Her heart beat painfully against her ribs as Amelia waited for Preston's answer to her scandalous suggestion. His hand at her waist flexed, but he said nothing. Why was he not responding?

"Preston?"

His mouth crashed into hers, and he pulled her into his arms, his kiss urgent and passionate as he devoured her. Excitement flared inside her. This was it. If they went through with this plan, there was no going back. She should be worried about losing her innocence, but she wasn't. Preston might have been a rake before, but said he had given up that life once he realised he wanted her. If that wasn't proof he was worth taking a chance on, she wasn't sure what was.

"We cannot stay here." He raised his head and placed a soft kiss on her cheek before lifting her off the desk and taking her hand.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her breath coming in short bursts. This was both scary and exhilarating. Soon she would know what the married ladies of her acquaintance were whispering about when they thought she couldn't hear. Some things she'd overheard made it sound like a man's attentions were the last thing she should want, but so far, everything Preston had done with her had been sinfully enjoyable.

He pulled her along out of the library and down a hallway. When he looked back at her and grinned wickedly, her stomach did an awkward somersault.

"To my bedroom."

They reached his upstairs bedroom not long after, and when he closed the door behind them, she shivered. This was incredibly exciting. And maybe just a touch daunting. She was, after all, hopelessly inexperienced in these things.

Preston moved ahead of her, lighting a few candles to assist the fire in the grate in illuminating the room. Even with the candles, it was difficult to see details properly without daylight pouring in through the windows. From what she could tell, the walls were a deep green, while decorative cushions and fabrics were mostly a rich marigold. A large four-poster bed opposite the fireplace drew her eyes to it, and she quickly forgot about any other piece of furniture.

"Have you changed your mind?"

She nearly jumped as Preston came up next to her, his hand rubbing her upper arm. "No, but I would lie if I did not admit to finding it a little frightening." Looking up at his loving face, she smiled wryly. "I have never done this."

His hand on her arm slid down to capture her hand, and he lifted it to his lips for a kiss. "You know, we could simply say that I have compromised you. I hardly think your brothers would question it."

"We could," she allowed. "But I don't want to leave."

"Then we'll go slow." Still holding her hand, he used his other one to loosen the fingers of her glove before sliding it off. Finally being skin to skin, he turned her hand over and placed a kiss in her palm. The light stubble on his chin tickled, and the touch sent a jolt of awareness up her arm. "If at any time you want me to stop, just say so."

She nodded. Or at least she thought she did. Every cell in her body was on edge, fully focused on every little thing he did. The gentle tug as he pulled off her other glove. His hands on her shoulders as he turned her towards the fireplace and he stood behind her to unbutton the back of her gown. Warm lips against the shell of her ear as the fabric fell to the floor at her feet.

Sliding his hands along the side of her chest and waist, he placed a teasing kiss below her ear, and his hot breath fanned her neck. She shuddered when he continued kissing and nibbling on her neck as he unhurriedly unlaced her stays. As soon as the garment joined her dress on the floor, he stepped closer, bringing her back against his tall frame.

His arm moved around her waist, warm even through the remaining layer of her thin shift. The only thing she was still wearing other than her shoes and stockings. Her body tingled with anticipation of what might come next. A hand cupped her breast through the fabric and her eyes fluttered closed as Preston gently massaged her. When his thumb flicked across her nipple, she gasped as another jolt shocked her.

She moved restlessly against him, and he groaned as something hard pressed against the curve of her bottom. What was that? Curious, she turned around and slid her hand over the front of his breeches. He immediately sucked in a breath, and her gaze sought his.

"Did I hurt you?"

He shook his head.

"What is that?"

He stared at her for a moment. Taking a step away, he swore softly. "Damn, I didn't realise quite how innocent you are. I thought perhaps you knew some of what goes on between a man and a woman."

Crossing her arms over her chest, she gave him an annoyed look. "I told you I don't. No one will tell me anything."

"Well, I..." He cleared his throat. Ran a hand through his hair. Shifted from one leg to the other. "Men and women are created differently," he finally said. His cheeks stained pink as he muttered, "Hell. I can see why this is something mothers are meant to do."

"Oh." She pursed her lips as she considered his words. "Like animals?"

"Yes!" he latched on to her words with renewed vigour. "Your family has dogs and horses. Have you ever seen them mate?"

"My family usually keeps me away from such things, but I came across it once," she admitted. Her eyes widened. "Is that what we are meant to do?"

He chuckled at her apparent shock. "Not quite. But sort of?"

Without meaning to, her eyes strayed from his face to the bulge in his breeches. She frowned. "It's not the same as horses, right?"

A laugh escaped him. "No. Fear not, the..." He chuckled again. "The size is much more reasonable."

She certainly hoped so because it certainly had not felt tiny against her hand. Nervous excitement coursed through her at the prospect of what lay ahead. It was difficult to imagine exactly what that was, but every touch from Preston confirmed that this was the right choice. This was what she wanted. He was what she wanted.

