“I’ve been thinking of what I want to devote my time to, and I’ve finally decided. I want to take care of our soldiers—the ones who went to war with your rifles,” she said. “If you hadn’t taken Seth in, where would he be now?”
Matthew pursed his lips. “I hadn’t considered it.”
“Not all men are fortunate enough to have someone to care for them, and Royal Hospital Chelsea is overrun with injured veterans.” Her face fell. “Now that the war is ending, our soldiers are returning home. Iwant to give them a home to return to—a hospital meant for them.”
“You’re a beautiful soul, Jasmine Cooper.” He lifted her chin and kissed her cheek. “That sounds noble, indeed. Tell me what you need from me, and we’ll make it happen.”
“Good.” A corner of her mouth lifted. “Now, what did you buy me withourmoney?”
He flipped the clasp and opened the box, presenting her with a single strand of pearls nestled in black silk. “These should fit better.”
“Let’s see.” She turned around and lifted her hair.
Carefully, he placed the pearls around her neck. After fastening them, he ran his finger between the necklace and her skin. Satisfied that she had enough room to breathe, he playfully licked along the line. “Later tonight, I want you to wear this necklace—and nothing else.”
She faced him with a teasing grin. “What if I don’t want to wait until later?”
He brushed his nose against hers. Holding her close, he indulged in a slow kiss. “I just got out of the bath.”
She reached between them and stroked his hardening erection. “Take another one with me, I’ll wash you.”
He leaned into her touch. “We’ll be late.”
“Let them wait on us for once.” She kissed him. “We’ll take the phaeton, it’ll be faster.”
“Your dress will be ruined by the end of the night,” he murmured.
“You promise?” She pulled his lower lip into her mouth and bit lightly. Step by step, she eased him back until the backs of his legs touched the chair. She encouraged him to sit, then lifted her skirts.
“Make haste, husband.” She shot him a daring grin and straddled him. “I’d hate to miss the first act.”
He aligned himself with her, and she slowly sank down—readyfor him. And he couldn’t bring himself to rush. They made their own music, with the slow rhythmic thumps of the chair shifting under them,her pitched breathing, and the ringing in his ears as pleasure overwhelmed him.
As Jasmine climaxed, she whispered, “I love you.”
And that was the sweetest music of all.
Chapter Thirty-Two
King’s Theatre buzzed like a hive as Jasmine followed Matthew into Lord Blackmoor’s private opera box. Deep red velvet curtains framed the walls on both sides, insulating from some of the noise.
Caroline skipped to the front and flung both curtains wide.
“We’re next to the royal box!” Leaning over the railing, she whistled. “You can see everything from here!”
“Everyone can seeustoo, so behave,” Matthew tutted. “Don’t stand so close, or you’ll fall over.”
“As if I truly would.” Caroline rolled her eyes. “Even if I fall, there are hundreds of people who could catch me.”
Jasmine peered below. Commoners stood in the pit, so many they obscured the floor. At the far edge of the oval room was a large stage with backdrops of a walled city and mystical gardens.
The true stage surrounded them. In gilded frames, aristocrats were dressed in bright colors and high feathers, like preening birds. A few boxes down, Jasmine’s parents hosted the remaining Spanish diplomats, including Don Lorenzo. He lifted a glass of spirits in her direction and smirked. Jasmine huffed and turned back to her family.
Matthew and Caroline continued to bicker. Even though Caroline’s hand was on her hip, a smile graced her face—and Matthew’s. Jasmine’s heart warmed at the sight.
Caroline’s eyes widened, and she gasped. “Is that Signora Alessandra Moreni in Uncle Edward’s box?” She raised her opera glasses. “It is! It’s her!” Caroline pointed to a dark-haired Italianbeauty with high cheekbones.
“Are you friends with her, Jasmine? Could you introduce us?”