Marrying for Money Ch. 02

She prepared for bed and crawled between the sheets, looking around her bedroom for the last time. She had grown up in this house, and this room was a part of her, but after tonight, she might never sleep here again. The thought was bittersweet, but it was overshadowed by the excitement of the new adventure she would be embarking on. She fell asleep with a smile, as she thought about what the future held in store for her.

It seemed like only moments later when she was awakened by a small sound from her window. She opened her eyes just as the sound was repeated, and she rose and went to the window, pulling the curtains to one side. She instantly spied Trevor standing below on the walk, and he had been prepared to launch another pebble but stopped and smiled when he saw her.

Her smile was radiant as she opened the window enough to hang her head outside and whisper down to him. "Give me a few moments and I will be ready!"

He nodded his acceptance, and she hastily withdrew, closing the window behind her. She hurriedly dressed and rushed to braid her hair into an attractive knot at her nape. Satisfied with her appearance, she gathered her two cases before tiptoeing downstairs. She paused only to leave the note for Jeremy on the entry hall table before she crept from her childhood home and closed the door on her past.

A smothered squeal escaped her as she turned to find Trevor blocking her path, but he quickly covered her mouth with his own to stifle the sound. They shared a brief stolen kiss, but it was enough to get their blood pumping.

"Good morning to you too," she murmured softly.

Trevor reached to take her cases and escorted her to the waiting coach. As soon as the coach lurched into motion, he clasped her to him for a more thorough kiss. He straightened and gently brushed a stray lock of hair back from her face. He traced her bottom lip with his thumb and gave her a charming smile. She found it impossible to form a logical thought when he looked at her so intently.

"You are even more beautiful today than you were last night," he murmured huskily.

Leanna flushed with pleasure from his compliment. "Thank you," she breathed. "You are quite dashing yourself," she said, running her hand down his chest and feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. She glanced out the window at the passing streets that were only now beginning to brighten with the dawn. "Where are we going?" she inquired, turning back to face him.

"I have arranged for a wedding in a small church near the wharves. I am sorry for waking you, but we must hurry if we are going to catch the morning tide." He gave her a sheepish grin. "I didn't know how long it would take you to get ready."

"I was as anxious to get underway as you are, perhaps even more so." She was referring to her desire to embark on a new adventure, but he interpreted the statement quite differently.

"I don't think you could even fathom the intensity of my excitement, my sweet." The look he gave her was full of meaning, and she blushed prettily causing him to chuckle. He pulled her against him and refrained from further comment until they reached the small church.

They entered the tiny building hand in hand, and Trevor left her for a moment to find the clergyman. The priest finally appeared, accompanied by another priest who would serve as witness to the ceremony. They both looked very sleepy, but Trevor had obviously paid them handsomely for their trouble, and they got the ceremony underway without delay.

As Leanna stood beside her groom and listened to the priest's words droning on, she waited for the feeling of apprehensive doubt, but it never came. She felt only excited and anxious to make her vow to this man she barely knew. She stole a glance at him from beneath her lashes, and her breath caught in her throat. He was truly magnificent, and her heart hammered in her breast at the thought that she would belong to him from this day forward.

When the time came for him to make his vow, Trevor looked directly at her and spoke in a clear voice. He squeezed her hands reassuringly, as Leanna did the same. Trevor slipped a simple gold band onto her finger, and she noticed as she watched him do so that her hands were very steady. There was not the slightest trembling to indicate any nervousness over her decision, and she marveled that she could be so calm.

When the priest declared them wed, Trevor bent and kissed her tenderly on the lips. He raised his head and their gazes locked for a long moment, until the priest delicately cleared his throat. They each signed their name to the parchment, and the priest imprinted it with a seal before he rolled and tied it with a bright red ribbon and handed it to Trevor. He gave them one final blessing before sending them on their way.

They emerged from the church just as the sun broke from behind several clouds to shine down on them. Leanna felt her heart soar with joy and excitement, and Trevor clasped her hand in a warm grasp as he led her to their waiting coach. On the short drive to his ship, Trevor took the opportunity to kiss Leanna until her head was spinning. When the coach stopped on the quay, he lifted her down and paid the coachman.

