Gilles chuckled to himself as he took a sip of wine. He was starting to sound like bad poetry. Help him find love, indeed. Alastair would probably plant him a facer if he knew what he'd been thinking. He turned his attention to the table and enjoyed the conversation.
After dinner, everyone gathered in Elise's sitting room. Alastair engaged Gilles in a game of chess and the ladies made plans for Lucien's arrival. He would likely be there the following day, or the day after. It was discovered that Elise had never been on a picnic so that was to be a priority. The afternoons were still mild enough that a shady spot in the garden would be comfortable. From there, menus, music selections and gowns were decided. The evening had slipped away before Gilles could find an opportunity to talk to Elise privately. As he headed to bed, he decided that was probably for the better. He didn't trust himself to say all he needed to if they were in a room alone.
In his room, Gilles heard Elise and Anna's muffled conversation on the other side of the wall. He removed his jacket, waistcoat and cravat. He began unbuttoning his shirt when a plan formed. Smiling, he walked to the connecting door and knocked softly. A few seconds later Anna opened it.
"Can I help you, my lord?" Anna asked, attempting to appear disapproving but not quite pulling it off.
"Good evening, Anna. Might I have a word with her ladyship?" He flashed his most dashing grin and she swatted his arm.
"Just a moment!" She shut the door and he heard her move about the room. A moment later it opened and she waved him in. Elise sat at her vanity, her dressing robe wrapped about her shoulders. Her hair was loose but looked as if it had yet to be brushed out. "I'm not leaving. You better say what you need to and then be off." Elise pursed her lips, trying not to laugh.
He bowed and winked.
"My lady, I was hoping you'd join me for a ride before breakfast."
Elise's face lit up, as did Anna's.
"I'd love to, my lord!" Elise looked as if she wanted to jump up from her stool and hug him. Gilles wished they were alone, though he knew it wouldn't end at just a hug. He stared at her, taking in her ethereal beauty and transparent joy. He felt calmer and happier than he had in days. He'd stepped towards her, hoping to touch her hair. Anna cleared her throat, shaking him from Elise's spell.
"If there's nothing else..." She gestured towards the door. He looked at the chair before the fireplace and considered asking if he could stay for just a few minutes, just to watch her brush her hair. Anna's eyes followed his and she scowled. "Off with you, now! You shouldn't be here as it is."
"You're here. What could be the harm?" He tried his best smile again.
"Just look at you! There's no telling what I might be tempted to do." She pushed him through the door and tried to shut it. He stopped it with his foot and his head appeared.
"Something naughty, I hope, sweet Anna." He snuck a quick peck on her cheek and ducked back behind the door.
Chapter 28
Anna cackled and Elise giggled. Anna picked up the brush. She noticed that her cheeks were pink.
"That scoundrel!" She scolded, while chuckling. "I'm glad you two have made up. I like him. He's a good man. And he's not hard to look at either."
Elise smiled. He was a good man and it seemed like they had turned a corner. She hadn't made up her mind but Alastair helped her realize that she had more to lose by letting Gilles go than marrying him. The only thing she had left to consider was the question of children. And even that didn't terrify her as much as it had a few days ago. She wondered if she could be brave enough to risk that much of her heart.
"Alright, dear. In bed with you. I'll be back bright and early to get you ready to ride with his lordship. Alice and I should have your riding habit done in a few days. You'll need to try it on tomorrow."
Elise nodded as she pulled her covers up to her chin.
"Sleep well, my child!" Anna whispered just before the door shut.
Elise had too much on her mind to fall asleep. She was excited about the ride the following morning and the events of the day whirled about in her mind. Gilles' outburst at breakfast and Mirabelle's comments, the conversation with Alastair, the change between her and Gilles at dinner, his visit to her room... She'd been so sad and worried that morning, but now was hopeful and excited.