Regaining some of her confidence, she gave him a teasing smile. "I feel you are far too overdressed for this. I am nearly undressed while you only lack your cravat."

The corners of his mouth twitched. "And what would you suggest I do about this?"

With a sultry glance at him, she sauntered over to his bed, imagining his eyes following her every step. She kicked off her slippers before turning around and sitting down on the bed. Waving her hand gracefully, as if giving him leave, she nodded towards him. "Go ahead. Undress."

A grin spread over his handsome face, and she noted that his eyes were dark with desire as he watched her. "As you command, love."

He shrugged out of his black tailcoat, unbuttoned his waistcoat and took it off, before unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it over his head. The teasing smile faded from her lips as she took in the shape of his half-naked form. He was tall and lean, his shoulders wide with narrow hips. The warm light of the fire in the grate and candles played across his skin, emphasising the flat stomach and well-defined upper chest. It looked nothing like her own, and her fingers itched to touch him. Explore him.

"Keep going," she said when he didn't continue, her voice little more than a whisper.

"I'll keep my trousers on for a moment. I don't want to see you fleeing the room." He winked.

She giggled. "Are you saying I would be so frightened by what I see that I would bolt?"

He removed his shoes before giving her a dark look that made her stomach lurch awkwardly. "I certainly hope not. However," —he stalked towards her, his eyes not leaving her— "I'm not willing to take the chance. As you said, this is all new to you, and I can only imagine it might be overwhelming."

When he stopped in front of her, she tilted her head back to look up at him. "True. I can't quite fathom how this will work. From what little I've overheard, the woman is meant to lie still and endure."

A small laugh escaped him. "I certainly hope I can do more than have you endure."

Her cheeks heated. "I have enjoyed everything until now, so I can't imagine it turning too horrible."

"Let's hope not," he mumbled, his hand coming up to cup her face.

He was so close she could smell the light scent of whichever soap he favoured. Something spicy that tickled her nose. Unable to resist any longer, she raised a hand and placed it on his abdomen. The muscles tensed under her palm as she moved over his skin, revelling in the feeling. He was hard where she was soft. Flat where she had curves.

It was with remarkable patience Preston allowed her to explore every inch of him, and she appreciated that he didn't make her feel hurried. But when she returned to trace the dark shape in his trousers, he soon caught her hand in his. Lifting her gaze to ask him why, he simply shook his head.

"Not yet, love. I cannot withstand too much of your touch." He smiled warmly to soften his words.

She nodded. Part of her wanted to ask him to remove his trousers. The other part was a little scared of what she would see. For now, the latter won.

Bending down, Preston caught her mouth in a searing kiss. She scooted back on the bed, and he followed, his lips not leaving hers, and as she came to rest against the pillows at the head, he half-covered her body with his. The nearness was intoxicating. His tongue stole across her lips to deepen the kiss, stoking her desire higher with every stroke. Heat gathered at the junction of her thighs and she wriggled against him. She wanted more, even if she wasn't entirely sure what that more was.

One of his hands caressed her leg from below her knee and up along her thigh, pushing her thin shift along with it. When his fingertips reached the bare skin above her stockings, she gasped as another jolt reverberated through her. His mouth dropped to her shoulder, kissing her neck, while his fingers trailed over her sensitive skin until they finally reached her heated core.

The touch was so personal, so intimate, that she buried her face in his shoulder, relieved he couldn't see her burning face. She moaned as he caressed her, his touch evoking pleasures she had never experienced before. When he found her most sensitive spot and rubbed gently, she nearly bounced off the bed. Fire travelled from his touch through every inch of her body, setting every part of her ablaze.

"P... Preston," she gasped. "I can't... I don't know..."

His touch stilled for a moment, letting her catch her breath, even if his hand remained between her legs. Lifting his head, he pressed a quick, fervent kiss to her lips. "Amelia," he mumbled, his voice hoarse. "You are amazing. I love touching you. But if you want to stop, just say the word."

Stopping was the furthest thing from her mind. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled him down for another kiss. "No," she said. "I'm worried I feel too much. Is... Is this normal? I feel like I might explode."

He groaned. "Yes, that's exactly how it should feel." A smile broke through on his lips. "As long as I'm doing things right."

Could her cheeks get any hotter? She doubted it. "I'm fairly confident you are," she muttered self-consciously. "I didn't think ladies were meant to enjoy it this much."

"The best ladies do," he promised, making her gasp as he moved his hand again. Kissing her neck, he dragged his mouth higher, his hot breath fanning her ear. "Let's see if I can make it even better..."

She didn't have time to ask what he was referring to before she felt his finger tease her opening, now slick with desire. When his thumb rubbed at her sensitive spot, she moaned as the fire instantly roared to life again. His other finger slipped inside her, the intrusion a strange sensation, but far from unpleasant.

"Preston!" she gasped, but she wasn't even sure what she was asking for. Every stroke, every flick of his thumb brought her closer to the brink. Her body was aflame, burning hotly under his touch.

