by Golden Angel
“Good girl.”
The gentle caresses were at complete odds with the roughness of his hands as he’d punished her; they were also stirring the flames that had already ignited when he’d spanked her. Despite the throbbing ache of her bottom, which was much stronger than she was used to, Vivian’s core pulsed with need.
Then Gabriel positioned her and let her slide down onto her knees before him, so she could please him rather than quench the hunger growing inside of her. He bent down briefly to brush an approving kiss over Vivian’s temple before straightening up to undo the front of his breeches. Vivian’s mouth watered as he pulled his cock from his trousers; she leaned forward and pulled him in hungrily between her lips. The meaty taste filled her mouth as she began to move her head up and down, her tongue working busily over the veins and ridges along his length.
Groaning, highly aroused from finally being the one to spank Vivian and feel her flesh quiver under his palm, it didn’t take very long before Gabriel was crying out with ecstasy as he pumped thick cream down her throat. She swallowed eagerly. Truthfully, this might be her favorite part of the evenings this week. She loved to see Gabriel’s eyes glow almost silver as he watched her, loved to hear his masculine groans, to feel his legs tremble beneath her hands, to feel the rush of power as she attended to his pleasure. Even when her jaw ached, it felt good, and she adored it when he played with her hair while she moved her mouth up and down his rigid length. The warmth in her belly as she swallowed his cum was always accompanied by a feeling of supreme satisfaction.
And the look he gave her afterwards, the almost reverent, tender expression, made her want to do anything to make him look at her like that again.
To her surprise, he didn’t pull her back up onto his lap. Instead, he swept her up into his arms and carried her over to the bed. Vivian’s heart pounded. Was he going to anticipate their wedding night?
When he sat her down on the bed, he gave her a deep, probing kiss that made her insides tingle, before pulling away.
“Lie down on your back, Sunrise,” he ordered. Vivian did so, leaving her legs hanging off the bed in the position he’d left them, parted just enough for him to stand between. She jerked with shock as he knelt down at the edge of the bed, his eyes alight with anticipation, cheeks slightly flushed, and his hair mussed from its usual perfection. “Pull your knees up.”
The position left her wide open, and she blushed as she realized he was looking right at her privates. All she could see of him was his head, but he had an extremely intimate view of all of her. Immediately her legs started to close again, and she gave a little shriek as he smacked the inside of each thigh.
“Keep your legs open, I like to look at you.”
Vivian covered her face with her hands, whimpering a little from the reigniting of pain as he pulled her hips closer to the end of the bed, scraping her sore bottom along the fabric of the coverlet. Hot breath wafted across her swollen flesh and she moaned a little. His face must be so close to her!
“Put your hands down, Vivian,” Gabriel said, amused. He wanted to see her expression, to enjoy the dichotomy of her wanton innocence. “I want to see you play with your pretty breasts and pinch your nipples.”
Slowly, hesitantly, Vivian’s hands drifted down to her breasts, cupping them gently and pinching the little pink nipples between her fingers. But her face remained averted from her body.
“Look at me,” Gabriel ordered. His voice had deepened in such a way that it seemed to throb through her, all the way to her core. She couldn’t resist that voice, and she found her head snapping into position to stare down at him along the length of her body.
Deliberately keeping his eyes locked onto hers, Gabriel leaned forward and pressed his mouth against her wet flesh.
Vivian shrieked in surprised pleasure, and her hips jerked upwards. His tongue made broad sweeps between her pussy lips, tasting her, learning the shape of her folds. The intensity in his eyes as he watched her writhe for him was akin to the hunger with which he watched her pleasure him with her mouth.
Pain and pleasure mingled as her bottom bounced on the bed. Her insides clenched as Gabriel licked and sucked at her lips. His tongue flicked against her clit and then teasingly moved away again, making her gasp with pleasure. Squeezing her breasts harder, she found herself adding to the heady mix of mingled sensations surging through her body. The sharp bite of pain enhanced her rising ecstasy.
