Theo’s pulse beat faster as she inspected him beneath her lashes. Haven was so big and male and...naked. Her gaze traveled over the sculpted pectoral muscles, the brief outline of his ribs, the curvature of all that lovely sinew lurking just beneath supple skin. The sharp indentation of his hipbones drew her eye which led to—
Theo bit her lip. The man at Elysium, Lady St. Martin’s lover, hadn’t been nearly so well endowed. But she didn’t look away. Lifting her eyes to his, Theo allowed a small smile to grace her lips, one she hoped would convey that she wouldn’t collapse into a fit of tears or something equally unwelcome. She stifled the urge to cover herself, reasoning she’d been naked for some time. First the bath and nowthe bed. It seemed pointless to pretend modesty.
A small, barely noticeable frown tugged at his lips as he looked down at her, but it was gone in an instant, replaced by a predatory look which was mildly frightening. Haven appeared as if he were about to devour her.
Theo gripped the quilt atop the bed.
His hand slid down his stomach until his fingers wrapped around the hardness jutting from between his thighs. “Can you see anything?” The low growl lit against her skin. “Or is my cock indistinct as well?”
“No, I see perfectly fine when the object is closer.” She’d heard the word from her brothers, not directly, mind you, and it failed to shock her. But now that she was looking at Haven’scocka bit of nervousness settled in her stomach. Her tongue flicked out to wet her lips while she considered something clever to say.
Haven cursed under his breath.
He came to the edge of the bed, stroking himself, eyes never leaving her. For only a moment, the sense that she had earlier, that he was not angry exactly butdisappointed in her, returned, but it vanished in an instant.
Was she supposed to do something? This was the part missing in her education. She’d seen the act, of course, and her mother had explained how everything fit together, so to speak, but there was a vagueness to what Theo’s role should be in the process.
Lady St. Martin had had her mouth on—well, her lover’scock. Was that what Haven expected?
Theo came up to her hands and knees and approached him, feeling the gentle sway of her breasts as she came forward.
Haven’s eyes narrowed to slits, the rise and fall of his chest quicker than it had been a moment ago.
Placing a tentative palm against his stomach, Theo stretched out her hand, entranced by the way his muscles jumped beneath her touch. Next, she trailed her fingers along his ribcage and down across his hip, lightly brushing against his thighs.
Haven’s free hand threaded through her hair, pulling gently at the pins until the strands fell down her shoulders.
Theo placed her hand around the length of him, carefully pushing his fingers aside. He was smooth and warm against her palm like the finest silk poured over muscle. Clasping him firmly in her grasp, Theo stroked back and forth, mimicking what she’d seen him do.
A hiss escaped him.
Encouraged, Theo pumped slowly; each stroke had him swelling beneath her palm, leaving her to wonderhowthis would ever fit inside her. Pushing the thought aside, Theo focused instead on watching Haven’s beautiful features contort in pleasure at her touch. Bending, she brushed her lips across the top, then pressed a kiss. He smelled warm. Musky. A hint of spice surrounded even this part of his person. She licked up the side, the taste of salt filling her mouth, before placing Haven fully in her mouth.
“Christ.” Haven jerked forward, his fingers tangling in her hair. “Theo.” His hips thrust forward.
Theo opened her jaw wider, listening to the sounds he made. Haven liked this. Boldly, she swirled her tongue around the top. It was smooth. Bulbous. She licked around the edge before sucking gently, pulling him deeper into her mouth.
His hand cupped one of her breasts, rolling the nipple between his thumb and forefinger, brushing the tip.
A soft hum started inside Theo, throbbing delicately between her thighs, her earlier pleasure returning. Every soft groan from Haven’s lips echoed inside her own body.
“Theodosia,” he murmured. “I want to bury myself in you.” There was a hitch in the words. “Now.”
A small plop sounded from her mouth as he pulled free. They stared at each other, a haze of desire winding over them both. Haven wrapped the curling strands of her hair around his wrist and pulled her close.
“Are you going to ravish me?” Theo whispered.
“God, yes.” His lips fell on hers, urgent and hot before pushing her down on the bed, mouth sucking and licking at hers. He lifted his head. “I have such hunger for you, Theodosia.”
“I’m not a biscuit, Haven.”
A soft chuckle left him as he bent to explore the curves and hollows of her body, lingering over every inch with soft, fluttering touches. Each breath against her skin was agonizing, exquisite torture. Every part of Theo was claimed, either by his mouth or his fingers, her pleasure building with each caress. Lips moved along the underside of one breast, toying with her nipple until the warmth of his mouth sucked in the taut peak, grazing his teeth across the tip.
“I want to paint you, Haven,” she panted, rubbing her legs along his.
The nipple in his mouth vibrated as he chuckled. “If it will please you.”
Oh, it would please Theo greatly. “You’re so lovely,” she whispered, running her fingers through his hair. “Hint ofRose MadderinUmber.”