"Amelia," he mumbled against her ear. "Don't hold back."

He increased the pace and pressure of his caresses slightly, and a moment later her world exploded with blinding light as she cried out his name.

When her breathing finally slowed down, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth enveloping her.

"Am I compromised now?" she asked as she fought a yawn.

His quiet chuckle reverberated through her. "Technically? No. But in every way that your brothers care about? Probably."

In the heat of the moment, she had forgotten the fact that he still wore his trousers. From what little she had seen when walking in on the horses mating, they had missed a crucial step. The final, irrevocable step. The step she desperately wanted, even after what she had just experienced.

Raising herself up on her elbow, she looked down at Preston. He looked surprisingly relaxed for someone who had just nearly compromised a duke's daughter. Noticing her movement, he opened one eye to peer at her.

"Not good enough," she said, making him open the other eye too to stare at her with his eyebrows raised. "I want to be thoroughly compromised. No half measures."

"Is that so?" he asked lazily, and she nodded.

A gasp escaped her as he grabbed her and flipped her over onto her back. When he moved on top of her, she automatically spread her knees to accommodate his hips between her legs. He still wore his trousers, but even with the layer of fabric between them, she could feel the hardness against her heat. He pressed a quick, fervent kiss on her lips before smiling wickedly.

"I'll have you know," he said, his dark voice making her shiver, "I put effort into this. But if my performance is not to your standards, I will have to try harder."

As if to prove his point, he rocked his hips and the delicious friction against her set off a burst of pleasure that tore a moan from her lips.

"Y... Yes. Try harder." She gasped as he did just that, rubbing against her and re-awakening the desire she had thought vaporised in her earlier climax. Apparently not, as it came back in full force, increasing with every move of his hips.

He stopped for a moment, and she almost admonished him, until he quickly helped her out of her shift. As she lay naked before him, wearing nothing but her stockings, he gazed down on her and the love in his eyes banished any embarrassment about being so exposed.

"You're beautiful," he breathed. His eyes came back to hers. "Are you certain this is what you want, Amelia? We can always lie to your brothers and say we went all the way."

Reaching her hand up to caress his cheek, she nodded. "Yes, I'm certain, Preston. I love you, and I truly want this. I want you. Now."

He groaned at her words. Raising himself up on his knees, he held her gaze as he began unbuttoning his trousers. She swallowed, both excited and curious. As he pushed his trousers off and wriggled out of them, she couldn't keep her eyes from straying to the erect part of him that strained towards her. Oh my. Her mouth felt dry, and she might have worried about the logistics of everything had Preston not leaned down and kissed her passionately.

His hand cupped her breast and teased her nipple to a hard point, leaving her gasping in his arms. Heat gathered between her thighs, but it felt as if something was missing. She wanted Preston closer. So much closer. A moan tore from her lips as he dipped his head to capture a nipple in his mouth, sucking and licking until she squirmed in his arms.

"I want more," she whispered. Her hands pulled on him as if she could somehow bring him closer by sheer willpower.

His mouth found hers again, and his hips settled back between her legs, his hardness pressing against her, rubbing against that most sensitive spot. The slow, drugging kisses matched the movements of his hips, increasing her pleasure with every stroke. Finally, he tore his mouth from hers, his breathing heavy.

"This... This might hurt," he admitted. "I've heard it can the first time."

They'd made it this far, and she wasn't about to back down now, so she shifted against him and was rewarded by a small moan. "No turning back now," she said.

He kissed her again, and a moment later she felt some pressure as he pushed into her. It was an odd sensation, similar to when he had used his finger, and yet completely different. But it didn't hurt. Her body craved his. They had spent so long this evening stirring her desire that now she didn't want to wait any longer. When he didn't immediately move, she shifted against him again.

Leaning his head against her shoulder, he groaned against her skin. "Amelia," he said, his voice slightly muffled. "I'm trying to take it slow. Please don't move, I'm—"

He moaned as she squirmed underneath him.

"Don't take it slow. I want you, Preston." She trailed her fingertips down along his back, and he cursed softly.

It was her turn to moan as he pulled back slightly before pushing back inside her, deeper this time. He continued, every move of his hips bringing her more pleasure. More heat. His lips found the sensitive spot on her neck and he kissed, sucked and nibbled as he continued his passionate onslaught.

With his hands, he grabbed her hips and angled them slightly, allowing him to reach a spot that increased her pleasure further. The explosion came quicker this time, as if her body knew what to expect now. Preston followed closely behind, increasing his pace before burying himself deep inside her with a groan, before collapsing on her.

Placing a kiss on his temple, she whispered. "I love you."

She could feel his smile against the skin of her shoulder. "I love you too," he mumbled.

Rolling off her, he pulled her close, and she settled into his embrace as if it was something they had always done. It felt right. This was where she was meant to be. In Preston's arms.

~~~~~~