"After you, Mrs. Grayson," he grinned, holding his arm out toward the gangplank.

He hefted her bags and followed her aboard his waiting ship. Leanna felt shy beneath the stares of the curious seamen aboard the ship, and she gave them a tentative nod of greeting before she quickly preceded Trevor down the stairs to the companionway. However, when she would have entered his cabin, he grasped her shoulder gently and stopped her.

"Just a moment, madam," he grinned. "We must follow tradition."

She watched him with a puzzled frown as he deposited her bags inside the cabin before turning to lift her in his arms. She squealed in surprise and giggled as he carried her across the threshold. It seemed only natural to loop her arms around his neck, as he closed the door behind them with a solid thunk and carried her to the center of the room. Their lips met in a heated kiss, and they never broke contact as he released her legs and let them fall to the floor while he held her tightly against him. She slid down the length of him, landing on her toes, and he deepened the kiss further, pressing her against his hard frame.

When he lifted his head, they were both breathing raggedly, and he gave her a lecherous grin. "I hope you will excuse me for a few moments. It will take me a little time to get the ship underway, but I assure you I will return to you as quickly as possible. I am more than anxious to seal our vows."

His words brought a heated blush to her cheeks, and Leanna dropped her eyes to his handsome mouth, tracing it with her finger. When she looked up again to meet his gaze, her smile was mysterious and full of feminine charm. "I understand," she murmured. "It will give me time to prepare myself for you and to unpack my belongings. Is there somewhere I can put my things?"

He released her but held onto her hand as he led her to the large wardrobe in one corner. He opened the doors to show her that it was only a third full with his clothing.

"The rest of the space is for you. There is also a trunk that I purchased for you yesterday." He indicated the trunk near the bed. Seeing her raised eyebrows he smiled. "No, I was not confident of your answer, merely hopeful."

She came willingly into his arms for another kiss, and when he finally raised his head, she released a dreamy sigh as her lids fluttered open. "I will anxiously await your return, husband."

He brushed her hair back from her face. "Believe me, I will return with all possible haste."

Giving her hand a final squeeze, he quickly left the cabin, and she smiled as she heard him pounding up the companionway stairs.

Leanna flew into action, quickly unpacking her clothes and putting them carefully away. She arranged her toiletries alongside her new husband's in a small cabinet, and seeing her comb and brush beside his left her feeling as giddy as a schoolgirl.

She hurriedly undressed and put on the flowing nightgown that she had purchased for her wedding night, a garment designed to bring a man pleasure. The gown was made of gossamer silk so fine as to be almost transparent, and she knew it would leave very little to Trevor's imagination. It was sleeveless and was held up by a single clasp on one shoulder, in a Grecian design. Her nipples strained wantonly against the fabric, and the sides were left open, caught only at the waist by a silken ribbon. The length of her thighs and the sides of her creamy breasts were left bare.

Leanna removed the pins from her long hair, letting it cascade down her back in curling ringlets. She brushed it until it shone and she dabbed a bit of perfume behind her ears and in the valley between her breasts. She had felt the ship lurch into motion nearly an hour before, and she knew it wouldn't be long before Trevor returned to her.

She went to turn down the sheets on the bed, and she was bent over to accomplish that task when she heard the door open behind her, as Trevor slipped inside and slid the bolt in place. Now that it had come to the moment of truth, Leanna felt incredibly shy and very nervous as to how she should proceed. She had no knowledge of what her wifely duties would entail, having been rigorously protected by her brother and father. Here she was, wed to little more than a stranger, and she could only hope that Trevor would be a gentle husband, patiently teaching her how to be a wife to him.

He leaned against the door taking in the view of his wife's very enticing ass and her long, perfectly shaped legs. She was facing the bunk, too bashful to turn around. Trevor had delayed as long as he could bear to give his bride time to settle her nerves and prepare herself for him, and he found the results were even more enticing than he had envisioned.

His heated gaze took in the perfection of Leanna's back, her long flowing hair falling over one shoulder, her shapely legs and the smooth globes of her bottom. Her sheer gown clung to her ripe curves, and he found the view of her wearing such a garment more alluring than total nudity.

