Lovely Deception

by Lillith Payne

  Her hand slipped from his chest to his thighs. She didn’t care that it was completely inappropriate. She fought with her skirt and managed to slide to the floor of the carriage where she carefully fondled his growing erection.

  “It’s a good thing we had a second carriage for Elsa and the luggage.”

  “A very good thing, for if we weren’t in private, I couldn’t suck your cock.” With steady hands, she released him from his trousers, tormenting him with her fingers, hands, lips, and tongue. Each time she felt him start to tense, she backed off, and was rewarded with a steady drizzle of his seed rather than letting him climax fully.

  He told her they were nearing the village where they’d stop, and she finally let him come, forcing his stalled orgasm by slipping her now wet index finger into his anus. The rocking of the carriage and her unexpected move had him rearing up and emptying down her throat, swallowing him deeper until he all but collapsed on the seat, spent. She withdrew her hand and tucked him back into his pants.

  “Did you mention tea? That sounds wonderful.” She set about primping her hair and readying her clothing for the stop. Only the smile on her lips gave away her pride in her actions.

  The rest of the ride home, Jacob was quiet, his arm holding her close to his body. He answered her questions politely but avoided long conversations. Tucked against him, she decided to take his warmth rather than push for words to fill the time.

  It was dark when she recognized the outskirts of Dartmoor. She felt Jacob straighten and move from her embrace. They were hardly home for minutes and already he was distancing himself.

  “What will happen now?” she managed to ask.

  Jacob was too serious when he answered. “When we get inside, it’s very important you don’t ask questions or interfere in any way, do you understand?”

  “Of course, whatever you want.”

  Daylen greeted them and directed Nina to Jacob’s wing of the manor, showing her to a separate bedroom near the master. She didn’t ask why this room, remembering Jacob’s warning not to question anything. She freshened and went back to the parlor. There were several people she didn’t know, and it seemed she wasn’t going to be introduced.

  “Shall we get started? I’m sure we’d all prefer to put this unpleasantness behind us.” Jacob offered her his arm, and she schooled her expression. He led her along with their three male guests to her old room. Inside was a woman she’d not met before. The woman waited before the fire, a thin blue dressing gown covering her body.

  Jacob apparently felt Nina’s hesitation and placed his hand over hers, leading her to a fireside chair. He pressed a glass of sherry into her hands and gave her a sly smile. “Listen and learn,” he whispered. “But be quiet, understand?”

  Nina nodded her head in agreement. Her first idea at seeing all these strangers was that they were to witness some sort of sexual orgy, but that didn’t feel right. With a wave of his arm, the woman moved to the far side of the room, near the unlit area where the wall separated this room from Wallace’s.

  She dropped her robe from her shoulders, very unceremoniously, Nina decided. Black curls covered her femininity, matching her long black hair. The woman dropped to her knees and settled her weight on her heels. The shorter man with sandy blond hair moved before her, dropping his trousers.

  Nina knew her jaw dropped and forced herself to close it quickly. The woman took the man’s cock in her hands and she began to moan … loudly. The man stood tall with his feet firmly planted as the woman fondled him. His voice became animated.

  “That’s it, Nina, suck my cock. Make me hard so I can fuck you.”

  “Yes, anything you want, as long as I get to suck your cock.”

  Their moans grew louder, and they kept repeating their statements over and over, the man reaching to the wall and lightly knocking on it. Nina was so engrossed in the mock sex scene, she found herself pressing her thighs together to tame the ache. Her breasts were full and heavy, needy for the pull of Jacob’s lips. He’d dropped on the arm of her chair, his hand moving to her shoulder in a reassuring touch. Her immediate reaction was to reach to him, but his finger crossed his lips reminding her to be quiet.

  “That’s right, Nina. Swallow my cock, suck my seed.”

  The woman pulled open a small drawer in the bureau beside her and started opening and shutting it rhythmically.

  “Yes, yes, fuck me harder, stretch me open.” She thumped the draw several more times.

