Cardinal's Rule

Chapter Thirteen

When she awoke early Monday morning, Tilly instinctively sought out Landry and didn’t have far to move. She found him nestled behind her, his thighs pressed against the backs of hers. Her first night as a married woman, tightly cuddled in her husband’s arms, was everything she could have asked for.

If she didn’t count the sour presence pecking at her conscience.

Hurt Cris? Hell, yes, she wanted to pound the shit out of him. The softer side of her, the part of her that could still conjure compassion and empathy, felt more than a little sick at what they’d done.

After five years couldn’t she have just moved on? They’d been apart as long as they’d been together.

The devil on her shoulder said fuck no, that the son of a bitch deserved every single bit of it and more.

Siding with the devil made her feel less guilty, so she chose to listen to it.

Landry woke up and slipped his hand between her legs, not probing, just comfortably resting his fingers there. “We need to run by the courthouse and file our marriage certificate.” Even the deep, sleepy sound of his voice filled her with need.

Choosing to make love to him over thinking guilt-inducing thoughts was a no-brainer. She wiggled her hips at him, trying to entice him to do more. Earning a soft chuckle in reply, he kissed her.

“Let me have some coffee first and wake up. You completely wore me out last night.”

“Maybe I can completely wear you out again today.”

“Tempting woman.” His teeth grazed her shoulder, biting down with just enough force to send bolts of need through her core.

She was going to get up to make the coffee when she realized she already smelled it.

Cris.

He always was an early riser. Another piece clicked home when she belatedly understood why.

Of course he was an early riser. He was used to getting things ready for Landry.

Landry headed for the bathroom while she pulled on her robe and walked out to the kitchen.

Cris wasn’t in sight, but the full coffee pot giving up its last gurgles was a sure sign he’d been up and about recently.

Part of her hoping he wouldn’t appear, she grabbed her usual mug and fixed herself a cup.

Landry joined her, naked, wrapping his arms around her waist as he ground his hips against her backside.

“What a beautiful way to start each morning,” he said.

She started to reply when she sensed Cris enter the kitchen behind them.

“Good morning, slave,” Landry said. “Did you sleep well?”

Tilly closed her eyes.

“Well enough, Master. Thank you.”

“My wife and I will take our breakfast in an hour. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs.” He playfully nipped her earlobe. “Anything else you would like, love?”

She shook her head.

“Oh, and slave?”

“Yes, Master?”

“You shall address my wife respectfully. She is Mrs. LaCroux to you. I also expect you to stand when she enters the room.”

Tilly didn’t think she imagined the slight quiver in Cris’ voice. “Yes, Master.”

“Good. Her word is law to you, especially in my absence. If she ever tells me you’ve been lacking, or have refused to follow her orders, or even if it’s just for her amusement, I will punish you more severely than you’ve ever known. Understood?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Excellent. Stay right there.” She felt Landry’s cock harden against her ass, through her bathrobe. His hips provocatively rocked against her as his teeth nibbled her ear, draining every last ounce of will from her body. It hadn’t taken him long to figure that out about her.

His arms slipped around her and he untied her robe, letting it fall open. She kept her eyes closed as her hands clenched on the counter. Slow and hot, his hands roamed her flesh as she felt Cris’ eyes on them.

“My wife is very beautiful, is she not, slave?”

“Yes, Master.” Tilly heard the catch in his voice. She might not have the stomach to repeat the previous night’s torture, but Landry apparently did.

She felt the robe slide down her shoulders as Landry’s lips followed it. “I’m blessed to have such a sweet, beautiful wife, slave. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, Master.”

His lips returned to her ear. “Do you trust me?” he breathed in her ear.

She nodded.

“Will you allow me this?”

She nodded again. She wasn’t sure what he had in mind, but with the heat of his body enveloping hers, she didn’t have the will to deny him.

The robe dropped farther. He smoothed his hands down her arms, prompting her to move them so he could pull the robe off. It fell to the floor in a puddle of fabric.

Tilly never opened her eyes.

His hands roamed her body, stirring her desire despite knowing Cris stood only feet away.

