Lady Can Never Be Too Curious

by Mary Wine

  “I have only myself, Darius, so if you want to be my lover, I am only interested in the man beneath the Guardian.”

  His lips twitched, but only for a moment. The grin never reached his eyes; instead, she witnessed him battling to understand her. Or maybe just the effect they had on each other. It felt like a living, breathing conflict surrounding both of them.

  “It’s been a long time since I have been myself…”

  It was an admission, one that caused her breath to catch in her throat. Tenderness filled her for the first time when he lifted his hand off hers and allowed her to remove the emblem of his office. He watched her set it aside before a gleam of wickedness brightened his eyes.

  “This clothing is part of the job too…”

  He had the vest open in a flash, the sound of several buttons hitting the floor making her smile.

  “So you were a boy once.” She marveled at the playfulness appearing in his eyes.

  “A very long time ago.” The shirt followed the vest but floated more slowly until it disappeared into a dark shadow.

  She hadn’t realized she’d been retreating until her legs hit the bed. She would have tumbled onto it if he hadn’t wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. She still ended up on it, but he controlled her descent and scooped his opposite hand beneath her knees so her legs joined her. The bed rocked as he sat down beside her.

  She only had a moment to realize he was in bed with her, bare-chested, before he extinguished the light. Her belly twisted with something that was a mixture of excitement and trepidation—she refused to acknowledge fear. She was an Illuminist woman, or at least on her way to being one and taking a lover was her choice.

  His shoes hit the floor before his hands cupped her hips once more. He eased her up onto her knees while his mouth found hers again. There was something intensely enjoyable about the way his hands gripped her hips. A spike of need tore through her thoughts, rendering her mind useless again. Darius seemed to feel the same way. He kissed her but slid his hands down her thighs before grasping the delicate fabric of her chemise and pulling the garment upward.

  She gasped, unable to control the sound. Even firm in her choice, she still felt the bite of vulnerability as the night air became the only thing touching her skin.

  “Siren…luring me close with your song…”

  His voice was husky and almost unintelligible, but he pressed her back while laying a trail of kisses along her body. It was so much simpler to close her eyes and allow herself to be immersed in sensation.

  Delight…really.

  And she wanted more than to have it given to her. She reached for him, running her fingers along the ridges of muscle his clothing had hidden. It was suddenly clear why men dressed in so many layers; their bodies were lust-inspiring.

  She wanted to touch and kiss every inch of him, but Darius was intent on the same course. They moved around each other, taking the opportunity to touch the skin available. The bed rocked as they rolled, and the bedding ended up on the floor.

  He captured a nipple, and she arched up, twisting her hands in the remaining sheet beneath her.

  “So…damned sweet…” He moved to its twin, capturing it with a soft growl.

  “Flesh is not…sweet…” she panted. Logic had not completely escaped her yet.

  He chuckled, the sound full of promise. “Yours is. I could dine for hours upon it.”

  One hand had left her hip and smoothed a path onto her belly. Why had she never noticed how soft and sensitive the skin there was? Her passage was aching with need, sending tremors along her limbs.

  “I’m ashamed to say I can’t wait that long.”

  She sighed with relief and reached for him, craving more contact. His hand traveled lower, until he was teasing the soft curls covering her mons.

  “It is a shame truly to not taste all of you…”

  His fingers parted the folds of flesh protecting her clitoris. Her breath froze in her throat but went shooting out when he touched the little bud at the top of her sex. Pleasure so acute, it shared commonalities with pain tore through her. There was no time to think, only to respond. Her cry echoed around the room, sending a scarlet blush to her cheeks with just how out of control she was.

  “But I’m as needy as you are…” Darius confessed.

