by Josie Dennis
With that, the maid left Poppy to her relative solitude. The boys continued to clean the cooking pots and utensils, but Mrs. Padmont was in with Mrs. Holmes going over the upcoming days’ meals. A Hawk was visiting, and that always meant food even fancier than was the usual fare at the manor. Poppy looked forward to the challenge that presented, but it also meant that she would be a bit tired during her after-hours practice in the kitchens. She would have to make the most of it, she supposed. It was but a small sacrifice for the promise of independence.
She finished dressing the admittedly lovely cake, and one of the footmen came and carried it out of the room. She was wiping the wooden table again when she noticed that some honey had dripped onto the wooden work surface. Taking the drop up with her finger, she couldn’t resist popping it into her mouth and giving it a taste. It was sweet and tart, and she let out a little moan as she licked it.
“My God, Poppy,” Julian drawled, startling her. “You’ll drive a man wild with that mouth of yours, let alone that perfectly naughty sound you just made.”
Poppy pulled her finger out of her mouth with a pop and stared at him, her face flushed hot. “Julian.”
He came closer, a smile teasing his beautiful mouth. “Is that as delicious as it looks?”
She licked her lips again and was stunned to see his pupils dilate.
“Are you speaking of the cake, Julian?” Her voice was throaty to her ears as she attempted to appear unflustered. “Because your eyes are fixed on my mouth.”
He came closer, his smile widening. “Your mouth does look quite delectable.”
His voice was low, but she wondered at such words. Her body flushed, and her nipples tightened beneath her apron.
“You shouldn’t be down here,” she whispered.
He gave a lazy shrug. “The family will indulge in that amazing dessert you created and soon move to the parlor for drinks. There is nothing to draw my attention at the moment, Poppy.”
“But what of the others?”
“They’re about their own business. Most have gone up to the attics.”
She swallowed as he stepped closer. “What of Lord Stanton?”
Julian’s eyes flashed, and he appeared a bit flustered himself. “What of him? I will help him ready for bed when he calls for me.”
She nodded, but she found herself watching his mouth now. “What do you make of him?”
“The latest Hawk?” Julian shrugged again, but she saw his cheeks redden. “He seems much like the others, if a bit subdued.”
“I don’t imagine he fared well at dinner with Mr. Crowley and the earl’s brother in attendance.”
Julian shook his head. “I daresay Lord Stanton was either swept up or swept away by the conversation.”
“Is he as handsome as the earl?”
Her question startled her but Julian seemed to consider it. “He looks much like him, actually. Those eyes, Poppy.”
“They are all quite compelling, as you’ve said.”
He came around to her side of the table and stood very close to her. “Are you compelled by them?”
She gave a small shake of her head. “N-no. I haven’t even seen this new Hawk, but Violet said he is quite attractive.”
“As they all are.” He clasped her hand, the one with honey still sticky on her finger, and brought it to his lips. “I admit I’m drawn to my current charge.”
She gaped at him as he licked her finger. “You?”
“I cannot deny his beauty,” he admitted, his mouth close to hers now. “Nor yours.”
Before she could guess his intentions he pressed his lips to hers. She tasted honey again and something fresh, like mint. He was delicious, and she opened her mouth.
“Poppy,” he groaned against her lips. “God, you taste so good.”
His tongue slid into her mouth, and her body began to tingle. No other part of their bodies was in contact but their mouths, yet she felt her whole form going weak. Wanting. Needy.
She heard a shuffling just outside the kitchens, and her pulse spiked. Had someone heard them? Their scandalous talk and oh so sinful kissing?
“Julian,” she breathed as he drew a hairsbreadth away. “We mustn’t.”
He flicked his tongue over her lips and sighed, his brow pressed to hers now. “Not here, we mustn’t.”
She cocked an ear toward the hallway but heard nothing now.
Blinking up at him, she tried to make sense of what he was saying. “Where then, pray?”
