Before fear could take hold, Oliver drew her into his arms, kissing her as though he’d never have enough of her. His hands left hers but only to shed his pants at last. The sight of his body in all its glory gave her pause. He was so very big.... Everywhere.
She’d seen paintings and statues of the human body, but he looked nothing like those. Curious, she reached out a timid finger to touch his manhood, surprised when it bounced in response. She did it again, lingering longer this time as she realized how velvety soft it was, yet also so hard.
He moaned again, his eyes closing. At his obvious enjoyment, she wrapped her fingers around his length. She’d only made two or three passes when he grabbed her wrist, halting her.
“You will have me finish before I start,” he muttered.
She had no idea to what he referred but before she could ask, he ran his hands along her body, working magic as he went. Waves of need pulsed through her, blocking out all worries of what came next. She only knew she wanted him.
“Oliver?” She didn’t know what to ask or say. If only he could read her mind.
“Yes,” he answered, kissing her as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the settee at the other end of the room where the fire burned brightly.
After he set her down, he gestured for her to wait for a moment and quickly locked the door before returning to her. He spread a soft blanket on the settee then drew her down to lay beside him.
“So beautiful,” he murmured as he moved his hand along her body. He said it so reverently that she believed him.
His sweet murmurs and caresses eased her concern. Perhaps he could read her mind after all.
He kissed her deeply before his mouth returned to her breasts, giving each one his undivided attention. His questing fingers returned to her slick folds and her hips bucked in response as sensation built, lifting her higher and higher. When he shifted to settle between her legs she held him tighter, loving the feel of him against her. On her. Everywhere.
“I want you so much,” he whispered.
“Yes,” she replied, never wanting anything as much as she wanted this now.
He rose up onto his elbows, his manhood coming to rest against her center. Her breath caught at the unfamiliar sensation, waiting for the ‘invasion’ the maids had discussed. He pressed against her, easing forward little by little, her body adjusting to the feel of him.
“Hold tight, Julia.” He thrust forward, filling her to the hilt.
The sharp pain caught her by surprise. She couldn’t help but push at him, wanting him to stop until she could get her bearings.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he kissed her cheek. “Wait just a moment more.”
The pain was quickly gone, leaving her... She didn’t know how to describe it. She felt complete—a glorious sensation. Her hips moved, and nothing had ever felt so good. She did it again, deliberately this time, and sighed at the pleasure coursing through her, realizing it hadn’t ever left.
“Wait,” he demanded, but it was too late.
She couldn’t have stopped for all the stars in the sky.
“Julia,” he muttered then withdrew only to thrust again.
“Yes.” This was exactly what her body wanted. She soared in his arms, kissing and moving, loving the give and take of the union.
“So sweet. You feel so good. So perfect.” His words filled her spirit as much as he filled her body, lifting her even higher.
She didn’t want it to end, yet she wanted more. Was there something different she should be doing to make this complete? “Oliver?”
He reached down between them to touch her center once more. She felt as though she teetered at the edge of a cliff, uncertain if she could stop the fall. Then the sun burst behind her eyes, shattering the light, shattering her.
Oliver withdrew from her, his body pulsing as his moans echoed her own. While she hadn’t known all the details of this act, she knew he’d chosen to protect her from having a babe. Then he was pressing gentle kisses along her cheek and neck, holding her tight, making her feel cherished.
As their breathing evened out, she kept her arms locked around his broad shoulders, worried what might happen when she let go.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“It is by laying hands on these children, and providing them with employment, the pleasurable exercise of which shall of itself convince them how infinitely superior as a ‘policy’ honesty is to be preferred to that which consigned their father to Portland, that we may do more good than by the concoction of as many legislative enactments as have had birth since Magna Charta.”
~The Seven Curses of London
Julia sighed with disappointment as she exited the tiny bookshop on Hook Lane, her maid directly behind her. Not that she’d truly expected the owner to know anything about The Book of Secrets, let alone have a copy available for sale. But she’d hoped to discover it tucked on one of the shelves in the back of his musty shop.
Her father’s obsession with locating the book had driven her to a less than desirable area she would’ve normally avoided. This was the third store she’d visited in the past two days but to no avail.
She’d been tempted to share her efforts to find the book with Oliver, wondering if they might compare the sources he’d searched with her own. But she knew he wouldn’t approve. How could he when he wanted the book for himself?
Never mind that she hadn’t seen him since her visit to his home two days ago. He’d called on her father once, but she’d been out at the time, much to her disappointment. She couldn’t help but worry that after the interlude in his library, everything had changed.
After all, she had.
She’d almost expected her family or even her maid to see the difference in her. No one had noticed it, much to her surprise.
But truly, his lack of pursuit of her was a good thing. Their relationship had no future. If only she could convince herself that it was better this way.
She looked up and down the crooked, narrow street but didn’t see the carriage. “Surely our driver will be here any moment.”
