Sorry for the short chapter. Again, quality over quantity.
Enjoy!
9.
The following morning, Teddy Bordon' s mind was still sorting out all the things that Andrew had admitted to her the night before and the events that led up to it.
With her eyes still closed, she continued to feign sleep and stretched cat-like in her husband's arms, savoring the warmth of his body. Despite the late hour at which the two finally stopped talking in order to get some sleep, Teddy hadn't felt this well rested in ages.
When she finally decided to speak to Andrew they ended up talking for hours. What seemed like excuses to her at first became real concerns once he explained how conflicted he had been. His initial intentions towards her had been completely honorable and he felt that he was leaving her a way out. Although he was worried how his parents would react to the news he had married, he realized he was using that as a reason to deny her. He hadn't understood why his rejection mattered so much to her until Teddy admitted herself that she had developed very deep feelings for Andrew. Against her own better judgment and guilt over her seemingly lack of grief for Ram, she loved Andrew.
Teddy had been surprised when Andrew shared these thoughts with her. She had been even more surprised, to learn that Banastre had been Andrew's voice of reason. She had no idea what Ban had said to Andrew, and she didn't ask. She was just grateful that someone talked some sense into her stubborn husband.
Andrew was her husband now, of that she had no doubt. Of course she made him grovel a bit. No one would rightfully call her a proper wife otherwise. But Teddy hadn't really meant to hurt Andrew either and she apologized for the nasty things she had said to him. By the time they went to bed, they had pretty much hashed everything out.
They still had many details to work on. However, Andrew had promised her that in the event his family did reject her, he would do whatever it took - even keep his commission if need be- to make himself independent from the earl. Going home to Trenton or to Ram's family was completely out of the question now- that much was certain. So while Teddy was still very unsure about their future, she knew that Andrew loved and wanted her and she would follow him to the ends of the Earth.
At that particular moment, Teddy Bordon was exactly where she wanted to be. She was lazing in bed, enveloped by her husband's sleeping body, thinking about their prospects as a couple and in a general sense, feeling pretty good about them.
As she lay there day dreaming, Teddy felt certain parts of Andrew's anatomy rise long before he did. She reveled in it, knowing that it was hers now for the taking and she purposely wriggled her bottom a little closer to him.
"Mmm," he responded with a sleepy moan. Apparently she wasn't the only one day dreaming.
Andrew's arms sluggishly tightened around her like a steel band. The hand that normally rested carelessly across her ribs, found it's way to her breast and began kneading gently. He nuzzled his face through her hair and kissed the soft skin of her neck, raising goose bumps on her arms.
"Do you have any idea," he murmured, pressing his erection against her bottom and pushing her nightgown up with his hands. "how often I have wanted to wake you this way?'
The ring of delight she heard in his voice as he spoke so close to her ear reverberated over her body. Teddy smiled inwardly at the stir of desire that streaked through her and knew that it was going to be a glorious morning.
"At least as many times as I have, I'm sure," she answered.
If Bordon would have had enough wits about him at that moment, his jaw would have likely dropped. Her unwavering trust in him never ceased to amaze him. Once again it seemed as though she had given him the permission he wanted so badly to use her body as he desired. Not that he ever needed her permission. He had absolute rights over her and as her husband he could do with her whatever pleased him. But part of Teddy's appeal was her willingness to let him please her. She must know what kind of power her passion held over him- how she could easily manipulate him with it if she wanted to. Everything he used to demanded from his lovers, she now demanded from him. But that manipulation was not there. She didn't want him for promises of favors or money. She wanted him for him.
Bordon's hands slid higher, eventually pushing Teddy's nightgown off over her head and flinging it to the ground. Now she was completely naked and all his. Her back was pressed to his chest with his hands free to roam, taking in the feel her curves and skin, completely overwhelming his senses.
Teddy turned her head towards him for a kiss and covered his hands with her own. At first he thought she might move them away or attempt to still them. Instead, Teddy guided them where she lusted for his touch. The feel of her nipples tightened under his palms, her softness filling him with a sweet, hot ache.
Bordon pressed his hand against the dark thatch of curls covering her mound, deliberately, separating her thighs, lifting one and resting it over his hip. His fingers cruised lightly over her inner thigh, luring her back towards his throbbing erection with wicked caresses that made her open for him. He pushed inside, joining with her, filling her. The cry that came from her lips resonated with her desire. He wrapped one arm around her waist, anchoring her against him; his other hand still hot and hard on her breast. Holding her, he withdrew and thrust deep, fulfilling her, testing her to see how long she would tolerate every powerful stroke he could give her.
He heard her gasp and felt her body completely relax in his arms the instant she surrendered, leaving him to set the pace.
It was an awesome moment; one Bordon would have liked to savor. But his need for release was quickly rising hard and fast until it became too much to restrain. The frantic sounds she made were like a siren's song to his ears. He craved more of her; the taste of her, the scent of her, the feel of her bare bottom and thighs as he rode her while she held on for dear life.
He moved his hand from her waist and reached down to stroke her. Her body tightened pulling him with her. Higher and higher until they seemed to touched the sun and shatter with a cry from each of them. Hers tortured, his primitive.
Teddy lay limp against him like a rag doll, panting. Her uneven breath washed over his arms. Bordon gently disengaged from her and curled himself around her sweat slicked body, holding her while they recovered.
She had tried to truly become his wife the first time they made love but he wouldn't allow it. He was stupid and foolish enough to think he could simply abandon her. Not anymore. He committed himself to her last night emotionally and this morning was his commitment to her bodily. He almost felt as though he should say something until it dawned on him that nothing else needed to be said. They both understood what this was now.
She. Was. His. And he would never let her go.
Instead of attempting to find something witty or romantic to say, he laid quietly there with her, pecking her shoulders with his lips, stroking her hair away from her face. Teddy turned into his chest and dozed off, leaving him alone to reflect on his marital status.
The Honorable Captain Andrew Bordon was a married man. He had met his match, was mated for life and that was perfectly fine with him.