Read Online A Compromised Innocent by Elaine Golden - Free Book Online

doing it, too.
    â€œWha—what did you say?”
    â€œI love you, Lizzie Talbot. Marry me and bring joy into my life.”
    With a shout of joy, she leaped into him and wrapped her arms about his neck, then peppered his face with kisses. “Oh! I love you, too, Oliver!”
    â€œIs that a ‘yes’?”
    â€œYes!”
    Oliver moved backward, pulling her along, until he was propped against his large mahogany desk, and Lizzie stood between his legs. Without breaking eye contact, he fumbled behind him until he caught what he was after and brought it forward. A small, hinged box, which opened to reveal the most beautiful emerald Lizzie had ever seen.
    â€œRemove your gloves,” he said quietly.
    With a wicked smile, she raised her hand to her lips and proceeded to tug them off, inch by inch with her teeth, mimicking her brazen behavior in the carriage. His eyes flickered and his nostrils flared.
    â€œKeep that up and see if you don’t get more than you bargain for, lover.”
    Pulling the last bit free, she tossed the gloves carelessly over her shoulder and leaned into him, rocking against the hard ridge of his arousal. “I’m ready for anything with you, Oliver. Show me.”
    Oliver slid the emerald on her finger then kissed the spot where it rested on her hand.
    â€œEvery day of my life, starling.”

Chapter Eleven
    Oliver Fortney, sixth Duke of Wainsborough and newly married man, stood before the closed portal of his bedroom, as disquieted as an untried youth.
    Somehow, he’d managed to keep the worst of his attentions from Lizzie over the three excruciating months of their engagement. He hadn’t been able to completely keep his hands from her, of course, but he’d managed to keep himself in his trousers. Barely.
    It hadn’t been easy, but he would not risk Lizzie to an untenable situation, should anything happen to him before they were wed. Even though his older sister, Charlotte, had long since forgiven him, Oliver would never be able to forgive himself. And he would never be the cause of another suffering for his selfishness again.
    Oh, but he burned. He lusted for his new bride with an unfathomable need. Just to watch her at the mundanity of a supper party was enthralling, as she smiled and glowed in the candlelight.
    And now she was his. In this room. Waiting for him.
    So, why did he still stand in the hallway and stare dumbly at his bedroom door?
    The door swung open on silent hinges, but the blood roared in his veins as he closed it behind him. His heart was pounding as if he’d run the distance from the dining room where they’d finished their early supper. He hadn’t an appetite for food, just for Lizzie.
    And perhaps he had run most of the long way through the rambling halls of Wainsborough manor, his mind consumed with thoughts of his prize.
    Now there she was, shyly smiling from the center of the ancient tester bed, mountains of pillows propped behind her. Though her look was bashful, her demeanor wasn’t. The dark blue coverlet was folded neatly at the foot of the bed and the gold bed linens were tucked at her hips.
    Lizzie didn’t hide or even fidget. Not his Lizzie. His Lizzie reached over and pulled back the linens in invitation.
    Oliver hesitated no longer. Eyes transfixed on the long line of her body clad in the sheerest shift he’d ever seen, Oliver tugged and fumbled with his cravat and waistcoat.
    Why the devil hadn’t he taken the time to let his valet undress him?
    Because he’d been too damn impatient. Thankfully, he hadn’t boots with his wedding togs, or he’d have to beat a retreat and seek aid after all.
    When he was halfway through unbuttoning his trousers, he hesitated on a thought. “Shall I put out the lights?”
    Lizzy blinked. “Whatever for?”
    Indeed. Oliver smiled and made quick work of his trousers and small clothes.

Chapter Twelve
    â€œOh!”
    Lizzie