by Belita Renn
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Whiskey Creek Press
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright ©2005 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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COVERING CINDE RELLA
by
Belita Renn
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
Copyright ©
2005 by Belita Renn
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 1-59374-410-2
Credits
Cover Artist: Escorpio
Editor: Vickie DuBois
Printed in the United States of America
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
COVERING CINDE RELLA
Covering Cinde Rella, a novella, is by Belita Renn. Please be warned, very explicit. Covering Cinde Rella is a deliciously wicked adult twist to the old Cinderella tale. Watch out you queens of historical romance, Belita Renn just stepped up to the plate and hit a winner out of the field, with Covering Cinde Rella! This was the best historical erotic romance I have read in years.
Sensuality rating: Explicit
Reviewer: Janalee
May 2, 2005
Dedication
To all my family and friends and to my editor Vickie and my artist Escorpio.
Chapter 1
1799 London, England
Victor Van Helson waited until the footman opened the door, and then stepped from the landau. Arriving at the rented townhouse of his prowling partner, his thoughts turned to the youngest member of the household. Rebellious by nature, Cinde Rella refused to be bound by the dictates of society. In Victor's opinion, Cinde was a hoyden. It wasn't really the girl's fault; her stepmother, Juliette, had neglected the girl. Although she had been educated, she hadn't received proper training in the behavior of young ladies of society. Nor did she have a fitting role model to follow. Widow Rella drifted from one affair to another. She had wild parties, and the only reason Cinde wasn't totally corrupted was her stepmother locked her in her chamber on the nights of the parties. Not because she wished to protect the girl from unwelcome advances, but because she didn't wish to have the competition for lovers.
Still, the girl could not be ignorant. She had to know what was going on below stairs—the smell of sexual encounters always hung over the front parlor.
Her stepbrother, John, was Victor's best friend. They had met at Cambridge, and formed a relationship on the basis of desires. Both youths had longed for the wild sexual encounters that all male youths wanted. That desire had not changed since their school days. John and Victor were notorious rakes of the Ton. They seduced to satisfy their sexual lusts, gambled until the wee hours of dawn, and indulged all of their gluttonous desires.
It was a wonderful life of self-indulgence, and Victor didn't want to leave it all behind. But he knew he must conform and become respectable, as his responsibilities were pressing on him. He had to grow up, father an heir, and leave his childish pleasures behind. It was his duty, or so his family, upon learning of his father's imminent death, had told him. As the future Viscount Colebrook, he had obligations, which he was honor bound to fulfill. He had known all his life that one day he must assume the tasks, and responsibilities his father handled. Now the time was growing near, and he looked at the world with a new kind of longing. Perhaps he was clinging to his freedom, but he didn't think so. He merely longed to retain some bit of the excitement of the life he had now.
Holding his hat in hand, he smiled at Cinde as she opened the door.
Stepping back, she admitted him into the narrow alcove at the entrance. Taking his hat, she placed it on the side table, before turning to greet him.
Even Cinde, John's sister, was looking good to him. The material of her gown cupped her buttocks as she turned to place his hat on the table. Her brown hair was held back from a perfect oval face by combs, allowing a clear view of her delicate features; skin as smooth as porcelain had a slight blush on her cheekbones. A dimple peeked at the side of her mouth when she smiled, and there was as always a welcoming sparkle in her lovely eyes. Feathered eyebrows arched over green eyes and complemented her long eyelashes. The burnt gold gown she wore hugged her narrow waist, and the soft material caressed her round breasts and hips when she moved.
Devil take it, when had she grown up? Her body had filled out, and her face had lost the look of immaturity. She was a lovely young woman, now. That had happened right under his eyes, and he hadn't noticed. What a fool he was for overlooking her development into a touchable woman. Perhaps, he did need to get his head out of the bottle and take a sober look around, as he father had said.
Cinde greeted him in a soft musical tone that caressed his ears. Her sweet lilac scent drifted around her and filled his senses. Kissing her soft knuckles, he noticed how delicate her fingers were in his grasp. Victor greeted her politely, as always. She winked at him as he raised his head and offered an inviting smile, with pink kissable lips that looked as soft as a tulip petal.
Had he really seen her wink at him? Was her smile really encouraging him, or was it only wishful thinking?
His cock twitched in recognition of her physical attractions. He had to get his mind on something safe before he embarrassed himself by allowing his body to reveal his thoughts. Focusing his attention on the curl of her ear, he noticed she had a little point on the curve that reminded him of elf ears he had seen in a book. Amazingly, both ears had the points. It made her unique from the beauties that filled the salons of the city.
"There you are, old man. I only need to fetch my cloak and we can be away,” John Graves called from the staircase, his voice drawing Victor's eyes to him. John's lanky legs, dressed in evening black, descended the steps. A Corinthian, John was impeccably dressed in the crack of fashion.
