Benedict Bridgerton Regency Imagines || Benedict Bridgerton

Notte D'Amore

Sequel to Bella Notte (a previous chapter)

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An elegant grandfather clock softly chimes midnight as you pad through the hallway of Aubrey Hall. Struggling to sleep after a rousing midsummer day of Pall Mall, you decide to go for a walk to make yourself drowsy, leaving your husband and beautiful three-month-old baby daughter sleeping soundly.

Before you know it, you are outside on the rear terrace enjoying the night air. There, you realise that it has been exactly one year since you went for a memorable night swim, just a few short days before your wedding.

Unable to resist, you drift towards that very lake, surveying its serene, moonlit beauty again. You recall with perfect clarity how Benedict stood naked with the water hugging his hips, beckoning you in. And, like so many times since, you joined him in a new adventure.

Wandering along its edges, you eventually pause to lean against the reddish trunk of a sturdy, towering evergreen. Inhaling deeply, you savour the refreshing fragrance of the pine needles above. Staring out at the glassy surface, vividly remembering how it felt when your husband first kissed you—how your world spun. And you giggle to yourself as you reflect that; even now, all it takes is one brush of his lips, and you are just as swept away, perhaps even more so now, knowing exactly where such journeys can end, a stirring between your legs.

"It was precisely a year ago."

His sonorous voice from nearby startles you; you jump and grab your chest, your heart erratic from the shock. You didn't even hear his approach, so lost in wistful reverie for untold minutes.

"You half scared me to death!" you scold affectionately, shaking your head as he rounds closer and slides his arms around your waist. He wears a somewhat crumpled white shirt and britches, obviously haphazardly thrown on before leaving your rooms as he always sleeps naked, not something you ever complain about.

"I am so cruel, am I not, my darling?" he chuckles.

"The very worst," you concur dryly, settling into his embrace, always your very favourite place to be.

"I do not know how you tolerate me..." he jests mildly, his hands running soothing patterns along your spine.

"Wait! Bella!" you exclaim, pulling back a fraction, concerned about your little bundle of joy.

"She is fine," he soothes. "Meredith is watching her sleep."

Your nursery maid is so often a veritable lifesaver.

"Thank you," you smile as he draws you flush against him once more, rocking you gently in his arms for a few minutes of companionable silence.

"So is this a little trip down memory lane, Mrs Bridgerton?" He asks sotto voce, his warm lips lingering on your temple.

"Perhaps..." you coquette, that kindling flame always smouldering between you.

"Mmm, it was so very memorable," he hums, his lips tracing over your cheek until he reaches your mouth and seizes it with a brief but fiery kiss. "Do you have any idea how much willpower it took to stop when we did? I had to go back to my room and take myself in hand," he pouts over your lips.

"Poor, poor lamb," you tease playfully, your hand lowering instinctively to palm his stirring cock. "I would happily have helped."

"You were so innocent then; what a change a year makes," his breath more laboured as your hand drags insistently over his clothing.

"I know you liked me innocent, but I think you like me even more so now," you contend, your intent unmistakable as you make fast work of the buttons on his trousers.