by Lisa Campell
He wasn’t cruel as she was led to believe. Thomas Andrews was something else. He was a good man. How had she not seen that back then?
Because you let your anger and pride get in the way.
He was sitting right next to her now, his legs spread as he slumped back. His thigh was touching hers, and Emilia could feel the heat from his body. She shifted around and rested a hand on his shoulder.
You fool, if you touch him you won’t be able to stop. Don’t do it!
But she couldn’t help it. Her resolve was getting weaker the longer she stayed this close to him. And Emilia was getting to the point she didn’t care.
“There’s nothing wrong with feeling like this. You were blamed for something you never did, and you were unfairly judged. You’re allowed to be angry for that.”
“Why didn’t I see it?” Thomas closed his eyes. “Why couldn’t I have figured out that something else was going on? They should have told me the reason! Instead of assuming that I wouldn’t do a thing.”
“Because Lady Wilson was clever enough, and she can plant seeds of doubt. I’m sure she would have done the same to me, had she been given a chance.”
“I know she would.” Thomas shifted, and his roughened jaw brushed against Emilia’s fingers. “I’m just glad she didn’t get the chance. I should have…”
“Don’t start with that, Thomas. It’s not going to help you now, is it?” Against her better judgement, Emilia stroked his cheek. “You can’t turn the clock back, but you can reset it. Start again, so to speak.”
“Start again.” Thomas grunted. “Alone?”
“With your daughter, of course. She’s always going to be there with you.”
“I wasn’t talking about Anna.”
Emilia started to pull away. She could tell where this was going. That was a little too far for her. But Thomas grabbed her hand, the warmth of his hand sliding up her arm. Even with the warmth, Emilia felt goose bumps all over her body. Opening his eyes, Thomas turned his head and speared her with a look that made Emilia’s mind go blank. Oh, lord, that look. He could make a woman swoon with that look. Her mouth went dry.
She needed to get out of here, otherwise they were going to end up doing something neither of them could pull away from.
“What about you?” Thomas brushed his lips against her palm, never taking his eyes off her. “Can I start again with you?”
“I…” Emilia licked her lips. She needed to stop panicking. “That’s not exactly…”
She cut off abruptly when Thomas tugged her down and kissed her. All thoughts of protesting went out of her head as his hand slid around the back of her neck and he tilted his head, deepening the kiss so fast Emilia gasped. Heat flared to life, and Emilia couldn’t bring herself to pull away.
She should. This was not right. But it felt so good. She had to get out of there.
Just a little longer...
Chapter Twenty-Three
Thomas had no idea how he had managed to keep his heads off Emilia so far. She lured him in, and she didn’t even seem to be aware of it. Just the mere sight of her had Thomas wanting to grab onto her and not let go.
She had no idea how tempting she was.
There was an initial protest, but very quickly Emilia sank into his arms. Thomas wrapped an arm around her, straightening up as he pulled her against him. Emilia moaned, her arms going around his neck, her fingers digging into his hair. There was a desperation about her that Thomas found intoxicating. He wanted to grab her and throw her onto the bed before he sank inside her warm body. But Emilia deserved more. She deserved to be loved, to be treated like a queen. He wanted to explore every part of her body, but since their fumble in the coach, Thomas knew he wouldn’t be able to hold back for long.
He had to have her any way he could.
Somehow, Thomas managed to break the kiss, sighing as he brushed his lips over her jaw.
“If you want me to stop, I will. I won’t force you into anything.” He kissed her behind the ear, which had Emilia shivering. “You’ve been such a temptation for me since you arrived, Emilia. I want you so much.”
“I…” Emilia whimpered, her hands tightening on his shoulders. “I should make you stop. But I don’t want to stop.”
Thomas paused.
“Is that a yes?”
“It’s a yes.” Emilia tilted his head up, her lips brushing over his. “Yes.”
Thomas growled.
“Thank you.”
He kissed her again, harder. Fiercer. Emilia moaned and she pressed herself against him, her response just as fierce. Thomas could feel someone shaking but he wasn’t sure if it was Emilia or himself. She had said yes. She wanted him.
And Thomas wanted her so badly. If he could get her out of those clothes.
He gently tugged at the shoulder of her dress, easing it off. Emilia whimpered as Thomas started to draw it down her arm, slipping the rest of her dress with it. Then she pulled back and shrugged away.
“Stop.”
“What?” Thomas froze. “What have I done wrong?”
“Nothing, I…” Emilia cupped his face. “I would just prefer to undress myself. Fiddling with my corset and stays are not exactly arousing.”
Thomas heaved a sigh of relief.
“I thought you were going to say you wanted to stop this.”
“I don’t.” Emilia pressed a kiss on his mouth before slipping off the couch. “I think it would be better if I do the undressing.”
