So...I really meant to have this chapter as the wedding night, but it didn't quite get there yet. I ran out of time in my world to finish it, so I wanted to post what I had and I will have the rest of it for you tomorrow! Sweet torment for sure!
The wedding feast seemed excruciatingly slow, as every look and every touch between Derek and Meredith seemed to increase their appetite for each other, instead of the food laid out in front of them. As she raised her goblet to take a sip, her eyes met his yet again, the heat and desire in his expression taking her breath away.
"M'lord and husband…you will scorch me with that look," she murmured softly, putting the goblet down.
"My lady and wife…I'm already on fire for you," he replied, taking a drink of his own wine. "I wish I could just pick you up and take you off to bed right now." He bent closer, his breath warm in her ear. "And do all those wicked things to that luscious body of yours that you enjoy so much…" Meredith bit back a moan in her throat, envisioning what he was speaking of. Her senses flared again, as he continued to whisper in her ear.
"Derek…we still have to wait… they will expect us to lead the dance…" she whispered back, a delightful tension building in her at his erotic promises.
He exhaled in frustration. "Of course, my love. The torment will all be worthwhile later, I promise you." His eyes met hers again, bold and wicked and tender all at the same time. He took her hand from the table and kissed her fingers, letting his tongue caress her briefly, making her ache for him even more.
Finally, the meal was over, the toasts and celebratory drinks were had, and the musicians started to play once more. Derek stood, and offered his hand to her, with a small bow. "Shall we dance, my dear?" he asked her, drawing her to her feet.
The crowd fell quiet, as the music swelled into a slow waltz, while Derek escorted Meredith forward. Her heart skipped a beat, as he held her in his arms, and they moved to the music. The rest of the world dropped away, and it was only the two of them gliding and twirling slowly, and she was sure her feet barely touched the ground. He feathered a tiny kiss across her temple, bringing more pink to her cheeks. The delicious torment of being so close, feeling his thigh brushing hers, the stroke of his fingers against her palm, the gentle press of her breasts against his chest, all combined to drive them both to distraction.
Marcus moved closer to Izzie, taking her hand, and leaning in to whisper at her. "They look like they could devour each other right here…" he murmured hotly, sending a wave of heat washing through her.
"I almost feel like I should not be watching them," she confessed, as they continued to dance. "They have such a passion for each other."
"They do indeed," he agreed. "Are you well today, my dear? I trust you suffered no ill effects from last night?" His deep voice was amused, yet arousing to her.
"No, not at all…" Izzie said softly, though she ached in ways she never dreamed possible. In delicious ways, however.
The waltz ended, and Derek spun Meredith into a final turn, and she dropped into a deep curtsey, as the guests applauded and whistled. Laughing, Derek pulled her back into his arms, nodding at Marcus and Alex to bring Izzie and Kate onto the dance floor with them. More of the others joined them, and soon the area was spinning in colors of the elegant dresses. Once again, Derek used the opportunity of the dance to drop a kiss on her lips, her lovely mouth begging him for more, her soft green eyes sparkling at him.
"Not much longer, my love…." he murmured.
"Will you be able to control yourself?" she teased him, as he spun her around.
"For a short time longer, I'm sure, but then…."
"Then I would hope you do not control yourself…." she added, her voice a husky whisper, her gaze locked with his. The slow burn of desire suddenly touched off into flames again, as he gave her a sinful smile.
"No, my naughty temptress, there will be no holding back then," he assured her, then bowing over her hand as the music ended. Dutifully, he danced with his mother, and each of his sisters in turn, as Meredith was swirled around by her new brothers-in-law, ending up in Marcus's arms at the end.
"Ah, Lady Meredith, if I may call you that? Or do you prefer Your Grace, or Duchess?" His eyes sparkled at her, as he whisked her around into the quick steps.
"Just Meredith, if you please. I'm not quite accustomed to the rest of it," she giggled.
