Alastair
Mirabelle cursed as she crumpled the letter. She went to the window and leaned against the glass. She remained until she saw Lucien return. They met in the hall and she led him up to their room. She soothed him with her hands and mouth and held him until he lost himself deep within her. Mirabelle ran her fingers through his hair as he chanted her name and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 31
“Let me try, you can lead her.” Lucien said as he handed Toby the reins. He shrugged and laughed.
“You do seem to have luck with wilder mares.” He teased as he stepped back.
Lucien smiled as he set his boot in the stirrup. The horse tried to rear but he grabbed the bridle and crooned.
“Easy, sweetheart… That's a good girl.” She calmed as he petted her side firmly. He grabbed the saddle and pulled until he was standing. She started to dance sideways and Toby held the reins. “Easy, love…” Lucien soothed as he lay across the saddle. “Alright, start walking her.” He said gently and Toby set her in motion.
“I guess it's true, there isn't a lady you can't ride.” He saluted Lucien as he led her in circles. Lucien chuckled as he hung over the saddle and continued to stroke her side.
“Let's consider this foreplay. It's all about seduction, Toby.” He lectured as watched the horse’s gait. “No woman wants a bloke jumping on her back without a few sweet words and a little caressing.” Toby laughed.
“I suppose it doesn't hurt if you ply them with plenty of wine as well.” He teased.
“The women or the horses? Go ahead and slow her down.” Lucien pulled his boot from the stirrup and slid down. He patted the mare’s neck. Toby cleared his throat and gestured towards the fence.
“Speaking of feisty mares…” He said under his breath. Lucien turned to find Mirabelle sitting on the fence, pouting and watching. He sighed and turned back to Toby.
“That's enough for the morning. Take her and brush her down. Stand on a box so she can get used to you being over her.” He patted Toby on the back and headed towards Mirabelle.
It was early for her to be up and about. Lucien planned to help Toby with the mare and then return to bed to wake Mirabelle. Instead, she was staring longingly across the paddock. He couldn't suppress a grin; he knew that in this instance, it wasn't him she was aching to ride. He'd have to change her mind. She looks particularly fetching this morning, Lucien thought. Mirabelle had her hair pulled back with a ribbon, she wore a plain blouse that was unbuttoned at the top, revealing the elegant sweep of her neck, a blue skirt and riding boots. He was sure she would have traded the skirt for breeches, if she could have. Lucien placed his hands on the fence next to her thighs and rested his boot on the bottom rail.
“You're supposed to be waiting for me in bed, madam.” He scolded as he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. He felt hers curve as her hands cradled his face.
“The sun was up and I knew you had a new mare to break. I like watching you work.” Mirabelle whispered before she ran her tongue along his lips. Lucien groaned as he slid his hands along her thighs and around to grip her bottom. He was about to upset her but he decided to savor a few more minutes of her good mood. He tilted his face so he could kiss her more thoroughly. He squeezed her derrière as his tongue tangled with hers. Lucien pulled back when he started feeling urgent and sighed as he looked up at her.
“I don't want you sitting on the fence like this. It isn't safe.” He said gently. Mirabelle pulled back further and frowned.
“You're not serious, are you? I'm not likely to fall off!” She snorted and shook her head. Lucien ran a hand through his hair and gestured towards the paddock.
“What if that mare bolted? She's high strung and fast. You wouldn't have time to get off if she was running in your direction.” He explained as he climbed on the fence and jumped down on the other side. Lucien grabbed Mirabelle by the waist and lifted her off. She was tense and he knew her temper was simmering. He set her on her feet and turned her towards him. Her eyes were narrowed and her lips were pursed. “Please. For me. I know I'm being high handed but I'm worried enough as it is.” Lucien took her chin and raised her lips to his. He was able to feel them pressed against his for a heartbeat before she pulled back.
“Why are you worried?” Mirabelle's brows pulled together.
“You and the baby are the only things that matter, Mirabelle. I can protect you from anything but childbirth. And I have no control over what's happening inside of you. I can't protect our baby until he or she is born. The best I can do is keep you safe.” Lucien brushed her cheek with his thumb and hoped that she would understand. For a moment, Mirabelle softened and he thought it had worked. Then, her eyes narrowed again.
