“Pardon me?” she asked in a small voice.
The duke raised his tone, “I asked if you enjoyed my son’s tutorage.”
“Ye…yes.”
Everyone laughed.
Oh, this is not going well.
She had to look sophisticated and sensual, but all she appeared as was a frightful puff of powder.
Where was Devlin? Just one look from him would make her feel desirable, cherished. She admonished herself. He can’t help you now.
“We will start the bid on the lovely Miss Jane at the end here.” The duke motioned to an attractive lady in a low cut blue gown with golden hair that reached her backside. She had the sexual beauty that made Molly feel like an ungainly mule. In fact, all the courtesans were incredibly beautiful with their graceful poise and voluptuous bodies. It was obvious they had experience with the auction. Each one swayed her hips and provocatively ran their hands over their breasts as the guests bid small fortunes on them.
How could she compete?
Molly was next in line. No one had outbid the stunning Miss Jane with an amazing fifty pounds.
She had to do something to compel her price up.
The duke held her trembling hand, his warm palm giving her reassuring comfort. “Remember ladies and gentlemen, these skilled courtesans will be yours for a night of pleasure. Before me stands our newest beauty in the mistress auction, Miss Molly Cambridge.”
The crowd clapped and cheered as if they already knew her intimately.
“Can I hear a starting bid?” the duke asked.
“Twenty shillings,” Kenneth called.
Audrey pinched his arm and he yelped. She whispered in his ear and he visibly paled.
The duke nodded. “We have a quid from my son. Do I hear more?”
“Five pounds,” a bald older gentleman called.
Her heart beat faster. Five pounds would stock her pantry for the winter with enough left over to buy seeds for next season.
“Do I hear another bid?” the duke called.
Silence loomed over Molly. Was there no one else? Her spirits sank lower and she swallowed. She was not going to give up. She had to outdo Miss Jane.
“Can I have the orchestra play something?” she shouted to the musicians across the room.
They lifted their instruments and played a country-dance medley. The lively Scottish tune filled the ballroom, and Molly stepped in beat with the violin.
Taking the hairpins out of her hair, her red locks tumbled down her shoulders and people edge forward. She danced to the music, moving her hips from side to side in a sensual rhythm.
“Fifteen pounds,” another bidder called.
Fifteen pounds? That would see them through the year. Her aunt could purchase another workhorse.
Molly needed more. She danced provocatively along the stage, slowly undoing the hooks on the back of her gown.
“Sixteen pounds,” a lady called from the back of the room. She was the same large woman who wore the horse’s mask at the costume ball.
“Seventeen pounds,” another called.
Molly unhooked her gown and slowly raised it over her head. She threw it to Kenneth and he caught it with jealousy in his eyes. He glanced at Audrey and she shook her head.
The duke gestured his arms wide. “Come ladies and gentlemen, this exquisite courtesan was taught by the best and is eager to show you what she has learned.”
“Twenty pounds.”
“Twenty-five.”
With only a white chemise and drawers on, Molly paraded across the stage. Her face burned with embarrassment, but she remained determined. Turning and bending over, she wiggled her buttocks to the crowd.
“Twenty-six pounds,” the bald man shouted.
She smiled nervously and continued to walk along the edge of the stage. Unlacing her chemise, she swayed down to her knees. Leisurely, she opened the garment to reveal the tips of her breasts.
The mob went wild. They shouted for her to take it off but she shook her head and cupped her ear. “Do I hear another bid?” she called out to them.
“Twenty-seven,” another man shouted from the side.
Molly straightened. She gulped at the amount of money these people were willing to spend on her for just one night.
She gave them a glimpse of her breasts.
“Thirty.”
She flipped part of her chemise off a shoulder, covering one of her breasts with her hand.
Higher and higher, the bidding rose, and each time she gave a little more until both her breasts were bare for all to see. With only her drawers and boots on, she stood before the faces of desire. It was exhilarating and liberating at the same time. Devlin would be so proud of her sexual valor.
“Fifty pounds,” the bald man yelled. His eyes bulging as he held bank notes high in the air.
The music stopped and everyone grew silent.
“Do we have any other bids?” the duke asked.
Molly searched the faces. No one was willing to bid any higher. She had to out bid Miss Jane. She glanced at Audrey, and her frown relaxed into a satisfied smile. Against everything, Devlin’s betrothed had won.
The duke said, “Well then, we have—”
“One hundred pounds!”
Molly’s jaw dropped open as everyone turned around.
A majestic lady at the back of the group held a feather fan up high. Diamonds twinkled in the ebony hair piled high on her head. A scarlet gown clung to her voluptuous body while a black cloak flung over her shoulders, revealing her skin.
Molly squinted.
Was that Lady Parnell? The exotic woman who had peeked at her breasts when she walked through the costume ball in only a towel.
“No!” Audrey cried, and pushed her way to the front of the stage. “You cannot possibly want this...this common whore.”
“Yes, I do,” Lady Parnell answered. “One hundred pounds for Miss Molly.”