He sucked in a breath, then stepped away from her. “I wish I could take you up to my room in the attics, but the walls have eyes.”
What he suggested was scandalous, but for a moment she longed to take him up on his proposition. That was the servants’ domain, and the walls were far too thin for such a thing, even if she were willing to toss all of her hopes and plans into the trash bin.
“And ears, I wager,” she put in.
He stroked a finger across her cheek. “We’ll find a place.”
She nodded, and then a chill went through her. She couldn’t do that. She couldn’t just give in.
“No, we won’t.”
* * * *
Julian’s body strained toward Poppy’s delectable form as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. He’d kissed her at last, and she’d kissed him back. Now she was saying that they would not find a way to be together?
“You kissed me, Poppy. Don’t deny it.”
Fire flashed in her pretty golden brown eyes. “I don’t deny anything, Julian. I will not ruin my chances here at the manor.”
“Your chances? To what, be promoted? Surely you don’t want to be head cook.”
“No.” She wrinkled her pert little nose at him. “I need these kitchens to practice, you fool. To create recipes that fancy folk and common alike will want to purchase for themselves.”
He stared at her, and suddenly it clicked into place. The reason she was always toiling so late in the kitchens. “You want to be a baker. A pastry chef.”
“Yes, I do.” She held her body proudly, with her little chin raised. “Call me foolish, if you will.”
He wrapped his arms around her even though she stayed stiff in his hold. “You’re not foolish, sweetheart. You have talent and you deserve to make your own way.”
A bright look of happiness filled her face, and he caught his breath at the sight of it. He couldn’t resist, and had to taste her kisses again.
This time their bodies were pressed tight, and he felt himself grow hard. That was no surprise, since he’d been halfway to hard since helping Lord Stanton dress for dinner. Now that he held Poppy in his arms, it was as if his cock wanted to finish with pretty Poppy tonight what was started in Henry Hawk’s guest room earlier. Images of her curvaceous body mingled with the memory of Lord Stanton’s broad sculpted one to drive him mad. But how could that be?
He breathed in her scent as he brought his face to the patch of skin bared right above her apron. She’d undone a button or two, he was delighted to discover. Her skin was as warm and soft as he’d envisioned.
“Julian,” she breathed as he licked her.
He placed a hand over one plump breast and felt her hardened nipple through the cotton. It made him shiver. It also made him remember just where they were at the moment. It was his turn to push her away.
“We can’t do this here.”
“As you’ve said,” she breathed. “Oh, but that kiss was very nice.”
He nearly laughed. “That kiss was a damn sight better than nice, Poppy. You have me hard in my trousers.”
She cast a look at the front of him, and he nearly groaned. Before she could say something innocently provocative again, he took another step away from her.
“I’ll leave you to your work,” he said. “I have to ready Lord Stanton’s room for this evening.”
“You’re his valet,” she stated.
He nodded. “And it won’t do to have my work thought of as less than stellar.”
; She brought her hand to her mouth and stroked her kiss-swollen mouth. “No one could think you anything less than perfect.”
He cupped her face with his hands and kissed her again then left the kitchens to climb abovestairs to the bachelor wing.
To his surprise, Lord Stanton was already within. He sat near the tidy fireplace, his long body draped over the plush armchair beside it. The fire was banked, yet the gentleman stared at the grate as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
“My lord?” Julian asked.
Lord Stanton started, then faced him. Julian sucked in a breath. There was such sadness in those magnetic eyes of his.
“Hello, Julian,” he said, his voice strained.
Julian came closer. “Does my lord require anything?”
The other man laughed without humor. “I require a great many things, Julian. I don’t hold out hope of gaining a bit of it.”
Julian puzzled over that. “I’ll set out whatever you might need and be on my way, then.”
The baron made a noncommittal sound as Julian crossed to the dressing table. He caught the man’s scent and the desire he’d felt that afternoon, heightened by what had happened with Poppy in the kitchens, caused his body to tighten. Breathing slowly, he fought to remain cool and collected. Professional.
