Long minutes later, he broke their kiss. Another instance for his wife to express her displeasure with a disgruntled look. He was intent, however, to divest her of her dress, and saw to the matter at once. He’d already removed her belt as he’d kissed her before, leaving her undress but only one step away. His hands covered her shoulders and his fingers pressed her skin as he pushed the sleeves down. The weight of her dress fell to the floor where it lay pooled at her feet.

Stunned by the vision before him, he took a step back. Unable to stop himself, he found he stood there, taking to memory his wife’s every measure. And good God, if she didn’t stand proudly before him as if emblazoned by his stare. Every part of her was lean and toned, yet utterly feminine. Her breasts were small, their fullness so enticing he ached to reach out and touch them. Her stomach was flat, her hips narrow. He’d never been with another like her, yet her form made him burn unlike any before. His hands fisted—he closed the gap.

His arms snaked behind her back as his hands cupped her head to keep her still, and then he kissed her in a way he’d never kissed another before. This kiss was subjugating and purely carnal. ’Twas the most evocative experience he’d ever had, holding his wife’s naked body against his clothed one. He had a need to dominate her, yet he felt her give at every turn, moving as he wanted her to while she pressed her body fully against his. It seemed she gladly, willingly, gave in to his every command. He needed her abed or he’d surely take her on the floor.

Here.

Now.

He felt the loss of her lips for only a second as he swept her off her feet. Then he cradled her in his arms and kissed her again. He laid her atop the covers, lowering her head to the softness of the pillows, and broke their kiss just to look at her again. Her swollen lips and body lay naked before him…naked but for the sandals upon her feet, saucy, gold-covered sandals he’d not noticed before.

His hands fisted, and he stood. He had to slow down.

He’d contrived this night forever, but damn if his noble intentions weren’t falling to the wayside. He began extinguishing the wicks throughout the room, watching her as he carried out each task. And, good God, if she didn’t watch him back.

I’ve plans, Gwendolyn, and you’re helping them all to hell.

He filled another goblet, drained it, then filled it again.