Persuading Prudence

by Liz Cole

  Pleasure soon receded into a pleasant afterglow and she collapsed against him, a strange sense of belonging as he held her securely against him enveloping her. If only she could believe he would always want her this way – never become like her father and tire of her. But she couldn’t trust he wouldn’t grow tired of her. If only things wouldn’t change; then she could be free to love him.

  ***

  The next morning, Amanda arrived early and, along with Victoria, dragged Prudence out on an all day shopping spree. By the end of the day, Prudence’s feet ached and she was more exhausted than she could recall in recent memory.

  “Perhaps tomorrow, we will decide on a gown for your wedding,” Amanda suggested after they returned home and made their way to the sitting room for tea.

  Honestly, Prudence thought, did the woman ever tire of clothes shopping? Prudence had certainly had enough for the foreseeable future.

  “I don’t even want to think about fabrics and lace and whether the neckline is too high or too low for at least a week,” Prudence complained collapsing in a most unladylike manner in a comfortable chair. Victoria and Amanda seemed as fresh and energetic as they had when they departed that morning, Prudence observed crossly.

  Victoria eyed Prudence with sympathy. “I do suppose you are unaccustomed to the amount of activity we heaped on you today. In a day or two, we can see about acquiring some fashion plates to look over until you feel recovered enough to visit some more shops. In the meantime,” she continued, pouring Amanda and Prudence their tea and handing them their cups, “we can discuss the guest list – but not today,” she amended when Prudence crossed her eyes in exasperation. “I think we have gotten a fair start with ordering your new wardrobe.”

  “Thank you, cousin.” Prudence sent the older woman a grateful smile. “I would appreciate the chance to relax for the remainder of the day.”

  “Well, I for one would think you would be bubbling over with excitement and full of ideas for making everything perfect. I know I was when Christopher proposed,” Amanda remarked as she added sugar to her tea.

  “Oh, hush your nonsense,” the countess admonished her stepdaughter, her tone devoid of real censure. “Every woman is different. Can’t you see the poor gel is exhausted?” She reached over and patted Prudence’s hand reassuringly. “I shudder to think what she’ll put a daughter of hers through when it comes time for her to marry. You would think she were planning her own wedding again the way she is carrying on so.”

  Prudence chuckled at Amanda’s look of effrontery and abject denial. “Oh, let her get it out of her system. Besides, I am happy to have both of your help in planning my wedding. It would appear I am not cut out to organize such an extravagant event. I would be happy with a small church wedding and a handful of guests, but I understand as a future countess, I need to get used to such elaborate affairs.”

  “Indeed,” agreed Victoria, “and I believe that first on the agenda should be your betrothal ball. Don’t worry,” she rushed to reassure Prudence. “Amanda and I will do most of the planning, but you should be heavily involved, you could do with the practice.”

  “I agree completely,” Amanda chimed in.

  “Then it is settled, tomorrow after breakfast, we will meet here and discuss the guest list and other details.”

  “That sounds agreeable.” Prudence tried to sound more excited at the prospect than she truly felt at the moment. Changing the subject she said, “So, Amanda, how is poor Cecil doing?”

  ***

  Kolton signaled for his carriage to stop a couple of blocks from Lady Whenton’s townhouse. It was time for him to end his affair with the pretty widow now that he was to be wed.

  He exited the coach and ordered the driver to circle the block until he returned and made his way to Helena’s door. It opened immediately at his knock. The butler showed him into the sitting room.

  Helena entered the room moments later. She looked fetching in her light blue morning gown, which matched her eyes to perfection, her blond curls piled atop her head artfully as she glided over to him, reaching out both hands for him to take.

  “Kolton, my darling, it has been far too long since we were last together,” she cooed as he lifted one hand and bent over, kissing the air above it. “Did you enjoy your trip to Bath with your sister and your cousin?” Her voice didn’t reflect much interest, Kolton observed, as she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting her face for a kiss.

