by Lisa Doughty
“So, beautiful,” he whispered in awe. She instantly froze and looked away. No! Not him too! He removed his hand and forced her to look at him. “What, love? What did I do?”
His concern pinched her heart. There was no way he could know her history with the Earl. It was not his fault. Tears started to pool in her eyes. It was too difficult to talk about it.
“Tell me,” he commanded gently.
“The Earl…he like to, to…stare at me…there. He made me do things, humiliating things, because he thought it was beautiful. He called it his beauty.”
A tear slipped down her cheek as she confessed. His expression was full of compassion, and she knew he would never ask her to do those things. Would he?
“Hey, come here.” He pulled her close and rubbed her back. “I did not know, but now I do. I give you my word that we won’t do anything that you don’t want. You have but to tell me to stop.”
“Like spanking me?” she said, against his chest, and he cringed.
“I would have stopped if you did not like it, but I thought you were enjoying it.” She stiffened, and he realized she was embarrassed. He leaned back and lifted her chin. “I enjoyed it too, very, very much. I especially enjoyed watching you enjoy it. Never hold back from me Cordelia, we will get mutual pleasure from each other’s submission.”
“I know.” Her mouth curled into a sardonic little smile, and he knew she was referring to last night. His eyes narrowed, and he slapped her bottom for her insolence. She gasped, as the sting stimulated her skin and the delicious vibrations titillated her sex. Desire overwhelmed her, as she looked up at him. “Will you spank me now?” she whispered.
“I am going to make love to you now. We will play later.” He bent down and started kissing her neck. She sighed.
“Have you deflowered many virgins?”
He ran his hands down her back and over her ass, and she sighed with pleasure. He squeezed her gently brushing his fingers lightly over her intimate lips. She gasped and arched against him pinning his erection between them.
“No. You are my first,” he confessed.
Cordelia was dying to ask him more questions until he slipped his hand around the front and dipped his fingers into her folds as he kissed her mouth matching the rhythm of his tongue to his fingers. She lifted her knee, to give him better access. Oh, the wonderful feel of his hands! Everything about his touch excited her. His kiss turned demanding. One hand went to her thigh while the other lifted her leg so she straddled him. He laid her down on the bed and raised her hands above her head.
“If you move them, I will tie them there, do you understand?” Fear rose in her throat at his gruff command. His expression softened. “I will never hurt you, Cordelia. If it becomes too much, tell me to stop and I will, I give you my word. But, promise me you will try it first, and submit fully before you decide you do not like it. I want no other man in this room with us. Tell me you understand.” She thought for a moment, then nodded. “Tell me, Cordelia.”
“I understand.”
Rhys smiled, then gently kissed her, a loving kiss that had both of them melting into each other. She captured his tongue and sucked on it. Rhys gently thrust his arousal against her sex, moving the underside of his shaft up and down her folds as she suckled him. He reached down between them, guided the tip to her entry, and circled it before he pushed the tip inside. His pillowy head felt soft and big as it stretched her sensitive skin. It felt good as he slid in, filling her. She let go of his tongue and her neck arched with a sexy groan. She pulled his hips to her hard, wanting more, but he pulled out of her.
“Not yet, love, there’s much to do first,” he teased.
Rhys kissed her neck, then licked down the center of her chest to a nipple. He ran the flat of his tongue over it at a tortuously slow pace. Her chest quivered until he sucked it into his mouth. She cried out, and her hand came to the back of his head. He took it off and put it back over her head before he sucked the tight nub harder into his mouth.
“Ahh, harder, oh please, harder,” she pleaded.
He complied, as she arched into him, responding to the pleasure and pain his mouth was giving her. He abruptly let go and nipped his way to the other nipple. He hovered above it, letting his hot breath tease the peak as anticipation built. Cordelia slightly rocked her chest back and forth, bumping against his lips begging him to take her. He gently pinched her breast, brought the sensitive peak to his lips then circled it with his tongue before sucking it into his mouth, hard. She gasped and writhed under him.