He nodded. "And quite the news – your father being alive, and you, the daughter of a duke as well. I wish Addi were here to turn even greener with envy."
Meredith's laughter bubbled up at the thought of that. "Indeed, she would be quite upset, wouldn't she?"
Derek's eyes were drawn to her as she laughed, finding himself a little annoyed to see that she was dancing with Marcus – her lovely mouth curved into a smile, her cheeks flushed, and that soft honey gold hair of hers starting to come loose from the pins beneath the veil. He knew it was irrational, he had nothing to worry about with Meredith, and he shook his head to clear the thoughts away. Returning his attention to Kate, who smiled at him. "Derek, dear, do not look so forlorn, your bride will be in your arms again soon. I know you can't keep your eyes away from her."
"I'm sorry, Kate. It's been a long day, but I do appreciate everything you have done for us today. I know you were very busy, and I hope you have time to enjoy yourself."
"I am, it's lovely," she assured him, as the music stopped once again, and he begged off from another round.
"I think Alex is looking for someone to talk to," he urged Kate. "He's been out of the country a lot, and is at loose ends."
"Oh, of course," she replied, though her heart gave an odd flutter at the thought. It had been a long time since she had felt any interest in anyone since William had died, but there was something about this man that rekindled that. "Derek, why don't you and Meredith slip away soon? I'm sure no one will miss you," she said, kissing his cheek, then turning to head towards Alex.
--
Derek stopped at the door to his bedchamber, gripping Meredith's hand tightly. "Wait…" he murmured, before sweeping her into his arms so that she laughed happily. "I have to carry you over the threshold, my wife."
She tipped her face up to press a kiss to his lips, as he pushed the door open with his foot. Her tongue flicked delicately along his lips, before slipping into his mouth for an instant, reveling in the low growl that he gave her in response. He returned the same caress, as he carried her through the doorway, slamming it shut with his heel.
"You are such a sweet temptress, my love," he murmured against her lips.
"If I am, then it is all because of you, my wicked husband," she sighed, content in his arms. He carried her across the room, letting her down carefully beside the huge bed. Then he lowered his head again, taking her mouth gently at first, and then with increasing passion. Feathering kisses along her jaw, and her throat, and back to her mouth again.
"Do you know how much I want you right now?" he whispered. "My lover, my darling wife…" He ran his hand along her cheek, lightly stroking her lips. The exquisite sensation sent shivers along her spine, matching the shuddering pleasure that claimed his own body. Then she pressed herself tightly against him, every curve and luscious hollow fitting against him perfectly.
"I do," she replied, licking her bottom lip slowly. "And now you have me all to yourself, to have your way with me, until we are both satisfied…" she kissed him softly, "…completely…" She flicked her tongue across his lips again, and he felt his body tighten and his cock throb for her.
"Then we should not waste any further time…" he murmured, as he ran his hands down her back, kneading, caressing, making her arch against him with soft sounds of her own need, until he reached her hips, pulling her forward against him. She could feel the hot hard length of him through their clothing, and she moaned again. "You see how much I want you…" he said urgently, as he cupped her face and kissed her hard, whispering hot, wanton words in her ear.
"Yes…"
Derek cursed under his breath, at the tangle of clothing between them. "Did I tell you how lovely you look in this dress today? Like a sweet angel heading towards me down the aisle?" he asked, taking a deep breath. "So very lovely… but right now it has to come off, or it will be ruined in a matter of moments…"
Meredith took his hands in hers, kissing his knuckles. "Wait right here, and I will call Rose to help me in my chamber and then return to you. I do not wish to have this gown in tatters. Do you think you can wait a few more minutes?" She flashed him a coy look from beneath her lashes. "And I expect you will be ready and waiting for me, my lord and husband….so very ready…" Her hand slipped across his erection, and he closed his eyes briefly at the sensation.
"Vixen.." he muttered. "Hurry back…"