“He said he’d circle the area until we were done,” Sally, her maid, added as she, too, searched.
“Lady Julia.” The male voice had her turning to see Lord Malverson approaching.
Her stomach sank. She hadn’t come upon him since he’d accosted her in the garden and certainly didn’t care to speak with him now. Yet good manners held her in place, especially since the carriage was nowhere in sight. She acknowledged his greeting with a nod but looked away, hoping it was clear she had no desire to visit with him. Oliver’s warning about the man was fresh in her thoughts.
He stopped beside her, standing far too close, one side of his mouth tilted in a semblance of a smile. “How good it is to see you.”
“Oh?” She couldn’t say the same. Though she dearly wanted to take a step back, she knew that was what he wanted. Instead, she barely bothered to look at him, hoping her expression would make it clear just how unwelcome his approach was.
His pale blue eyes and light coloring were not appealing to her, or perhaps it was the look in his eyes that repelled her—as though she was an apple he’d like to bite.
“I’ve been hoping for the chance to speak with you. I wanted to apologize for the misunderstanding in the garden. I do wish Frost hadn’t interrupted us.” His smile twisted his thin lips. “I felt like I was just getting to know you better when he so rudely disturbed us.”
She glared at him, well aware that was no apology. He obviously didn’t regret his behavior. If she had to guess, she’d say he’d be more than happy to pick up where they left off. Unease crept down her spine as she watched him. Surely he wouldn’t bother her on a public street in the middle of the day, but she reminded herself they were not in the best neighborhood.
“I don’t see your carriage,” he noted as he glanced about. “I’d be more than happy to offer you a ride.” He took her arm, but she jerked away.
“It will be along shortl
y.” Her heart raced as she realized the lord was not in the least concerned at being seen.
“I can’t leave you unattended.”
“My maid is with me, and our carriage will be here any moment.”
“Nonsense,” he said as he took her arm once more and pulled her close. “I insist. You’re obviously in need of rescue.” He glanced at her maid. “She can wait for your driver and inform him you’re with me.”
No amount of tugging removed her arm from his hold. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a carriage approaching, but it wasn’t hers. The sleek black conveyance drew to a halt directly before them. A liveried footman hopped down from his perch to open the door, his gaze never meeting Julia’s.
Panic took hold as she realized Malverson could drag her into his carriage and there was little she could do to stop him. Her maid wouldn’t be able to do a thing either.
“Release me,” she demanded, digging in her heels and pulling on her arm again.
“My lady?” Sally stepped forward, obviously uncertain how to help.
“Stay back,” Malverson ordered then looked at Julia once more. “I might not be so determined to have you if it weren’t for Frost’s interest in you.” The strange light in his eyes only frightened Julia more.
“That is no excuse for your behavior,” she bit out even as he forced her closer to the carriage door. This couldn’t be happening in broad daylight. She glanced about for someone to aid her, but the few passersby gave them a wide berth.
“You’re right.” He sounded proud of himself. “I take complete responsibility for it.”
Despite the fear making it difficult to think, to move, she drew a breath and let anger fill her. Her shoes found no purchase on the walkway. The best she could do was drive her elbow into his ribs to dissuade him while she continued to struggle, doing all she could to make it impossible for him to force her into the carriage. Sally joined the fray as well, tugging on his arm.
Malverson released her as he suddenly flew backward. She stared at him, trying to understand what she’d done to cause such a dramatic reaction. Then strong hands turned her.
“Oliver?” She could hardly believe her eyes. How had he come to be here right when she needed him?
But the cold look in his eyes surprised her far more than his presence. Rage sharpened the lines of his face, the lack of any other emotion stripping his familiarity.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I—”
He released her, stepped forward, and bent to grab Malverson by the front of his clothes to lift him. “You bastard.”
Malverson laughed as he shoved at Oliver’s hands, a trickle of blood in the corner of his mouth. “You are not so innocent. I heard what you did in Ethiopia from one of the men who served with you.”
Oliver stilled for a moment, making Julia wonder to what Malverson referred. “That has nothing to do with you or your behavior.”
“You are to blame for this. I warned you that I have particular tastes, and you’ve prevented me from satisfying them elsewhere. I had no choice.” He attempted to strike Oliver from his awkward position, but Oliver easily blocked the blow.
Then Oliver drove his fist into the other lord’s face.
Julia wasn’t certain whether to cheer or stop him.
He struck Malverson again. And again. The sound of his fist striking bone had Julia jerking in reaction. Malverson’s protests faded to moans as he lay limp on the ground. Oliver drew back once more, causing her breath to catch.
“Oliver?” Her call paused his movements, but his focus remained on Malverson. “Oliver.”
She reached out with both hands and pulled on his arm, her heart in her throat. Without warning, he spun to face her, his glittering gaze searching for his next target, not truly seeing her.
The chilling fury visible in every line of his body alarmed her. It almost seemed as though he didn’t recognize her.