“Are you always so stiff, Julian?”
The man’s question made him smile, and if it was just a few months earlier he would have made a ribald comment. Instead, he turned to regard him. Those Hawk eyes looked hungry now. Hot.
“My lord, I…” What would he ask him at this moment? Julian couldn’t find words.
“Please call me Henry.” His voice rasped, rough and hard. “You’re going to get to know me intimately during my stay here.”
“I suppose.” Julian licked his lips. “Henry.”
The baron groaned. “Perhaps you should take yourself elsewhere, Julian.”
Julian’s heart sank. “Have I displeased you, my lord?”
“Henry,” he said again.
As he came to his feet, Julian saw just what was causing his apparent discomfort. His big body was hard, and Julian could see the outline of his cock through his very fine trousers.
“You appear to be in pain, Henry.”
The man’s eyes flared at Julian’s use of his given name. “What do you know of Hawks? Of our affliction?”
“Affliction?”
Henry ran a hand over his face, giving Julian a glimpse of a smile behind those long fingers. “Not an affliction, exactly. More like a need.”
Julian racked his brain for what he’d heard about Hawk men and their entanglements. “You, that is to say, Hawks…”
Henry stepped closer. “You’re very pretty, Julian. I’m sure you’ve had your share of propositions here at the manor.”
Julian gave a jerky shake of his head. He could scarcely think with the man so close to him.
“Some flirtations, yes,” he managed to say.
Henry’s eyes looked sad now. “I’m afraid I have to ask something of you.” He swallowed audibly. “I need you.”
Julian stared into his eyes, then down to his full mouth. He didn’t know just what Henry Hawk needed, but in this moment, he couldn’t imagine refusing him anything.
“Tell me,” he said, placing his hand on Henry’s shoulder.
Chapter 4
Henry watched as emotions flitted over Julian’s face. The man was truly beautiful, with those big blue eyes and finely boned face. Unable to resist, he touched Julian’s lips. They were so soft. He imagined them wrapped around his cock and groaned.
He’d tried to fight the beast tonight, but after the exhibition downstairs he’d felt…unsettled. To see so much familial happiness around one admittedly large table? It was too much to bear. He’d excused himself soon after the meal concluded, foregoing drinks and cards in the parlor. And then, after sitting and staring at that damn cold fireplace, he’d been unable to focus on anything but his own confusion and burgeoning need. The damn beast rose despite any thought to the contrary.
He unfastened his trousers, and that seemed to help him breathe. “I’m in a bad way, Julian. And I can’t take care of it myself.”
Julian’s gaze held compassion, and more than a little heat. “Tell me,” he said again.
After a moment’s hesitation, he took Julian’s hand and wrapped it around his shaft. Hissing out a breath, he felt himself grow harder in his hold.
“I tried to fight it.” He let his head fall back as Julian began to stroke him. “I thought that here at Hawksfell I would be stronger.”
Julian kept up the pleasure, his touch just right. “This is surely not what I would call weak.”
Henry choked on a laugh and lifted his head. He found Julian studying his cock, his eyes hot.
“I need to come, Julian.” He unbuttoned his collar, taking in a ragged breath as he opened his shirt. “Please make me come.”
Julian placed his free hand on Henry’s chest, dragging it down to his belly. “You’re beautiful, Henry.”
Henry heard the need in Julian’s voice. Recognized the desire as his movements grew less measured. Leveling a look at him, he saw that Julian cupped himself as he moaned softly.
“You need easing as well,” he said.
Julian shook his head, and then nodded. “I do,” he bit out.
“Free yourself.”
Julian released Henry just long enough to unfasten the front of his trousers. He moaned again as he held himself. “I’ve never been this far gone.”
Henry eyed him. His cock was as pretty as the rest of him. And quite large.
“Damn,” he rasped.
Julian pressed closer. “You did this to me,” he said in a low voice. “Well, you and her.”
“Her?”
Julian shook his head again. “Never mind. I’m really close.”
