“Are you ready to sing, little sparrow?”
Before she could stop herself, she snapped, “Are you ready to let me go?”
“I will, just as soon as you admit to your deceit.”
Taking a deep breath, Gianna sent a silent prayer to the heavens for mercy as she said firmly, “I am Feng Ling, your sore, beleaguered and shamed bride.”
“Sore and beleaguered you are,” Anthony continued to molest her, alternating between caresses and squeezes. “But do you know shame?”
His hands wandered downwards, and she twitched in alarm as it ever so gently came into contact with her woman.
“Mr. Davies,” she said urgently, her distress rising as she guessed at his intent. “You must let me go.”
Ignoring her plea, he softly caressed her vulva. In spite of herself, she felt a heat pooling around the area. It caused her discomfort, but in a much different way. She blushed in frustration and shame. No one had ever touched her there, and yet here he was, brazen as day.
All of a sudden, he unexpectedly slapped her outer lips, causing her to cry out. It was more the shock at the outrageous act, since he hadn’t used remotely as much force as he had used on her behind. Despite the fact that it didn’t hurt as much, this seemed even more degrading and she redoubled her efforts to get away. Her struggles were punctuated with more slaps to that area and she gave in to the sobs that racked at her.
“Stop this,” she wept, angry tears coursing down her face.
“Stop. Lying. To. Me.”
She shook her head, squirming and struggling against his iron grasp.
“For heaven’s sake,” he shouted. “Tell me the truth or I swear I will send you back.”
Gianna froze as she heard her worst fear put into words.
“Mr. Davies, no,” she whispered. “You can’t send me back.”
“Oh, but I will.”
Thoughts raced through her head. From the resolution in his voice, she knew that he meant what he said. It was also clear that she could repeat her lie a thousand times, in a thousand different ways and he wouldn’t accept her story. It left her with one final option. She slumped in resignation.
“Fine,” she said softly. “My name is Gianna Delucca.”
++++++++
Anthony felt a sense of relief mingled with triumph. Finally, he had her confession.
“And who are you, Gianna Delucca? Are you an accomplished con woman? A practitioner of deceit? A fake catalogue woman?” he asked her sore behind, which was starting to bruise beautifully. Patches of purpling pink flowered across her soft skin, and he knew that she was going to have trouble sitting tomorrow.
She bristled, as though out of indignation.
“I am none of those! I did this to help my family,” she bit off a sob. “My friend had this arrangement made, only it was against her will. She agreed to give me the money I needed to treat my father’s illness if I agreed to take her place.”
“You did this for your father?” Anthony frowned.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice so soft he almost couldn’t hear her.
“He’s dreadfully ill, and my mother didn’t have the money for his treatment. I was slated to be a governess but the agency ran away with my savings, so I couldn’t send her what she needed.”
Despite himself, Anthony felt a twinge of pity. Still, he had to press on. “And so you decided the best thing to do was to lie? Have you no respect?”
“I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “I don’t have the money to pay off the settlement if you broke off the arrangement. I had to try, even if it was all in vain.”
Anthony lifted her off his knee and helped her stand. Her face was tear-stained and flushed, whether with distress, shame or anger, he couldn’t tell. Perhaps it was a mixture of the three. He put a finger under her chin and tilted her face towards his. Her tear-stained eyes looked up at him, flashing with anger.
“At least I know that I’ve tried my best. Perhaps the hunger and homelessness wouldn’t be so bad.”
Try as she might, her voice held a tremor. He could tell that despite the bravado in her voice, she had a genuine fear of what would happen if he turned her away.
Anthony was torn. On one hand, she had been out to deceive him and she was annoyingly rude. On the other hand, her story raised some sympathy in him. Years of interacting with people from all walks of life had cultivated his uncanny talent to know when someone was lying. She was finally telling the truth.
Besides, it did help that he found her incredibly attractive. She was physically beautiful, that was obvious, but there was something else that drew him to her. Perhaps it was her bravery, or that sheer will in her. Either way, he had made up his mind. Turning away from her, he walked back to his desk.