  “I quite enjoyed myself, thank you for asking,” he replied taking hold of her wrists and stepping out of her embrace. “As a matter of fact, something has come up as a result that I wished to discuss with you.”

  “We can talk later,” Helena pouted, stepping closer and attempting to wrap her arms around him again, frowning with impatience when he stayed her attempt once again.

  “Helena, I came here to talk. Only talk,” he stated firmly setting her aside.

  “Since when have you wanted only to talk when you visit me?” she chided, giving him a sultry wink.

  True. Talking had never been one of their more active pursuits when they were alone together. His relationship with her suddenly seemed shallow on both their parts. Neither of them had taken the time to get to know each other except physically, which had suited him just fine in the past, but now struck him as a bit debauched.

  “Since I have become an engaged man, my dear.” He lowered his voice, hoping to soften the shock his unexpected news would bring.

  “What?” Helena stepped back and stared at him, her jaw dropping in astonishment. “Engaged?”

  “Yes. To Lady Prudence,” he confirmed.

  “To your cousin– ?”

  “My stepmother’s second cousin, yes,” he corrected.

  Helena’s shocked expression changed to one of relieved amusement. “Lord Ravensbrook, I believe you are having fun with me,” she said with a tinkling laugh. “Shame on you. I find your humor not at all favorable.”

  “This is no joke, Helena. I am engaged to Lady Prudence.”

  A spark of indignation flashed in her eyes, quickly masked by a look full of hurt. Kolton felt a prickle of unease at the quick turnabout of emotion she displayed, but quickly dismissed it. She was allowed to be upset. He had, after all, sprung this on her without warning.

  “This is so sudden,” she replied in a tearful voice. “I thought we had an understanding. Why would you hurt me this way?”

  “Understanding?” he said raising a surprised brow. Where had she gotten that idea?

  “Yes. We have attended functions together. Everyone assumes we are courting, of course.”

  If he had realized she had become emotionally invested in the relationship, he would have ended it months ago. He thought he’d made it quite clear he was not looking for marriage with her, and thought she felt the same. Helena was a beautiful woman and creative in bed, but other than enjoying their physical relationship, there was really nothing they shared in common.

  “Helena, I am sorry if your friends have gotten the wrong impression,” he said gentling his voice. “Yes, we attended a few plays and have gone to the opera a time or two – even danced at various balls and parties, but marriage? I thought you understood in the beginning what I sought was not a life-long affair. You seemed comfortable with our arrangement then. I apologize if I somehow gave you the idea things had changed.”

  “So you plan to ruin me by marrying someone else?” she asked tremulously, tears making their way down her face. “I never knew you could be so cold.”

  This struck Kolton as a bit overly dramatic. “I find it difficult to believe you will suffer socially if I marry. I am sorry you feel that way but, the fact is, I am marrying Lady Prudence.”

  A scowl marred her lovely brow, her lips forming a thin line, her tears apparently forgotten. Kolton steeled himself for a scathing retort, but her expression suddenly changed; the frown disappeared, her shoulders dropping in defeat. “I understand,” she said with a martyred sigh. “But, te
ll me what made you decide to marry now? And Lady Prudence of all people? I never thought she was someone you would ever consider suitable.”

  Kolton gave Lady Whenton an arched look. “Suitable? Why wouldn’t I consider Lady Prudence suitable?” He kept his tone carefully neutral, but his former lover appeared not to notice the sudden chill that entered his voice.

  “Well,” Lady Whenton clasped her hands behind her back, subtly—or not so subtly, in his opinion—showing off the slim figure he had once found quite arousing. “You have to admit that she is not your usual type.”

  This pricked Kolton more than a little. No, he’d never looked twice at Pru, as a potential lover or a potential wife. The fact others possibly viewed her the same way made him angry at his own lack of substance as well as theirs.

  Though he felt his blood begin to boil, he kept his face a mask of pleasant inquiry. “My usual type? And what might that be?”

  “You know.” She waived a hand in a helpless gesture.

  “Beautiful, intriguing, perhaps possessing a body men would salivate over, and women envy? She is all that and more,” he informed her in a tone which dared her to contradict him.

