A Scandalous Pursuit

by Ava Stone

  “Alex!” Olivia whispered against his chest as he carried her, sauntering towards the open doors in the back of the church. “You can’t do this in front of everyone.”

  With a wicked smile, he replied, “Sweetheart, I’m Kelfield. I do whatever I please.”

  Then he strode outside to his awaiting coach, nodded to his coachman, Coleman, and helped his wife inside. Almost immediately, they rambled down Hanover Square with Olivia watching him from across the coach.

  Wide-eyed, she shook her head. “Have you quite lost your mind? We can’t forgo our own wedding breakfast. What will everyone think?”

  Alex slid forward in his seat and ran his hand gently across one of her perfect thighs. “Well, my young and innocent wife, they all think that very soon I will have my cock deep inside you. And they’ll be correct.”

  “Alex,” she whispered in shock.

  He leaned back against the squabs and grinned unrepentantly at his bride. “You did have The Talk with Caroline, did you not?”

  She gaped at him, and her mouth dropped open. It was a look he much enjoyed on her. “The Talk?”

  “Yes. Didn’t she explain to you what to expect in our marriage bed?”

  Olivia shook her head in bewilderment. “You know about The Talk?”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. “Of course, sweetheart. All men know. I’m just relieved you got Caroline and not Bethany Carteret.”

  “Why?” she asked innocently.

  “Because Staveley has always been a well-pleasured man. One can see it in his countenance. I believe that is why he gives her free rein to cause all sorts of trouble, without ever lifting a finger to stop her.”

  “Because he’s well-pleasured?”

  Alex winked at her. “Don’t underestimate what a man will allow his wife if she takes care of all his needs. Bethany on the other hand controls James’ behavior with access to her bed. If he displeases her, she punishes him by refusing his husbandly rights. She leads him around by his prick, like a besotted fool. You should know, Olivia, I won’t be controlled in that way. You’re my wife and you won’t shut your chamber door to me.”

  She swallowed. Her hazel eyes grew large as she listened to him. “Do you all sit around and discuss these things? About Caroline and Lady Carteret and Mrs. Greywood?”

  Alex grinned widely. “They never discuss their wives in that way, Olivia, and I’ll never speak so of you.”

  “But then—”

  “I am a man with eyes. It is not difficult to determine if you know what to look for.”

  “And you do?”

  “I always have.” And as he looked at his wife across the coach from him, he knew he was the luckiest of men. He had tasted her passion and knew what awaited him when they arrived at Kelfield House. From the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d wanted her in his bed. Philip Moore might still own her heart, but Alex was determined to erase the major from Olivia’s mind. Now that she was his wife, he had all the time in the world to accomplish the goal.

  The coach rolled to a stop. A moment later the door opened and Coleman lowered the steps. Alex smiled at Olivia. “We have arrived, Your Grace.”

  Taking Alex’s hand, Livvie looked up at her new home. Kelfield House loomed above, impressive and formidable, like its owner. Alex led her up the front steps, then once again scooped her up in his strong arms and crossed the threshold. “Gibson,” her husband said, as he walked past the butler and down a hallway towards a steep staircase that he began to climb.

  Livvie’s heart was in her throat. He couldn’t be doing this. Not this soon. She wasn’t ready. It was still light out, for heaven’s sake. Her fear must have shown on her face, because he slowed his pace and looked at her. “Do you remember at Prestwick Chase, that last night in your room?”

  As if she could ever forget it. The memories had come to her every night since, making her want him with every fiber of her being. Livvie nodded and he smiled in response, sending tendrils of desire straight through her.

  “This will be better, sweetheart. Trust me.” Then he quickened his steps and made his way to a large mahogany door, nudging it open with his shoulder.

  The duchess’ chambers. Her chambers. There was no mistaking the grand room with a large four-poster bed, adorned in swaths of light blue silk, cream bows and golden cords. Alex returned her to her feet with a devilish grin. “I have wanted you since that first night at Staveley’s a year ago.”

  “You scowled at me all night. I couldn’t imagine why you disliked me.”

