Catherine and the Marquis (Bluestocking Brides Book 4) Read online

  He flicked and teased, and she clamped her bottom lip under her teeth. He kissed her firmly and eased one finger inside her. The shocking sensation made her buck into the touch. Thorne moved that finger in and out while circling her sensitive nub with a thumb.

  Catherine met his gaze and felt herself being swallowed up by the power of it. Thorne would never do things halfway and it seemed the same was true for his lovemaking. He brought her to the brink several times. The thought that her mother could return at any moment had her anxious and excited all at the same time. Digging her fingers into his arms, she silently begged him for more.

  He gave her all he could give, leaning down to tease his lips across her mouth while he brought her higher and higher until she felt she could not go on any longer. Legs shuddering, sweat tickling her forehead, she gave herself up to him, letting him take her all the way to the peak and over.

  Breaths ragged, she waited for the world to come back into focus. Thorne grinned and pressed a kiss to her head.

  “You are a shocking influence on me, Catherine,” he said as he rearranged her skirts.

  “And I always intend to be.”

  “I would not have you any other way.”

  Epilogue

  If Thorne had planned it more carefully, he would have chosen a day when the entire Chadwick clan were not visiting with their parents. Every time he glanced at the window behind Mr. Chadwick’s desk, one of the sisters peeked in. He was fairly certain he could hear shuffling footsteps outside, likely from Mrs. Chadwick who Catherine had warned would have her ear pressed to the door.

  Mr. Chadwick clasped his hands behind his back and peered at Thorne. “Are you quite sure?”

  “Yes, sir, quite sure.”

  “And Catherine has agreed to this?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “You realize she is a quite a handful?” Mr. Chadwick held up a hand. “I do not mean to dissuade you, but I would not see Catherine hurt by a…a broken engagement.”

  “I am fully aware of what I am doing,” Thorne assured him.

  Mr. Chadwick sank down on the chair behind the study desk. “She will make a terrible marchioness.”

  Thorne could not prevent himself from smiling. “Yes, she will.”

  “Well, far be it for me to deny you if this is what you both want.”

  “It is, sir.”

  Mr. Chadwick smiled. “You know, you are the first to come and ask for my daughter’s hand. All the others were done by letter. I always thought Catherine would be the one to run off or do something else scandalous. I am gladdened she will have a man who understands how things should be. Perhaps you shall be a good influence on her.”

  “I think it more likely she will be a good influence on me.”

  Catherine’s father shook his head. “You really must be in love.”

  “I am, sir.”

  “Well,” he stood and offered a hand. “Good luck to you, my lord. Goodness knows you shall need it.”

  A screech came from outside the room. Out in the garden, excited feminine chatter sprung up.

  “I knew it, did I not tell you?” said Mrs. Chadwick from outside the door. “All gentlemen who arrive here marry my daughters.”

  Mr. Chadwick rolled his eyes. “Welcome to the family, Lord Thornefield. I hope you have a strong constitution. You are going to need it.”

  THE END

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  Other titles by Samantha Holt

  Bluestocking Brides

  Amelia and the Viscount

  Julia and the Duke

  Emma and the Earl

  Rogues of Redmere

  You’re the Rogue That I Want

  When a Rogue Loves a Woman