“Oh, please,” she gasped as his tongue flicked over the swollen nub of her clit again. “Oh please, oh please, oh please . . .”
When he moved his mouth upwards and sucked her clit between his lips, pulling hard on the sensitive organ, Vivian screamed his name. He slid one finger into her spasming pussy and moved it back and forth, increasing the intensity of her climax as she rode his mouth and finger, her head whipping back and forth in her passion. The storm of sensations roiled through her, enveloping her, until Gabriel’s suction gentled and she was able to descend. Her limbs fell limply as she panted for breath.
“Lovely, Sunrise, that’s my good girl,” Gabriel said again, moving his mouth up her body as he kissed her stomach and breasts, lingering over her nipples. She moaned a little bit; it felt good, but almost too good, as her body still tingled with the aftermath of the intense orgasm. “I’m so very pleased with you, Sunrise.”
He desperately wanted to cuddle her again, but he knew if he did so now, in her bed, with her all soft and pleasured the way that she was, that he would divest her of her virginity within the hour. Controlling his hunger for her, he ignored his rising cockstand and tucked her into bed.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he whispered, brushing his lips over hers.
She tasted the musky sweetness of her juices in his kiss, her tongue flicking out along his lower lip as if to catch more of it.
“Yes, Gabriel.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
VIVIAN WAS BEGINNING TO WONDER HOW often she would find herself in exactly this position, straining to see what her bottom looked like in the mirror.
Sunlight trickled in through her window; she’d awoken before the maid had come. Probably because her body was still thrumming with excitement from the previous night. She’d wanted to see what her bottom looked like when Gabriel had tucked her into bed, but she’d been so exhausted that she’d fallen asleep before he’d even left the room.
Today there was nothing left to see, except a few faintly dark spots on her skin that were sore when she pressed on them; remnants of the hairbrush when wielded by the earl’s powerful arm. He spanked so much harder than Mrs. Banks did.
Brushing her fingers over the sensitive skin, which still felt the effects of the spanking even if it didn’t show it, Vivian shivered. The earl roused the strangest mix of emotions in her—desire, fear, warmth, want. She craved his attention and approval like no one else’s.
And knowing she would be spanked and then forgiven was a relief. There would be no wondering, with him, whether or not he was angry with her. There would be no emotional turmoil with the earl; he was quite demonstrative in both his pleasure and his displeasure. She would be punished, and then it would be over and they would return to normalcy.
At least she hoped. She was a bit more worried today, as she really had been quite rude to Astoria yesterday. Not that she would apologize, as it had been deserved, but she would not lower herself like that again. Gabriel had been very disappointed in her. She would strive to be more like Emily, more like him.
With a sigh, she turned away from the mirror and let her skirts drop, her neck muscles strained from the way she’d craned her neck. The door to her room opened and Vivian quickly moved away from the mirror, even though she knew the maid would have no idea what she had just been doing. The silk of her night rail brushed against her sensitive bottom as she moved, teasing her senses and causing even more wetness to gather between her legs.
“Good morning, miss,” the maid said, her voice more excited than usual. “Look what I have here!
Mrs. Banks said you’re to wear this today. It was delivered last night.”
Curious, Vivian stepped forward and then exclaimed with pleasure at the sight of the green and gold fabric piled in the maid’s arms. Reaching out her hand, she flushed with pleasure as she realized the gown was made of silk.
“Yes, no, I don’t know, and absolutely not,” Gabriel said, rubbing his forehead and wondering why he’d been cursed with not one, but two sisters. They’d been pestering him with questions on the way to the Marquess of Deane’s London house, which was the at-home Vivian and her fellow students would be attending today. Audrey smiled at her stepdaughters, obviously amused by Gabriel’s inability to rein in their incessant questions. It was all he could do to keep up with them, considering they’d barely paused to take a breath and allow him to answer anything they asked.