  “It annoyed me,” he began with a chuckle, “that I desperately wanted to ravage you and knew it could never be.” Then he kissed her hand and then placed it on the large bulge in his trousers. “From the very first, you’ve done this to me.”

  Livvie stared at him, surprised to see desire flicker in his eyes as she tentatively squeezed him with her hand. She would never have imagined doing such a thing, but Caroline did say she was to follow his lead.

  She bit her lower lip, starting to feel a bit more comfortable with this role of being his wife, and raised her hand to rest on his chest. “Alex,” she whispered, “what do you want of me?”

  “Everything,” he answered huskily, moving his hands up her sides. “So now, my wife, you will remove your clothes. Lovely as they are, I’d like to see you without them.”

  Livvie swallowed. Hard. “M-my maid. The buttons…” She turned so that he could see the intricate row at the back of her gown. She’d never be able to undo it herself.

  Alex hugged her to him and began the chore of unbuttoning the over dress and the silver gown beneath. Livvie could only breathe him in. Sandalwood. Desire. Intoxicating duke. Her delicious, unrepentant husband.

  In no time, the gown pooled at her feet, leaving her in only her chemise and drawers. Alex shrugged out of his jacket and pulled at his cravat, tossing each article across the room in a heap. He pulled his shirt over his head, and then stopped, staring at her with one black eyebrow raised. “Olivia, I am waiting for you to remove the rest of your clothes.”

  She blinked her eyes wide, not realizing that she’d been admiring his very masculine form. The rippled muscles across his chest and arms. His lean waist and taught belly. Then there was his magnificent bottom—though it was still clothed, she remembered it well from her hiding place in his wardrobe.

  Alex dropped onto the bed, folded his arms across his chest, and kicked his legs out in front of him. “Drop to your knees, Olivia.”

  Remembering similar words once spoken to the maid, Olivia flushed, staring at the bulge that was straining the seams of his trousers. He quirked a rakish grin and then chuckled. “My boots, sweetheart. Remove them, will you?”

  She must be blushing, and she dropped to her knees more to avoid his stare than because he’d asked for her to do so. Livvie took a steadying breath and began to pull off his black Hessians.

  As the first boot slipped off, Livvie looked up and found him gazing at her with amusement, which she didn’t quite appreciate since she’d never removed a man’s boot before. She was doing her best, as well as trying to forget what she thought he’d asked of her. “Yes?” she asked with her own raised brow.

  He wiggled his other foot for her attention. “Did you think I was going to ask you something else, Olivia?”

  She tugged at his second boot, evading his silver gaze. “Of course not,” she lied, now trying to sound cheerful.

  When the boot sprang free, he took her hands in his and pulled her atop him on the bed. His arousal pressed against her belly and desire once again raced through her. Alex kissed the hollow of her neck and slid his hands down her back until they cupped her bottom, nearly sending her to ecstasy.

  “If I had asked something else of you,” he began, slowly inching his mouth towards one of her aching nipples, “as my wife, I assume you would comply.”

  Livvie caught her breath as he suckled one breast and touched the other through her chemise, certain she would expire of the sensual t
orture. He grazed her with his teeth and warm tongue, wetting the silk and driving her mad.

  Then he stopped, rolled her beneath him and hovered over her. “Would you do whatever I asked of you, Olivia?”

  She closed her eyes, reveling in the feel of his masculine form pressing her into the bed, feeling her damp chemise lightly abrading her nipples. She nodded her head, Caroline’s advice ringing in her ears. “Yes, Alex. I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”

  “Good,” he growled wolfishly. Then he slid one large hand down her body and pulled her chemise up to her belly. “Take this off. All of it.” He ran his finger along the edge of her drawers. “I want to see all of my wife.”

  Livvie shimmied out of both articles of clothing, keeping her eyes on her husband, until she was completely bare beneath his stare. His silver gaze heated her skin wherever it lingered and made her ache for his touch. Alex momentarily left the bed to remove his trousers, freeing his erection. He stroked himself, while his eyes bored into her.