Hearing her stepbrother on the stairs, Cinde withdrew her hand and stepped back from Victor, as though suddenly uncertain of her welcome.
"Cinde, why did you keep Victor waiting in the hall? You should have offered him a drink,” scolding, John stepped off the stairs, holding white sheets of folded paper in his hand.
"I have just arrived, there wasn't time for her to offer, Graves,” Victor explained, defending her in a good-humored timber. He felt John was being unduly harsh to Cinde this evening. Had he always been callous to her, and Victor hadn't paid attention? For the first time since meeting John, Victor wasn't certain he approved of his friend. “Shall we away, or must you quench a thirst first?"
"I need to put these papers in the safe, then I shall be ready. Won't take but a minute. Cinde, take Victor into the parlor and give him a drink,” John ordered, before turning and walking to the door of his study.
"It's all right, I wil
l wait here.” He saw no reason to put Cinde out, when they would be leaving in a few minutes.
"Do please come and accept a drink. I will be punished if I make him angry.” Turning, she walked into the parlor.
Victor watched the swish of her buttocks a moment before making himself move. She had a really great ass. He could think of several things he would like to do to it. Then he remembered John had ordered her to fix him a drink.
Following with a frown on his face, Victor was curious about her statement. Did John punish Cinde? How did he punish her? “I would like you to clarify that remark. Does John punish you?"
She flashed him a startled look. “Did I say that?” Looking away, she reached for the wine decanter. “Will wine satisfy, or perhaps bourbon?"
"Wine."
Pouring wine into a crystal glass, she cast him a smile. Then she recapped the decanter and started toward him with the glass held in trembling fingers.
Accepting the glass, his eyebrow arched. “You didn't answer my question."
"I must have forgotten. Are you going to the ball at Vaxen Hall tonight?"
He allowed her innocent smile to distract him.
"What we do is no concern of yours,” John said in a stern voice from the doorway.
"She was merely making conversation while we waited, John.” The hard timber of John's insulting tone had answered Victor's question.
"Stop defending her. If you want to bed her, do it, but don't go thinking you are going to escort her about with us."
"Thank you for your permission,” Victor responded, dryly. He wouldn't mind leaving John behind while he escorted Cinde around.
"I don't need his permission for anything.” Shooting John a glare, she grasped her skirts and swept from the room with regal grace.
Admiration for her spirit blossomed in his chest. Feeling proud of her, he flashed a smile at John. “You are a year her senior, correct?"
"Yeah, horrible little baggage.” Pouring himself a bumper of brandy, John shook his head.
"You want to bed her, don't you?” Rolling the glass in his hand, the golden liquid reflected a glint from the chandelier.
John smirked. “I did years ago, not anymore. And before you ask, yeah she knows. She said she would rather sleep with anyone else in London than me. So, if you want her, go for it. She's all yours.” He dismissed the subject, as though it was no concern of his.
"Do you think she does? Sleep around, I mean.” Holding his breath, Victor hoped for an affirmative answer.
"Hell yes, every gentleman she sees, I would imagine."
"Is that why it bugs you, because she turned you away?” Pleased, he bit his lips to prevent a smile from forming. Cinde was available to his lust.
John shrugged and took a drink. “No, it is because she has lived under the same roof as me for ten years. I'm a form of family."
"So, why are you mean to her?"
"I don't want her developing a fancy for me, now that she is active. She might see me as a way out, if she cannot find a man to wed her once she gets with child."
John's horrified tone made Victor chuckle. “You are a terrible stepbrother.” Empting his glass, Victor set it on the side table. “Come on, the ball awaits."
"Are you really going to give up this good life?” John asked, following him into the hall.
Victor shrugged. “I have to grow up sometime.” Fetching his hat from the hall table, he wondered if Cinde liked adventurous sex. Watching him slip on his coat, Victor wondered if John would disown him as a friend if he pursued Cinde.
They weren't rich and had no hall porter to open the door. John saved his money for clothing, gambling and whoring.
"I disagree. Why must we grow up? I am not going to be tied to one woman when I can have dozens.” Opening the door, John walked out. He waited and closed the door after Victor quit the townhouse.
"Are you holding doors for me, now?” Startled, Victor's eyebrow arched.
John chuckled. “Well, you are soon to be a viscount."
He laughed. “Come on. Let's have some fun."
The ball was in full swing when he spotted her across the room. His penis twitched to life and began growing. She had a lovely figure in a soft gown that caressed her curves. Flowing brown hair reached to midback, and her lush pink mouth was made for kissing. The satin mask covered the bridge of her nose and had oval slits that made her eyes appear exotic. The rest of her was luscious, young and smooth, and more important and exciting, she was alone. She had made an extra effort to conceal her identity by powdering her hair.