Thomas was about to protest - he found undressing the woman himself more arousing than she thought - but that protest died on his lips when Emilia started to tug the dress off herself, slowly sliding it down her body. Thomas’ mouth was hanging open as she dropped the dress at her feet, leaving her in her underwear. Emilia grinned as her hands went to the tie on her corset.
“I’ve found that this is certainly more enjoyable.” She started to slowly undo the string. “More...arousing.”
Thomas couldn’t move as she slowly stripped for him, heading towards the bed as she did. Items of clothing dropped to the floor, her shoes kicked off somewhere under the bed, each item revealing more smooth white skin and gentle curves. Thomas could feel his cock straining at his britches. She was right; it was more arousing.
Then she was naked, and Thomas’ eyes roamed over her body as she crawled onto the bed, watching him with a coquettish look. She had such a beautiful body. Not a blemish in sight. Then the beautiful sight was gone as Emilia slipped under the covers.
“Are you going to join me?” Emilia lay back in the bed, the sheets around her waist as she raised her arms above her head. “Or are you just going to stare at me all evening?”
“I…”
Thomas jumped to his feet, his hands fumbling for his shirt. It felt like he was eighteen years old again experiencing his first time. There wasn’t exactly any finesse with the way he undressed himself, tossing his clothes aside and not caring where they landed. He just knew there was a naked woman in his bed, and he wanted to be with her. Preferably all night.
All night. He could see himself waking up with her beside him every morning. Thomas groaned. That was a beautiful image.
Stumbling over the clothes, Thomas clambered onto the bed and practically fell over Emilia. He couldn’t stop kissing her, his hands running all over her body. Dear God, she felt as smooth and soft as he imagined. And warm, so deliciously warm. Emilia was just as eager, her hands running down his back and cupping his backside. Then Thomas felt her hand wandering, brushing against his hardened cock. Abruptly, he shifted away. That had Emilia pausing.
“What’s wrong?” She started to sit up. “Did I…?”
“You did nothing wrong.” Thomas’ heart was racing as he moved down her body, pressing kisses over her chest. “If you touch me, I’ll lose it. And I don’t want to just yet.”
“Thomas…”
Emilia broke off with a gasp as he sucked a nipple into his mouth. She arched into him, her hands burying into his
hair. Thomas felt the slight bite of her nails digging into his scalp, and that made him growl. With the restraints of every day proprieties gone, Emilia was like fire. All over.
He shoved the covers down, kicking them to the foot of the bed and cupping her backside. She had a body he wanted to taste, to sample all night.
If she allowed him. From the way she was writhing in his arms, Emilia would more likely allow him to do whatever he wished. And Thomas wanted to do everything. Absolutely everything.
His fingers brushed between her legs, which had Emilia sighing and parting her thighs. Thomas passed his fingers over her core, groaning when he felt her lips.
“You’re so ready for me, Emilia.”
“I…” Emilia was panting as her hips lifted towards Thomas’ hand. “I’ve been ready for you for a long time.”
“Have you?” Thomas lifted his head as he eased a finger inside her. “How long?”
“Thomas…”
“How long?” Thomas added another finger, thrusting slowly. Emilia whined as she grabbed his hand, trying to make him move faster. Thomas held fast, stopping the thrusts. “I won’t give you more until you tell me how long you’ve wanted me.”
“That’s not fair!”
“You’ve been tempting me since you walked into my study. I think this is perfectly fair to tempt you.” Thomas flicked his tongue over her nipple. “Tell me. I want to hear it.”
Emilia moaned, her hand tightening around his. She was still trying to make him more, but Thomas held fast.
“Tell me.”
“Since I laid eyes on.” Emilia’s words came out fast, in between pants. Emilia’s body was shaking, her nipples hardened to points as she teetered on the edge. “I’ve wanted you since we met. Satisfied?”
“Perfectly.”
He thrust his hand, causing Emilia to moan. Her legs shifted apart more and Thomas picked up the thrusting. Her body felt so hot, so tight. And Thomas couldn’t get enough of Emilia writhing underneath him, her responses heating him even more. He couldn’t wait to replace his hand with his cock.
Emilia was panting, her body flushed as she climbed her arousal. Her head was thrown back against the pillows, the moans coming out of her mouth louder than Thomas expected. She really was fire all over. Thomas loved seeing it.
Then he brushed her thumb over her swollen flesh. And Emilia let out a keening cry that had her whole body tightening around his fingers. Thomas kissed her, stifling her moans. If she was any louder, they were going to have the servants knowing. Thomas didn’t want to share this with anyone else right now. He wanted Emilia all to himself.
He wanted Emilia to be his. No sharing with anyone.
Emilia slumped onto the bed, her body shaking as she kissed him. Her hands were trembling as she ran them through his hair. Her moans turned into sighs, hauling him down to cover her body with his. She felt so warm, so sweet. Thomas was close to forgetting that he wanted to take his time with Emilia and thrust into her now. She was so ripe for him. So eager.
Her husband certainly didn’t know what he was missing.
