She made him wait an hour and a half.

But it was worth it.

The moment he saw Suzanne exit her shop and approach he alighted from the carriage, to the roar of the crowd that had formed.

Leo’s heart lost a beat.

Suzanne had donned the expensive deep blue cloak and matching blue taffeta-and-velvet gown he’d had placed in her room as a surprise gift. The winter wind blew back the heavy wool cloak, giving him a full, mouthwatering view of her décolletage, and the gorgeous curves of her breasts.

Her sweet form was so sumptuously detailed in the fitted gown. His cock turned hard as stone in an instant, despite the chill in the air.

She was going to be in tight proximity to him all the way to Montbrison. And he had to live up to that idiotic promise he’d made not to kiss her.

What was he thinking giving her the gown before they arrived at his château?

Merde. It was going to be a long ride home.

She stopped before him and looked around at the enthusiastic throng.

“You look exquisite,” he said.

That brought her attention back to him. “Thank you.” She touched her skirts. “And thank you for the lovely gift. It is much more suitable attire to greet your family with.” To his utter delight, she smiled. It was the first smile since his return. And there was even the slightest hint of that adorable dimple he’d missed so much. “Why are they all here?” she asked, indicating the chaotic crowd.

“To wish you a good trip. They’re quite happy. I’ve given each some coin for their participation in the contest. A gift for the holiday.” He wasn’t certain how she’d receive the news, but he was being honest.

She surprised him with yet another smile. “That was very kind and generous of you. There are some in dire need.”

Her compliment pleased him more than she could ever know.

It was pure joy seeing her brightened face, especially after the recent sadness she’d endured over the loss of her father. And he relished the moment.

“I’m glad you approve, chérie.”

Briefly, she glanced at the crowd once more. “You are a force to contend with, Leo,” she said, looking serious again. “But I want you to know that I am coming to Montbrison because I have decided that I wish to go. Not because you”—she poked him in the chest with her finger—“willed it.”

The joviality of the crowd was contagious, for he felt happier than he had in years. In truth, despite the sexual frustration and living outdoors in the street, he’d been at his happiest this week.

He didn’t give a whit what her reason was for coming home with him.

All that mattered was that she was giving him a chance to remind her how good they were together.

“You know, regardless of your efforts, and the fact that you’ve made certain they all knew that my father had been your family’s esteemed physician, some will think I’m going to become your mistress at Montbrison.”

It was his turn to smile. If all went well, she wasn’t returning to Maillard. She’d be his bride. “Tsk, tsk, Suzanne. There you go underestimating me again.”

“You have a plan to remedy this?” she asked, looking adorably skeptical.

“Of course.”

“Do you care to share it?”

“Not yet.”

“Well, since we are on the subject, I have given it much thought, and I have decided to give myself to you at Montbrison. Extensively.” She stepped around him and climbed into the carriage before he could even assist.

Fuck. That practically stopped his heart. His greedy prick gave a hungry throb.

Leo ordered the driver to depart for Montbrison immediately, then climbed into the carriage and sat down across from her.

“Extensively?” he repeated, wanting to make sure he’d heard correctly. He could definitely fulfill that wish.

“Yes. I want a…” She looked down at her hands on her lap, for a moment. “Well, a reprieve from the sadness and grief. A small escape. We both know this won’t lead to marriage, regardless of…any feelings we might have.”

That was the closest she’d come to admitting her affections for him. His heart quickened. She had no idea what he had in store.

He was going to woo his dark-haired beauty senseless.

If after the queen’s death, the king could choose a second wife who’d been born in a debtor’s prison, no less, and have the realm bow at her feet, then Leo could pick a physician’s brilliant daughter—who created incredible matchsticks—as his next duchesse. He might not be king, but his title was significant, his lands vast, his influence weighty.

And he had more fucking money than what was in the overextravagant king’s coffers.

Suzanne simply couldn’t fight it anymore. The carnal awareness practically crackled in the air between them. She knew he felt it, too. It was always there. She couldn’t seem to extinguish it.

Not when he looked so good he made her ache. His dark hair and gorgeous light green eyes had always been a knee-weakening combination. And dressed in his black cloak and breeches, and a green justacorps—he looked breathtakingly regal. All this masculine beauty would be hers to touch and taste… Moisture seeped from her sex.

Oh, Suzanne, you are playing with fire. And she could be burned, worse than any injury her matchsticks could ever inflict.

While she paced around her room in Maillard, she’d fretted whether returning to Montbrison was a good idea. Or the most foolish thing she’d ever done.

Especially after Leo’s declaration of affection.