The conversations spun out in her mind and she reexamined her feelings. Elise was able to admit that she didn't want Gilles to leave Longwood. She didn't want him to marry anyone else or have children with another woman. She no longer cared what was whispered about her. If his family accepted her and he wasn't bothered, who was she to argue? Elise still felt as if Gilles deserved better than a blind recluse for a wife but as she'd already decided she didn't want him with anyone else and he seemed unbothered by her blindness, she had to set that aside as well. He'd have to accept that there would be no lovers and mistresses, she wouldn't be that sort of wife. He'd have to make due with her and she'd do her best to fulfill his needs. The thought of his needs had her squirming. She pushed the thought away.
Only one thing was left: could she gamble on Alastair being right in his prediction? She knew he was rarely wrong and her instincts whispered that he was right. Elise wondered if she was strong enough, if she could be that brave.
As if in answer to her question, she heard Gilles cry out in the next room. Elise slid from her bed and rushed to the door. She knew she had to decide then. If she went through the door, she was agreeing to be his, in all ways. She would marry him and be the mother of his children. Or, she could run out the other door and ring the bell in the hallway. He sobbed and the bed shook. Her heart raced and her hands trembled. Was she strong enough? Could she be that brave?
Elise heard his hoarse plea and made her decision. She turned the handle and pushed the door open silently. She held her head high and her shoulders back as she strode forward to meet his demons and make her declaration. Just before she reached his bed she slid the straps from her shoulders and let her nightgown fall to the floor. He stretched and groaned. She heard his legs twisting under the sheets. Elise waited for him to be still long enough and then carefully slid between the sheets next to him. Reaching out, she felt the long planes of his back. He was facing away from her. She began stroking his heated flesh and speaking softly to him. Gilles sighed and rolled onto his back. His heartbeat slowed and his breathing became more relaxed.
Elise licked his shoulder as she ran her hands along his chest and stomach. He was all hard muscles, she traced the ridges of his abdomen down until she felt crisp hair. She let her fingers part the curls and quest lower until they brushed against the hard, pulsing length of him. She recalled how he'd felt in her hands the first night and how he'd reacted each time she'd touched him.
Elise knew he liked her hands on him. Would he like her mouth on him? Could she pleasure him as he had her? Something she'd overheard maids whispering about floated through her memory. Shrugging, Elise slid down the length of him and carefully settled herself between his legs. She wrapped her hands around him and gently tugged up and down. Gilles moaned, but this time with pleasure. Tentatively, Elise ran her tongue up the length of him. He groaned and mumbled her name. She smiled and feeling bold, placed her lips against the wide tip. She opened and took a bit of him into her mouth, her tongue swirled around the end. He shuddered and moaned again. Elise liked the taste of him. He was a little salty, like the skin on his neck but with a faint trace of soap. She licked the length of him a few more times before she drew him into her mouth again. She was tempted to wake him and ask that he show her what he liked but she was afraid he'd stop her. Elise didn't want to stop. Gilles was starting to move his hips as he moaned and whispered her name.
Chapter 29
One moment, Gilles was racing towards the coast, the horse beneath him splashing through the rain and mud. The freezing wind stung his face and hands but he pressed on, praying that he wasn't too late. Dread filled him and he begged for more time.
The next moment he was in the sunshine, laying on
thick, lush grass. Elise's hands caressed his fevered flesh as she whispered soothing words. Gilles relaxed and gave himself up to her, drifting off.
Then, Elise's touch became more seeking than soothing and she was no longer whispering gentle words. Her hands and her mouth stroked and licked, moving lower down his stomach. Gilles was helpless to stop her as she started stroking his aching cock. He said her name over and over like a mantra and she smiled up at him just as her tongue slid from between her lips and she tasted him. She bathed his cock with her tongue and he thought he would die when she took him deep in her mouth.
"Yes!" He sighed. "Suck on it, darling. You're so, so good." He moaned. He felt her nails graze his thighs and her mouth tightened around him as she began sucking.
Gilles gasped desperately to fill his burning lungs and sat up on his elbows. He felt a hand slide up his stomach and push him down. The room around him came into focus and he felt the bed beneath him. Felt the hot, slick mouth wrapped around his straining cock.