Both of his sisters were thrilled to be on their way to meet his future bride, especially as the rumors had been swirling about his relationship with her. As Gabriel had expected, the gossips had been tittering over his and Vivian’s behavior at the gathering the day before, rather than Vivian’s and Astoria’s quarrel. They were much more interested in the reformation of a rake and his fascination with his future wife than they were in a schoolgirl spat. Of course, the tale of his blatant affections towards Vivian had brought his sisters round this morning, insisting they join him at Deane’s.
He wouldn’t have agreed except that Audrey was going as well, and he trusted his stepmother to be able to keep Diana and Henrietta more or less in line. Also, he’d spoken with Audrey the night before about Astoria and Vivian, hoping she might be able to take Vivian under her wing the way she had with his sisters. Unlike his sisters, who had been raised within the bosom of the ton, Vivian needed guidance when it came to dealing with the poisonous tongues of “polite” society. Audrey was a master at it, considering the number of incensed women and matrons with eligible daughters after his father had married her.
“Gabriel, you aren’t paying attention!” Henrietta said petulantly.
“Leave your brother alone,” Audrey said. He cast her a grateful look. “You’ll meet Miss Stafford shortly and then you can garner your own impressions.”
Both of his sisters sighed impatiently, and he couldn’t help echoing them. He was more than eager for this entire week to pass quickly. This weekend his bride would graduate from Mrs. Cunningham’s Finishing School, on Sunday the banns would be read for the final time, and next Saturday morning they would be married.
Even better, as her parents didn’t have a house in London yet, they would be staying with his father and Audrey next week. Although that was no longer his residence, he would be able to move freely throughout it, and as long as he and Vivian were discreet, he didn’t see any reason he wouldn’t be able to continue to see his bride in private every evening. Keeping himself from anticipating their wedding night would be even harder without the constant chaperonage of Mrs. Banks, but he was willing to pay the price of frustration.
When Gabriel came into the room with two beautiful women on his arms, Vivian felt the most awful churning feeling in her stomach. Even worse than yesterday, when Astoria had been so horrible. At least he hadn’t shown any interest in return, then. No other woman had been on his arm at any of these events except herself.
Then his eyes swept round the room, searching her out, and when he found her, his face took on the hungry look he often had when he stared at her, which left her more confused than ever. He said something to the two women and both of them brightened up immediately, looking over in her direction. It wasn’t until she glimpsed the Marchioness of Salisbury behind them that she realized the two beautiful women weren’t two of Gabriel’s conquests; they were his family.
She relaxed as they made their way across the room to her. She was barely able to attend to whatever Lady Cowper was saying to her—which would probably earn her extra punishment, but she didn’t care. She was too relieved.
His sisters were both exquisite. The one on his left, who looked a few years older than the one on his right, was a ravishing beauty, equal to Astoria. She must have been considered the Diamond of her year when she came out. With her mass of dark hair, startling green eyes, and pale, ivory skin, she was a complete nonpareil. Vivian had a moment of strong envy. She’d gotten used to her red hair years ago, but she couldn’t help thinking that black hair and green eyes had a much more pleasing effect than red hair and green eyes.
The younger sister was a subtler beauty, not as flashy, with the same black hair as her brother and sister but a much softer aura. Out of the three of them, her eyes were the most unremarkable, a soft brown hazel that went well with her creamy complexion. The effect was just as attractive but not nearly as intimidating as her siblings.
To her delight, Gabriel abandoned his sisters as soon as he reached her, letting go of their arms so he could greet Lady Cowper and then stand next to Vivian for introductions.
The marchioness and Lady Cowper greeted each other as good friends would and moved away from the group, towards where some of the other matrons were congregating. Before she went, the marchioness gave Vivian a supportive smile and nod of acknowledgment, which she returned with a small curtsy.
“Miss Stafford, these are my sisters, Lady Diana Parker, the Countess of Marley, and Lady Henrietta Hervey, the Countess of Jermyn. Diana, Henrietta, this is my soon-to-be bride, Miss Vivian Stafford.” He lifted Vivian’s hand to his lips, his eyes trained on hers, and she blushed helplessly.