He took a deep breath to slow his racing heart and shrugged out of his coat before hanging it on a peg beside the door. Then, he crossed the room with bold strides until he stood directly behind her. He stopped mere inches from her, as he breathed in her intoxicating scent. He knew she was nervous and most likely scared, and he was determined to be very slow and gentle with her despite his impatience to have her. He wanted very much to make her first experience as his wife a pleasurable one, for it would form the foundation for the rest of their lives together.

Trevor planted a warm, open-mouthed kiss on the nape of her neck and was gratified to see her shiver with excitement as goose bumps rose on her arms.

"I think this occasion calls for a toast," he said softly, slowly stroking her jaw and ear with his fingers, as his warm breath feathered down her neck.

He turned to a small table beside the bed where a bottle of wine and two glasses were waiting, along with some cheese, bread and fruit. Leanna couldn't resist a smile, as she realized that he must have planned in advance to make this day special for her. He uncorked the wine and filled the glasses before handing one to his nervous bride from over her shoulder. She took it with trembling fingers, and he grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him, lifting her chin until she met his gaze.

"Don't be afraid, sweet Leanna. I promise to be gentle with you." His eyes were full of sincerity as they locked with hers.

She found his words encouraging, and she gave him a small smile. She lifted her glass as her gaze dropped to his lips. "What should we drink to?"

"To a successful marriage," he suggested, clinking his glass against hers.

"Yes, and to many happy years together," she agreed.

They drank simultaneously, their eyes meeting above the rims of their glasses. He took both their glasses and deposited them on the small table before turning back to face her. He framed her face with his hands and gave her a thorough kiss. She clung to him, her arms slipping around his waist, savoring the taste of the wine on his warm lips and melding her body to his.

His arms slid around her shoulders and pressed her more firmly against him, letting his hands comb through her lovely hair. He relished the heady sensation of her soft breasts pressing against him, her nipples taut against his chest. He deepened the kiss, delving into the recesses of her mouth, and she felt as if her bones were melting as she leaned into him. He released her mouth and his lips trailed fiery kisses along her jaw to her ear. He nibbled that sensitive flesh, sending shivers of excitement down her spine before moving to her collarbone.

Leanna leaned her head back, enjoying the feel of Trevor's warm lips and hot tongue as they moved over her skin. She tried to take a deep breath, but could only manage a gasp, as his lips drifted lower, depositing heated kisses on the upper curves of her breasts.

He lifted his head and held her at arm's length, as he looked at her unfettered body for the first time. She shivered as his eyes assessed her quivering breasts, and he reached inside the side of her gown to run a thumb over her taut nipple. His eyes flared with smoldering heat, and Leanna felt a wave of pleasure flowing from her tits to her pussy.

Her eyelids dropped and a soft moan escaped her when he took her breast firmly into his palm, and his other hand cupped her bare bottom. He bent her slightly over his arm and swooped to claim her nipple through the thin barrier of fabric. She couldn't suppress a gasp of pure pleasure when he enveloped the rigid peak with his lips. She felt her senses whirling from the intimate contact, and she clutched at his shoulders for support as her pussy began to ache.

He laved her sensitive nipple with his tongue, branding her through the fabric of her gown, as she threaded her fingers through his wavy hair. She was reeling from the pleasure as he moved to her other breast to repeat his heady caress.

Finally, when she felt totally limp with desire, Trevor bent and lifted her in his arms and deposited her on the bed, letting his gaze wander over her like a conquering invader. Her wet gown was transparent where he had suckled her breasts, and his eyes seared her through the clinging material.

She watched breathlessly as he removed his coat, vest, shirt and shoes before joining her on the bed, wearing nothing but his trousers. She couldn't help but admire what a fine specimen of masculinity her husband was, for he embodied all the qualities of her girlish fantasies and much more.

Trevor bent over her on one elbow, and traced Leanna's generous curves almost reverently, letting his fingers travel the length of her side from armpit to calf, where her gown draped open.

"You are even more beautiful than I imagined you would be," he murmured, tugging the ribbon loose that held the gown together at the side.