Wordlessly, Molly stared. A woman brought her for a sum she would never see again in her life. Only wealthy people earned that kind of money over a course of a year, and she would earn it in one night? Her knees threatened to buckle, but she remained standing. Joy bubbled in her chest. She did it. Her status was assured. The news of her worth would spread across the country.
She was the most desired courtesan at the infamous sex society of Harman Manor.
The elegant lady wielded her way through the throng and two men lifted her under the arms onto the stage.
“Congratulations to you both,” said the duke. “My lady, you can now sample the courtesan on stage.”
Molly gulped. She forgot she had to pleasure her new benefactor before the lusty crowd.
Lady Parnell smiled; an almost whimsical look crossed her face. Swinging her black cloak off, she placed it around Molly’s naked shoulders. The elite and wealthy groaned with disappointment.
“My little dove’s body is for my eyes only,” Lady Parnell said.
Taking her hand, she led Molly off stage and through the crowd. Molly searched for Audrey and Kenneth, but both of them had disappeared.
“Come, my dove, this is a night you will not soon forget.” Lady Parnell tugged on her hand.
Chapter Twelve
Molly walked into a dark room with only the glow from the fireplace to light her way. A carved wooden bed dominated the room with a Chinese Chippendale writing desk in the corner. Gowns, ribbons, hats and shoes were scattered about the room as if Lady Parnell did not have a maid to clean up after her.
Lady Parnell stood closely behind her, and Molly shifted restlessly. What was she suppose to do?
Two hands unclasped the cloak around Molly’s shoulders, and flicked the warm garment off her body. A cool breeze swished along her naked torso, causing bumps upon her skin.
Lady Parnell squatted and yanked Molly’s boots off, then pulled her drawers down in one swift tug.
A flicker of apprehension swept through her. She wished Devlin were here to guide her.
Teeth bi
t into her buttocks, and Molly yelped in surprise. The lady rose behind her and sniggered.
Molly turned around, but two hands straightened her shoulders. “Stay still, courtesan. I wish to blind fold you.”
“Pardon?”
“I do not want you to see what I am going to do to you.”
A satin cloth wrapped around her head, shutting out all light from the fireplace. Standing naked in the room, Molly’s ears distinguished the smallest sounds. A shuffling noise came from the doorway, and a slight wind floated across her back. Besides the burning woodsy scent of the fireplace, she smelled a familiar musky aroma.
Warm, bare skin pressed against her back and arms enfolded her into an embrace.
Molly swallowed the lump in her throat, her mouth dry and hot.
Who was touching her?
The hard chest behind her was not that of a lady with soft curves.
Lips gently touched the side of her neck. Strong hands within leather gloves ran up her belly to cup her breasts. The smooth texture of the gloves caressed her nipples, and to her surprise, her body responded to the bold touch. Powerless to resist, her knees weakened with anticipation of pleasure. The thought of not knowing the person standing behind her was erotic and frightening at the same time.
“Sorry I was late.”
Molly slumped with relief at the familiar deep voice. She leaned into the curve of Devlin’s body. “Where were you?”
“After you left with my…brother, I decided to investigate who shot at us,” he said, and then traced his tongue up the length of her neck to her ear.
Searing arousal pulsed through her, making it hard to breathe. No matter how angry she was with him, all he had to do was to touch her and she melted under his stroke. The man was her vice, her master that enslaved her body. She was powerless when it came to Lord Devlin Harman.
“Did you…oh,” she gave a tormented moan when he lightly bit her earlobe. “Did you find anything?”
He circled her. She could sense his hot perusal and a delicious heat grew between her legs.
“No.”
“You…you paid the bid for me?”
“Yes.” The word was more of a caress than an answer. “I do not want anyone stirring your desires but me.”
Her chest pounded with the heady invitation.
Devlin pressed his torrid erection against her groin and gathered her into his arms. His sweet whiskey breath fanned her cheek, and it gave her a sense of protection. Even though there was a chill in the air, perspiration dotted her upper lip—anticipating his lips against hers.
With newfound confidence he had taught her, she clasped his member into her hand and pulled him closer. “What are you waiting for?”
His deep chuckle washed over her like sipping a fine wine.
“Impatient, are we?” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears and kissed her cheek, her nose and then her forehead above the blindfold.
She reached for the satin cloth covering her eyes.
“Do not take it off,” he said.
“I want to see you.”
“Not yet, my love,” he mumbled against her lips.
My love? Her heart turned over in response, sending a dizzying current through her.
His lips finally pressed against hers, his tongue gently entering the moist recesses of her mouth. She tasted the bittersweet whiskey on his tongue and it drove her wild with desire. She savored the flavor, eager for more. He moaned into her mouth, and it vibrated through her chest, sending her into turmoil of yearning.
Her hands ran over the taut muscles in his back, dropping to the concaves of his firm buttocks. She may not be able to see him, but she could taste, hear, smell and feel his arousal.
Shifting, she allowed his large erection to slip between her slippery thighs. She rubbed the tip of his cock against the slick juices he had created within her. “See how much I want you?”
“Hmm, that feels nice,” he groaned, and slid himself further into her.
Her breath seemed frozen in her throat. How did this man affect her in every way? To the point, she could hardly breathe.