You’re thinking about him now? He’s not here. You are. And you have Emilia now. Take her.
“Thomas.”
Thomas lifted his head. Emilia was shifting under him, his cock brushing against her entrance. She lifted her hips against him, her hand gripping his backside.
“Please...I want you.”
Thomas groaned. He thrust his hips slowly, and both groaned as she took him in. Her whole body seemed to clamp down on him, and Thomas had to take a moment. He was so close to his release, and he didn’t want this to stop. He took a few breaths and counted to ten.
“Thomas?” Emilia cupped his jaw. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Thomas kissed her. “It’s been a while. I don’t want it to end...too quickly.”
“Oh.” Then Emilia’s eyes widened. “Oh!”
“Exactly.” Thomas gently bit her lip. “Oh.”
How he was able to stay still when he was finally where he wanted to be, Thomas had no idea. Emilia’s body was trembling in his arms, her legs tightening around his waist, and he wasn’t able to move for fear of ending it too quickly.
“One moment.” Thomas pulled out, causing Emilia to whine, and shifted onto his knees. “Lie on your side.”
“Why?” Even as she questioned him, Emilia did as she was told. “What are you going to do?”
“I want this to feel good for you.” Thomas adjusted her legs, lifting one leg to rest against his chest as he moved into position. “This will be more intense for you, trust me.”
“What…?”
Emilia broke off with a moan as Thomas filled her again. Thomas knew from this angle Emilia would feel everything. He would feel deeper, tighter, and Thomas wanted to feel her come apart again, this time with him.
“You like it?”
“I... oh, my God!” Emilia whimpered as he eased back and thrust again. “Thomas…”
“I’ve got you.” Thomas leaned over her, taking her hands and linking their fingers as he pressed them onto the bed above her head. “I’ve got you.”
He had planned to take his time, make Emilia teeter on the edge for a while before he pushed her over, but Thomas couldn’t do it. She felt so tight around him, and it was drawing his arousal faster than he anticipated. He shifted Emilia’s leg, which had him sliding even deeper, and Thomas found his hips moving at a past he could barely keep up with. She felt incredible.
He didn’t want it to stop.
Emilia came again, her body stiffening as her pleasure rippled through her. Thomas felt it clamp around his cock, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. He growled with his release; his hips jerked as he felt the last drops of his lust were wrung out of him. Now it was him who was shaking, sweat trickling down his back. It felt like he had been running, his chest squeezing hard and his breathing ragged.
Emilia sagged onto the bed, her leg slipping from his shoulder. Thomas was reluctant to leave the warmth of her body, but she was going to get cramp if she stayed like that any longer. Easing out of her tight body, Thomas reached for the covers he had kicked away and drew them on, one hand still linked with Emilia’s. She lay on the bed, staying at the ceiling as she panted. The sweat beading on her body, goose bumps scattering across her skin, made her look so raw, so beautiful. Thomas wanted to spend the evening licking the sweat off her body. Before he licked every other part of her.
He tucked the covers around her, brushing her hair off her forehead.
“Emilia?”
“I’m here.” Emilia looked up at him, her eyes bright. “I’m still here.”
Was there a hint of sadness in her eyes? Surely, he hadn’t done anything wrong? Thomas was about to ask when Emilia grabbed his head and kissed him. Immediately, his lust flared back to life. He had planned on taking Emilia in his arms to sleep, have a woman in his bed for the first time since his wife died, but now he wanted to make love to her again.
Love. Was what they had done love? It felt a little more animalistic than that. A lot more intense. Was that why he was aroused so soon after a release that had made his head spin? Or was it because of Emilia?
He had no idea at this point. Only that he didn’t want her to go anywhere.
Thomas stirred when he heard the door opening and closing. For a moment, he panicked that Jenkins was going to find him in bed with Emilia. But then Thomas threw that panic aside. He didn’t care now if the servants found out this morning that he had taken the governess as a lover. If they hadn’t heard them the night before, they certainly would now, even if Jenkins didn’t say a word.
He did consider getting up, but it had been a late night. Emilia was insatiable in bed, and she had shown a few more positions that had been surprising to Thomas, but certainly enjoyable. He had wanted more, but Emilia was clearly getting worn out, so they had settled down to sleep, Emilia curled up in his arms for a while. Thomas had felt good in that moment. Really good. He hadn’t h
eld a woman like this since Olivia, and he didn’t think he would again.
But he couldn’t hold onto her all night. Thomas was someone who shifted around, unable to stay in one position for long. He had rolled away, leaving Emilia to spread out across the other side of the bed. Occasionally, he was aware of someone shifting beside him, a leg over his or a hand on his shoulder, but that just soothed Thomas back to sleep.
Nobody would mind if he stayed in bed a little longer.
When Thomas finally did open his eyes, it was to the door opening and closing again. He seemed to have a lot of people coming in. Had Jenkins forgotten something?
