Page 54 of Venus in Disguise

“Yes, sweetheart?” he replied, his voice husky as kissed his way down her neck.

“Thank you.”

He made a darkly amused sound before lifting his head and gazing at her. “For this wonderfully romantic wedding day?”

“I don’t mind about that, for we have plenty of time to celebrate with people who are glad for us in the future,” she said, smiling at him. “But I want to thank you for believing in me, for giving me the chance to prove I can be everything you want, that you need. I… I know you don’t believe me yet, but I am so very proud to be your wife, and I shall never regret it.”

He stilled, and she waited, uncertain what he was thinking until a smile curved his sensuous mouth, his eyes warm as they gazed at her. “You cannot know how glad I am to hear that, Narcissa, and for my part, I shall do my best to always be honest with you, to tell you what is in my heart.”

Narcissa let out a breath of relief, daring to hope that meant he might put his other women aside, and really give her the chance to be everything he needed. “And what is in your heart right now, Mr Anson?” she asked, a teasing note to her voice as his eyes flickered with mischief.

“I’m not sure it’s what’s in my heart you need to worry about just now,” he said wickedly, taking her hand and pressing it to the place where his body was aroused and hard, the heat of him blazing through the fabric of his trousers.

Narcissa blushed scarlet and Ash chuckled, raising her hand to his mouth and kissing her fingers. “Forgive me for teasing you. You’re not afraid, are you, mera pyar?”

Narcissa shook her head. “No, only rather nervous, but I trust you. What does mera py—” She frowned, stumbling over the word.

“Mera pyar,” he repeated, leaning in to nip at her earlobe, making her shiver. “It’s Hindi and means ‘my love.’”

Narcissa repeated the strange words thoughtfully, wondering if he meant them, even a little, or if such endearments were natural for him and given lightly. She considered asking him, but his next question drove that idea from her mind.

“And do you know what happens between us? Did anyone explain?” he asked, his expression suddenly grave.

Narcissa flashed a sheepish grin, remembering Mrs Fenchurch’s explanation that morning. “Your housekeeper was so kind as to explain things to me.”

“Good God! Did she really? Well, I never. She never ceases to surprise me. I shall have to give her a raise,” he added, his lips quirking.

"I think you ought, I don’t know which of us was more mortified, but she was determined that I should not be sent off ‘like a lamb to the slaughter,’” Narcissa said, laughing.

“Is that what she said?” Ash asked, clearly amused, though tenderness glinted in his eyes. “You don’t feel that way, do you?”

“No,” Narcissa reassured him, though privately she thought the look in his eyes was more than a little wolfish.

Ash gazed at her for a long moment. “I think the room is warm enough for us to divest you of some of those clothes, don’t you?”

Narcissa nodded, though gooseflesh chased over her skin at his words, and she could not have spoken to save her life. Her heart was beating hard, with mingled nerves and anticipation but she got to her feet, standing passively as Ash worked with deft hands any lady’s maid would have admired. Narcissa decided she would not contemplate the reason he was so adept at undressing ladies, for that was his life before now. Surely, if she pleased him, he would not need to return to such decadent ways.

“You’ve not even taken your coat off,” Narcissa protested when he had got her down to her drawers and chemise. Shivering despite the growing warmth in the room, Narcissa clutched her arms about herself.

Ash tsked and shook his head. “Never mind that, I’ll catch you up. But I promised I should cure you of your shyness, did I not?”

Narcissa swallowed. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“Let’s see.” Ash sat down, settling himself back in the chair, his eyes glinting. “Go on, sweetheart.”

“Go on?” she asked in confusion.

“Take the rest off,” he said, amusement threading through his voice.

“B-But you’re watching me,” she protested.

Ash grinned at her. “Yes, I am.”

Narcissa stared at her toes, suddenly unable to move, though she knew she ought. Part of her wanted to, for she had been determined to please him, and she had been naked in his arms only last night, but…

“Look at me.” Her gaze flew to his at the command. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life, Narcissa. I still cannot believe you are mine, that you can truly wish to be my wife, but I am so glad you are, and I am so proud to call you my own. I want to look upon you, my own beautiful girl, not to judge, not to cause you embarrassment, but simply to drink in the sight of you, for looking upon you brings me pleasure. Perhaps you shall wish to look upon me, also, and I shall do as you desire, love. Do you see?”

Narcissa nodded and let out a breath, reassured by his words. Telling herself she would not be a ninny about this, she reached for the hem of her chemise and tugged it up over her head before her shaking hands fell to the tie on her drawers. With a slight shimmy, they fell to the floor, leaving her in her stockings.