Hawksfell Manor 05: Graham's Game

by Josie Dennis

  “Your apron,” he said in explanation. As he tied the strings around her slender waist, he could feel the rigidity in her body. “I’m not playing like Cabot, love.”

  She whirled and looked up at him. “What?”

  He held out his hands palms up. “I was just tying your apron.”

  She gave a shaky nod, running her hands over her wrinkled apron.

  He took her trembling hands in his. “Your hands are like ice. Were you truly that frightened of that boy?”

  “No, no.” She breathed in, her gaze sliding from his. “I knew he was teasing. It just reminded me of…”

  “Reminded you of what?” Graham had to ask.

  She raised a hand to tuck a thick strand of hair behind one delicate ear. “Excuse me, my lord.”

  “You cannot mean to return to the house in this condition.”

  Her hands were suddenly frantic, running over her hair and uniform as her cheeks paled again. Once again, he took her hands in his. “Easy…” He smiled down at her. “What’s your name?”

  “Lily.”

  He blinked. How fitting. She was delicate and exotic and so bloody beautiful. He stroked her cheek. “Your skin is as soft as a flower petal, Lily.”

  She bit her bottom lip, her teeth very white against her plump, rosy flesh. “My lord…”

  “Graham,” he corrected, bringing his face to hers. “I’m not ‘my lord’ out here, love.”

  “Out here.” She swallowed, and he watched the motion move the muscles of her throat. “I shouldn’t be out here.”

  Graham shook his head. “You serve only the countess. She can’t need you right now.”

  “How do you know that?” Her voice was low, breathy.

  “You’re a lady’s maid.” He moved his lips over her smooth cheek to her ear. “It’s hours until the time to dress for dinner.”

  She closed her eyes and leaned her head away from him, exposing herself to his lips. He didn’t miss the invitation, and dragged his tongue along the smooth tendon at the base of her neck.

  “Mmm, you smell like lilies,” he rasped.

  “Oh,” she sighed.

  His Hawk beast rose as his cock filled in an instant. He lifted his head and glanced about, swiftly noting that no one was about or could see them from the house. He couldn’t take her out here, though. He was all for fun and games, but he wouldn’t fuck her outside. For one thing, it might not be cold this afternoon but it wasn’t exactly temperate.

  “Come with me, sweet Lily,” he said, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward him. “I have to taste you, and I will not let the chill of the breeze touch what I guess must be skin even softer than your neck.”

  Chapter 5

  Lily shouldn’t go with this man. She knew that. Yet she permitted Lord Weston to tug her along behind him as he entered the back of the garage. As they stepped into the darkened interior, he skidded to a stop, looking about with his broad shoulders tense. He visibly relaxed after a moment.

  “Ah, good.” He turned and smiled down at her. “I suspected the chauffeur would be up at the house after bringing us back from the village.”

  She just stared up into the intensity burning in his dark Hawk eyes. He was the most handsome one she’d ever met. Even the earl’s brother couldn’t touch him in sheer magnetism. That must be why she was here with him now. That, and the way he’d made her feel safe after Cabot’s fumbled attempt at seduction.

  The viscount had been gentle and strong at the same time. Cabot hadn’t been attacking her. She knew that in her mind. But the situation had felt far too much like that last night under the old baron’s roof. Her heart had raced and her body felt cold.

  Yes, the viscount made her feel safe out there in the yard. However, she was honest enough with herself to admit that wasn’t why she was standing here with him now. It was his sensual pull that drew her.

  “Thank you, my lord,” she said, lifting her chin with what she prayed was a gesture of strength.

  “You’re welcome, of course.” He removed his coat and took her hands again. “And call me Graham.”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “You most certainly can.” He drew her close, his spicy, hot scent wrapping around her despite the oily scent of metal that hung in the clean garage. “When I make you come, I want to hear you say my name.”

  His words were shocking, yet they sent a stab of want through her body. Her drawers grew damp and her nipples tightened in her corset. “My lord…”

  He brought his lips to her neck again, stroking with that very clever tongue of his. “Graham, Lily.” He nipped her earlobe. “Call me ‘Graham.’”