“I’ll sign the papers.”
She was so silent that he had to lift his head to look at her. Her face was alight with astonishment.
“What did you say?” she wondered aloud.
“I’ll accept you as my wife, Gianna Delucca.” He signed the paper with a flourish and beckoned her over. Wincing as she made her way over to him, she picked up the pen he offered her and, in a delicate script, signed her name next to his.
“There. Now we are husband and wife.” He gathered the papers into a neat pile and placed them back in his drawer. He eyed her disheveled form.
“Did you pack anything else other than this ridiculous outfit?”
Anthony fought a smile as he could see her visibly struggle to not retort back at him.
“Yes,” she forced a smile. “I packed a dress or two of my own in my suitcase.”
“I’ll show you to the bedroom. There is a tub in there that you may use to freshen up. I’ll have your suitcase sent up.”
Leading her to the bedroom, he stepped back as he opened the door for her.
“Thank you, Mr. Davies.” Again, he could hear the slightest hint of a sarcastic bite in her polite words. No doubt she still held the spanking against him. Oh, she was such a delightful challenge. For the first time, he was happy that she had been sent to him instead of the Chinese bride his friend had ordered. He couldn’t resist another jibe at her.
“Oh please,” he laughed. “Call me Anthony. I must say, I rather enjoy hearing my name coming from your lips, especially when uttered with such emotion.”
He saw the surprise and outrage ripple across her face as she took in the meaning behind his words.
“Have a good bath, my new wife.”
He smiled as she entered the room and slammed the door behind her.
Oh, this was going to be fun.
Chapter 4
Gianna seethed as she stormed into the room, shrugging the wrinkled silk dress off her shoulders and stepping out of it. As she waited for water to fill the tub, she considered the happenings of the day thus far. All that hopeless lying and worrying had aged her by years and to top it off, that dreadful man had treated her with such shocking disrespect. Granted, she had lied to him, but surely no amount of lying deserved that form of treatment. She cringed as she remembered that horrible spanking.
Still, she thought as she stepped into the tub, wincing as her raw flesh came in contact with the hot water. At least it wasn’t all for naught. Not only was she allowed to stay, she no longer had to put up the pretense any longer. She just wasn’t sure if her, frankly, quite psychotic, husband was worth all of that.
As she poured the lightly scented bath oil into the water, Gianna paused. No, she decided. It was worth it. Her parents had the money they needed. Her father would get well again, and they were saved from being in debt to the most horrible man in Italy. If it meant that she had to be married to the most uncouth man on the Western frontier, so be it.
She sighed in relief as the warm water soothed her aching muscles. Perhaps life wouldn’t be so intolerable. Other than Anthony, everyone else seemed nice. He was considerably older than her too. Perhaps he wouldn’t even be able to get it up, she thought and laughed at the uncharitable thought.
Rubbing her hands across her body to clean the grime off, she was surprised to find her lady parts unusually slick and slippery. She wondered for a moment if it had anything to do with Anthony’s earlier ministrations, and swiftly banished the unwelcome thought.
Gianna sank deeper into the water so that her hair was submerged and leaned her head against the tub. Closing her eyes, she relaxed as she explored her private area with her fingers. She hated to admit it, but it hadn’t felt entirely terrible when he had caressed her there. She had never touched herself before, since her mother had expressively forbidden anything of the sort while she was growing up. Her breathing quickened as her fingers found a spot that felt especially wonderful when she rubbed it …
“What a beautiful sight.”
Gianna’s eyes popped open and she sat up abruptly, sending the water over the tub’s edge.
“Anthony!” she gasped in displeasure, trying in vain to cover up her breasts and private region as he eyed her hungrily. The brute had removed his vest and shirt and now stood before her clad in nothing but his well-worn jeans.
Thoroughly embarrassed at being caught, she avoided his lascivious grin. Feeling indignant, she snapped, “How long have you been standing there? Why didn’t you knock?”