  His shaft grow even larger in his hands and she shivered, wanting something that she didn’t quite understand. Alex knelt on the bed and nudged her legs wide with his knees.

  “You are stunning, Olivia.”

  Then he ran his fingers along her thighs until they reached her dark, springy curls. With his thumbs he parted her folds, and Livvie arched against his hands. He lightly pressed the tip of his manhood against her opening. She gasped at the contact as hot fire raced through her veins. “Oh, Alex.”

  He looked at her in awe. “God, Olivia, I thought I’d need to prepare you, but you’re practically dripping.”

  She wasn’t quite sure what that meant, but he did look pleased. She smiled tentatively at him. With a ragged breath, Alex pushed himself slightly deeper inside her, stretching her. Livvie’s eyes grew wide and she gasped.

  He let his weight push her deeper into the mattress. Livvie panted, relishing the feel of him around her and inside her.

  Alex stared into his wife’s eyes, so innocent and yet filled with desire. She was so damned tight, he thought it quite possible he’d explode before piercing her maidenhead. He grasped handfuls of bedclothes and tried to keep control on his mounting lust.

  Olivia writhed beneath him, and it was nearly his undoing, drawing him further inside her.

  “God, Olivia, don’t do that!” he rasped.

  She stilled and looked up at him apologetically.

  Alex smiled tightly. “You’re fine, sweetheart, I just don’t want to hurt you.”

  Her throat constricted as she swallowed, and he closed his eyes to the erotic sight. She was the most sensual woman with absolutely no idea what she did to him.

  And she was his.

  Alex dipped his head to her breast and took one taut nipple in his mouth, sucking it hard. She tasted like the sweetest wine and was just as intoxicating. His cock twitched to sink further into her as she moaned. Then he stopped at the evidence of her innocence and smiled at her.

  “You’re mine, Olivia.” Then he claimed her mouth as he thrust fully inside her.

  She didn’t scream as some virgins were wont to do. Instead she moaned louder, clutching him to her. Dear God, she was incredible. Alex anchored her hands beneath his as he pumped into her over and over.

  Livvie was certain she was going to come undone. With each thrust inside her, an amazing pressure built in her core and her mind ceased functioning. The only thought in her head was of Alex, of the delicious precipice he was leading her towards. Each touch, each thrust, each ragged breath drove her closer to the edge.

  And then she fell over.

  Once again floating high above the clouds. “Alex!” she cried, unable to stop herself from convulsing around him.

  He clutched her ferociously in his embrace and called out as his own release took him. Livvie could feel his life’s blood rush into her and she fell limp in his arms. He collapsed beside her and drew her into his embrace, burying his head in the crook of her neck.

  They lay there for what seemed forever, struggling for breath and holding on to each other. When her pulse began to steady, Livvie opened her eyes, studying this husband of hers. It was certainly a strange path to this juncture, one she never would have imagined—but one she was thoroughly pleased with. “You are amazing,” she whispered and tenderly ran her hand along her husband’s jaw.

  Alex opened his eyes at the touch and smiled rakishly. “Flattery will get you everywhere, sweetheart.” Then he rolled her beneath him. “Shall I ravish you again?”

  The suggestion was thrilling and Livvie nodded, enjoying the lust-hued twinkle in his eyes.

  After being “properly ravished” most of the day and enjoying a quiet dinner together, Livvie was surprised that Alex left her that evening, retiring to his own suite of rooms. Wrapped in a long, flowing robe, she stared at the door that connected their rooms with a frown.

  It had been such a glorious day, and she really shouldn’t complain, but…well, it had been such a glorious day. She’d never felt more connected to another living soul. Alex had caressed her and made love to her, and…well, she just didn’t see why he wouldn’t stay with her all night. For heaven’s sake, the man had spent the night in her room at Prestwick Chase before they married.

  It was probably just her silly romantic notions. Her parents shared a room, as did Caroline and Staveley—she’d just assumed she would too. And after the day they’d had, after all they’d shared…well, it just didn’t seem right.