  His hands were on her waist, loosening her apron again and working the buttons of her uniform blouse free. When his fingers brushed the tops of her breasts she gasped. “Graham.”

  She could feel him smile against her skin. As he danced her back up against the nearest wall, she was soon grateful for its support.

  He brought his mouth to hers and flicked his tongue over her lips. “Mmm, soft.”

  She parted her lips, and his tongue surged inside. She froze, remembering the horrid kisses the old baron had forced on her. Then she tasted only Lord Weston. The latest Hawk. Graham. She leaned into him and touched her tongue to his. When he groaned, she felt a surge of power she’d never felt that terrible long-ago night.

  Graham loosened her corset, and she felt a rush of cool air on her breasts. Then one large hand of his cupped her, squeezing gently. His mouth left hers, and he glanced down at her breasts. Her nipples hardened almost painfully.

  “You’re a pretty package, Lily,” he said, rubbing his thumb over the nipple he held captive. “I have to taste you.”

  His mouth closed over her nipple, and she let her eyes drift closed. Hot, wet suction pulled at her. Her body trembled, and she clutched at his shoulders. He fondled her other breast with sure fingers, and the pressure was exquisite. Her body began to pulse. Her fingers ran through his gold-streaked hair, and she arched toward him.

  “Oh, my!”

  He smiled again. She was sure of it.

  He lifted his head from her aching flesh to bring his brow to hers. “Do you like what I’m doing, Lily love?”

  She could only nod. He kissed her lips and moved closer still. Her skirt rustled as he drew it up over her legs, and she didn’t protest when his fingers caressed her through her drawers.

  “Your pussy’s wet,” he rasped. “Delightful.”

  He brought his mouth to her breast again as he removed her drawers.

  Her thighs parted, and she welcomed his touch. “Make me…come, Graham.”

  He murmured something in response and two fingers thrust inside her. It was amazing, this pleasure he was intent on giving her. His thumb brushed over her clit, and she bit back a scream. Every nerve was singing as her body drew tighter and tighter.

  “Graham!”

  She came in the next moment, clutching at his shoulders as she bucked hard against his hand. She’d never known pleasure before, or guessed it could be like this. It was hot and sharp, and her body craved more of it.

  “Christ,” he said, coming up to kiss her. “I have to have you.”

  She couldn’t resist as he unbuttoned his trousers. His cock surged free, huge and hard and hot against her bare thighs. He seemed to hesitate, so she arched toward him.

  “Please,” she whispered.

  Without another word, he parted her legs further and drove deep inside her. His thrusts were forceful, his passion high as he pounded into her. “Lily, Lily, Lily.”

  She took all of him high up inside her as she moved with him. Soon she was cresting swiftly toward the second orgasm of her life. Moaning his name, she climaxed around his hard shaft.

  He shuddered against her then poured himself inside. His breath was harsh against her ear, his arms still braced on the wall behind her. His weight was a comfort, though. It grounded her after the madness of her incredible release.

  “That was amaz
ing,” he said, kissing her neck. “I knew you were wet and suspected you would be hot. But you’re so damn tight.”

  She felt her cheeks flame, which was odd since the two of them were still so intimately connected. “I…”

  “You held my cock like a fist, love.” He withdrew, tucking himself back inside his trousers. “You made me forget myself. I haven’t come inside a woman in I don’t even know how long.”

  She absently nodded as she did some mental calculations. She wasn’t near the vulnerable time of her cycle. Surely this aberration wouldn’t have consequences.

  When she finally opened her eyes again, he was staring down at her.

  “Are you all right?” He cupped her face gently. “I can sometimes go a bit mad.” He winked. “I am a Hawk, after all.”

  He had been mad, his lust so great he’d wrung sharp passion out of her with his power. It was a blissful madness. It seemed forward to admit that, though.

  “I’m fine,” she said in a small voice.

  “Good.” He grinned and her heart flipped. “I daresay we’re going to do that again.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Pardon?”

