Chapter 286: Reece’s return [1]
The next day, Eloise stirred in her bed, waking from a deep slumber. She rubbed her eyes, getting rid of the last bit of tiredness.
Her hand drifted across the bed, searching for the familiar warmth where Damien should have been, but he wasn’t there. She opened her eyes fully, assuming Damien had risen and left the chamber without waking her.
"I am here," Damien spoke as he noticed her frantic search. "I only got up to collect a box."
Relief washed over Eloise as she wasn’t ready to part from him yet. She exhaled, her body sinking back into the mattress.
Eloise’s gaze wandered to the tall window, where sunlight crept into the chamber. "Did I miss breakfast?" She asked, realising how long she had rested for.
"No," Damien replied, returning to the bed. "I was just about to wake you so you could dress. Your gifts arrived not long ago."
Damien lifted one of the few boxes which had arrived early in the morning while the estate was still quiet.
"Gifts? From whom?" Eloise asked, curious about what was inside.
"From me. Who else would prepare gifts for you so early in the morning? They were meant to arrive sooner," Damien explained, opening the box. He pulled out a necklace that shimmered in the sunlight.
Eloise gasped, surprised by the beauty of the necklace.
"It is beautiful," Eloise whispered. "It looks like little flowers along the sides. This must have cost a fortune."
"Do not think of the cost," Damien said as he dressed the necklace around her neck.
Eloise sat upright, her hair spilling over her shoulders as she tilted her chin to make it easier for him. She touched the jewels, which glistened in the morning light. "Why did you prepare them? Is there an occasion I have forgotten?"
Eloise feared she had forgotten an important day, but though her mind raced to find the answer, she would not think of one.
"No," Damien replied, admiring the necklace which suited Damien. "I had them made simply because I wished to. Do not think of offering me a gift in return," he added knowingly, catching the plotting in her eyes. "I arranged this long before what happened with Camille, so do not imagine it is connected. The timing of it was out of my control."
"It is lovely. They all are," Eloise murmured, noticing the other treasures nestled in the box. "I feel compelled to dress properly today so that I may wear them. I cannot bear to let them sit unused in the dust."
"You may wear them around the estate," Damien suggested.
"Would it not be odd to dress up with nowhere to go?" Eloise wondered. "I shall find an occasion, with the right gown. Thank you," she leaned forward, brushing her lips against his in gratitude.
She intended only a fleeting kiss, but Damien had other plans.
He leaned forward, his weight pressing against her. His presence was overwhelming yet intoxicating.
Damien’s lips parted hers, his tongue slipping between, deepening the kiss with a hunger that startled her.
Eloise braced her hands against the bed, keeping herself propped up so she would not fall back and break the moment.
Their tongues moved in unison, tasting, exploring. Eloise caught the faint tang of wine upon Damien’s lips, evidence of his morning indulgence.
His left hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer as his fingers gripped the fine fabric of her nightgown. The material slipped from her shoulders.
A moan from Eloise, muffled against his lips, ignited Damien’s need for her in this moment.
Eloise was not usually one for such intimacy at dawn, when the world was still waking, but something in Damien’s actions now changed her thoughts.
Eloise surrendered, allowing his weight to guide her down onto the bed. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. Her fingers tangled in his dark hair, a habit she had grown to love.
Damien’s hand slipped beneath her gown, his palm brushing against her bare thigh. He gave her leg a gentle squeeze, earning a sound from her throat that was swallowed by their kiss.
Eloise broke away, gasping for air. Damien did not grant her a break as his mouth claimed hers again.
"Damien," she whispered breathlessly when she managed a pause.
Damien pulled back, his gaze lingering on the necklace that still decorated her neck. Then he leaned in for a third kiss, unable to resist.
He had not planned this. His intention had been simple. To present the gifts he had prepared and to share a kiss. Yet desire had carried him further.
A knock at the door shattered the moment.
Damien clenched his fist, his jaw tightening, and irritation flashing across his face.
Eloise laughed softly, her hand cupping his cheek. "See? I was correct that we would be disturbed."
"I should place a guard at the door," Damien muttered.
"Or," Eloise countered. "You could speak with them properly, as you said. We are a married couple, and we deserve our time undisturbed. Let me see who it is," she added quickly, knowing Damien might choose violence. "I shall send them away; otherwise, they will only return."
Damien reluctantly shifted, rolling onto his back, his arm draped across his forehead. His body still burned with desire, but answering the door in his state would be impossible.
Eloise adjusted her nightgown, smoothing the fabric back over her shoulders. She rose gracefully and walked across the chamber to the door. When she opened it, she found Hannah waiting, her posture stiff, her gaze lowered respectfully.
"Good morning, Lady Hawthorne," Hannah said, her eyes remaining fixed on the floor. "A Reece Wilkins is at the door for you. Miss Iris is already downstairs speaking with the guests. Shall I inform them of your arrival, or that you are occupied?"
"I shall join them shortly," Eloise replied, unable to hide her excitement. "In the meantime, have the maids prepare a warm bath for me. Once I return, you are to tell everyone that under no circumstance is anyone to disturb us, except if there is a fire. A great one," she added, spreading her arms wide to emphasise the scale.
Hannah pressed her lips together, hiding her laughter. She composed herself quickly and curtsied. "Yes, Lady Hawthorne. I shall inform everyone at once. Excuse me."
Eloise closed the door, her smile lingering as she returned to Damien. "Reece has come, so I must leave your side for a moment. But you must not leave this chamber."
"I have sent for Hannah to bring water for our bath. We shall enjoy it together, so please," Eloise said, leaning down to kiss him once more. "Stay right where you are. I shall not be gone long."