Taking her elbow, he led her toward the fireplace. She stumbled on a shoe, but Devlin’s strong embrace steadied her. “Lady Parnell likes to walk on her clothes. She says it excites her.”
Molly’s feet walked over different textures of silk, satin, velvet and linen. She shuffled onto what felt like a fur coat. The soft material tickled between her toes and she wiggled them.
Bending her over, he placed both of her hands on the smooth wooden mantle. The crackling fire warmed her skin, the heat caressing her erect nipples. The orange glow from the flames filtered beneath the blindfold.
His leather-gloved hands glided down her chest and over the peaks of her breasts, then trailed down her waist. “Open your legs nice and wide for your tutor.”
Tutor. Yes, that was what he was. Someone who took control and command of her newfound lust. A man that knew how to reach her inner desires, enticing the sexual vixen inside she had not known existed. She would follow him anywhere and do anything he asked.
“Yes, my lord.” She widened her legs into a V shape. The wet throbbing between her thighs increased, begging to be touched. She had to be patient, allow him to take his time even though she wanted to rush him. Molly inhaled deeply through her nose.
Waiting.
The very air around her seemed to intensify.
A shuffling noise came from beneath her. What was he doing? She tilted her head, trying to hear every sound in the room. Leaning over the mantle with her legs wide, her buttocks pushed out, gave her a sense of vulnerable exposure. Every nerve in her body thrummed with expectancy. It was the most excited she had ever felt in her life.
A smooth tongue darted between her sensitive folds and she jolted in shock.
“Hold tight, my love.”
She licked her dry lips, her heart pounding.
His gloved hand reached between her legs and clasped her buttocks steady while his lips pressed against her cleft for another intimate kiss. His warm slippery tongue circled her swollen flesh, sending a hot surge of passion through her blood until she could not think of anything else but the pleasure.
His hand ran down her buttocks and rested on her slick entrance. Slowly, he inserted a leather-clad finger inside her, impaling her as his tongue darted repeatedly over her tender nub.
She groaned.
Her nails scraped along the wooden mantle.
She loved his tongue, his fingers.
Keep going!
The burning ache within exploded.
Arching against his face, she wanted more, needed more.
She groaned in blissful agony in an uncontrollable release.
Wave after wave of pleasure wracked her body until she could give no more.
He moaned with satisfaction, and she felt the rumble against her tender flesh. His lips gently kissed her inner thigh. The affection melted her insides while her languid limbs shook with sated weakness.
Devlin stood behind her, his hand trailing leathered fingertips down her spine. “Do you know how much you excite me, Molly?”
He arched over her and sucked on her earlobe, his erection nudging her womanhood. “Since the moment I saw you, I ached to be inside you, to fill you.” His hot breath caressed her ear as he whispered, “And to give you pleasure.”
He clasped both her hips and guided his cock, inch by incredible inch, into her. His body melded to hers with perfection. Arousal swirled in her stomach again, sending bolts of savage lust through her.
Flesh to flesh, he plunged into her. Placing his hands on either side of hers on the mantle, he leaned over her back, their moist bodies slippery, moving in rhythm.
Breathing hurt her lungs as she fought for air. She would stand this way all day if it meant he would pleasure her, dominate her with his cock.
Pushing, plunging, impaling.
He ripped off her blindfold. Sweat poured down her forehead, stinging her
eyes but she did not care. The pleasure was too intense, too consuming of every nerve.
She had to have all of him.
She needed all of him.
Tensing her arms, she pushed against the mantle, driving him deeper inside.
“Dear Lord,” he said with a release of breath, grinding his thick hardness into her. “I love how you feel.”
A molten ball of pleasure shattered within. Pulsating waves washed over her in exquisite sensations. Riding the passion of sheer ecstasy, she cried out the same time Devlin grunted with raw satisfaction.
His warm seed flooded into her.
He cradled her body as their breathing slowed in unison.
Rising, he turned her around and picked her up into his arms. She flopped against his chest, all energy drained from her limbs.
“I am sorry. I have nothing left,” she said in a drowsy voice.
He smiled down at her. “That is all right. You were magnificent.”
Laying her on the bed, he tucked her in. He walked to the door and her heart skipped a beat. “Don’t go.”
Turning the lock, he returned to the other side of the bed. “I wasn’t going to.”
Shuffling under the covers, he cuddled up beside her and pulled her close to rest her head on his chest. He took a deep breath, and she relaxed into the intimate embrace.
* * * *
“Bitch!” Kenneth stood outside the French doors to the lovers’ room. He could not stop watching them. Watching Molly permit his brother to take her like a rutting dog. If she wanted to be treated like a mutt, he would have dominated her from the beginning of his courtship. It seemed she liked it that way. He gaped through the glass door again to see Devlin’s hand rest on her ample breast. That should have been his hand tonight. His rod shoved inside the...
He growled low in his throat and pushed away from the wall. Lifting himself up onto the terrace railing, he leaped over to the next railing and jumped down. Acidic bile settled in the back of his throat. His chest weighed heavy with defeat.
Tutoring Miss Molly Page 10