“Oh, Rhys, that feels so good,” she gasped, hoping to spur him on.
His other hand drifted down her belly, and he slipped his fingers into her folds. She opened for him, giving him permission. He went straight to her nub and circled it with his thumb, as he teased her entry with his other fingers, dipping one in at a time, spreading her juices over her intimate skin. Her breath became ragged, almost panting, as her hips moved in circles against his hand as she fisted the sheet under her hands, almost pulling it over her head.
“Oh, Rhys, please…”
He sucked hard on her nipple, making her suck air between her teeth. He pulled slightly before he let go, which left the nipple tingling. He kneaded her breast, pinching the nipple in between his finger, to prolong the effect. She gipped the sheet and pulled it over her eyes, the pleasure was so intense. So much was happening to her body that she could not concentrate. He circled her nub, then pressed and released as he pinched her nipple sending white-hot heat everywhere. She felt the familiar heat coming, threatening to explode.
Rhys ran his thumb down the center of her and dipped it inside her entry. Something wonderfully warm, wet and firm ran up and down between her intimate lips as his thumb plunged inside further. Oh god, what was that? Then, her nub was sucked into a warm wet place. Confused, she lifted her head, and saw Rhys’s head between her legs. When he ran the flat of his tongue up and down her intimate skin before sucking her nub back into his mouth, Cordelia cried out in surprise.
“What are you doing?” she gasped, shocked at how good it felt. Good lord above, surely this was heaven.
He rocked his tongue back and forth on her clit, and gently pinched her nipple. Her head dropped back as she arched against his mouth and hand. She slapped the mattress, made fists in the sheet, and chanted something incoherent as he ran his tongue to her entry then plunged it inside. Her legs started to quiver. She placed one leg over his shoulder and pulled him to her. The heat built to an inferno. She felt the wetness coming as his tongue drove her closer to the edge. She moaned and twisted the sheets. Then, he was gone.
Rhys scooted down the bed, grabbed her hips, and pulled her to the edge. He put one of her legs over his shoulder, guided his erection to her entry, and pushed the tip inside her. Somehow, he felt bigger than before. He drove in slowly. Cordelia’s head turned from side to side, as he invaded her, filling her as no one had ever done before. The sensation was so erotic, so sensual. Slowly, he pushed himself inside her. He stopped, and she thought she could cry, not wanting it to end.
“Cordelia, look at me,” he begged, barely in control. “Look at me, love.”
Her head rolled lazily toward him, as she gazed through hooded eyes. He pulled out a fraction, held her hips tight, then thrust into her hard, breaking through her virginity. Cordelia felt something rip, followed by real pain. She cried out, her back arching for a moment, before she dropped to the bed. She squeezed her eyes shut trying to hold back the tears, but one escaped and rolled down the side of her face, into her hair.
“It’s over. The pain will pass, and you will never feel it again,” he whispered, as kissed her cheek down to her mouth.
Rhys kissed her lovingly, giving her a moment to adjust. His face was strained, as he struggled not to move. Quickly, the pain subsided, and she felt his tip against her core. The pain had been replaced by pleasure. She moved her hips slightly, rubbing her core against his tip. New erotic sensations assaulted her, and she fe
lt herself pulsing around him. He moaned and squeezed her hips to stop her.
“Oh god, love please hold still. You feel so good. I can hardly…”
Ignoring him, she rotated her hips, grinding her core on his tip again, wanting more of the delicious feeling. She was about to explode again, until he pulled out half way, then slowly pushed back in. Oh. My. God. She did not think it could get better until this! Cordelia gasped and arched her hips against him.
“Does it hurt?” he asked, through gritted teeth.
“More!” came out as a moan, and she arched against him again as she tried to pump herself on him.