And the feelings his words had rekindled.

She was intent on being cautious. On not falling madly in love with him again. She was determined to enjoy each moment of this sojourn. And not disquiet her mind with thoughts of the future. And whether Leo would be in it.

The one thing she’d learned from her father’s death was that life can be snatched from you at any time. And she would seek whatever happiness she could get.

“Unlike you, I’ve not had the pleasure of carnal encounters since we parted,” she said. “And I wish to enjoy your erotic skills once more.”

Leo tilted his head. “Oh, I do intend to fuck you mindless, but no, I’ll not agree to just sex. That is a ploy. One I know well. It is meant to allow you to remain at a safe distance—emotionally. I’ve already told you, I’m going after your heart, not just your body.

* * *

Warm lips brushed against hers. Then again. A soft silky stroke.

Suzanne sighed. Her eyes fluttered but didn’t open. She was still so sleepy.

“It’s morning, Suzanne,” Leo murmured against her mouth. “Open your eyes, chère. I’m not going to kiss you until you’re fully awake.”

Her eyes flew open. Leo was beside her, his arm around her shoulders. She looked around the moving carriage. Through the curtains that covered the windows, she could detect daylight.

Good Lord. It was morning.

“You’ve been asleep since yesterday afternoon. You never even woke up when we changed the horses,” he gently teased.

Over twelve hours? Clearly, the numerous sleepless nights had caught up with her.

And it was no wonder. She woke up warmly cocooned in the corner of the carriage. In its lavish luxury. With Leo’s solid, warm body against her.

Leaning in, he whispered in her ear, “What do you see out the window?”

Suzanne parted the curtains slightly and glanced out. The majestic iron gates of Montbrison, mere feet away.

Looking as beautiful as ever.

Like the gates of heaven… That was the very thought she’d had the first time she’d seen the tall, ornate gates as a child from one of the d’Ermarts’ costly carriages.

While holding her father’s hand.

Her throat tightened, a barrage of emotions inundating her. There was joy; she never thought she’d see her beloved childhood home again. There was sadness—an engulfing, utterly suffocating wave—for her father wasn’t with her this time.

Nor would he ever be again. Not on this side of the stars.

She didn’t want to be sad anymore. Even if it was just for a moment or two. And she knew Leo had the touch of magic she needed.

The gates opened, and the carriage rode on through. Leo captured her chin. “We’re home. Now, you’re mi—”

Fisting his cloak, Suzanne sat up and crushed her mouth to his, driving her tongue past his lips when he tried to speak. Oh God. He tasted so good. Better than good. The most delectable taste she’d ever known.

Her blood ignited.

Her kiss was famished and frenzied. She couldn’t catch her breath, reveling in the delicious hunger and heat that he alone incited.

He shoved her back against the seat. Angling her head, he took command of the kiss, giving her long, luscious unhurried strokes of his tongue. Making her mind spin. Her sex responded with a warm gush. She couldn’t keep to his languorous pace.

She needed more. Of him.

And this.

Leo broke the kiss, his heart pounding in his chest. “Jésus-Christ… I love your fire…” He was so fucking hard for this woman, his cock felt like heavy lead.

“I’m going to fuck you.” His voice was rough with desire. “Now.”

It took at least twenty minutes from the gates of Montbrison to reach the château.

More than enough time to make her come for him. And take the edge off his own physical torture. He was already seeping spunk from the tip of his prick. He’d been at a cock-stand for too damned long. One orgasm—no matter how intense he knew it was going to be—wasn’t going to begin to sate his need for his beautiful match girl.

“If you have any objections, voice them right now,” he said, slipping his hand beneath her skirts with practiced ease. “Otherwise… I’m going to fill your pretty little cunt with my cock.”

He skimmed a palm over her knee and up her thigh. Her knees were together, yet the moment she felt his fingers, her legs went lax and her knees parted. Leo smiled.

That was an indisputable invitation.

His sac was full. His body was rioting for release. But he wanted to hear the words from her mouth first.

Leo cupped her sex through her caleçons. She jumped with a sweet little gasp. The drawers were slick with her essence. His heart hammered harder.

“What say you, Suzanne? Is this mine?” He slid two fingers past the slit and sank them into her soft, wet sex. She mewed and jerked her hips up. A purely sensuous response she couldn’t control. He groaned. She was squeezing his fingers with the most mind-numbing clench.

He had to have her soon. Or lose his fucking mind.

