“Yeah, nothing life-threatening, but they’ll both be on the sidelines for a bit.” His emotionless tone doesn’t fool me. The tension in his shoulders and the scowl on his face tells me he cares about what happened to his men far more than he is letting on.
This journey to Sydney cannot get here soon enough. Encounters with OSP are getting worse by the day. One of my biggest fears is that someone is not going to live long enough to truly be free. My greatest fear of all is that someone will be Howard.
***
Christmas morning, I sit up in bed to find Howard still sleeping soundly beside me.
I take a few moments to appreciate his peaceful good looks. You would never guess he carries the weight of so many on his shoulders. I count my blessings every day that some higher power thought to bring such a wonderful man into my life.
His breathing starts to pick up and his eyelids flutter a little. He’s waking and I’m kind of glad, because I was about two seconds away from attacking him with my lips regardless of whether he’s awake or not.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning, my love.” My voice sounds husky and still half asleep. “Did you sleep well?”
“I always sleep well with you beside me.”
The cheeky devil always says the right thing, so I reward him with a passionate kiss. He has none of it when I try to pull away to catch my breath but increases the intensity of the kiss instead. It’s one of those toe-curling ones, the type I feel in every nerve of my body and makes me feel like I’ve been set on fire.
“Merry Christmas,” he says in a breathy moan when he finally breaks our embrace.
“Merry Christmas indeed,” I giggle.
“You know what would make it an even merrier Christmas?”
“No, what?”
He doesn’t answer my question, instead pulling me up so that I straddle him. Then he slides his hands under my shirt.
“Oh my . . . so good.” The feel of his hands against my skin is intense, sending my arousal skyrocketing. There is a playful smirk on his face, and I want nothing more than to let him do whatever it is he is thinking of doing, but we don’t have time.
I put my hands on his, stilling the motion, and pull them out from under my shirt. He whimpers like a wounded animal and even pouts to top it off.
“We don’t have time.” I look at the clock. “We both have to be bathed, dressed, and present for breakfast in forty-five minutes.”
“There is a way that we can save time.” I can tell he is up to no good by the devilish smirk on his face, though there’s a hint of hesitance in there as well.
Against my better judgement I ask, “How?”
“We could bathe together.”
I’m both shocked and excited by his words. The thought of being naked with him in the bath is extremely enticing and would definitely be a move forward in our relationship.
Deciding to see if I can beat him at his own game, I say, “Only if you wash me with your bare hands.”
Howard is up and out of bed quicker than I ever thought possible, and after making sure we both have robes and a clean change of clothes in hand, he drags me off to the bathhouse, making sure no one sees us entering together.
Once inside, he fills the bath with two buckets of boiling water from the urn, then tops it up with cold from the tap until the water is the right temperature. He adds a few soap flakes, and then turns his attention to me.
I should probably be scared or hesitant about what is about to happen but I’m not. I want this. There is a firestorm of arousal raging inside me, and I am sure Howard is the only one who can tame it.
With slow, skilled fingers he removes my robe and then my shirt. He stops for a second to admire my form, and it makes me a little happy to see him so captivated by me. He shakes his head as if to bring himself out of his stupor, then slowly slides down my pyjama bottoms, leaving me completely bare before him.
“Stunning,” he whispers before he starts removing his own clothes.
I stop him. “That’s my job.” It’s only fair if he removed mine, I should get to remove his.
The good thing about my turn is that he sleeps shirtless, so I only have to remove his robe and his pants. I untie the belt holding his robe closed and it immediately falls open. Starting at his waist, I run my hands up the vast expanse of his torso until I reach his shoulders. Sliding my hands inside his robe, I push it off his shoulders and run my hands all the way down his arms until the robe falls to a pile at his feet. Though I have seen him shirtless countless times, it never fails to render me speechless.
I run my hands down his chest until they are resting at the waistband of his pyjamas. I would have to be blind not to notice the tent in his pants, but as much as I want to touch him, I don’t. I’ll have my chance soon enough.
Aware that I am prolonging the torture for both of us, I swiftly remove his bottoms, trying hard not to notice his hardness practically staring me in the face.
Once he is free of all his clothing, he pulls me close, his mouth crashing into mine, hard and possessive. His tongue claims my mouth while his fingers hold my hips so tight it almost borders on pain. With so much of our skin touching, I’m lost in the moment and quite happy to remain that way. Howard is the voice of reason this time, though, breaking the kiss before stepping into the bath.
Once he is seated, he offers his hand to help me in, guiding me to sit between his legs with my back resting against his chest. I never imagined that sitting in a bath with another person could feel so heavenly, but the soft caress of the water and the heat of his skin against mine are beyond words.
When he starts to wash me with his soapy hands, I am adrift in an ocean of bliss. Every touch only serves to stoke the fire inside me. I’m so on edge I might explode at any moment.
“Ahh,” I moan, unable to keep quiet as he rubs my breasts. I’m beyond caring if anyone hears us; I just want to revel in the pleasure he is providing.
I can tell he is enjoying washing me, too, because his hardness is pressing firmly against my back and I can feel him moving his hips every now and then.