  “I don’t know how long I’m here at Hawksfell, Lily.” He kissed her hard as if he couldn’t help himself, then pulled back. “I know I’m going to want to play more games with you.”

  She couldn’t say anything to that. This was a game? Well, she wasn’t foolish enough to believe their coupling meant anything more. Perhaps calling it a game would suffice. It would certainly make a pleasant memory for her once he’d left Hawksfell Manor.

  “We’ll just see about that,” she managed to say, once more evoking an expression of worldliness.

  He blinked then laughed at her challenge. “Splendid.” He helped her straighten her uniform and tied her apron. “There. Right as rain. Now go.”

  There was a twinkle of something else in his eyes, but she couldn’t think about that right now. She had to get back up to the house and change for the evening before seeing to the countess. She nodded and hurried out of the garage.

  It was only when she gained her attic room that she realized she wasn’t wearing her drawers.

  * * * *

  Colin returned to his room to ready for dinner. He’d spent the day in various mundane occupations, such as penning a few letters and seeing to the estate papers that always seemed to dog his steps. The earl’s staff was most accommodating, though the place felt rather like a tomb when no one was about.

  He’d wondered how Graham fared in the village with the other Hawks. Surely he’d charmed them with his quick wit and joviality. Graham was a pleasant companion in any situation. It was one of his defining characteristics, that spark and charisma of his. It was what had first drawn a shy Colin to him at school and what kept them friends these many years. Well, that and the insatiable appetite for flesh they both shared.

  An unusually dour Cabot came in and assisted Colin. His movements were stiff and his eyes downcast.

  “Cabot, is something troubling you?” he asked.

  “Nothing, Mr. Spencer.” Cabot finished with Colin’s shirt and tie and eased his jacket over his shoulders. “Will there be anything else?”

  “I take it you’ve already seen to Lord Weston?”

  For some reason Colin couldn’t fathom, the valet paled. “Yes, Mr. Spencer. I’m wanted downstairs to help with dinner service.”

  “Go, then.” Colin smiled. “I wouldn’t want to make you late.”

  Cabot bowed and hurried out of the room. “Good evening, Lord Weston.”

  “Good evening,” Graham said in response. He walked into Colin’s guest room and closed the door. “Hello, Colin.”

  Colin straightened the tie Cabot had tied a little hastily. “What the devil did you do to Cabot?”

  Graham waved a hand. “Put a bit of fear into him, is all.”

  Colin brushed his hair back and turned from the mirror. “Whatever for?”

  Graham chuckled. “For trying to snatch a choice biscuit not meant for him.”

  “You’ll have to elaborate, Graham. What biscuit, precisely?”

  Graham’s eyes sparkled, and Colin knew.

  “The little green-eyed maid?” he asked.

  Graham nodded. “And she smells as sweet as her name, Colin.”

  Colin smiled. “Which is?”

  “Lily.” Graham’s lids lowered as he obviously relished the memory. “Sweet, exotic Lily.”

  “Never say you fucked her.”

  Graham shrugged. “I hadn’t meant to. But after she came around my fingers I couldn’t resist.”

  Colin imagined Graham and the gorgeous maid and felt a lick of lust along his groin. “Where?”

  “In the garage. Not ideal, but it was opportune.” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a bit of linen trimmed with lace. “Kept her drawers.”

  Colin laughed. “As a memento?”

  “As a promise.” He brought her drawers to his nose and sniffed. “She’s so sweet. I told her I’d have her again and, to my surprise and delight, she issued me a challenge. She seems up for the game.”

  Graham tossed him her drawers, and Colin caught them. They still felt a bit damp. “Our game?” Again, Colin felt flush with desire as the scent of the girl’s passion reached him.

  “Of course. She seems to think she can resist, silly girl.”

  “Graham, was she all right after?”

  “Of course.” Graham’s brow knit. “Although…”

  “What?”

  “When I came upon Cabot trying to have a taste, she looked almost terrified.”

  “What was he doing to her?”

  “Nothing, really. Just teasing.”