  He didn’t grant her the opportunity to argue. His mouth claimed hers once more as he freed his length. Curiosity urged her to look at it, but Darius never stopped kissing her long enough for her to see. Instead, he lifted her leg and pushed it up to allow his hips to nestle between her thighs. She felt the hard nudge of his cock burrowing its way between the folds of her sex. She was far wetter than normal, the fluid easing his way. It was hard, harder than she’d ever believed a man’s organ might be, but her passage ached for it. Even as he began pushing into her body and her flesh protested, she was arching to take him deeper out of instinct.

  But the pain became white-hot. She gasped and tried to twist away. Darius didn’t allow her even a tiny bit of freedom, his larger body pinning hers to the surface of the bed.

  “I can’t—”

  “You can,” he whispered against her neck, his tone rich with confidence. Her pride swelled in response, and her body suddenly stopped protesting his entry. With a final moment of resistance, his cock slid completely inside her.

  There was nothing but burning pain; it raced up from where his hard flesh pierced her. No sound escaped her throat because her lungs had frozen as the agony held her tight in its grasp.

  He withdrew, granting her relief, and she sucked in a deep breath before he sent it racing out of her lungs when he thrust back into her. She moaned, the sound low and primitive. The pain wasn’t as intense. Her cry faded, and so did the overwhelming hurt.

  “I should have realized you were a virgin…”

  His body shook as he tried to rise. With a soft curse, he lowered himself again and began thrusting slowly.

  She wanted to know why he’d thought she wasn’t a virgin, but it suddenly didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except the growing sense of satisfaction building beneath the friction his thrusting produced. She moaned again, but for a different reason. This time, the cry was forced out because there was too much pleasure to contain. She lifted her hips, meeting the next plunge, and gasped when the pleasure tightened.

  “That’s the way. Meet me, Janette. Take a hand in your own pleasure…”

  His voice was dark and dangerous. Each word was spoken through clenched teeth, and she found his tone suited her perfectly. She wanted to arch and take his length. There was nothing controlled about the moment; it was a storm of yearning that saw her straining upward for each thrust while she grabbed his shoulders and held him in place. Her fingernails cut into his skin, and he growled with satisfaction. Deep inside her passage, every muscle clenched tighter and tighter until the passion burst like a bubble, sending shards of white-hot delight out in every direction. She was swept away by the shock wave, held in place by the hard motions of Darius driving his length into her a few final times. He tensed, snarling something unintelligible before his cock delivered a hot spurt of seed.

  They were locked together for a moment, currents of pleasure hitting them from within until they both collapsed into a warm puddle of satisfaction. Janette sank straight into it, never protesting when it took her away into oblivion.

  ***

  The room was dark.

  Janette opened her eyes, confusion sweeping through her.

  Had she been dreaming of Darius again?

  The certainty that she hadn’t imagined him was hot against her back. One hard arm was draped across her waist while he gently cupped a breast. A dull ache made itself known between her thighs, driving away any remnants of confusion. Her mind cleared completely, bringing details back with a rush. Her cheeks burned with a blush while her temper flickered to life.

  “Why didn’t you trust I was a virgin?” She moved, gently trying to dislodge his arm, but he only pulled her
closer until he was curved around her back and his feet caught hers.

  “We are not holding a discussion tonight, Janette.” His voice was full of authority, and it chafed.

  “I didn’t invite Guardian Lawley into my bed, so stop issuing orders,” she insisted while trying to squirm out of his hold.

  He held her tight. “As you like, sweetheart. I’d suggest discussing this topic in the morning.”

  She wiggled, but he kept her secure. “Why? Oh yes, you like to be the one handing out the accusations. Well, Darius Lawley, I have as much right to be suspicious of your Order’s plans for me as you do of my desire to be here.”

  He sighed, sounding exasperated. “A well-founded point, which we can debate in the morning.”

  “Because that is when you shall withdraw behind your duty? Put your suit back on like armor?”

  She meant to sound stronger; instead, hints of insecurity edged her words. Doubts began to undermine the confidence that had seen her so boldly losing her virginity to a man who was not her husband.

  Who would never be her husband.

  “Because lovers only allow pleasure between them in bed.”