Just when I’m sure I can’t take any more teasing, he finally trails his hand to where I desperately need it.
“Yes, yes, yes!” I cry out. His gentle touch is pure ecstasy.
Knowing this feeling inside me is building quickly and wanting Howard to feel good, too, I muster all the courage I can and slide a hand behind my back. The almost growl-like groan Howard emits when I cup my hand around his hardness is all the reassurance I need.
Slowly we move together, each of us working to bring the other as much pleasure as possible.
Just when I think I’m going to die if I don’t climax soon, Howard inserts two fingers inside me. That, combined with his moaned “I love you,” sends me crashing into oblivion.
Wave after wave of utter bliss courses through my body. I feel Howard groan and slump forward, his body shuddering beneath mine.
“Thank you,” he whispers in my ear, pulling me tight against him.
“You’re welcome, though I feel it should be me thanking you.”
He chuckles then peppers kisses over my shoulders. “Come on, we should probably wash up for real. I reckon we’ve been in here far longer than is acceptable.”
***
When we finally return from the bathhouse, I head into the kitchen to see if Mum and Rhonda need a hand while Howard joins the others in the dining room.
I am barely in there two seconds when Mum says, “Things between you and Howard seem to be going well.”
I can’t stop the way my ears flame in embarrassment. “Maybe” is all I can say in reply.
“I don’t think there is any ‘maybe’ about it,” Rhonda interjects. “I saw you two sneaking into the washhouse together this morning.”
Now I am outright ashamed of my behaviour. I’m fairly sure my entire body is blushing in mortification.
“Oh, don’t be so sensitive,” Mum says as she pulls me into a hug.
“We have all been where you are right now. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Matter of fact, your dad and I still regularly pleasure one another.”
“Eww, Mum, I do not want to hear about what you and Dad do in the bedroom.”
“Fine,” she says, raising her hands. “But I am sure Rhonda will agree when I say that if you think things are good now, they only improve with age.”
“Oh my word, I cannot listen to you any longer. I am going to see what the kids are doing.”
I head out in search of the children and find them playing Go Fish in the lounge.
“Can I join in?” I ask.
“Of course,” Claire says as she shuffles over to make room for me. “Have you played Go Fish before?”
“I have, but a long time ago, when I was little like you.”
“Wow, that is a really long time ago, then.” I try hard not to be offended; I’m sure to her six years of age I seem ancient. “Do you want to know the rules?”
I listen intently as she explains the rules, and I’m happy they have not changed over the years. They finish the hand that they are on and then deal me in. We manage to get three rounds in before we are called to the table for breakfast. On my way there, Howard sneaks up and wraps his arms around me from behind.
“You are going to be an excellent mother someday,” he whispers in my ear and then pulls a chair out for me to sit.
I had no idea he was watching me play cards with the kids, but it makes my heart flutter at the thought that maybe he wants me to be the mother of his children.
Before we eat, Anthony leads the table in the Lord’s Prayer. The words are unfamiliar, but I bow my head and clasp my hands together as the rest of them do.
“Dig in,” Anthony says when he is finished.
Breakfast is delicious, and the table is abuzz with chatter as everyone eats. I thank my mum and Rhonda for the wonderful job, and there is a chorus of “hear, hear” from everyone else.
After breakfast, the kids head out to play with some other children while the adults lounge around, replete after the huge meal.
“Take a walk with me?” Howard asks.
Without hesitation, I hook my arm through his and let him lead the way. I’m not sure how long we walk, but we finally stop in a secluded part of the cavern.
We sit down on a rock that’s almost shaped like a chair, and Howard pulls something out of his pocket.
“I know we aren’t exchanging gifts this Christmas, but . . .” He hands me a little brown package. “I made you this. I hope you like it.”
Inside the package is a gorgeous necklace. The chain is made of leather, woven in an intricate braid pattern, with a beautiful pink heart-shaped pendant dangling from it.
“It’s beautiful,” I say as I kiss him in thanks. “Could you put it on me?”
I hand him the necklace and turn so that my back is to him. Sliding the necklace into place, he closes the clasp.
“I wanted you to have something that reminds you how much I love you.” He peppers kisses along my shoulders and up my neck. “You have my heart; take good care of it.”
I turn and practically launch myself into his lap, kissing him fiercely, hoping he can feel my love for him through the kiss.
“I love you so much,” I declare. “And I promise I will take good care of both your hearts.”
We make out for a little while longer before Howard says, “We should be getting back or they’ll be sending out a search party for us.”
Reluctantly we break apart, but the look on his face tells me he’ll make up for it later.
The rest of the day seems to be an exercise in control. As much fun as it is spending the day with family without the usual worries, Howard seems to have taken it upon himself to tease me mercilessly. His casual touches are driving me wild—his hand caressing my thigh under the dinner table or pulling me in for a quick kiss when no one is looking. I am so worked up by the end of the day that I am close to throwing all decorum out the window and jumping him right then and there.
When everyone starts saying their good nights, I am ecstatic. Howard stands and pulls me to my feet.
“Good night, everyone,” he says, practically dragging me out of the room.