  “Maybe she was a virgin.”

  Graham slanted him a look. “She wasn’t. Besides, I wouldn’t have fucked her against the wall if that were the case.”

  Colin thought about their conversation of just how they would spend this visit to Hawksfell Manor. “So it’s her, then?”

  Graham nodded.

  “What about your notion of bagging as many servants as possible?”

  Graham shook his head. “She’ll prove more than enough, I wager. We’ll just have to see if she’ll play along with us.”

  Colin’s stomach clenched. “Us?”

  Graham’s eyes were intent. “I don’t want to take her alone again, Colin.” Then he winked, the jester back in play. “In fact, I can’t wait to watch you fuck her.”

  Colin smiled, as eager for the game now as Graham was, and tossed her drawers back to him. “Will she play along, do you think?”

  “She runs hot. The hottest we’ve had in a long time. It didn’t take much to set her to boiling.”

  Colin thought for a moment. “She’s the countess’s maid.”

  “Yes. What matter is that? I thought we discussed that already.”

  “I know, I know. She has no reason to be about the bachelors’ wing, though.”

  Graham stuck his hands in his pockets and began to pace. “Her duties with the countess don’t draw much on her time. From what little I know about Gabriel’s wife, she is no prima donna who must be attended to constantly. Finding Lily out by the garage in the afternoon might attest to that.”

  An idea struck Colin. “We can say we have mending and without our valets here we prefer a maid’s hand to a footman’s.”

  Graham grinned. “That is most imperious of you, Mr. Spencer.”

  Colin shrugged. “Should that trait be reserved for Hawks only?”

  Graham laughed. “Not at all, friend.”

  “Then let’s go to dinner. It’s a shame, but I believe I might just tear my cuff this evening.”

  Graham chuckled as they went down to the parlor to await the dinner bell.

  Chapter 6

  Lily sat in the servants’ hall the next afternoon, trying to still her pulse while the events of the past day ran circles through her mind. She hadn’t needed to serve at the table last night, thank the Lord. No, the oth
ers always saw to the family upstairs in the dining room. There had been more Hawks here last night as well. The earl’s brother and one of his cousins had joined the party, along with their wives. She knew that Posy, the former parlor maid, had been up there, too. The wife to the earl’s brother. How did that girl feel, no longer serving the Hawks but now one of them? If Lily hadn’t seen the obvious love between her and Matthew Hawk when he’d first arrived as the earl’s guest two months ago, she never would have believed the truth of it.

  In a flash, Graham Hawk came into her mind. Oh, what she’d let him do. What she’d begged him to do! It wasn’t like her. She wasn’t a girl to throw her favors around. The fact that she hadn’t been here before the earl’s marriage was immaterial in her opinion. She wouldn’t have given herself to Lord Hawksfell in any event. Of course, were that particular condition part of her employment at the time she’d been hired she might not be working in the manor right now. Sex was the very last thing she’d wanted to consider after leaving her last position.

  “Lily, Mr. Spencer needs you,” Mrs. Holmes said from the doorway.

  “Pardon?” She blinked as an impression of Graham’s lovely friend popped into her mind right alongside his image. “Whatever for?”

  Mrs. Holmes folded her hands over her midsection. “It seems he has some mending to be seen to.”

  “Can’t Cabot see to him? I thought he was taking care of him and the viscount during their stay.”

  The housekeeper’s brow knit. “Cabot is not a valet, Lily. He’s serving in a pinch, as it were.”

  Lily knew the woman was right. Cabot was ham-handed at best and wouldn’t be able to handle fine work.

  “What about Grayson?” Lily asked, hoping the earl’s valet could see to one of his guests in this regard.

  “Grayson is the earl’s man, Lily,” Mrs. Holmes answered.

  Lily swallowed her disappointment. The earl’s valet would never look after his guests’ mending. She was well and truly stuck, then.

  “I’ll go retrieve his mending,” she said with restrained resignation.

  Mrs. Holmes nodded and turned, obviously already set on her next task. “He’s staying in the blue room.”