  Her companion added in a deeper voice, “You’re so tight, Nina.”

  Nina realized they were using her name repeatedly, and soon, everyone could hear movement in the room next door. Wallace hollered words she couldn’t make out, but the intent was clear. Wallace Arret was angry.

  Jacob moved to the private dressing area and escorted an elderly woman to the seat across from her. He didn’t introduce them, and the scene continued with the man slapping his hand against the wall.

  “Harder, Nina, harder. Make me finish.”

  All heads turned as Wallace’s door slammed back against the frame from his uncontrolled move. For the first time, the woman leaned forward and took the man’s cock to her lips. From her position, Nina realized all she could really see was the couple in shadows. The door to the room flung inward, and Wallace walked steadily into the room, directly to the couple, screaming and threatening, threading something through his fingers. He’d pulled on trousers, but his upper torso was bare, displaying his skinny arms and flabby stomach.

  “You whore! You bitch! You’re supposed to be mine, pure and untouched. You’re nothing but a slut. I’ll make you pay for this for the rest of your days.” His tirade continued with more threatening and unflattering terms. “You bland bitch, you’ll never forget this night.” He paused, sliding what they now saw was a thin leather strap against his palm. “First, I’ll torture your tiny tits until you beg for mercy, then I’ll beat you within an inch of life, and you’ll beg for my forgiveness. You’ll beg me to fuck you for the rest of your life.”

  Nina drew a breath at the sight of the strap, but Jacob’s hand steadied her. The woman pulled back from the man, and he took a protective stance. Wallace paused, his hand high in the air with the leather about to descend, when he realized the couple in the shadows wasn’t Nina with a man.

  “Who are you?” he demanded, confusion showing on his features. “Who are you?” he screamed, stomping his foot like a child being denied candy. “You’re not Nina.”

  “No, she’s not,” Jacob said in a strong voice. Wallace scanned the room to locate the voice, realizing he had an audience.

  The sandy-haired man pulled up his trousers and helped the woman to rise. She drew her robe up to cover her nakedness and they left together.

  Wallace stood frozen to the spot, scanning the room again, trying to take in everything that happened. His lax hand let the leather strap drop to the floor. Nina watched several emotions over take his face. Lost for words, he made a production of limping to the closest chest and leaning on it.

  “I don’t understand,” he mumbled.

  “You understand all too well, Arret,” Jacob said.

  “I don’t…”

  “It no longer matters.” He walked across the room and dragged Arret by his upper arm to the other side, forcing him to stand before the women. “Nina, what would you like to say to Wallace?”

  She cleared her throat and stood. “Wallace Arret, you are a liar and thief. You have no conscience. Our marriage contract is voided. You’ve not lived up to your promises.” She drew a breath and didn’t stifle her urge to slap him solidly across the face.

  His head turned with a snap at the force.

  “That’s for stealing my youth. The sight of you disgusts me. I never want to see you again.” She sat down and stared at him.

  Wallace looked away.

  “You are a user, Arret,” Jacob said, “of people and their good graces, a leech to society. You’ll no longer rest under my roof.”

  “B
ut my leg, my recovery?”

  “You made it in here under your own power. You’re fit to travel.”

  “Travel?”

  The older woman stood, thumping her silver tipped cane on the floor. Wallace turned pale as recognition flooded him.

  “You’re a disgrace to the family, Wallace, an embarrassment from the day you were born. Truly a blight to mankind.” She harrumphed a few times, standing straighter. “Apologize to Lord Mansley and Miss Harbin.”

  “But…” Wallace protested.

  “Apologize now.” Her tone changed, and Nina realized even she was shrinking from the assuming older figure. “Now.”

  “I’m sorry,” he managed, his voice a mere squeak.

  “You’ve caused me a lot of trouble, Wallace, and you’ll pay for my inconvenience and embarrassment.”

  “Aunt Leslie,” Wallace started, “what are you doing here?” His childlike approach didn’t seem to affect her.