  Helena’s eyes widened, her expression clearly indicating she thought he’d gone mad.

  “I-I suppose I should offer my congratulations.” She looked at him through lowered lashes, her lips forming a small, disappointed pout that made her appear both angelic and subtly alluring. It was a look that had gotten Helena her way on more than one occasion. It stirred nothing in him now but annoyance at her obvious attempt at manipulation. “Would it be asking too much for one last kiss goodbye?” She asked, stepping closer and placing her hands against his chest as she tilted her head back expectantly.

  What did she hope to gain by such a thing? Did she want to lure him into bed? Think she could change his mind? If that was what she was hoping for, she would be sadly disappointed.

  Kolton clasped her wrists and set her away from him. “I am afraid it would. I am engaged; and I intend to be faithful, both before and after my marriage,” he replied firmly.

  Lady Whenton stared at him, her expression conveying an equal measure of disbelief and shock, her pale skin reddening perceptibly.

  Kolton pulled out his watch and looked at the time, eager to be on his way. “I should be going; I have several appointments this afternoon which I am afraid I cannot miss.”

  “Of course,” she replied distractedly. “Let me show you out.”

  “No need, my lady, I know the way.”

  Chapter Twelve

  The light scratching on her door at midnight was not a total surprise to Prudence; she’d half expected Kolton to seek her out after the way his smoldering eyes had caressed her throughout dinner.

  She got out of bed, placing the book she had been reading aside, and padded to the door, opening it enough for Kolton to slip in before closing it silently behind him.

  “You really shouldn’t be here,” Prudence chastened him softly, though secretly thrilled he was.

  “You honestly expect me to possess the self-restraint required to stay away from you, my dear?” he replied seriously as he crossed the room and set a small box on her nightstand.

  “I am afraid you must for the time being, my lord,” she informed him with more than a little regret. “What have you there?” she asked, motioning toward her nightstand.

  “We can discuss that later,” he replied with a frown. “Why must I restrain myself ‘for the time being’ as you suggest?”

  “I am not pregnant. But I would prefer not have to present ‘tangible proof’ as you have requested in the past.”

  Her explanation was blunt, and it was clear the information disappointed him. It disappointed her as well, but her overall relief at not being pregnant far outweighed any frustration over being denied the chance to make love with Kolton.

  “I see,” he said, his eyes running longingly over her body. “Well, I suppose that settles that.”

  Prudence couldn’t help but smile at his downcast expression. “I am sorry, Kolton,” she said sincerely. “I admit I, too, am a bit disappointed, but can I not be of some help with your state of frustration?” She closed the short distance between them and slid her arm around him. Moving her other hand inside his dressing gown, she and grasped his half erect member. The thought of bringing him to climax was an arousing thought. She would enjoy it, even if she couldn’t be pleasured in return. Kolton sucked in his breath as she wrapped her fingers around his growing erection and stroked it suggestively.

  “I wouldn’t dream of taking my pleasure without offering the same in return,” he replied huskily.

  “It would give me great pleasure, my lord, to take you in my mouth and watch you come for me.”

  He groaned. The look of tortured lust on his face sending a spike of excitement through her lower belly.

  “Wouldn’t you like me to pleasure you that way, Kolton? I believe you would,” she said seductively as she squeezed his now fully engorged penis.

  “Yes,” he hissed, “I would like that very much.”

  Smiling at her easy victory, she gave his shoulder a little push and he sat himself on the bed.

  ***

  Kolton felt a twinge of guilt at not being able to return the favor she offered. But, he vowed to himself, he would reciprocate ten-fold when he was able.

  “I thought we had more time before nature interrupted our lovemaking.”

  Pru blushed charmingly at his question. Ironic really, he thought smiling to himself, as she was currently lowering herself between his spread thighs.

  “I am sometimes early,” she replied shyly. She looked away; obviously uncomfortable with discussing such an intimate topic.

  “How would you like me to start?” she asked, changing the subject.