Rhys withdrew, and thrust back into her once more. Cordelia stilled, and he did it again. Her leg went limp, and slid from his shoulder. He put it back, then placed the other one over his opposite shoulder. He leaned forward, laced his fingers through hers. With his palms pressing the back of her hands on the mattress, he started thrusting into her rhythmically. Cordelia lost all rational thought as her fingers gripped his tightly so he would not stop.
“More,” she moaned. “So good…”
Rhys started to pound into her wildly, hitting her core over and over. Cordelia cried out in ecstasy as her orgasm hit her hard. She squeezed his hands as it came, wave after wave. Every muscle in her body went tight as she pulsed around him. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she could feel him tugging at her hands, but she was not willing to let him go. He felt too good thrusting into her, again and again, prolonging her orgasm. Cordelia went limp, and her legs slid off his shoulders to his biceps, yet she could not release his hands.
“Let go love,” she heard him say, as he gently tugged her hands.
“What?” she asked.
“Let go of my hands,” he said with a chuckle, and kissed her cheek. She slowly opened her eyes. He tugged again. She was still gripping him tightly.
“Oh, sorry.”
She released him, and he pulled out of her before he rolled over. He pulled her back to his chest and laced his fingers back into hers again. He pulled it to his lips, and kissed her fingers then sighed with contentment. Cordelia took a deep breath, trying not to cry at how gentle and affectionate he was. It was so unexpected. Who knew he could be so tender? He hugged her closer, and they laid there as their bodies slowly came down from heaven.
Chapter 30
Cordelia was the first to break the silence. She needed to get back to her room before Roddy or Emelia came to check on her. Leaving him was the last thing she wanted to do, but it was for the best. Her heart was melting, and a new set of emotions was threatening to engulf her.
“I have to go,” she whispered.
“No. Not yet.” Rhys’ grip on her hand tightened. Her heart pinched. Was is it possible he felt the same emotions? No! Do not do this to yourself, Cordelia, she chastised. He was a master of seduction. No doubt, this had to be a part of his game to keep women coming back for more. Lord knows, it was working on her.
“Roddy will check on me. If I am not there, he will suspect something. He knows me too well. Emelia has already guessed I went to you last night. It won’t take much for them to figure out where I am.”
“I don’t care. Tell them. Tell everyone.”
“Don’t be silly, Rhys. I am the chaperone, and the hostess. I cannot publicize the fact that I am fraternizing with a guest!” He sighed.
“Fine.” He sighed. “I understand. But surely you can tell your two closest confidants.” He sounded so hopeful. Why?
“And I will, but not until after this event is over. Otherwise, they will drive me crazy with questions, and watch our every move. They probably will be more excited about this than we are, trust me. I need to keep myself together. The guests will be looking to me for guidance. And then there’s the Duke. He requires…”
“Alright, alright, I get your point.” He sounded disappointed. Frankly, she was surprised he wanted everyone to know. Wasn’t secrecy one of the unspoken rules of a liaison?
This time, he let her go when she started to sit up. She sat on the edge of the bed and felt a twinge of pain between her legs. She smiled, then patted her hair to assess the damage.
“You look glorious,” he said, from behind her.
She looked at him over her shoulder, and her heart skipped a beat. She was glorious? The man was a menace to her senses. He was the one who was glorious, lying naked in repose. He was such a handsome man. Every inch of him.
“Glorious? Please. Tossed is a better word for it,” she joked, to hide her growing attraction to him. He pulled her back down and pinned her under his chest.
“That too,” he said with pride. She sighed, put her hand on his cheek, then ran her fingers through his hair. He is so handsome, was all she could think. What would it be like to be loved by a man such as him? She scolded herself for thinking such fanciful thoughts. He would be gone in two days. She had better keep her head on straight. It was nothing more than lust, a liaison, one like he had probably had too many times to count.
“I have to go,” she whispered. He leaned into her touch, which made her uncomfortable, so she pulled her hand away. He let her up, and she scooted completely off the bed this time. She quickly put the chemise over her head then stepped into her skirt.