"Elise!" He hissed. "What are you... Dear, God..." His head fell back as she released him and began licking up and down the length of him. One of her hands gently fondled his sack.
"You told me to suck." She murmured, rubbing her lips all over the head.
Gilles eyes rolled back into his head and he gently petted her hair.
"I thought it was a dream." He gasped as her lips wrapped around him and she began sucking again. "Ooooohhh... You have to stop, Elise." He said the words but his fingers slid though her hair and formed around her head.
Elise was obviously experimenting with different pressures and rhythms but her instincts were very good.
"So, good." Gilles moaned as her hand began pumping him. "So, so, so, so, so, sooo good!" His hips just barely rose off the mattress and he nudged her throat. He cursed and tried to lock them. He felt her hands slide around and under him. Elise dug her nails into his flesh and urged him to thrust against her mouth as she suckled harder.
Gilles felt his balls tighten and knew he wouldn't last long. Suddenly, the thought of doing that, in her mouth brought him back to reality.
"No!" He reached forward and pulled her off of him. Elise protested and reached for him as he rolled her onto her back.
"I don't want to stop, Gilles." She whimpered as he pinned her.
He rested on his elbows and cradled her face in his hands.
"No. We need to talk, first."
Elise stilled and nodded, she placed her hands against his chest and scratched lightly.
Gilles let his head fall forward and rest against hers.
"No, minx. Behave." Her hands stopped and he took a deep breath. "Do you understand what your being here means?"
"Yes." She whispered.
"You're sure?"
Elise nodded and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer so her lips brushed his ear.
"I want to be your wife and I want to have your children." She breathed against him.
Gilles couldn't move. He felt as if his heart was going to burst. He didn't know where to start. Did he hug her? Kiss her?
"Gilles? Did you hear me?" Elise whispered urgently.
He could only nod. He was afraid if he spoke he'd wake up the whole damned house. He wanted to shout and jump on the bed.
"Did you change your mind?" She asked, her voice trembling. "Did I do something wrong?"
That did it.
"What? No!" Gilles took her lips and kissed her, letting all the joy he felt, all the relief pour into her. He pulled her into his arms and rolled onto his back to keep from crushing her.
"You can't take it back, Elise. You're mine. Forever."
She stretched against him and pressed her lips to his and giggled.
"And you're mine." She pushed up and straddled his stomach. Her expression became serious. "There can be no other women, Gilles. I can't be one of those ton wives that doesn't care. No lovers or mistresses."
He pulled her face to his and kissed her thoroughly.
"You're mad! I can't even stomach the idea of kissing another woman!" He confessed against her lips.
"Don't, ever!" Elise begged as she kissed him back.
Gilles liked that she was jealous. He'd have to kill the first man that looked at her. On the thought, he let his gaze fall. Her breasts were so close to his lips. His smile turned wicked. He pushed her shoulder back and reached forward with his face as his tongue connected with her nipple. Elise hissed and pressed her breast forward.
"I could never desire another woman's breasts as I do yours." He promised as his lips closed around her. She shrieked as he began suckling and held him to her.
"You can't!" Elise ordered and rocked against him.
Gilles could feel how hot and wet she was against his lower stomach. His cock was throbbing painfully. He'd been so close when she had her mouth on him, the pressure of his stalled release made his balls ache. He slid a hand between them and parted her slick folds. His finger entered her and he groaned at how wet and tight she was.
"No other woman could feel as good as this." Gilles whispered against her nipple and he slid a second finger into her.
"Good." Elise nodded. She didn't understand what he'd said, she was lost to the feeling of his fingers inside of her and his mouth on her breast.
Gilles wanted to pleasure her with his mouth but his erection was beyond painful. He didn't think he could wait long enough to finish her with his fingers.
"I need you now, love! I swear I'll make it up to you later!" He begged against her skin.
Elise moaned and writhed against him. He knew she was close.
"Just do it! I need you!" She pulled at his shoulder, to get him to roll her onto her back. He shook his head.
