Mistress of Merrivale by Shelley Munro

coquette in her manner. A spear of lust struck his loins. He wanted her naked, under him, over him. He cast her a considering glance while wondering if she’d take his cock in her mouth.
    “I’ve heard rumors of men and women who enjoy giving and receiving a spanking.” Moonlight highlighted the mischief dancing in her eyes.
    “And what conclusions have you drawn regarding the reports?”
    “I think I’d like you touching my bottom.” A tiny smile played on her lips, impish in nature and one he found intriguing.
    The more he came to know this woman the better he liked her. It meant he could let his guard down and simply enjoy the evening instead of feeling as if he’d wandered into a Dartmoor quagmire. His strides lengthened, his pace quickening until she was trotting at his side.
    “Leo! Could you slow down?” Her breath came in rushed pants, her chest rising and falling rapidly, drawing attention to the plump curves of her breasts and a cinnamon freckle that sat a scant distance above the fabric of her bodice. “You don’t want to fatigue me this early in the night.”
    Leo ripped his gaze off the freckle, and with a chuckle, slowed to scoop her into his arms. Jocelyn let out a squeak of surprise and clutched his shoulders. “This way is faster.”
    “Why did you suggest a walk, if you were eager for privacy?”
    “I didn’t wish to appear uncouth.” Honesty from him, once again. Hell might freeze over.
    “I’m a good judge of character. It’s a skill I had to learn to survive.” She stroked his cheek, a gesture of tenderness. “Besides, I wouldn’t travel all the way to Dartmoor if I feared you.”
    “I’m glad you’re here.” Another truth. Already Jocelyn’s presence had lightened the tension wrapped around the manor. Cassie would love her, as long as Hannah didn’t try to interfere. Leo set Jocelyn down to close the terrace doors before sweeping her off her feet again and hurrying up the stairs to his chamber. He shouldered the door open and shoved it shut once he’d entered.
    A maid had already turned down the bed and lit several candles. He glanced down at Jocelyn and couldn’t hold back his amusement at her impish grin and pink cheeks. The candlelight illuminated her hair, making it glow like fire.
    “I like it when you smile.” She traced his lips with her fingertips. “You should do it more often.”
    “There hasn’t been much happiness about recently.” Damn, that wasn’t what he wanted to say. Her honesty was having a bad effect on him.
    But instead of pursuing the opening he’d given her, she nodded. “Are you going to put me down?”
    “I suppose I must.” Her enticing scent made him think of sunshine and lazy summer days. And that single freckle—it was sending him toward madness. He let her slide down his body, his cock reacting in a predictable manner given the friction of clothes and supple limbs. God, he wanted her. He’d desired her from the moment he’d seen her in London. She wasn’t beautiful but her glorious red hair and sparkling blue eyes were mesmerizing. She’d charmed Melburn and hearing his cousin talk about her had raised both his curiosity and a sense of longing. A woman who garnered his cousin’s loyalty was someone he’d wanted to meet. “Do you know what I’d like?”
    She tilted her head to one side and bestowed him with a mysterious feminine smile. For once the sight didn’t send alarm shivering through him. “Should I disrobe?”
    “You read my mind.” Leo kicked off his black shoes and shrugged out of his jacket. With deft fingers, he unbuttoned his vest and set that aside too. He tugged his shirt from his breeches, dispensed with it and settled on his bed. His gaze fastened on his new wife, who’d watched him the entire time. “I’m ready now.”
    “You’ll need to help me with my buttons.”
    Hell, in his hurry he’d forgotten the difficulty of women’s attire. “Come closer.”
    Obvious humor lit her face, and she glided