“Did you take my breeches?” She accused. Lucien felt his eyes widen and he rubbed his hand across his mouth as he tried to think of a way to minimize her reaction. He considered blaming Mary but he knew she'd turn on him. He had nothing.
“It's the only way I can be sure you’ll stay off of a horse and out of the stables, Mirabelle. It would be too tempting if you’re already in breeches. Besides, why would you need them? It's not even proper but you get away with it because of how you ride.” Lucien pleaded. Her eyes flared and he whispered a prayer. She pushed away from him and stormed towards the house. He strode quickly after her.
“You thought keeping me from sitting on the fence was high handed?” Mirabelle's voice was steadily rising. “That was nothing compared to this, Lucien! You're taking clothes away from me! It's only been a few days and you've already forbid me to be near a horse and sit on fences. Now, you're telling me what to wear?” She turned on him and poked him in the chest. “You don't own me, Lucien!” Her eyes were wild and her hair was starting to pull free.
“In a way…” He tried to tease.
“Don't you dare say it!” Mirabelle threatened. Lucien felt his temper starting to unfurl. He grabbed her arm in an attempt to still her.
“I am your husband. And for what it's worth, I'm a duke. That's sort of a big thing.”
“I don’t give a damned if you're a bloody king!” She screamed as she snatched her arm free. “I am a grown woman, this is my body and they’re my clothes!” Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she stared up at Lucien. Her fists were balled at her sides and her cheeks were pink. He couldn't decide if he was more furious or aroused. “If this is the way you're going to behave while I'm pregnant, I promise that this will be the only child I'll give you!” With that, she turned on her heel and continued towards the house. Lucien shook his head. Fury and arousal were still neck and neck but it was looking good for fury. He followed her through the door.
“The only child? And how do imagine you'll prevent another?” He drawled as he came along side her. She snorted sarcastically.
“I’ll remind you that I'm not ignorant. If you can't control yourself enough to wait and finish outside of me, we can use French letters.” Lucien was appalled.
“I'll refuse!” He swore as she rounded a corner and headed for the stairs. She shrugged and laughed.
“Then I recommend putting a day bed in your dressing room because you’re going to be very frustrated, Your Grace.” Mirabelle picked up her skirts and started up the stairs. Fury won. Lucien growled as he ran up the steps.
“Enough!” He roared as he swept her into his arms and lifted her over his shoulder. Mirabelle shrieked and began kicking and screaming. Lucien cursed as he took the stairs two at a time.
By the time he kicked their bedroom door closed behind him and tossed her on the bed, she was breathing fire. She opened her mouth to unleash what was sure to be a blistering speech but Lucien pointed threateningly as he stepped towards her.
“Do not!” He thundered. Mirabelle's eyes grew large and she stilled. Much better. He thought. He took a few deep breaths as he waited for his temper to settle. Once he was sure he could speak without the whole house hearing he addressed her. “What happens between us,” he gestured between them, “it
is the most miraculous, potent thing I have ever experienced and I need it. I need you. You can scream and say anything you like but you can never use your body or withhold yourself to punish me. I can stand a lot of things Mirabelle, but not that. Anything but that. Do you understand?” He waited until she nodded. “I'm sorry. I'm scared and I'm only going to get worse. You have to see this from my point of view. I've seen you do some terrifying things, sweetheart. Let’s be honest.” Lucien looked at her pointedly. She shrugged and looked away. “Do you know why my mother never rides?” His voice was low; he hated sharing a secret that wasn't his. Mirabelle’s shook her head slowly.
“No. I always wondered. It never made sense, the way you love horses and I've never seen her touch one.” She whispered. Lucien took a steadying breath and tried to keep his voice even. He'd always hoped his mother would heal and come around.
“Father and I were preparing for a ride and she came to the yard to see us off. I didn't understand why she wasn't going with us. She was a lot like you, she rode like a demon. But father leaned low in the saddle and said the same thing I said to you. ‘You can ride next spring.’ She tried to complain but he kissed her and promised we'd be back soon.” Lucien swallowed and shut his eyes for a moment. “Father had a new horse in the stables, a friend of his couldn't tame him but father knew he'd be a good hunter. He got loose and bolted; he went straight for the mare father was on. She reared and mother was kicked.” Mirabelle gasped and her eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, Madeline!” She whispered. Her arms wrapped reflexively around her stomach. Lucien nodded.