  “I was in London on business when Lord Mansley located me. Come to your room. You’ll finish dressing while I tell you about your future.”

  “But my leg … I can’t work.”

  Her cane lifted and contacted his buttocks several times, goading him from the room. One of the other men who had witnessed the scene followed.

  Jacob smiled and reached for Nina’s hand. “Come, we’ll have a brandy and supper when they’ve left.” While he didn’t smile outright, he did have a smirk of satisfaction on his lips.

  He led her and the remaining man back to the parlor, pouring a brandy for her and bourbon for himself and his guest. “Nina, this is Will Smithton. He’s a barrister from London. I hired him to oversee Arret’s removal. He located Leslie Arret for me.”

  “I’m very pleased to meet you, sir. Thank you for your assistance.”

  “It was my pleasure, Miss Harbin.”

  There were several loud conversations in the hallway, punctuated by Daylen’s voice as the parties departed. When silence fell, Nina looked from Jacob to Mr. Smithton, finally laughing aloud, relief flooding through her.

  “Now may I ask questions?” she asked, looking to Jacob.

  “Come, supper is ready and with Arret out from my roof I suddenly have an appetite again.” He smiled and took her hand leading her to the dining room.

  They supped on champagne and oysters, then pheasant pressed with vegetables. Nothing was said about Arret, and instead their conversation centered on London and what was happening there. Mr. Smithton related several of the society scandals, and they all laughed.

  “My goodness, I’m glad to be away. The Season always brings so much gossip and hurtfulness.”

  “You’ve not to worry, Nina. I’ve spoken with your father. He’s confirmed the marriage contract is voided. He sent along this letter.” Smithton reached to an inside jacket pocket and handed her the familiar stationery.

  “Shall I read it now?”

  Jacob nodded and decided they should head to the parlor for coffee. Settled beside the fire, Nina read the short note aloud. “Sorry to hear of your situation. Perhaps a change of scenery would be best. Let us know where and when you settle.”

  A letter of credit was attached. Though much less than her original dowry was to be, it would cover her expenses until she found a place to settle.

  “Not what you were expecting?” Jacob asked, suddenly seeming anxious.

  “Actually, it’s exactly what I expected.” She glanced to the letter of credit and then to the barrister. “I’m sure you had something to do with the financial aspects of this, Mr. Smithton. Thank you.”

  “Not at all, just doing what was fair.” He hedged a bit and cleared his throat. “I got the impression your father would rather you not reside in London, at least for a while.”

  “Of course, until the gossip dies down. Actually, I’ve already discussed the situation with Jacob. I’ll head on my way as soon as possible. When I get to Southampton, I’ll see what ships are leaving soon and what their destinations are to make my choice. I think perhaps the Americas or Australia will be far enough.”

  “A toast,” Jacob said, “to Nina’s future.” Daylen was summoned and brought wine. They toasted to her inheritance and freedom. They toasted to her future without Arret and the possibilities that lie ahead.

  “It’s been a long day for you, Nina. Elsa is waiting to help you.”

  “Good night, Miss Harbin. It’s been a pleasure to meet you,” Mr. Smithton said. She gave him a small nod and smile, leaving quickly afraid her tears would spill forward.

  She accepted Elsa’s help undressing and bathing. Standing before the fire to dry her long hair, she looked at the beautiful but unfamiliar room. It didn’t matter. Tomorrow, she would leave. Jacob would see she made it to Southampton and settled into a hotel. Her destination would be dictated by the closest port with an outgoing ship.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jacob knocked on her door a short time later. He entered with a smile and slim package in his hand. “You’re lovely,” he told her, moving behind her, his hands encasing her waist.

  “Thank you,” she said, snuggling back against his body. “You must be relieved. I’ve never seen you smile so. You should do it more often,” she teased, turning in his arms to kiss his mouth.

  Jacob felt a difference in her touch. It was as if she’d relaxed with the relief of knowing her future was set. Whatever her new mood of abandon, his erection grew along with his plans for satisfying his desires.