“Oliver,” she said once more, placing her gloved hand alongside his cheek in an attempt to bring him back.
He jerked away as though he couldn’t bear her touch. The muscles in his jaw bulged, and she could see his struggle to regain control. He turned to face Malverson once more, reaching down to grab the unconscious man.
Julia drew a quick breath, her stomach lurching as she wondered if he intended to hit him again. Oliver easily lifted Malverson and tossed him through the open carriage door. The lord groaned in response. “Be off,” he ordered the stunned footman.
The servant shut the door then scrambled up to his post while the driver flicked the reins. They were gone without a backward glance.
Julia checked to make certain Sally was safe. Her maid stared at her with worried eyes but nodded as though to confirm she was fine. Then Julia turned back to Oliver who continued to stare after the departing carriage.
She watched him, trying to understand what had just happened. Why had he avoided her touch? In truth, her heart hurt. He’d been avoiding her since they’d...
Since she’d...
Words failed her even in her thoughts.
And now he couldn’t stand for her to touch him? Obviously, their relationship was not what she’d thought. He didn’t feel the same as she did. Hadn’t she known that all along?
Then why did it hurt so much?
~*~
Oliver watched Malverson’s carriage disappear out of sight. If only his rage would do the same. He bent to retrieve his fallen hat, trying to use the normal action to regain his equilibrium.
The sight of Julia with Malverson’s hands on her was the last thing he remembered. And something he never wanted to see again. He was all too aware it could’ve been worse. So much worse. The fact that he’d been here to stop the bastard from taking Julia was purely circumstantial.
What if he hadn’t come to the bookshop on this day at this hour—nay, at this very minute? She’d have been stuffed in Malverson’s carriage with only her maid to tell the tale.
Even worse was Malverson’s accusation that Oliver was somehow to blame for the lord’s persistent pursuit of Julia. The idea that he bore some of the blame gnawed deep inside him. It only proved that he brought darkness to those associated with him.
He turned to Julia, needing some release of the anger still flowing through him.
Those wide, questioning eyes looking back at him as though he were a stranger had him muttering an oath under his breath. “Where is your carriage?” he bit out.
She blinked rapidly, making him realize what a terrible job he’d done of seeing to her safety. She was obviously upset. He’d stopped Malverson but had offered no comfort to her. She might be hurt, and he wouldn’t know.
He glanced away, doubting she’d want his concern at this point. Not after what she’d seen. What he’d done. He swallowed hard, owning his part in this. But that didn’t excuse him from attempting to reassure her. He turned back. “Are you certain you’re all right?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s your carriage?”
She glanced down the street at one approaching. “There.”
“Would you like me to see you home?” He was careful not to touch her, not trusting himself.
“I’m not yet going home.” Her chin lifted as though she knew what his reaction to that would be.
“Where are you going?” he asked as the carriage halted before them. Shouldn’t she be traumatized by the events of the past few minutes and want to go home?
“To the apothecary.” At his incredulous look, she continued, “For my father.”
“Get in,” he ordered as he opened the door, gesturing for her maid to alight as well. The maid scurried up beside the driver. Once both women were settled, he stepped into the carriage and sat beside Julia.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Accompanying you.” He’d be damned if he’d allow her to wander the streets without protection. Not until he made certain Malverson was no longer a threat. He’d suspected the man would do something ras
h. Why hadn’t he listened to his instincts? He’d been so determined to suppress that side of himself that he’d nearly missed the chance to save Julia.
Damn and blast.
“There’s no need for you to bother yourself.” The tightness in her voice didn’t bode well.
He didn’t respond, only studied her. Though moments ago, he’d tried to release his rage, now he held onto it, not daring to let it go. Not when another emotion which he didn’t care to name, threatened to rush in to replace it.
It was too soon for such feelings that would turn his entire existence upside down.
But he couldn’t stop from looking at her, trying to reassure himself that she was truly all right. “Did he hurt you?”
“No.” She swallowed hard. “Only frightened me.”
He twisted his lips to prevent himself from asking if Malverson had frightened her as much as he had. He wasn’t certain he could bear to hear the answer. “I fear your association with me may have increased his interest in you.”
“Why does he hate you so?”
“I have ended his attempts to have what most would consider inappropriate entertainment since back in our days at university. Apparently, he hasn’t overcome his boorish behavior. If anything, it’s only worsened.”
“There is no need for you to come with me,” she said as she pulled aside the curtain to look outside as though none of his comments held her interest. “He won’t be returning to bother me today.”
“What were you doing in this area?”
A gentle blush filled her cheeks. He drew a quick breath. Had she intended to meet Malverson? Surely not.
“I was browsing in the bookshop.”
Relief filled him until he remembered the store was not in the best neighborhood. “On another quest for your father?”
She nodded, still not looking at him, which only made him more curious.
“For what?”
At last she met his gaze. “He’s become obsessed with finding The Book of Secrets.”
Love Conquers All: Historical Romance Boxed Set Page 49