“There was a lot of blood. I remember father yelling to get all the horses put away as he held her. Mother was sobbing, begging for him to make it stop but there was nothing he could do. It was the only time I saw him cry, Mirabelle. Mother was devastated. Father died a few months later and I remember grandmother holding her as she cried and mother saying she wished she hadn't lost the baby. She wished she could have had at least one more with him so that she and I would have one more piece of him with us.” Lucien felt a tear roll down his cheek and Mirabelle started to crawl towards him. He held up his hand to still her, he needed to finish. “I know you're not her and it was a terrible accident but it only takes a second. I can't begin to know what that did to my father. I imagine myself in his position and I'd rather die than see you go through that. Do you understand?” He searched her face, it was soft and she nodded. “If you can't have more children or you truly don't want to, I will respect that and we can take precautions but don't do it out of anger or spite, Mirabelle. You know I don't give a damn about an heir. I already love that child inside of you because it's us. Secretly, I want it to be a tiny girl with fiery red hair that will need me to rescue her from trees when she's climbed too high.” Mirabelle laughed as tears spilled down her cheeks. “I just want us to have a family. Even if that means you, me and one rowdy little girl or a pack of them, I'll be happy. As long as I get to fall asleep next to you each night and make love to you as often as you'll let me.” Mirabelle smiled knowingly as she opened her arms in invitation.
“Make love to me now.” She demanded. Lucien smiled as he pulled his shirt over his head and prowled towards the bed. “As long as I'm able, I’ll give you as many children as I can.” She vowed. He felt heat burst within his chest and he laughed as he set his knee on the mattress and crawled towards her. “I'm warning you, I won't let you stop trying until I have a little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes.” Mirabelle whispered as Lucien pushed her on to her back.
“I'm going to hold you to that, madam.” He swore against her lips as he slid his hand up her thigh. She gasped as his thumb stroked her damp folds and parted her.
“Now, Lucien! I can't wait!” She fisted her hands in his hair and kissed him hungrily. Lucien groaned and flicked his trousers opened. He released his straining cock and found her entrance. Mirabelle was so wet and ready; he slid in easily with one swift thrust. She moaned in relief and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Yes!” She hissed as he began to thrust into her.
Lucien slid his hands between her and the mattress and filled them with the globes of her bottom and squeezed as he rode her deep and hard. He closed his eyes and breathed her in as he listened to her moans and sobs as she undulated in his arms. She is everything. He thought as he felt her body tightening beneath him, around him. He felt his own body reacting and knew he was close.
“That's it, my love. Come for me, I'm so close.” Lucien whispered against her neck. His teeth grazed her smooth, slick skin before he bit her sensitive flesh. Mirabelle screamed his name as her nails dug into his shoulders. She froze and then shuddered in his arms. He felt her muscles squeeze his cock mercilessly, pulling his release from him. He gave in and let the tremors consume him as he spilled himself deep within her. Lucien found her lips and whispered her name into her mouth before his tongue slid against hers. He wrapped his arms around Mirabelle and pulled her with him as he rolled onto his back.
Once they were breathing normally, Mirabelle rubbed her cheek against Lucien's chest. He felt moisture and knew it was tears. He slid his hand into her hair and pressed her against him.
“I had no idea. I'm so sorry.” She whispered.
“I never told anyone because it wasn't for me to do so if she didn't want anyone to know. I keep hoping she'll start riding again. For years, I felt guilty for loving horses and riding them. I held off on breeding them but she knew they were my passion. She encouraged me to start the stud. She said I was too much like father and he’d want me to do it. She knew I felt closer to him when I was with my horses.”
“I'm sorry about what I said earlier.” Lucien was glad she couldn't see his expression. It was rare for Mirabelle to apologize for her behavior. He knew how her temper worked and he probably wouldn't have responded with his if she had threatened him with anything else. “I understand and I'll try my best to behave and not overreact when you're trying to keep me safe. No matter how unreasonable you get.” She teased. Lucien chuckled as he pressed a handful of her hair to his face and inhaled.