  Kolton closed his eyes with a groan as she parted his robe and used both hands to stroke both his cock and the heavy sacs hanging below. He opened his eyes and sent her a heated look. “I want you to part your gown and bare your breasts while you take me into your mouth.”

  Without hesitation she unlaced the front of her nightgown, baring her breathtaking mounds to his eager gaze. She smiled seductively and reached for him once again, leaning close and giving his shaft a long, slow lick.

  His breathing matched his racing heartbeat as he watched her. “Wait,” he said sliding back on the bed and propping himself up against the headboard with some pillows then reaching out his hand to her, urging her to join him.

  She did and immediately went back to what she had been doing. She ran the flat of her tongue along his length, leaving no part except his tip untouched. It felt delicious, but he was eager for her to draw him into her mouth. He groaned and flexed his hips, hoping she would understand what he sought.

  She didn’t take him into her mouth, but moved to lap at the head, her pink tongue tracing the circumference and darting out to poke at the little slit at the top. He growled in frustration and slid his hands under her arms, dragging her toward him so he could ravage her mouth. Her lips parted at once and his tongue took immediate advantage, plunging between them into her sweet warmth. She responded eagerly, her tongue dueling with his before they broke apart, both breathless.

  “You are driving me insane,” he growled. “Take me in your mouth before I expire from your sweet torture.”

  She smiled alluringly. “As you wish, my lord,” she replied saucily and slid down his body, letting her breasts rub along his chest, slowing as they reached his cock. She brushed a nipple down its length before positioning herself again between his legs.

  ***

  Prudence watched Kolton’s face, wanting to see his reaction to her wanton behavior. She was not disappointed with what she saw. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flared, and his eyes burned with molten heat as he watched her. A wave of purely feminine power washed over her. This stunningly handsome man was on the edge of control because of her. Her. Prudence. She wanted to hear him moan with pleasure and call o
ut her name when he reached his release, taste his essence just as he had tasted hers.

  She cradled his heavy sacks in one hand, massaging them gently as she took his hard arousal in the other, placed a hot, wet kiss on the tip, and trailed her tongue along the underside.

  He groaned and bucked his hips. “God, Pru! Stop torturing me,” he panted, gripping the bed sheets so tight she would not have been surprised to hear them tear any moment.

  She wanted to see how far she could push him, but decided to wait for another time. Placing another hot kiss on the head of his cock, she tightened her lips, sucking strongly as she took him into her mouth.

  A strangled sound came from his throat and his legs trembled. She glanced at his face. He’d thrown back his head, his eyes tightly shut as he gritted his teeth, his chest rising and falling rapidly with his labored breathing.

  Prudence felt more aroused than she ever imagined she could be without Kolton’s touch. She wanted more: to bring him more pleasure than he’d ever known, the thought exciting her beyond measure. She took more of his length into her mouth until she felt him hit the back of her throat and swallowed reflexively. His hips gave a sudden jerk and he let loose a guttural moan.

  That was what she wanted.

  She began pumping his shaft with her hand, coordinating her movements with her mouth as she glided his cock in and out of her mouth. She felt his body stiffen and instinctively knew he was close. She stopped, not ready to let him finish just yet.

  ***

  “Good God, Pru,” he cried hoarsely, “don’t stop, not now!” Kolton rocked his hips in a desperate attempt to reach the peak that was just out of reach. She released him, pressing down on his thighs with both hands, forcing him to still his movements.

  “I’m not ready for you to finish yet,” she said breathlessly.

  “By God, Pru, if you don’t finish this, woman’s flux or not, I will throw you on your back and take you!” he promised, with complete sincerity.

  Her eyes flared with excitement, and she returned her attention to his straining member. He watched her take him in her mouth again, the hot, wet feel of her opening engulfing him. The brief delay had slowed his approaching orgasm and, as she worked him with her mouth and hands, he felt the pressure slowly build once again. He rocked his hips, adding the friction he needed to drive him straight to the edge where he hovered on the brink.