Cupping her breasts, Landry’s thumbs rubbed her nipples. “I can’t get enough of you, love,” he said, this time loudly enough Cris could hear. He rocked his hips against her again and his cock, hard and proud, pressed into the seam of her ass. “Do you feel what you do to me?”

“Yes.”

His right hand left her breast and slipped down her tummy until his fingers found her cleft.

There, he sought entrance, her juices already flowing and easing the way.

Landry’s sharp intake of breath honed her own need. “Oh, love! Did I do that to you?”

“Yes!” She realized she was rocking her hips against him in time with his movements.

He slowly finger-fucked her, his hand sliding over her clit with each thrust. “You enjoy it when a real man fucks you, don’t you?”

She let her head fall back onto his shoulder. “Yes!”

His foot gently nudged her legs wider. “Do you feel how hard my cock is, baby? That’s what you do to me.”

“Please!”

“Please what, baby? What’s wrong?”

“Please fuck me!” All thoughts of Cris fled as her passion built. Landry knew damn well what his attentions had done to her body.

“I’m going to fuck you so good, baby. Just keep your eyes closed and enjoy this.” His left hand left her breast. She heard him snap his fingers. Then his left arm dropped to her waist and held her against his body as he shuffled them away from the counter a step. “Lean against me. I won’t let you fall.”

A brush of contact against her leg and she understood what he’d done.

“Stay with me, love,” Landry murmured in her ear. He switched to French. “Trust me, wife.”

She nodded. “Oui.”

She felt him change position slightly. From the brush of Cris’ hair against her inner thighs, she knew what he’d ordered. Landry reached around her with his left arm and she suspected he had fisted his hand in Cris hair as Cris sucked his cock.

“That’s it, cuck,” Landry gasped in English. “Make sure I’m hard for my wife.”

Landry never stopped moving his right hand, keeping her passion simmering enough to pull her thoughts away from Cris kneeling between her legs.

“All right, cuck,” he ordered. “Put my cock inside her.”

Her body trembled as Landry withdrew his fingers and she felt his thick knob press against her entrance. With one thrust, he was buried to the hilt inside her.

He leaned forward so she had her elbows resting on the counter.

“Suck my balls, cuck,” he hoarsely ordered. “And lick her pussy.”

Landry’s hands returned to her breasts. When Cris’ tongue swiped over her clit her legs trembled. Landry switched to French again. “Hold it, wife. Hold it for me. Do not come.”

She dropped her head to the counter, whining as Landry’s hands moved to her hips. He thrust slowly, the feel of his cock inside her nearly sending her over the edge as Cris’ hot tongue skillfully worked her clit before moving to Landry’s balls and back again.

“What a pitiful cuck you are,” Landry chastised. “I bet your cock is rock hard, being able to do this. Reduced to nothing more than a fuck toy for my amusement. And you’re enjoying every second of it, aren’t you?”

Landry’s thrusts grew harder, faster. In French, he said, “Come for me, love!”

Tilly pressed her ass hard against Landry as her climax hit. Her muscles clenched around his thick cock as what Cris did catapulted her over the edge with an earth-shattering wave. Landry waited until he was certain she’d finished, then withdrew and shoved his cock into Cris’ waiting mouth.

“Now, cuck. Suck every drop.”

Tilly stood there, breathing hard as Landry grunted and his body tensed before relaxing. Landry held her close as she heard a few soft slurps from between her legs. Finally, Landry let out a satisfied sigh. “All right, cuck. Thank my wife for the privilege of licking her, sucking my cock, and for the privilege of getting to take my come.”

“Thank you, Mrs. LaCroux,” he whispered.

Landry wrapped his arms around her, holding her body against his. “Now get out of here and leave us alone, cuck. And don’t you dare let me catch you playing with your cock. You don’t have permission to come.”

“Yes, Master.” She sensed him leave the kitchen.

Landry didn’t move. She didn’t want him to. Moving meant she’d have to think about what just happened, and she wasn’t ready to do that yet. Landry nuzzled the back of her neck, kissing, gently scraping his teeth along her flesh and making her pleasantly shiver. “Are you all right?”

“Still processing.” It had felt better than good, but the fact that she’d allowed Cris to touch her like that conflicted her.