Henry grasped Julian’s cock and gave him a long stroke. When the other man gave a shiver, Henry felt his own passions rise. They began to touch each other everywhere, their chests and bellies sliding against each other as sounds of pleasure mingled in the cozy room. Henry felt his climax teasing at the edge of his consciousness, and pulled Julian in close. “Can I fuck you?”
Julian’s eyes widened, but he gave a nod. “I’ve never, but…yes.”
That last word was drawn out, harsh and welcoming at once. Henry turned Julian away from him, wrapping an arm around his sculpted chest. The other man’s ass was tight against his cock now, his trousers a barrier. He slid them down enough to touch the smooth skin.
“Your ass is so round and tight,” he said, his lips at Julian’s ear. He dipped a finger into his hole and Julian gasped. “This is going to be fast. I’m sorry.”
Julian braced one hand against the arm of the chair as he stroked himself now. “There’s a jar of cream, Henry.” He moaned again. “On the dressing table.”
Henry gave his ass another squeeze before striding over to the dressing table. There was indeed a little jar there, and he opened it. It smelled faintly of flowers and mint.
“This will do, I think,” he said, coming back to where Julian waited.
He dipped two fingers into the jar and then sank them into Julian’s ass. His muscles gripped him as he shuddered. “Please, Henry.”
Henry shifted and placed the head of his cock where his fingers had been. He took a breath, and drove into him.
“Ah, God,” Henry breathed. “So tight.”
Julian gripped the chair with both hands now, his legs shaking. “So good,” he murmured.
They moved together, finding a rhythm as pleasure loomed large. Henry reached around and grasped Julian’s cock, stroking as he felt his climax start.
“I’m coming,” he rasped, kissing Julian’s neck. “Come with me.”
Julian nodded, turning his head to catch Henry’s eye. That was it for Henry, who came in hot spurts. Julian moaned in the next moment, shivering as his orgasm struck.
They held on to
each other as they slowly regained themselves. Henry dropped a kiss on Julian’s cheek as he withdrew.
“That was astounding,” he admitted, tucking himself back into his trousers.
Julian hung his head, then turned with a grin. “For a first time… Hell, for the first time I’m without words.”
Henry laughed, amazingly enough. “Julian, I can’t thank you enough.”
Julian ran a hand over his artfully tousled golden curls. “Henry, you did me a service as well.”
Henry arched a brow. “How so?”
Julian’s cheeks reddened a bit. “I admit I escaped to your room in the first place.”
“Escaped?” Henry strolled over to the tray holding an open bottle of brandy thoughtfully provided by the earl’s staff. “Sit,” he said, pouring them each a glass. “Tell me about this escape.”
Julian hesitated, but Henry nodded to one of the chairs flanking the little fireplace. Henry took a sip of his drink and held the other glass out to Julian before he took up the seat he’d reclined in just moments earlier. Funny, but it seemed like hours since he’d fled the dining room.
“Tell me of your escape, Julian,” he said again.
Julian took a sip of his brandy and smiled. “This is a sight better than we get down in the servants’ hall.”
“Drink a bit down there, do you?”
He shook his head. “I’m jesting. Neither Mr. Carstairs or Mrs. Holmes would allow such a thing.”
“I much like Mrs. Holmes, nonetheless. She reminds me of my own housekeeper.”
Julian just nodded, his eyes straying to the banked hearth. “It’s Poppy.”
“Who?”
Julian blew out a breath. “She’s the cook’s assistant, and a prettier girl I’ve never seen. I kissed her tonight, and she was so damn sweet.”
His eyes rounded at his admission, but Henry held up one hand. “There’s no need to school your words, Julian. We’re past that.”
“She got me going, and then seeing you?” Julian smiled, and it felt warm. Intimate. “That pushed me over the edge.”
“You did likewise to me.” Henry returned his smile, holding his glass in salute. “I’ve never sat and talked with any of my lovers. Or anyone, really. I’m enjoying it.”