Unmasking her identity was a challenge he was willing to undertake. Having vast knowledge of the available young women in London gave him an advantage in his quest. He had found his entertainment for the evening, and she was perfect. First, he would unmask her, not literally, but the silent knowledge would add to his pleasure. Second, he would get her to dance, and then he would seduce her. Strolling in her direction, he sipped from his glass of wine, watching her delicate hand lift her own glass to her lips.
Curious as to her identity, he found he was more interested in bedding her. Nodding to the people he passed, he continued walking. Allowing anyone to stop him for a conversation could defeat his goal. Were he to dally overlong, she might find another acceptable gentleman for the evening. He wanted to be the gentleman she chose.
Watching the regal way she dismissed the gentlemen that stepped close to whisper—no doubt suggestive—phrases in her ears filled Victor with pleasure. Those she found uninviting departed with defeated shoulders. Then he noticed something familiar about her movements. Scanning her exposed features closely, he looked for something to trigger a memory, and he spotted the pointed tip of her ear.
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The ballroom was filled with elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen of the realm, all wearing masks. Cinde longed for this to be the night she would finally learn about sexual pleasure through experience. Her body ached with a longing to be filled; her juices flowed between her thighs. Adding to her pleasure, this was a masked ball, so she could be any seductress she wished. She spoke to several gentlemen, but none of them suited her fancy.
She wanted someone she could lust after, someone with a body like Victor's. She had a crush on Victor last year, but he never looked at her twice. Disappointed, she had watched him leave time and again with John. Always polite, he had never looked at her as though he was really seeing her. It was more like he was observing everything through a glaze of disinterest. Finally, she had decided that if she couldn't have Victor, she would take the next best thing, incredible sexual delights. In the past, she had plenty of opportunities to experience rushed, secretive sex inside a carriage. Somehow. that hadn't seemed exciting enough. She wanted more than rushed sex. There had to be a way to dive into the sensations and thoroughly enjoy them. She wanted to try something wild. Then she had heard of the wild masked balls at Vaxen Hall and knew she had found her solution.
Still, it had been a long wait.
Glancing around the room, she spotted John. “Shoot,” she whispered. Her mouth formed a pout. Without a mask to conceal his identity, he was dancing with a masked woman. He could cause difficulties. Still, she could always retain her mask. She danced with a pleasant gentleman, only because he caused a pleasant spark of appreciation in her body. However, he didn't appear to have the ability to bring the spark high enough to form a flame. She turned aside another gentleman who didn't even attempt polite conversation.
He went straight to the proposition. “Let's find a nice corner so you can suck my cock."
Lifting her chin, she turned her face away. “What an utterly boring suggestion.” Accepting another glass of wine from a passing waiter, she spotted John leaving over the man's arm. She felt wild and giddy inside, and she knew tonight was the night of dreams. This had to be the night she could fulfill some of her fantasies. Perhaps it was only excitement over the fact that she had seen John leave the ball with a lady on his arm. She wouldn't need to wo
rry about him spoiling her evening. Now, she could be as wild as she wished. Rubbing her hand down the line of her hip, she thrilled at the awareness of her sensitized flesh. Her body was more than ready.
"What would please you tonight?” a deep voice queried softly behind her ear, and then warm lips pressed against her neck. A shiver of awareness raced through her body. Now this was a voice that could curl her toes. If his body matched his voice, she had found her lover for the night.
"What do you mean?” Breathless, she turned to face a tall, muscular gentleman in a black mask. He had a delicious looking firm, strong body, just like she wanted. Licking her lips, she gazed at his mouth with unchecked hunger. Tonight, she didn't need to control her desires. They could rage with a blue flame. I would like to have those lips on my body. A delicious scent wafted from him. She inhaled it deeply, almost tasting him on her tongue.
"Inhaling my scent. A necessary part of arousal, don't you agree?"
Standing before her with a satisfied expression, his gaze slid down, caressing her breasts and hips. The cat-like rumble in his voice made her think of an animal on the prowl. He moved with the grace of a stalking predator as he walked slowly to the side, leading her to the location he wanted, all without touching her. He had a natural authority that pleased her. Attempting to appear casual, she followed as willingly as a love-starved puppy, the natural opposite of his prowling cat. Secretly, she was panting like that pup, too.
"Yes, I believe scent is very important,” she whispered, purposely stepping close to his masculine frame as she followed him. It was a light scent, fresh as spring air and as arousing as relaxing naked in the warm sun. Her clit felt as though it was swelling and parting her labia. Shifting her feet, she parted them to ease the pressure. The extra space gave the ache room to increase; it was fuller now, stronger, and deeper in her cunny. A slick feeling revealed that her juices were wetting her opening. Her breath felt heavy and more difficult to draw into her lungs. Tightness formed in her chest, and her breasts tingled with anticipation. The hard pounding of her heart caused the vibrations shaking her body. Anticipation was all the more thrilling when a gentleman made it obvious, with his eyes and the seductive timber of his voice, that he wanted her in his arms, nude and willing beneath his naked body.