Especially considering it felt like they hadn’t spent a day apart.

“Are you angry with me?”

“No.”

Landry placed another kiss along her shoulder. “Can I ask something of you?”

“Getting pushy?” she said with a chuckle to break the tension and push away her growing guilt over once again helping torture Cris.

“No. This is a request.” He kissed the back of her other shoulder. “I have a thing for long hair.

Would you mind growing your hair out, at least a little? Maybe shoulder length? Perhaps return to dying it your natural color? It would look so beautiful on you that way. This short style and the color makes you look much older and harsher than you truly are.” He nipped her right ear lobe, then whispered, “I know you said no Dom stuff. I’m fine with that because I have Cristo to torment. I still like having something to hold on to. I like being able to grab your hair when you go down on me, or when I kiss you. I find it incredibly sexy.”

Her heart pounded as her eyes dropped closed. Already, her clit throbbed again. “On one condition,” she said.

“Name it.”

She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Fuck me again. Right now.”

He grinned and stepped forward, pushing her against the counter. “Love, give me a challenge next time why don’t you?” He lifted her to the counter as she wrapped her legs around his waist. His stiff cock slid home without resistance as he grabbed her hips and held on.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, letting his tongue take over hers as he swallowed her soft moan.

He fucked her hard and fast, fiercely, possessively. She let her head drop to his shoulder as she hung on, her body struggling to make it over again.

He nipped her and spoke to her in French. “Prepare for me, love.”

She squirmed, moaning as each stroke plunged deep within her.

“I am so close,” he said, his lips brushing her neck. “You will come with me.”

She felt her body tense, coiling under his words, with his touch, wanting him to take it from her.

“Come for me now!” he ordered.

Not as hard as the previous one, but her body obeyed, releasing to him. Her nails dug into his back as she cried out.

“Very good,” he said in English, loud enough she knew Cris had to hear. He fucked her harder, finally plunging home with one last, deep thrust. His body trembling, he leaned against her for support.

“Very good, love,” he whispered against her neck, kissing a trail down her shoulder and back up to her ear again. “My sweet, beautiful love.”

She kept her eyes closed as she sat there in his arms, her head against his chest. She didn’t want to move. She wanted the moment to freeze, with the comfort and safety she felt. He wouldn’t be sick or in pain, she wouldn’t have to worry about him or see him suffer through his treatments.

She’d feel no guilt over what she’d helped him do to Cris.

With her still wrapped around him, he carried her into their bedroom like that and sat on the bed as he stroked her back. “Talk to me,” he softly said. “Tell me what troubles you.”

She shook her head. “I’m okay.”

“Is it me?”

That’s when she laughed. “In a good way.”

He made her sit back and look him in the eye. “I promise, I will never try to top you.” He smiled. “Unless, of course, you ask me.”

This time she didn’t try to hide the tears prickling her eyes. “I like how you make me feel. I like feeling safe with you.” After a five year dry spell, she didn’t know if it was her emotions overriding her common sense or a genuine feeling that would persist as they spent more time together.

She prayed for the latter.

He used his thumbs to gently brush away her tears. “I want you to tell me how to love you. At least until we get to know each other better and I can read your body and mood more accurately. I can and will be whatever you tell me you need.”

“How do you turn that off?”

He looked genuinely confused. “Turn what off?”

“Being a Master. Or a service Top, or whatever you’re doing right now. How do you separate that?”

“I could ask you the same question. I’m simply being your husband, Tilly.”

“You know what I mean. How can you not want that from me? You’ve always been dominant.”

He smiled. “I told you, I have Cris.” He laid another kiss on her that had her muscles throbbing in a pleasant way. As the kiss lengthened, so did his member until he was fully stiff and ready again. He easily slid inside her. “If I want to beat someone, I’ll take it out of his ass.”

“You snuck in a little blue pill this morning, didn’t you?” she teased when he let her come up for air. She tussled his hair with her hands.

One eyebrow arched. “Believe it or not, no. Last night, yes. I thought perhaps it would be wise to take out a little insurance. However, this morning he seems to have a very determined mind of his own.” He rolled her onto her back and took a long, slow stroke.

“Really?”