“You do not wear a corset or stays?” he asked, as if he had just noticed.
“Not unless necessary.”
“I would have sworn you did…”
“One of my many secrets, my lord. Courtesy of lessons in posture from the sisters of Fountain Abby and Mother Superior’s ever-present switch.” She giggled.
“You cannot tell. I like it. You are much more accessible.”
“Accessibility seems to be very important to you, my lord.”
“It is when it comes to you.”
She smiled at him as she examined her bodice. The buttons were gone, and there was a small rip at the bottom.
“It looks as though I am going to be accessible to everyone, at least until I get back to my room,” she joked. He did not laugh.
“I’m sorry. I will buy you a new a new gown.”
“You will do no such thing!” she retorted, feeling bad she had made him feel guilty. His brows stitched together, and she smiled at him. “Not to worry, I will think of a way to make you pay.”
Rhys smiled, and Cordelia realized he liked her suggestion. When he stood up and put on his trousers, Cordelia shyly turned away as all of his beautiful toned body was displayed. He suddenly seemed more naked. Then, he handed her his shirt.
“Here, use this.”
Cordelia slipped it over her head. It engulfed her. Rhys chuckled, rolled up the sleeves, then tied the tails at her waist. He stepped back to look at her. She was covered well enough to sneak back to her room.
“There, fashioned by Roth.”
He rolled the R and did a flamboyant bow, mimicking Rodrigo. Cordelia laughed. She liked this playful side of him very much. When he rose, their eyes met, and their smiles slowly faded, as they became silent.
“I’m sitting next to you at dinner this evening,” he stated, with finality. Her smile returned. Here was the arrogant cad she was used to, but she liked this demand. Cordelia did not think she could take the other ladies flirting with him, not after what they had shared. It may be fanciful, but it felt good that he wanted to be with her in that small way.
“As you wish, my lord. But I must warn you. The Duke will be to my right. His rank demands he be seated as my guest of honor.”
“I am well aware, and that is exactly why I demand to sit on your other side,” he said, snidely.
Cordelia was shocked. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought he was jealous!
“There is nothing between the Duke and I, never has been,” Cordelia stated, as she walked to the door. It was important that he knew this, especially now that his sister was showing interest in the gentleman.
“And, I intend it keep it that way.”
Her eyes snapped to his. He sounded serious, possessive.
It made her heart pitter patter thinking that he wanted her enough to keep her away from another man. When he closed the space between them and pulled her in for a kiss, she melted, realizing she wanted him to feel that way, at least for a little while. She threw her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.
“See you at luncheon?” he asked, when he finally pulled away.
“No. I better stay in and at least try to be convincing about the headache I concocted. Besides, I have correspondence to catch up on.”
“Mmmm, dinner is hours away. I’m not sure I can last,” he complained, squeezing her tighter.
“You will live, my lord, I am sure of it.”
Rhys put his hand over his heart in feigned distress. Cordelia rolled her eyes and opened the door. He was such a rogue.
“You are very good at this, my lord,” she quipped, and after checking the hallway, dashed through the door.
Once outside she scurried to the servant’s passageway, worried she would be caught in Rhys’ shirt. Once in her room, she stripped down to her chemise and hid her torn bodice and skirt in the back of a drawer. She put Rhys’ shirt under her pillow, then pulled back the blankets and crawled in.
“Oh, my lady! You started me,” Tilly exclaimed, as she came in.
“Sorry, Tilly. I came up to lie down for a little while before dinner. I had a horrific headache,” she lied. “Can you please order me a bath? Soaking sounds comforting.”
“Of course.” Tilly pulled the service bell. “I will help you into your bath then go to Rodrigo’s suite to get your dress. I cannot wait to see what he has in mind for tonight. I saw Lady Esme’s. Oh my, he has been outdoing himself lately don’t you think? I don’t know how he does it!”