He reclaimed her lips, with light feathery kisses, as his hand began to explore her breasts once more. He rolled one nipple between his strong fingers first gently, and then firmly enough to make her gasp with a mixture of pain and pleasure. She felt moisture dripping from her pussy as he switched to her other nipple, bringing it to full attention as well.

He unclasped her gown and slowly pulled the filmy fabric down over her breasts, finally baring them completely. He sucked in a breath as he took a long moment to appreciate the lustrous orbs before swooping to savor her completely naked flesh for the first time. She hadn't been prepared for the heat of his mouth on her bare skin, and she sucked in a gasp of surprise before surrendering to the intense pleasure he was evoking. Her breath left her on a moan, and she arched her back, instinctively offering her breasts to him. She felt lightning heat shoot straight through to her loins, and a strange urgency began to grow in the pit of her belly.

Trevor took his time to awaken her smoldering desire, and he fanned the flames until she was burning, even though it was a supreme effort for him not to simply ravish her. She was so damned desirable that he had to hold onto his urges with rigid control. He leisurely tasted her, laving and nipping her breasts before his head dropped lower.

He nibbled along the undersides of her breasts, his hot breath sending shivers of delight through her as his hand drifted down removing the gown as he went. He lifted her hips and slipped the filmy garment off her to let it drift unheeded to the floor beside the bed. His fingers were light as thistledown, skimming across her belly, hip and inner thigh, finally coming to rest in the bright triangle of hair at the juncture of her thighs. She felt his fingers combing through those hairs, slowly stroking ever downward, as he explored her most thoroughly.

"My, my," he whispered, "someone is very wet."

Leanna gave a mortified groan when she felt his fingers sliding over her swollen folds, but she couldn't stop her hips from arching to welcome his hand. He chuckled before he bent to kiss her lips. He kept the kiss light, giving her the chance to concentrate on his clever fingers and what they were doing between her thighs. He watched her expression change to one of wonder, as she felt his intimate touch for the first time, and he took his time, drawing forth an abundance of slick moisture from her sweet pussy.

Her thighs were thrown wide in welcome, and she tilted her hips to rub her wet pussy lips against his hand as she whimpered. Very slowly, he slipped one long finger inside her, feeling her tense in uncertainty at his invasion. He kept kissing her, using his lips to anchor her tilting world, as he gently probed her. She was incredibly tight and wet, and he closed his eyes in ecstasy as he delved into her scalding heat.

He could feel the barrier of her virginity, and he was careful not to break it. He fully intended to bust through that barrier when his cock buried itself inside her for the first time. For now, he stroked her gently, slowly withdrawing his finger before plunging it again into her velvety softness with hypnotic repetition.

Leanna moaned as she clung to his shoulders, writhing with need on the bed. When Trevor withdrew his hand to dispense with his trousers, and Leanna mewled in disappointment, thinking he meant to abandon her. He chuckled lightly as he pulled his pants off and discarded them before resuming his probing strokes.

"Don't worry," he murmured as he kissed her temple. "I couldn't turn away from you now even if my life depended on it."

He inserted a second finger to loosen her tight pussy for his cock. This elicited a gratified groan from his bride, and he grinned while his lips drifted down the slender column of her neck to sample her luscious breasts once again. He devoured them, paying particular homage to the tightly budded nipples, before trailing molten kisses back up to her parted lips. He broke off from the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers and halting his exploration of her womanhood, as he clenched his eyes tightly closed and took several deep breaths to steady his racing heart.

Leanna opened her eyes and bit her bottom lip, her expression one of hesitation. "Have I . . . have I displeased you somehow?" she asked anxiously.

Trevor groaned and gave a pained chuckle before opening his eyes to return her troubled stare. He gave her a pained smile.

"Far from it, my sweet. It's just that I want you so badly that I must take a moment to cool my lusts so I don't cheat you of your pleasure."

In support of his statement, he pressed his groin against her hip, letting her feel the steely length of his penis. His burning heat caused Leanna to gasp even as a flutter of excitement flickered through her belly. She smiled up at him seductively, rubbing her breasts against the wiry hairs on his chest.