“Really. I think he likes you, Madame LaCroux.”

She giggled. Landry in playful mood might take a little getting used to in a good way. “Yeah?

Well, I like him, too.”

He thrust again. “Good. Because he damn sure loves to be inside you.”

“Well then show me, dammit.”

He nuzzled the base of her throat. “One more, for me?”

“Not this morning. Maybe later.”

He dropped his voice. “Mind if I embellish just a little?”

She giggled. “Go right ahead.”

“Feel free to join in.” He lifted his head and stared into her eyes, then raised his voice loudly enough she knew Cris had to hear him. “Oh, fuck, baby, your pussy is so hot!”

Her heart melted at the evil twinkle in his green eyes. “Fuck that hard cock into me. I love having a real man fuck me!”

His grin widened as his strokes quickened. “I’m going to come inside your sweet, gorgeous cunt.” He waggled his eyebrows at her, forcing her to suppress her giggles.

“Come for me. Quit holding back and give it to me.” She dug her nails into his ass and that finished him. He let out a loud cry as he pounded into her before finally falling still on top of her, his lips pressed to the base of her throat.

“Beautiful,” he muttered. “Absolutely beautiful.” He lifted his head. “Cuck!” he bellowed.

Landry pressed a kiss to her lips before he withdrew and stood. She pulled the sheet over her as Cris appeared in their bedroom doorway, head bowed.

“Yes, Master?”

Landry pointed at his cock. “I believe you know what to do.”

Queasy regret mixed with curious arousal as Tilly watched Cris silently kneel before Landry and open his mouth. Landry viciously fisted Cris’ hair. “Suck me clean, cuck. Then get out there and make our breakfast.”

With his eyes closed, Cris laved Landry’s cock and balls for several moments until Landry pushed him away. “That’s good enough, cuck.” He climbed onto the bed with her. “Breakfast better be hot and waiting for us when we finish our shower. And close the bedroom door behind you.”

Cris climbed to his feet, head still bowed. “Yes, Master.”

As the door closed on his back, Landry pulled her into his arms. “Are you all right?”

She nodded. “I think I’m ready to ease up on the revenge stuff.”

He nipped her throat. “Of course, love. As you wish.”

Cris stood by, waiting, as they ate breakfast. Shirtless and in jeans, his formal leather collar and matching leather cuffs were locked on him. Landry ignored him except to snap his fingers at him to refill their coffee.

When they finished eating, he looked at Cris. “Get the kitchen cleaned up, cuck. Take a shower, and get dressed. Jeans and button-up shirt. Collar and cuffs. Be ready to leave in forty-five minutes.

Cris nodded. “Yes, Master.” He bowed to her. “Mrs. LaCroux.”

Landry led her to the living room while Cris cleared the table. He sat on the couch and pulled her into his lap. “Are you all right, love?”

No, she wasn’t all right, her guilt returning to peck at her like a bird in a Hitchcock movie. “I’m fine.”

He stroked her cheek. “Love?”

Rolling her eyes, she snuggled close and dropped her voice. “Let’s ease up on the cuck stuff, okay?”

“As you wish.”

She enjoyed just sitting there in his lap, cradled in his arms. No doubt about it, she could get used to this. After a few minutes she heard Cris finish in the kitchen and head to his room. She looked into Landry’s eyes. “Are you going to spend tonight with him?”

He looked genuinely confused. “No, why?”

She poked him. “Duh. To give him a night before your biopsy?”

He slowly shook his head. “Why would I do that?”

“Are you screwing with me or deliberately being dense?”

“I mean it. Why?”

She fought the urge to smack him. Keeping her voice low and steady, she said, “Because you love him.”

“You’re my wife. Why would I sleep with him when I have you?”

“Give me a straight answer.”

He smirked. “I’m sure the pun was unintended. Love, I am giving you a straight answer. I love you. My wife. Mrs. LaCroux. He can fend for himself.”

More guilt. “That’s not fair to him.”

“I never said I was fair. He knows what he signed up for.” He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. “He’s my slave. He will do what I tell him to and happily accept whatever scraps of attention I throw his way.”

Still more guilt. Her cup runneth over. “That’s not what I want to happen. I never meant to take you away from him.”