  An anguished yell woke Livvie from her peaceful sleep. She sat bolt upright, staring into the darkness of her room. Her eyes flew to the connecting door that led to Alex’s chamber. There was movement inside, and then the flicker of lamp light illuminated the doorframe.

  She swung her legs out of bed and started for the door, but stopped when the memory of their last night in Derbyshire flashed in her mind. Alex had suffered from an awful nightmare at Prestwick Chase. Had he just experienced another one?

  He hadn’t wanted her to coddle him then. Was that different now that they were married? She reached for the handle and started to push it open, but stopped when she heard him mutter, “Goddamn bastard.”

  Apparently he was fine, if a little agitated. She wrapped her arms around her belly and slipped back into her bed. Perhaps Caroline could give her some direction of how to go on. No one had more experience in dealing with difficult men.

  Caroline arrived early at Kelfield House, with precocious little Poppy in tow. If she didn’t adore Alexander Everett so much and believe that he was simply besotted with Livvie, she would be quite put out with him. That little display at St. George’s the day before had done nothing to help Livvie’s tarnished reputation. Though she was working on a solution to that.

  Gibson opened the door wide, and Caroline was glad to note the fellow seemed more stoic than he had when she and Staveley called earlier in the week, which was an improvement. However there was still work to be done with him. The man needed to appear more like a ducal butler and less like an exalted footman.

  “Gibson,” she began, “are the duke and duchess receiving?”

  The duchess is in the music room. His Grace has gone out.”

  Poppy let go of her hand and raced down the corridor. With a shake of her head, Caroline sighed. The child would need to be reigned in a bit as well, no matter how adorable and charming she was, or how badly she wanted to check on her dolls’ welfare.

  Livvie had certainly found herself in a bizarre household, and Caroline was certain that she could use all the help she could get. It was a good thing she came prepared. “Lead the way, Gibson.”

  Vivaldi. Caroline could hear it from the hallway. That meant that Livvie was worried. She always played Vivaldi when she was worried. Haydn when she was happy and Bach when she was sad. It made it easy to determine her moods if one knew her well.

  Caroline waved the butler off and continued down the corridor alone. Whatever was bothering Livvie didn’t need to be overheard by the staff. S
he stood in the doorway of the music room and watched her pretty young cousin, eyes closed while her fingers danced across the keys in deep contemplation.

  Caroline plastered a large smile across her face, determined to be of whatever help Livvie needed. With feigned cheerfulness, she strode inside. “Olivia darling!” she gushed and dropped a kiss on her cousin’s cheek. “How wonderful to see you.”

  Livvie’s dimple blinked at Caroline as she pushed off the piano bench. Then she threw her arms around her neck. “Caro, I’m so glad to see you.”

  Caroline squeezed her cousin tight and then stepped away, admiring the girl. “Well, you’re all in one piece, I see.”

  Immediately, Livvie looked bashfully at the ground.

  “Heavens, Livvie, I’m teasing you.” Caroline linked her arm with her cousin’s. “Now, darling, invite me into the parlor for tea.”

  Always the good soldier, Livvie grinned. “Caro, would you like to join me for tea in the parlor?”

  “Spoken just like a good duchess.”

  Livvie was quite relieved to have her cousin by her side, as Caroline was constantly a pillar of strength. That was something she had always admired about her. Growing up without a mother and with two older brothers, Caroline had learned early on how to manipulate and manage the males of the species, nearly perfecting the ability to an art form.

  If anyone could help her figure out how to extract Alex’s secrets, it was Caroline.

  As they walked arm in arm to the parlor, she looked at her cousin. “Isn’t Poppy with you?” she asked, suddenly remembering that she now had a step-daughter.

  “The little imp ran off to check on her dolls as soon as we arrived. She fretted about them all evening, I’m afraid. Luckily, Rachel still had some of hers stored away in a trunk. By the way, at thirteen, Rachel feels she is too old for such frivolities and has gladly offered to give them up to Poppy, if you’d like.”