“I have the same thoughts about you.” Eleanor untied his cravat and pulled it off. At the same time her bodice started to gape.

John shrugged out of his jacket as she unbuttoned his waistcoat. Her gown dropped to her hips. He cupped her cheeks in his hands, and fissions of pleasure shot through her body as he kissed her.

“Stays,” he grumbled.

She grinned against his strong, lean neck. “Short stays.”

They dropped to her hips, bunching her gown. It made a soft, swishing sound as it traveled over her legs. His fingers skimmed over her breasts, and her nipples turned into tight buds. “That is much better.”

Eleanor’s breath caught when her chemise floated to the floor, and his bare hands touched her. She tugged his shirt out of his trousers and pushed it up. His torso was much more muscular than she had expected it to be. Soft, auburn hair covered his chest, and she ran her fingers through it. John groaned and lifted her into his arms, gently placing her on the bed. “Shoes.”

John took his off before removing hers. When she reached for her garter, he stayed her. “Leave them on.” Fire lurked in his eyes as he gazed at her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” His trousers dropped to the floor and the only thing Eleanor could see was his appendage. Thankfully she had been warned. Dragging her gaze back to his face, she held out her arms. “Come to me.”

He crawled onto the bed gracefully and covered her. Her body thrummed with desire and need. Soon he was kissing her again, and fires lit every time and every place their bodies touched. She had thought she was hot the last time, but it had been nothing like this. His lips moved from hers to her breasts, laving her tight buds. She squirmed beneath him, wanted more, wanting the relief she had the last time. Then his tongue touched her thighs, and lightning shot through her. “John, please.”

“Soon my love.” His mouth moved higher until it covered her pearl.

Of their own volition, her hips rose. His fingers entered her sheath and the tension she’d been feeling broke, shattering into a million pieces. She was still convulsing when he broke through her maiden head. She bit back a scream.

“Did it hurt badly?” His voice was full of concern.

“I will be fine. Just give me a moment.” Gradually the pain and burning eased, and she moved against him.

He took the cue and moved as well. Soon the heat began to build again. He pulled back and thrust forward. “Wrap your legs around me.”

She did as he said and immediately felt the difference. The fires built again, and soon waves of pleasure swept over her. His mouth covered hers as she started to call out.

Thank God she had come.