His expression darkened. “Why not? Give him a taste of what you went through.”

“I thought we weren’t going to torture him past Wednesday.”

“Is it Wednesday yet?”

She rolled her eyes. “So you’re saying you’ll get back to whatever passes for normal between you two on Wednesday?”

He shrugged. “Perhaps. It is too soon to say.” He nuzzled her neck. “I have no complaints about who’s sharing my bed. Let him have a dose of loneliness.”

Cris drove while they rode in the backseat. She wasn’t sure she felt comfortable with Cris wearing his collar and cuffs, but it wasn’t her call. At the clerk’s office, they filed their marriage license and she received her paperwork to take to the tax collector’s office where she changed her driver’s license.

Landry smiled as he looked at her license. “Matil—sorry, love. Tilly Cardinal LaCroux.” He showed it to Cris. “Has a beautiful ring to it, does it not, slave?”

His eyes flicked her way before he stared at Landry. “Yes, Master,” he softly replied.

Landry returned her license and led her from the office to where Cris had parked the car. Cris trailed close behind. “Let’s go have lunch,” Landry said.

“We just ate,” Tilly reminded him. “You’re hungry already?”

His eyes gleamed in that wicked way she knew meant he had more up his sleeve. “There are some lovely little shops here in downtown Sarasota that I would like to explore. I’m feeling in the mood to take a walk.” They reached the car and Cris darted around them to grab the door for them, but she stepped into his way, blocking his path.

Her gaze fell on the collar and cuffs Cris wore. She dropped her voice. “What about him?”

“What about him?” Landry asked.

“What he’s wearing.”

He glanced at Cris. “He’s appropriately attired. Why?”

Yes, she had promised not to interfere with what Landry did with Cris, but this was pushing things just a bit too far. The absolute last thing she wanted to do was get into a battle of wills with Landry over this.

The collar and cuffs were made of brown, hand-tooled leather. Custom made, from the looks of them. No doubt they set Landry back a couple hundred bucks. Very nice and, yes, totally unobtrusive in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even Miami. “Sarasota is a fairly conservative town despite its artsy atmosphere, Lan.”

He arched an eyebrow at her. “Yes? What are you implying, love?”

Cris waited, watching her. She felt his gaze on her. She refused to look at him.

“What I’m implying is perhaps Cris could leave something in the car while we sightsee.”

“Love, I’m sure they’d want him to wear his shirt in the shops.” His playful smirk dared her to defy him.

She knew damn well he understood what she meant. He wanted her to challenge him. She had no doubts if she ordered him to make Cris remove at least the cuffs, if not the collar and cuffs, he probably would, but then the point in this game he played would be his.

In this intellectual game of chicken, she would have metaphorically blinked first.

The stubborn dominant streak in her wouldn’t let this go. She’d be damned if she’d outright order Landry to make Cris remove them. Her pride also wouldn’t let her outright tell him what she wanted. She finally looked to Cris for any hint of how to proceed.

“I don’t mind, Mrs. LaCroux,” he softly said.

No help there. “What are trying to prove?” she asked Landry.

Wide-eyed innocence. “Prove, love? Whatever are you implying?”

“Innocence doesn’t become you.”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” He snapped his fingers at Cris, then pointed to the back door. Cris stepped in to open it.

She stepped in front of Landry to block him again and turned her back to the car. Time to play dirty. She dropped her voice so a couple walking to their car nearby couldn’t hear. “I live in this town.

I’m fairly well-known among certain circles. Some of my former clients frequent this part of town… professionally, if you get my drift. One of the things I’m known for is my discretion. Not drawing attention to myself.”

Ball in his court. Landry’s jaw tensed and worked until he finally laughed. “Point to you, love.”

He looked at Cris. “Did you bring the key?”

“Yes, Master.”

“You can remove your cuffs and collar after you get in.” He tipped his head to her. “Well played, darling.” She stepped out of the way so Cris could open the door. Landry extended his arm, indicating for her to climb in first. “Well played.”

After they were inside the car, she turned to him. “New rule, dude.”

“Ah, I should have guessed.”