“I expect you’ll get angry at times. I can deal with you, angry. I'll tell you a secret: as long as I'm not really in trouble, I think you're gorgeous and thoroughly entertaining when you're mad.”
“Then I expect you’ll enjoy this pregnancy a great deal more than I will.” Mirabelle sighed. Lucien couldn't help it, he tried, but he failed. He laughed until he was howling. At one point, he sat up so he could breathe. She scowled and pushed him, causing him to flail and topple off the bed, which caused him to laugh even more.
The next afternoon, Lucien found Mirabelle at the piano. Her hands were still upon the keys as she stared wistfully out the window. He'd come to surprise her with a little outing but he knew he'd need to find something else to curb her restlessness. She sensed his presence and turned. Her smile was radiant. Dazzled, Lucien held out his hand, she tilted her head as she placed her hand in his.
“Where are we going?” She asked as he helped her rise.
“For a drive, lovely Artemis. To someplace special.” He picked up her shawl as he led her from the room.
Once they were in front of the stable, Mirabelle eyed the cart he had prepared dubiously. She'd been hoping for something a little faster, he guessed.
“Give me a chance.” He said as he pushed her forwards. He lifted her to the seat. He joined her on the bench and set a pair of draft horses in motion. Instead of heading for the drive, he guided them towards the park. Mirabelle leaned back and looked at Lucien, a smile tugged at her lips.
Lucien led the pair over the open fields of the park towards the forest and into the woods until they could go no further. He helped Mirabelle down, her face lit up and she gasped when she saw him pull a basket and a blanket from the back. He gave her his arm as he led her into the forest.
Their favorite tree stood at the edge of a clearing that was full of wild flowers. Lucien spread the blanket at the base of the tree in the shad
e above a thick carpet of grass. He looked at Mirabelle and saw that her eyes shimmered with tears. He pulled her to him and dipped his head, claiming her lips for a gentle kiss.
“I didn't realize how much I missed this place.” She whispered as she pulled her lips from his and looked around.
“I see this every time I look into your eyes.” He said softly as he cupped her cheek. She shivered and smiled.
“Really?” Her voice was weak, her lips trembled.
“I've always loved you, Mirabelle. I think that the first time I saw you, in your crib on the terrace at Spencer Place, I knew that you were meant for me. I just needed to grow into myself and make all of my mistakes before I was ready. When I look back now, I see it; I was so in love but too stupid to understand.” Lucien tasted her lips and let his tongue find hers as her lips parted when she sighed. His hands slid from her face to her hair. He wove his fingers into the chignon and tugged. A few pins fell and he pulled the ribbon, letting her hair cascade around her shoulders. He lifted his head and took everything in. Mirabelle stood before him in a dress of soft green muslin with gold embroidery, her hair was loose and trembled with each breath she took. Her skin glowed, just like it did in his memories and her eyes were large and he felt as if he could lose himself in their peridot depths. Her lips were full and curved, tempting and sweet as her hands slid up his chest. Lucien lowered his head and kissed the forest sprite that inhabited his fantasies. He felt her hands tug at his coat as Mirabelle lowered to the blanket. He followed her and carefully settled over her.
Lucien took his time, savoring her lips as his hands tangled in her hair. Every now and then, he’d lift his head and see how the strands caught the light. He kept her floating on a tranquil current, letting the hours spin away as his hands gently massaged and teased her luscious body. Mirabelle remained relaxed and pliant until his hands tickled her knees and slowly slid upwards. Lucien traced the smooth skin along the inside of her thigh until he brushed against damp heat. He let his fingers part her and probe. She closed her eyes and her head fell drunkenly as she gasped. Her thigh slid away as he pushed deeper and she moaned. Lucien felt her tighten around his fingers and her chest rose as she struggled for breath. He pulled his fingers from her; they were coated with her slickness as he lifted them to his lips. Mirabelle's eyes locked with his as he licked his fingers. Lust flooded him as he tasted her sweetness. He groaned and he greedily lapped and sucked at his fingers.
Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two Page 15