  He kissed her head, gently stroking her body and lulling her back toward slumber. She wanted to ask him questions, but it was far more satisfying to heed his words.

  “I’d much rather be only your lover for the moment, Janette. The harder edges of life will be waiting for us at dawn. There is no need to rush into contact with them. Indulge me, at least for as long as the sun is down. Neither of us can change the fact that life is hard, but we can enjoy the moments when it decides to leave us alone.”

  Now his tone was soft and tender, tempting her to just follow his lead. He was her lover. By her choice. A desire that was natural, supported by scientific fact, and nothing to be labeled immoral. At least among the Illuminists, it was. She smiled and surrendered to sleep.

  She was an Illuminist, even if Darius didn’t trust her.

  But do you trust him?

  She realized she wasn’t sure.

  Five

  “Janette?”

  She sighed. “Why are you always in my dreams, Darius?”

  The pillow was warm and comfortable beneath her cheek. She snuggled against it but frowned when the bedding slid off her shoulders to allow the morning air to nip her.

  “As much as I find your confession charming, I cannot remain to enjoy it. I must return to my post.”

  He was real.

  She rubbed her eyes and stared at the undeniable evidence that the night had not been some elaborate dream. Darius was dressed and sitting on the edge of her bed. In the morning light, the man looked too large for the modest room. She must have slept half on top of him because the bed wasn’t wide enough for them both. But his hair lacked formality, the dark strands curling just a bit around his temples. The top button of his shirt was still open, betraying the fact that he didn’t care for being confined. Little hints of who he truly was, and she wasn’t the only one noticing them. His eyes narrowed in a lazy manner while he studied her and stroked the side of her face gently. His gaze settled on her lips for a long moment as enjoyment flickered in his eyes.

  “I did not want to leave without saying good-bye.”

  There was a tenderness in his tone she didn’t know how to deal with. He stroked her cheek once more, and she wiggled away, uncertain of everything in that moment. His expression became guarded.

  “And Decima hit you too hard.” His attention had shifted to the side of her head.

  “It is only a bruise, and not the worst one I have ever had.” She sat up and had to grab the sheet before it slithered down to expose her bare breasts. “I was quite the energetic child. Much to my father’s disdain. Yet my mother encouraged me. I suppose I understand why now.”

  “Sitting about in a nursery is unhealthy.” He stood, and his vest gaped open where three of the buttons were missing. He pulled the edges wide in response to her attention on it. “The motivation for my early departure. I would rather not give the rumormongers a feast. They’ll have enough to discuss as it is, since the Guardians at the gate will log my exit time.”

  The earpiece was back in place. “We’ll talk tonight.”

  “That isn’t necessary,” she insisted. “I understand the way it is here. You made no promises to me last night.”

  One dark eyebrow rose in response. He came back toward the bed and planted one hand on either side of her. She was trapped, unless she wanted to release the sheet to push him away. It wasn’t the first time he’d insisted on making her see his point, but this time it felt intensely personal. This wasn’t the Guardian imposing his will on her; it was Darius, even if it was impossible to separate the two completely.

  “I disagree, Janette. You don’t understand me as well as you think you do.” He pressed a hard kiss against her mouth. “Which is my fault. We will talk, and I will be back. That is a promise.”

  He was on his way out of the door before she sputtered a retort.

  “You certainly do enjoy telling me what to do.”

  His gaze slipped over her, and his lips curved roguishly. “That is not the thing I enjoy doing most with you.”

  She blushed scarlet and heard him chuckle on his way out of the entry room.

  “Knave…” she said as she rose from the bed.

  “Rogue…”

  Her next thought got stuck in her throat when she looked at the bed. It was marked with her blood.

  Had he used her?

  Guilt chewed on her as she began to dress for the day. If the man had only been interested in satisfying his lust, there would have been no reason for him to wake her and promise to return.

  Had she used him?