She didn’t miss Cris watching in the rear view mirror. “You try to play mind games with me again, any more pissing contests like this, we’re done. Immediately. Got it?”

He sighed melodramatically. “I suppose, love. If you really wish to take all the fun out of life.”

She goosed his crotch, making him jump. “If getting your brains fucked out isn’t enough fun, then mind fucks are not going to give you any joy. I will shut you down faster than a turd in a public pool. Just try me if you think I’m kidding. Don’t forget Cardinal’s Rules.”

He laughed again before he leaned in to kiss her. “Touché, darling. Touché.”

She didn’t miss Cris’ amused smile reflected in the rear view mirror as he started the car after removing his collar and cuffs.

Cris found a parking space. Landry and Tilly walked hand-in-hand down Main Street, heading toward Five Corners Park across from the Selby library. Cris silently trailed behind them, carrying the things Landry insisted on buying for Tilly. She suspected he mostly bought stuff just to make Cris carry it, not because he really wanted it. Damn sure not because she wanted it. By the time they reached the Calliope Café on Pineapple and Main, Tilly was ready to put an end to the games. Cris looked like a loaded down pack horse.

Tilly took charge and asked the hostess for a table in the corner. Fortunately, they’d arrived on the tail end of the lunch rush and were able to be seated immediately.

Landry smirked after the waitress took their drink order and left them. “I must say, I admire you, my love.”

“Why?”

He nodded toward Cris, who silently sat with his gaze on the table and his hands in his lap. She felt like kicking him under the table just to elicit some sort of reaction from him.

“What?” she asked.

He leaned in and dropped his voice. With his lips by her ear, he said, “You feel sorry for him.”

“Uh, duh. Sherpa the pack pony here could use a break, I’m sure. It’s hot today.”

She didn’t miss how Cris’ lips curled in a slight smile.

She also didn’t miss how her heart throbbed at the sight, that she could still make him smile.

How many times had she earned herself a tickling from her snarky comments?

They ordered. Rather, Tilly ordered, and Landry ordered for himself and Cris. It was late afternoon when they finally returned home. When they walked in the door, Landry scooped her up into his arms again and carried her to their bedroom.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I would think that’s rather obvious.” He laid her on the bed and stood back so he could unbutton his shirt. “I want to make the most of tonight.”

Her heart throbbed at the sight as he dropped his shirt to the floor. He crawled onto the bed, predatory, stalking her, until he straddled her. “Do you know how utterly beautiful you are?”

“No, but maybe if you hum a few bars.”

He laughed and kissed her. “Oh, sweetheart, je t’adore.”

I adore you.

Tilly wrapped her arms around him. “Moi aussi, je t’adore.”

I adore you, too.

And she did.

She was staring into his eyes when he said, “Just put everything in the closet and close the door on the way out.”

She realized he’d left the bedroom door open. She craned her head around his shoulder and saw that Cris stood there, his arms full. He walked in, put everything in the closet, and left, closing the door behind him.

“Now, where were we, love?”

“How did you know he was there?”

He smiled before leaning in to nip the base of her throat. “I saw his reflection in the vase over there.”

She craned her neck and looked, then started laughing. “I thought maybe you had ESP.”

One eyebrow arched. “Extra sensory perception?”

“Excellent slave positioning.”

He burst out laughing and fell to the bed beside her. “You shall keep me on my toes. I can see it now.” He pulled her on top of him. “What kind of mood are you in tonight, love?”

“That sounds like a loaded question.”

“It most certainly is.” He pulled her to him and kissed her. “Sweet and fun, hot and heavy, or beating the crap out of the cuck?”

“Definitely not door number three.”

He sighed melodramatically. “Spoil sport. You truly have a soft heart, love.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

He did, soon driving all thoughts over their prior discussion out of her mind as he worked his lips down her jaw to her throat, where he started nibbling. Her blouse and bra soon hit the floor with his shirt. He smiled as he traced his finger around her right nipple. “So you’ve gotten your vengeance out of your system?”

“You want to keep me in the mood, you’ll drop this discussion right now.”

He bent over and licked her nipple. “Consider it dropped.” He repeated the treatment with her left nipple and soon had her squirming under his hands.

