with you. You stipulated that I would not press you to consummate the marriage, and I will not.” His voice dropped to a low purr. “However, there are many things we may do short of marital congress, and I fully intend that you enjoy all of them.”
    Georges pressed his lips to her forehead, skating down her cheeks to her throat, before gently nibbling her bottom lip. Madeleine tried to remain unaffected, but she sighed as he pressed his mouth to hers. He trailed his tongue along the seam of her lips. Her bodice sagged, and her intention of protesting was lost. Instead she gave in to the fire in her blood, caressing his tongue with hers.
    Tiny flames shot through her. Hairpins fell to the floor and his fingers speared through her curls spreading them out over her shoulders. Instead of trying to resist him, she wound her arms around his neck, pressing her body to his. The next thing she knew, her skirts slithered down her legs, but Madeleine couldn’t think about that. Georges had pushed her stays down, and cupped her breasts. They were swollen and tender, and her nipples ached. She pushed one into his hand.
    More, she wanted more .
    Georges lifted his head.
    She tried to reach his lips, but he set her aside. “I’ll help you into your nightgown.”
    He was so calm, she could have screamed with frustration. Then his lips twitched. Devil, he thought this was funny.
    â€œYou did say”—he raised one black brow—“you did not wish to consummate our marriage.”
    He’d said there was more. “Yes, but . . .” How dare he be the one to remind her of her demand? Madeleine, you’re not making any sense. This is what you want. “Yes. I did.”
    â€œThen it is time to get ready for bed.”
    He efficiently stripped off her stays and shift, and she tried to ignore she was naked. She reached for her nightgown, but he held it away.
    â€œI