“I’m honored to meet you both,” she said, dragging her eyes away from Gabriel’s almost playful silver gaze. She could never decide whether he was more attractive when he looked dangerous and brooding or light and playful. Although he didn’t let go of her hand, she still managed to bob a respectable curtsy to both of them.
“Oh no, dear, no need to be formal,” Diana said warmly, taking charge of both of Vivian’s hands, to her brother’s obvious disgruntlement. “You must call us Diana and Henrietta and we will call you Vivian. We’re delighted to have a new sister.” Gently pulling Vivian, she directed her towards the nearest cluster of empty furniture. “Now let us sit and talk. We’ve been incredibly impatient to get to know you.”
“Oh.” Vivian sought out Mrs. Banks. “I’m not sure I’m allowed to stay in one place for very long . . .”
“Pish,” Diana said, with a dismissive wave of her hand. “The only reason to know the rules is so you know when it’s acceptable to break them. Anyone wishing to speak with you will understand why you are not circulating, and they will seek you out.”
“Come on, Sunrise,” Gabriel said with an exaggerated sigh and a dark look at his sister. “She won’t give up, so you might as well give in.”
Reassured by Gabriel’s attitude—as Mrs. Banks had said, she must follow the earl’s orders first and foremost— Vivian smiled and allowed Diana to lead her towards the chairs, with Henrietta bringing up the rear.
The more she chatted with the friendly sisters, the more she relaxed. Several times they were joined by various gentlemen or ladies who were also attending the at-home, and who contributed their own measure of gossip or conversation. As usual there were a few ladies who attempted to flirt with Gabriel, but their efforts seemed halfhearted at best, and they quickly left when they realized his sisters were laughing behind their fans at their efforts, which bolstered Vivian’s confidence.
When Astoria came up to sweetly compliment Vivian on her dress, exclaiming over the fine silk, Vivian merely raised her eyebrow and waited for a beat before responding, drawing attention to Astoria’s toadying without being blatant about it.
“Thank you,” she said. “It’s quite the prettiest thing I’ve ever worn, and I was overwhelmed by the gift.” Her eyes drifted over to Gabriel, leaving no doubt as to who had given it to her. As her fiancé, paying for her clothing was pushing the bounds of propriety, and made quite a statement about how he must feel towards her. Astoria’s face turned pink as Gabriel covered Vivian�
�s hand with his own and smiled back at her, not at all shy about showing his infatuation with her.
“Very pretty,” Astoria murmured again before beating a retreat.
Both Diana and Henrietta nodded approvingly at Vivian. Vivian realized both of them had been ready to come to her defense if needed, and the warm feeling inside of her chest seemed to expand to encompass her entire body.
Being seated next to Vivian, seeing how she’d already begun to learn to deflect the claws of women like Lady Astoria, was an absolute joy for Gabriel. On the other hand, seeing how beautiful she was in the dress he’d sent her, the way her skin and hair contrasted with all that lovely green, the pale curve of her breasts pushed demurely but seductively upwards, was utter torment. Especially as his sisters were obviously amused by every aspect of the situation.
All in all, with him by her side and his sisters easily deflecting any negative attention, Vivian’s confidence and beauty had burst forth like a rose in full bloom. She’d been working her way up to it all week, but now it was obvious how comfortable she felt, and that radiated outwards from her. The matrons nodded at both of them, the men looked on enviously, and the women seemed to have finally received the message that Gabriel’s rakish days were at an end.
Vivian glowed.
He grinned, shooting a glance at Mrs. Banks. Unless Vivian had done something awful before he’d arrived, he’d decided his future bride was in for a treat, rather than punishment, this evening.
Vivian’s eyes widened in surprise that evening when Gabriel came in through her door without Mrs. Banks.
“Good evening, Sunrise,” he said.
“Good evening, my lord,” Vivian said, twisting her hands about in front of her.
Gabriel shook his head at her as he hung the jacket he was wearing up on the hook by the door. He could tell she was somewhat agitated by the change.