We barely make it to the end of the hall before we are all over one another. He pushes me against the wall hard and fast, his hands everywhere yet never quite touching where I want them to. He kisses his way from my collarbone towards my lips, each kiss hard yet gentle. For a brief second it enters my mind that there might be a mark later, but those thoughts disappear the moment his lips claim mine.
His need for me is potent and, like any drug, I just can’t get enough. We both seem to have been holding back in our previous interactions and are finally letting loose. I claw at his clothes, trying to ground myself by holding on to him but also wanting desperately to rid him of them.
Understanding what I am trying to do, Howard pulls away from my embrace for a brief second to yank his shirt over his head. It is in this brief second of separation that I gather my wits a little.
“Bedroom, please.”
It would be extremely embarrassing if we were caught in flagrante in the hallway.
Howard picks me up and darts into our room, kicking the door shut behind us and setting me down on the edge of our bed. It appears the brief reprieve has allowed Howard to gather his wits as well, and his previously lustful looks are now full of concern. Kneeling in front of me, he takes both my hands in his.
“If this isn’t what you want, you need to tell me now.”
His caring words only make my heartbeat race and my desire for him increase. “Howard, there is nothing more I want to do right now than to make love to you. Please, show me you love me.”
His face lights up with a beautiful smile, and his lips meet mine again. This time the frenzied nature is gone. This kiss is soft and slow, almost worshipful, which turns me on just as much.
I am so lost in his kiss that I don’t even notice he is unbuttoning my shirt until the cool air hits my skin. The electric feel of his gentle caress sends another pulse of arousal coursing through me, and I can’t help but arch my body towards him in offering.
After removing my shirt and bra, he takes advantage of my offer, his mouth working its way down, starting at my chin and kiss by kiss getting lower until I can feel him at the waist of my pants. He looks at me with an unmistakeable question in his expression.
“Don’t stop.” The need to have his mouth on me is foreign but intoxicating at the same time.
He undoes my pants and, as eager to get them off as he is, I reach down to help him push them over my hips. Once my pants and undies are gone, I help rid Howard of his. Though I have seen him naked before, in this instant he is nothing but magnificent. His skin is flushed pink with passion, his manhood is standing tall and proud, and his muscles are filled with tension as if he is going to pounce on me at any moment.
A moan escapes my lips at the thought of him pouncing on me. I suspect the look I give him conveys how I feel, because two seconds later he is hovering over me like he is ready to devour me.
With a brief nod, I let him know I’m willing, and devour me he does. There is barely an inch of skin left untouched. His kisses and caresses are little sparks that only intensify the fire burning inside me. He moves his hand between us and down, massaging the spot that he is so adept at using to bring me pleasure. I am fairly sure that at any given moment he could make me explode if he wanted to, but he seems content to keep me teetering on the edge, never falling over.
“Please!” I beg, hoping he understands what I’m begging for.
There’s an almost evil glint in his eyes, but there is something enticing about it, too.
“You are so beautiful,” Howard murmurs.
I whimper in reply, too blissed out to give a proper answer.
Looking at me with a mixture of lust and concern, he says, “I need you, Beth. Please.”
I answer with a quick nod, then pull him in
for a kiss, hoping he can feel my passion for him.
“I love you, so much.” His words are almost like a prayer.
Slowly he pushes his way inside me. He fills me, stretching me full, and it is so good. I keep my eyes on his, anchoring myself so I don’t get lost in the sensation. His gaze is so full of love and lust that it is almost overwhelming.
Needing to kiss him, I grab his neck and pull him to me. He is more than willing to do what I ask, and when my lips meet his, it’s like I am suddenly complete, connected to him in every way possible.
Having him inside me but not moving is maddening. Hoping to spur him into action, I put my legs around his waist and buck my hips.
“Oh God,” he cries out, putting a hand on my hips to still them. “Just give me a sec, please.”
I do as he asks, but while I wait, I kiss him, lavishing my attention anywhere I can reach. I am caught off guard when he finally starts to move. I cry out, not able to contain the pleasure. I never knew anything could feel like this, and with each thrust, it only gets better and better.
With my arms and legs wrapped around him, it’s like I am hanging on for dear life, like if I let go I am going to explode into a million pieces. Howard is the only thing holding me together.
He moves with more intensity, groaning softly in my ear with each thrust. I shudder and moan in answer as the new pace inches me closer to my peak. Howard grips my hip tightly, pressing up on his other elbow until we’re eye to eye. Then, as if he’s reading my mind, he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Let go, beautiful.”
It’s as if I have no choice but to obey.
“Howard!” I cry out as a tidal wave of ecstasy washes over me.
Barely a second later he calls out my name as he shudders inside me.
“I love you,” we both say at the same time. After kissing me soundly, he collapses on the bed beside me.
I lie and bask in the satiated feeling. Never have I felt as content as I do right now.
Howard pulls me tight against his side, and I huddle in safe in his arms. “Merry Christmas,” he whispers, tucking my hair behind my ear.
Merry Christmas indeed. This may be the best one ever.
Matronly Duties Page 25
