Elizabeth looked up at him and touched his cheek tenderly, sharing the pain they both felt, even as it ebbed away. When she stopped crying, he gently kissed her flushed hot cheeks, then her full, sweet lips, and told her, “This is our space, right here. It’s where we both belong, and we’re not going anywhere. Either of us, all right?” his eyes gently questioned hers, while promising himself.
“I’m staying. This is where I want to be more than anyplace else in the world.” Elizabeth smiled sleepily. “You do give me the most gorgeous sleep, Fitzwilliam.”
“And you me, Elizabeth,” he whispered in her ear. By the time her head reached the pillow, she was asleep and he immediately followed her.
Chapter 17
Elizabeth awoke feeling warm and happy. The bright morning sunlight streamed in through large windows, filtered by the white linen curtains, diffusing the light as it illuminated the room. She traced a soft sound to a fountain bubbling against one wall.
She could tell by his soft breathing that Darcy was still asleep, and she kept still to make the moment last. She inventoried all the places their flesh touched: his chest against her back, his arm draped over her middle, his hand cupping her breast, his cock firm against her ass, his legs intertwined with hers, and even her one foot resting on his. She couldn’t see him from her position, but she could visualize each part in her mind, and she was moved by his great strength and beauty.
As she observed the part of the room she could see, she carefully recalled each part of the previous day, reliving every memory and carefully storing it away, like a beloved keepsake.
It had been some kind of miracle that they had found each other again. But that they had forgiven each other and professed their love, that was no miracle, that was destiny; it was fate.
She had concluded before they were perfect for each other, and now, in his arms, she found her conclusion was correct. A wave of tender emotion washed over her, and she couldn’t keep from rolling over in his arms to see his dear face again.
His face was relaxed, even as he stirred slightly. Elizabeth pressed light kisses over his forehead and nose, feeling giddy with love for him. His hand moved up and captured her head, holding her still as his lips met hers.
“Good morning,” he intoned when he released her.
Elizabeth smiled joyfully. “Good morning.” She kissed his lips then snuggled close, nuzzling her lips on the soft skin near his ear and telling him, “I adore you.”
Darcy stretched his long frame out then caught her up in his arms and kissed her soundly. Elizabeth could feel his erection growing against her belly, and with a happy wantonness, she craved it. Her hands slipped down to touch and play with him.
Darcy lifted a questioning eyebrow to her. “You are certainly in a playful mood this morning.”
Elizabeth giggled. “I guess I am.” She looked up at him with uncertain happiness. “I love you,” she said simply. “I never really had a chance to tell you that before, and now I need you to know it, to feel it.”
Darcy drew her into his embrace and gently kissed her hair and ears. Elizabeth closed her eyes and moved herself against his mouth, her desire increasing with each touch. She lifted her head to his and kissed him hard. She was relieved, then excited when he returned her kiss with equal passion.
As they kissed, they repositioned themselves, moving as if with one mind. Darcy lay on his back and Elizabeth mounted him, her knees resting on either side of his hips, his erection pressed between their bellies.
Elizabeth broke away from his mouth and gasped, “I’m sorry to rush, I just need you.”
Darcy quieted her and leaned back. “I want to watch you pleasure yourself on me. I want to feel you on me.”
The softest sigh escaped his lips as she impaled herself on his hard shaft. He watched as she rode him, her lips full and puffy from kissing, her eyes large and wild with desire, her expression full of pleasure and longing.
His hands slid up her thighs to grasp her ass. He squeezed and caressed those heavenly curves, which had fascinated him almost from the start, and Elizabeth’s thrusts became more and more forceful.
He looked into her eyes and saw that she was deep in her own sensations now. The tightening of her body around him confirmed that fact. He was bewitched by her actions. She shed all her inhibitions and was completely bare to him. Even her emotions were ripped away and she was driven by pure sensation. She was naked, raw, and powerful, and Darcy understood in a flash that she could never be this free if she didn’t have complete trust in him.
With that realization, he lost control to the impossibly erotic vision above him and the waves of sweet pleasure she brought him. The fiery tension in his body took over and he grasped her hips hard as he made the final push toward ecstasy.
Their voices cried out in ardor beyond knowledge or caring. The world was gone and they were lost in sweet pleasure, built off each other, climbing to levels neither imagined before.
It was Elizabeth who peaked first, her body tightening as waves of orgasm enveloped her and she cried out with each contraction. Darcy, completely lost in the worship of her body, emptied himself into her.
They collapsed, exhausted, onto each other, their limbs weak and trembling. With shuddering breaths, they reached for each other, to anchor and ground themselves. As one, they rested.
When her awareness returned, Elizabeth kissed the part of him closest to her lips, his heart. She felt him squeeze her tight in wordless response, and her heart cherished him with such intensity, it was painful.
She closed her eyes and basked in the sensations of his adoration, feeling happiness she had never known. When she spoke, her voice was rough with emotion and wonder. “Will, I can never leave you now.” She trembled as she spoke new truths that were as life changing as they were undeniable. “I’m yours. I understand now. Oh God. I love you so much and I’m yours now.”
Darcy held her tenderly. Her body more precious to him than anything he had ever known, and he felt an instinctive need to protect her. He didn’t understand how it had happened so quickly, but she was right. They were bonded together, their lives linked. It was amazing and frightening and wonderful all at the same time; yet it was as certain and as undeniable as the sunrise.
When the wave of heady emotion passed, Darcy watched as her eyes opened again and smiled with all the love in his heart. She smiled back and relaxed with a sigh, her emotions already exhausted. “It’s hard work being in love, isn’t it?”
Elizabeth grinned and nodded. “Can we take it easy today?”
Darcy’s hand absently traced the muscles of her biceps as he stroked her arm. “Sounds good to me. I have no plans.”
Elizabeth nodded contentedly. “I should probably get my stuff from the hotel.”
Darcy nodded, and a part of him observed with amazement at how easy this was. Yet it felt so right, there was no doubt. They had both found their place, and that was with each other.
Thinking of the world outside of Pemberley reminded her of something she needed to say, but she was loathe to mention it. Her heart lurched and she prayed for just a few moments of peace with him. She wanted to shut out the world beyond their bed and protect him, but it was hopeless.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, seeing through her.
With a heavy sigh, she took his hand and laced her fingers between his. “I wish the timing was better, but I have to tell you something, about Wickham.”
Darcy grew very still, but said nothing.
“On Tuesday, I have to go and shoot the second video with him,” she announced dully.