He began caressing her cunt, sliding his fingers in and out of her slick core with even, measured strokes meant to feed her fever, yet not let her come. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to hear you say the words, chère.” Her eyes were closed and she was arching her back, trying to press her little clit against the heel of his palm. He easily evaded her attempts to rub herself against his hand, refusing to let her come this way. After all this waiting, he was going to feel her come on his cock.

She bit her lip and thrust her hips at him more insistently. Lost in the sensations in her sex.

Paying little attention to his request.

Leo curled his buried fingers and stroked over that ultrasensitive sweet spot inside her vaginal wall. Her eyes flew open. A sharp cry of pleasure burst from her lips, the sensation strong.

That got her attention.

He dealt a second, far softer stroke, just to hear her gasp. “Is this mine?” he prompted as he continued pumping his fingers in her perfect sheath.

“Yes… Hurry!” Each word said with breathless haste.

“Tell me what you want, beautiful Suzanne. Let me hear you say it.” He stilled his fingers.

She whimpered in protest. “You! Please…”

That was a plea he couldn’t deny. He was on the edge of his sanity. Leo withdrew his fingers and tore open his breeches. Freeing his leaden cock.

He was on his knees and between her legs in an instant, shoving her skirts up and out of the way. Then with a quick lift of her pretty derrière, he tore her drawers off, tossing them onto the seat.

“I’ll purchase more later.” He made no apologies. There were too many damned clothes between them. Gripping her hips, he hauled her bottom to the edge of the plush seat, and angled her hips for his possession. “This is going to be fast and hard.”

She gave a vigorous squirm. “Too much talking!” She was panting. His breathing was no less affected.

Leo smiled at her fiery outburst, despite his state. Oh, he was going to give her exactly what she wanted. Before they reached the doors to his château, he was going to rock her body with a powerful orgasm. Tightening his hold on her hips, he held her still and wedged the head of his prick at her opening.

His groan eclipsed her soft moan. The crest of his cock was surrounded by the most irresistible heat. He couldn’t wait a heartbeat longer.

Leo slammed into her, driving her bottom into the seat. She cried out, thrusting her hips up, sucking him in a fraction farther.

His eyes practically rolled back in his head at the raging pleasure engulfing him. Her grip on his cock was so tight, it was mind-melting, making his prick pulse.

“You’re mine,” he growled, then captured her mouth, possessing it with the thrust of his tongue. Relishing her taste. Her surrender was delicious.

He snaked an arm around her waist, and braced his other hand against the back of the seat, holding her in place as he drove his whole length into her again and again. Releasing all his pent up passion. He was in so deliciously deep, her inner muscles lightly quivering around him.

The sensations coursing along his cock were stunning.

She slipped her arms around his neck. Her fingers tangled in his hair. And those sultry sounds she made as she took each powerful plunge and exquisite drag only incited him more. She was kissing him with the most magnificent intensity.

“You want to come for me, don’t you?” he growled against her mouth. “Just for me.”

She was about to come. He could feel the contractions around his cock intensifying. He knew he was about to send her over the edge.

“Answer me, Suzanne. You don’t want me to stop, do you?”

“NO,” exploded from her lips. “Don’t stop! I want to come…for you. Just you… Oh God, Leo. I can’t stop it. I’m going to—It’s happening!” She lurched sharply in his arms. He crushed her lips, muffling her cry with his mouth. Glorious spasms suddenly enveloped his thrusting cock, her sweet sheath pulsing and pulling around him, sucking at his shaft, in one spine-melting wave after another.

Semen surged in his sac. A bead of sweat rolled down his back, yet he fought back his release, not wanting this to end. Prolonging his possession. And his connection with this one and only woman.

She was his. His perfect soul mate. His true match.

He’d waited an eternity for this moment.

He rode through the luscious contractions until finally his willpower snapped and he felt the rush of hot come flooding down his cock. He reared just in time. Semen shot from him with intense force. Leo buried his face in the side of her neck and groaned long and hard as he purged his prick in a deep, draining rush that went on. And on. The final spurt tearing a growl from his throat.

Leaving his body shaken and his muscles lax.

Christ, this was soul-satisfying sex, the likes of which he’d never known with any other woman than her. His heart was still pounding and his breathing still quickened when he lifted his head and gazed into her big brown eyes.

She appeared just as shaken as he was by the intense experience.

That endearing little crinkle formed on her brow. “You said you’d be truthful… Is it always like this?”

Normally he didn’t answer questions about past lovers, but he wanted to respond to this one. “No,” he said honestly. “Not even close.”

She smiled, moving him to one as well.

The carriage suddenly stopped.

Leo leaned in, and in her ear he said, “Welcome home.”