Landry worked his way down to her slacks, his lips exploring and teasing. Tilly tangled her fingers in his hair and tried to urge him to go faster, but he refused to be rushed. By the time he finally had her naked beneath him on the bed, she felt half out of her mind with need. He knelt on the floor beside the bed, pulled her ass to the edge, and pushed her thighs apart.

“This is what I wanted, love. Make as much noise as you want. The more, the better.” With that, he bent his head to her mound and licked.

“Oh!” she gasped. “Fuck yeah!” Her body trembled as his tongue snaked inside her, slowly, teasing her.

He draped her legs over his shoulders and clamped his hands around her thighs. Like that, she couldn’t have escaped his wicked mouth if she’d wanted to.

She most definitely did not want to.

In such a short time he’d learned more than enough about her body to keep her hovering on the edge forever, it felt like. Before long she found herself begging him for release.

He lifted his mouth from her clit. “Louder, love,” he said. “And perhaps I shall.”

Fuck. She’d give him this one, but they’d talk later when she felt sane and not so desperately in need of coming. “Please, goddammit, make me come!”

He chuckled. “Excellent.” He slid two fingers inside her and it felt like the back of her head exploded as her climax slammed into her brain. He managed to hit her g-spot and her back arched as it felt like the orgasm never would end.

Once she lay limp on the bed, he kissed the insides of her thighs before untangling himself from her. Standing before her, he dropped his slacks, exposing his rigid cock.

“No little blue pills, love,” he teased as he grabbed her legs and pushed them up, sinking deep inside her in one slow thrust. “That’s all for you, because of you.”

There was something about his green eyes that entranced her, held her hostage. He leaned in and kissed her as he fucked her, his slow, deliberate thrusts stirring more passion inside her. “My beautiful wife. I am a damned lucky man.”

Another moment she wanted to freeze in time, to hold him here with her in this perfection. No Cris, no revenge, no past pain, no future worries over his health. “I consider myself pretty lucky, too.”

A slow smile curved his lips. “Come with me,” he whispered. “I want to feel what I do to you.”

No triggers, no switching to the sure-fire tactic guaranteed to make her explode. Nothing but his eyes, his sweet, sexy smile, and the damn fine feeling of that wonderful cock sliding across her already swollen clit and stroking nerve endings inside her that had laid unused for too long.

He shifted position slightly, leaning forward with her legs over his shoulders. “Show me what I do to you, baby.”

She felt more than her body shattering. This time, it felt like her heart wanted to explode, to latch onto him and never let go.

Landry kissed her, tenderly, slowly. “I’ll never betray your trust, love. I swear it. Let me in.”

She felt her release, stealthy and soft, like a too-large soap bubble giving way to a sudden breeze. And all the sweeter for the simple beauty in that connection with Landry. Tilly gasped as she felt it and in two hard thrusts, he joined her.

The tears caught her by surprise. Without withdrawing, he immediately rolled them over, him on his back with her tightly encased by his arms. “That’s it, sweetheart,” he whispered, kissing her forehead as his fingers stroked her spine. “That was so very, very beautiful.”

For a moment she worried she’d hyperventilate as she tried to catch her breath. Never before had that happened like that. Ever.

Not even with Cris.

No triggers, no commands to come, no assistance from a hand, a tongue, or a vibrator. Just his body and those damn fine eyes.

“Please tell me,” he whispered.

She shook her head and buried her face against his chest, not able to talk yet.

He didn’t ask again. He waited her out until she felt reasonably rational. “Thank you.”

“For what?” He sounded amused.

She lifted her head and kissed him. “For marrying me.”

“I think you have that backwards, but as you wish, love. You’re absolutely welcome.”

She stroked his jaw with her fingers, feeling the shadow of stubble already there. What did this mean? That she trusted him more in a few days than she had trusted Cris in years? That she’d been able to let loose with him in a way she never could with Cris?

Why did she feel guilty that in all the years she’d spent with Cris, she’d never been able to achieve that one simple release despite their countless hours of trying.

“It feels like I belong here, with you,” she quietly admitted.

His gaze traveled her face for many long moments before he spoke. “Maybe that’s because you do.”