"No, sweetheart. Stay right where you're at."
All but mindless, she swayed above him. Gilles gripped her hips and slid her down his body, until the head of his cock rubbed against her damp flesh. He pulled her knees down so they were directly beneath her bottom and lifted her. Elise raised above him and he positioned himself at her entrance. If Gilles had been thinking, he would have chosen this position for their first time. He realized he was going to be a snug fit. She was tight and hadn't had a lot of experience. He was worried his size was going to make things difficult in the beginning. Gilles lowered her just enough so that he parted her slick folds, just the head was inside of her. He clenched his jaw as the heat of her scalded him.
"Very, very slowly, sit down." He ground out as she slowly lowered herself on to him. He gasped and hauled in a breath as he felt her reflexively tighten her inner muscles. "Easy! You're as tight as a virgin and I'm a large man. I don't want to hurt you."
As Gilles said the words, Elise stopped and he felt a firm barrier press against the head of his cock.
Cursing, he pulled her forward against him, sliding back out of her. He gritted his teeth and breathed through his nose. He was going to die. It was that simple. Gilles held her against him and waited for the pain to subside again.
Elise lifted her head and found his lips.
"Are we done?" She sounded so confused.
Gilles couldn't help it. He laughed. It started as a weak chuckle but gathered strength until he was nearly howling. Perched on top of him, Elise waited for him to return. When he did, he kissed the top of her head.
"We're not done. We haven't even begun, love." Gilles stroked her back, trying to get her to relax again.
"Why did you stop?" Elise asked against his neck and kissed his skin.
"Because you're a virgin. I wasn't expecting it and I was afraid I was about to hurt you."
She sat up quickly, rubbing against his cock. Gilles bit back a groan.
"Why didn't you think I was a virgin?" Her mood turned and she tried to dismount.
"No you don't!" Gilles stilled her by grabbing her hips. "You were married, Elise! It wouldn't make sense for you to be a virgin."
Her jaw dropped and she crossed her arms. Gilles clenched his jaw as the sig
ht of her breasts spilling over her arms caused his frustrated cock to twitch. Dying. It was going to happen, he thought grimly. Elise felt the movement beneath her and scooted forward.
"How could you think that?" She nearly shrieked. "Aside from the fact that he was so much older, Basil was like a father to me. He could never! I could never!" She tried again to slide off of him. Gilles gripped her tighter.
"Don't!" He warned. "I'm sorry. I thought he would have at least once. To make it official."
"Official?" Elise was appalled. "I think I might be sick! I told you why he married me. It had nothing to do with... with... this!" She gestured between them.
Gilles knew things had taken a terrible turn. He had to get things under control again.
"I'm sorry. I know now, I shouldn't have assumed." He sat up and kissed her, slowly at first. His hands began caressing her bottom and her back. He began kissing her deeper and faster as his hands slid around her rib cage and cupped her breasts. Elise sighed against his lips and Gilles knew he was bringing her back. His thumbs brushed against her nipples and her head fell, exposing her neck to his lips. His teeth grazed as his tongue traveled down to her breast. He lifted her full, soft flesh to his lips and flicked her with his tongue. Elise moaned and bucked against him. He switched breasts and began suckling as he rolled the other nipple between his fingers.
She sighed his name and Gilles repositioned her. He pulled her back down his body until her swollen, slick flesh pressed against his long suffering erection. Instead of having her sit up, he kept Elise resting on top of him. He gripped the shaft of his cock, rocked his hips upwards and slowly entered her a few inches and withdrew. She started to complain and lean back.
"Easy love, I'm not stopping until it's done." Gilles promised and he slowly slid in just a little bit more. The muscles in jaw twitched as he forced himself to maintain a slow pace. He focused on breathing in and out of his nose and staying with the same rhythm. Gilles felt Elise starting to get restless. "Stay with me, love. I'm almost there." He whispered against her ear. He rocked in and out a few more times before he felt the barrier.
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 14