Anthony raised his eyebrows. “This is my room. Why should I knock?” She bristled as he knelt beside her. “Besides, I’m glad that I didn’t. How else would I have caught you in your naughty little act?”
“My naughty little—. Dio!” Gianna closed her eyes, trying to preserve whatever shred of dignity she had left.
“Come now.” Anthony touched her cheek, turning her reluctant face towards him. “I am your husband. You don’t have to hide from me.”
He reached a hand into the water and, ignoring her protests, pushed her protective hands away so that her breasts were revealed in plain sight. She watched his eyes darken as they took in the sight of her naked bosoms, half submerged in the water. Her breath caught in her mouth as he reached out to cup one of them in his hand.
“You have beautiful breasts, Gianna,” his voice was husky as he stroked her nipple with his thumb. She felt a jolt of pleasure as he teased her sensitive bud. He pinched it lightly so that she moaned.
“Mmm … your nipples are so small and sensitive,” he murmured. Bending over, he brought his face to her bosom and took one of her nipples into his mouth. Gianna mumbled a half-hearted protest as she tried to push him off her. Fending her off with ease, he pinned her down with one hand as he suckled on her, his tongue licking and teasing her nub. His other hand wandered down towards her pelvis and moved across the soft curls of her pubic hair as his fingers sought their target. As his forefinger came in contact with her clit, Gianna jumped, splashing the water all over him so that he was soaked as well.
“Naughty girl,” he mumbled around her breast and nipping her in retaliation. Gianna squeaked and placed her palms against his shoulder, trying to shove him off.
“You have to learn how to control yourself.” He skimmed the surface of her breast with his mouth, planting light kisses on her dimpled skin. His fingers skillfully worked her clit and she felt the pleasure and heat gather around her nether region as her heart raced. To her embarrassment, she felt herself spreading her legs, awarding him better access as he quickened his pace. As the pleasure threatened to overcome her, she moaned and gasped, sinking her fingernails into his chest. He hissed and pinched at her clit, and she couldn’t hide the effect it was having on her.
“Oh God,” she panted, embarrassed yet utterly satisfied. Her tensed muscles relaxed as she let the sensation slowly overwhelm her. Anthony sat back on his heels in a smirk as she caught her breath.
As she gained control of herself, Gianna felt a surge of anger at her traitorous body that had gained so much pleasure at his ruthless hands. Taking him completely by surprise, she splashed a stream of water, grinning as it caused him to splutter. She rose out of the tub before he could stop her and wrapped a towel around her bare form.
“And where do you think you’re going?” he coughed, as she half ran to her suitcase.
“I am getting dressed,” Gianna announced, her voice haughty in order to cover the embarrassment she felt. She searched through her possessions for suitable attire and screamed as a pair of strong arms was wrapped around her waist. Dismayed, she watched her towel drop and found herself suspended in the air for a moment before she came into contact with the wall. He pressed himself against her, covering her tiny form with his huge body. She could feel the hardness between his legs and stiffened as she guessed at what was to come.
“I seem to have forgotten one important thing,” he murmured as he nuzzled against her neck, causing her to squirm.
“And what is that?” she snapped. She tried to struggle away from him, which served no purpose, since he was probably more than twice as strong as she was. Although he wasn’t overly bulky, firm muscles rippled across his lean body. Gianna hated to admit it, but from an objective standpoint, he was in amazing shape for a man his age.
“It seems like a terrible old-age predicament,” she smiled poisonously. “The loss of one’s memory.”
To her surprise, he seemed amused rather than angered by her words. Laughter coursed through his body, making her aware of how her bare breasts were right against his naked chest. Irritated by his ability to find joy in anything after all that he had put her through, she leaned forward and sank her teeth into his chest. He yelped in surprise.
“Why, you brazen little wildcat.”
She barely had time to enjoy her triumph before the dread overtook her. As he pinned her against the wall with his body, he reached down and unbuttoned his fly, allowing his jeans to fall to the ground. Without planning to, her eyes looked down his tummy, following his happy trail which led to the large, throbbing member between his legs. Grinning at her, he stroked himself slowly and deliberately.