  Was she just trying to prove she was no longer her father’s obedient child? If so, she should be ashamed. Darius might be an arrogant rogue, but he deserved better than to be used.

  ***

  “Why hasn’t she been put into service?”

  Darius fought to maintain his control. His office was full of Illuminists from different branches of the Order. Grainger was a Guardian of the highest rank like himself, but there was also a Marshal and a Cultivator. Lykos had ushered them all in with a frown darkening his face.

  “Miss Aston is installed the same as any novice. She has taken well to her regimen of classes,” Darius answered.

  “Yes, yes, indeed she has,” Professor Yulric agreed. “Quite the bright and very inquisitive young student.”

  “She should be in the field,” the Cultivator insisted.

  Darius felt his temper straining. “Without proper training? Are we so desperate we would forget the foundation of our Order and leave her ignorant while utilizing her natural abilities like a beast of burden?”

  “I think of it as more of an acceleration of her training,” Grainger said, “and a recognition of just how important it is to be ahead of the Helikeians in the hunt for Deep Earth Crystals. The recent eruptions in the Hawaiian Islands have produced perfect conditions for crystal growth. Now is the time to ensure we harvest the new crystals.”

  Darius directed his next comment to the Marshal standing by silently. “What about her Oath? She isn’t bound to the Order. Showing her the Crystal Fields might well see us handing our critical information over to the Helikeians.”

  Everyone turned to see what Marshal Agapitos would decide. As a Marshal, he could adjust the time frame of a novice’s training, but Darius had never witnessed it in his lifetime. It was one of those laws put down for the direst of circumstances.

  “I am willing to hear her Oath now. Captain Kyros is ready to depart for the islands as soon as we transport the girl to the airship port.”

  “How did you know about the girl?” Darius demanded, losing control of his composure for a moment. It was suddenly very personal, their desire to rip Janette away from his authority. Lykos eyed him curiously but held his tongue for a change.

  “Yes, an excellent question,” Professor Yulric
said. “Rushing leads to mistakes. The girl should observe our laws. A fact made more important by her unfortunate upbringing outside the Order. She has a great deal to learn about Illuminist life, facts she needs to accept and understand fully before taking the Oath of Allegiance.”

  “She is not a normal member,” Grainger insisted. “As a Pure Spirit, her posting will be in the field. Since she knows nothing of life at a Solitary Chamber, better not to risk her forming any attachments here.”

  Grainger sent him a pointed look, one that made Darius suspicious. It was early afternoon, just enough time for a spy to have reported where he had been last night.

  “Since the Marshal has made his decision, I will have Guardian Decima assigned to Miss Aston on the journey,” Lykos announced.

  Grainger frowned and cut a look toward Agapitos. The Marshal waved his hand. “That will not be necessary.”

  Darius raised an eyebrow. “It is the law and the right of any female novice Pure Spirit to have a Guardian of the same gender. Since I do not have one under my command, I am grateful to Guardian Lykos for sharing Decima.”

  “Yet—”

  “I am not finished,” Darius interrupted Grainger. “I am also resigning. Effective immediately.”

  “You are what?” Professor Yulric demanded.

  Darius grinned at him. “My apologies for the abruptness of my announcement, Professor. I hope you will forgive me, but I intend to accompany my fiancée on her journey to the Crystal Fields.”

  “Your what?” Marshal Agapitos demanded.

  “Miss Aston and I have discovered a strong draw to each other.”

  Marshal Agapitos stepped forward. “Spending the night in her bed does not mean you have the right to accompany her. She is a Pure Spirit. It is in the best interest of the Order for her to be put to work in the Crystal Fields. As a Marshal, this is my decision, and you are out of line to dispute my dictate, Guardian Lawley.”

  “Her field assignment clearly falls under your authority,” Darius countered. “Which is why I have resigned my posting. A spouse or soon-to-be spouse of a Pure Spirit has the right to accompany them to their posting. Only a Helikeian would be savage enough to deprive her of her happiness.”