  “This is for you,” he said, reluctantly pulling from her embrace. “A replacement.”

  “A replacement?” she echoed, a quizzical expression on her face. She sat on the foot of the bed to pull off the cording and paper, revealing the lovely night dress.

  He’d taken care to find her something beautiful, with rows of lace and pin tucks, the neckline squared from her throat, for he had learned she hated anything clawing at her neck. He had several more to present to her, but felt it would have been overpowering. He’d just send them along with her when she left.

  Jacob’s throat went dry at the concept. “It’s similar to the one I tore from your body the first night we made love.”

  “Thank you.” She spoke calmly and with quiet gratitude.

  He was thankful. He couldn’t abide tears, and up until now she’d managed to avoid them in his presence. “You’re welcome. Are you tired tonight?”

  “I should be. It’s well past midnight, but I’ve got all this restless energy.” She smiled up at him, her smile sly. “Can you think of a way to tire me?” Her fingers continued to trace the fine needlework of the gown.

  “Did you like Will?” he asked, adding, “He’s a hired barrister, Nina. He cannot tell anyone about your business … or behavior.”

  “Those were well chosen words. What are you saying?”

  “It’s a chance to experiment, knowing it won’t come back to haunt you. You’re in a safe environment, and the acts would be controlled by you.”

  “You mean having sex with Will?” Nina put the gown aside on the bed and stood, pacing while debating his words.

  “There’s no pressure, it’s just an opportunity. We were having a last drink just now, and he asked if you were free to be pursued.”

  “What did you tell him?

  “That you’re your own woman now, in charge of your own future. He should ask himself, after you’ve left my shelter.”

  “That’s what you told him.” She continued to pace the length of the room.

  “Yes, Nina. I told him exactly what I told you before we became involved. I’ll not marry anyone.” Jacob paused. “You still understand that’s true, don’t you? You’re not nurturing silly dreams or illusions of happily ever after?”

  “Don’t panic, Jacob, I’ll not go back on my word. I’ll leave as soon as possible without a fuss. You’ve been very kind. I could have been educated in worse ways.”

  He was comfortable with the quiet, sitting beside the fire wi
th his feet propped on the hearth. He watched her pace and held his boundaries. He’d been down this road in the past, and he would not relent, even for Nina. She moved beside him, resting on the arm of his chair.

  “You’re offering me a night with Will in bed with us? And he’s agreeable?”

  “He’s quite interested. Would you rather be alone with him?”

  “No, I mean … I’m not sure of the … coupling?”

  “That will ease around us if you relax.”

  “Have you done this before?” she asked and stood quickly, putting her hand to her mouth. “I’m sorry, of course, you shouldn’t answer that. It was rude to ask.”

  He didn’t answer her verbally, but raised his shoulder as if to agree. Jacob didn’t discuss his sex life with anyone. He decided to take a different tack. “What frightens you, Nina?”

  “It’s not fright, but would I have to let him do everything to me?”

  “Just be blunt, Nina, what are you feeling?”

  “I believe I’d like to suck his cock while you fuck me, but I’m not sure I’d want his cock inside me.”

  “That would be your decision. Are you attracted to him?”

  “I hadn’t thought about it. He’s a stranger, and it’s been an awkward situation.”

  Jacob moved from the chair heading to the door. “Think on it. I’ll get us a bottle of wine.”

  Nina battled with her conscience while she was alone. Will was a handsome man—tall, slim, and well-groomed. He had blue eyes and light brown hair. He was attractive, but she wasn’t attracted to him the way she was with Jacob. That was an emotion she couldn’t control.

  Her hand drifted to her breast, playing with her nipple, feeling the tug deep inside her womb. She was excited at the idea of having sex with Jacob, her body reminding her with physical signs. She was intrigued by the idea of having sex with both men even though the logistics confused her. Nina accepted it would just be sex. It wouldn’t be making love, and at this point in her life, she understood the difference.