“Like what you see?”
Blushing, Gianna realized too late that she had been staring. Feeling the urge to wipe the smirk off his face, she raised an eyebrow.
“Not bad, but you know, I’ve seen better.”
His expression darkened. Narrowing his eyes at her, he glowered menacingly.
“For your sake, I hope you are joking. And now about that thing I was talking about.”
“What?” Taken by surprise at the extent of his rage, she gasped in pain as he stuck a finger up her vaginal opening. Thankfully, she was wet from her earlier release in the tub, otherwise she knew his invasive prying would have hurt a lot worse. After prodding her a while, he relaxed.
“So it appears that at least there’s one thing that is as advertised.”
Gianna was so confused that she paused her struggles against him for a moment. “What are you talking about?” she demanded. “And get your finger out of me!”
“You are a virgin,” he laughed into her face as he drew his finger out of her. Gianna’s cheeks burned with embarrassment once again. From the way things were going, she was surprised that she hadn’t spontaneously burst into flame yet.
“Your point, being?” she tried to muster as much dignity she could while trying to ignore the suggestive way he was pressing his hard rod against her pelvic bone.
“I get to be the lucky man to take you,” Anthony grinned and lifted her up so suddenly that she squealed. He wrapped her thighs around him and pushed her harder against the wall. She could feel the coarseness of the wallpaper on her bare skin as he positioned his cock against her wet opening. Disoriented, she clung on tightly to him, which unintentionally gave him easy access to her breasts. He brushed her nipple with his lips as he rubbed the bulbous head of his rod against the warmness of her inner folds.
“Oh no, no,” she protested as she felt him entering her. Helpless against the wall, she tried to catch his eye as his face contorted with pleasure. Her tightness wrapped around him as he began to penetrate her slowly.
“This is happening, sweetheart,” he grunted.
“I own you, and I am going to take you, as and when I want to.”
Gianna had always imagined that she would lose her virginity to a man she fell deeply in love with, a final piece to the beautiful puzzle of courtship, affection and undying love. For it to happen with this brute, in such a compromising position, made her carefully constructed romantic notions crumble away.
Anthony paused, keeping himself still inside her. She felt him throbbing and warm inside of her and despite herself, she looked at him curiously as she wondered why he didn’t continue.
“Gianna,” he looked at her straight in the eye. And before she could react, he pressed his lips against her, coaxing her mouth open. Surprised, she tried to fight it but as his hands massaged her breasts, a hunger overtook and before she knew it, she was kissing him back. Gianna could tell that he was a skilled lover, as his tongue danced invitingly against hers.
“Look how sensitive you are.” He rocked his hips slowly as his hands traveled down to her clit and stroked her. She gasped as a frisson of electric current shot through her.
“You want me,” Anthony insisted and while Gianna’s instinct was to protest the contrary, she felt her body opening to invite him in. Every inch of her longed to be touched by him and to be kissed by his skillful mouth. “And I want you,” he continued, quickening the pace of his fingers against her. “Yes, I want you very much, Gianna. I will have you now, as my wife.”
Gasping, she felt a sharp tearing sensation as he entered her fully. She tensed around him, crying out as she reacted to the pain.
“Relax yourself,” he grunted, his forehead taut and covered in a sheen of sweat.
“How can I, when it hurts so much,” she hissed angrily at him. “You’re too big for me.”
Rubbing her clit, Anthony laughed breathlessly. Gianna moaned as she began to feel threads of pleasure lacing themselves around the pain.
“Your sweet compliments move me,” he teased, as he started to move inside her. He grunted, making guttural, animalistic noises as he penetrated her deeply. As his cock throbbed inside her, Gianna started to feel a peculiar pleasure inside of her. While each rub on her clit was like a fireball of desire, his thrusts ignited a slow, burning inferno inside of her.
Bent Over A Barrel Bundle: Western Cowboy Romance (Full Length Novels) Page 20
