by Aubrey Brown
He kissed her along her breast line. He wanted to move the blasted material of her dress out of his way. Instead, he scraped his teeth against her pale throat. She shivered in response.
Emma thought this was much better than any dream she had fantasized. He was holding her in his arms, he was kissing the life from her, and she was too enthralled to stop him. She would give him anything he wanted. She wanted the same things. She grasped onto his shoulders and dug her nails into his muscles to keep herself upright.
Gabriel gave a curse of frustration. Her breasts were confined by her proper dress. Insane with desire for her, he ripped the neckline open and exposed her naked breasts to the chilly night air. He moaned in gratification as her nipples pebbled. He rained kisses upon her teats as his hand made his way up her skirts to trip along her thigh.
“Please, please,” she moaned.
She must be mad to let this man touch her thus, but she wanted him. She felt her slit warm to his fingers. If she was not careful, she could fall in love with him. She certainly knew she wanted him. She weighed her options in her fogged brain. She was a gently bred lady, who escaped to work for a man who was perceived to be insane. However, she was willing to give her innocence to him without the benefit of marriage.
He came to her wet, hot pussy and groaned to feel she was ready to receive him. He wanted to throw her to the floor and take her upon the rug. He was crazed with lust for her body, and he knew instinctively she wanted his as well. He may not be able to read her mind, but a man knew when a woman wanted him.
He circled her clitoris, and she bucked her hips in need. She wanted to reach for his ballocks, but did not know how to touch him, to please him. He sensed her hesitation and said, “You want to touch my cock. I know you do, however, this is for you, let me please you.”
Emma nodded her head as he began to bring her to an agonizing orgasm. She was ravenous for his touch, his taste. She would have agreed to anything he suggested. She was limp with relief and slight frustration that he would not let her touch him.
Gabriel held her in his arms and felt, for the first time in a very long time, at peace. She brought calm to his life that he had never known, and he found he could relieve her lust without taking her blood, which made him happier tenfold.
Emma raised her eyes to his chocolate brown and moaned when he brought his glistening fingers up to his mouth and licked her cum from them. It was the most erotic action she had ever seen or imagined.
Gabriel smiled at Mercy’s reaction to his tasting of her pussy. She would be an explosive lover.
Chapter Five
When her trembling subsided, she started. “My lord…”
He stopped her with a finger and said, “You are about to tell me that the encounter was a mistake, but I must say I do not feel the same way, and neither should you. We are both adults needing companionship. I enjoy your company, Mercy. Do not spoil it by a postmortem,” he stated.
Emma knew he was right. Being upset by something they both wanted and needed was indeed silly. However, he was her employer. And she could smell herself on his fingers, which made her shake with more need. For Christ’s sake, she could smell her cum on his fingers!
He saw indecision waver in her mind and cursed his inability to read her thoughts. He needed to find out who this woman was and why she was different.
Emma felt a crushing headache coming on. She tried to stand, but found her knees buckle under her.
With an expletive, Gabriel picked her up and disappeared from the room. He rematerialized into Mercy’s room, and then removed Anne from the room.
She is sick, and I need to see to her, Anne.
Aye, my lord, I will be below stairs if ye need me.
“Mercy, Mercy!”
She was unresponsive and pale. He felt for her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief when he found her heart beating, but out of rhythm. Her lungs were trying to keep up with her blood flow. Mercy was sick, and he did not know why.
Gabriel moved her to the bed, and made a decision he knew he would probably someday regret. He bit into his wrist and fed her some of his blood. He knew he had healing properties inside of himself since he was never ill and could at no time die by any human illness. He hoped it would help her.
He would not cross her over to his kind. He would have to drain her of her fresh blood and replace it with that of his deceased blood. He had never let another drink from him, and he prayed to a God that he no longer believed existed to help his Mercy.
He drizzled a little from his wrist to her mouth. She gulped and gasped. Her body began to shake as Gabriel tried to keep her from falling off the bed. He did not hold on too tightly. He did not want to bruise her delicate skin.
The shaking stopped, and the pain seemed to leave her. She rested in a peaceful slumber that brought Gabriel relief. Her heart returned to normal beating, and he felt her mind open slightly, not enough to read any thoughts, but enough to know she was better.
* * * *
The Duke of Greensburg’s estate
His Grace the Duke of Greensburg sat in front of his fire as his eldest daughter held her chest in pain. The girl had become vocal this evening, and she needed to be taught a lesson in knowing her place.
“Leave the room, girl.” As he said it, she fled into the hallway.
The duke took a drink of his port and stared into the fire. It had been days and no sign of Emma. His hand flexed upon the glass until he heard it crack. He downed the rest of the contents and told himself he would find her and marry her and teach her a wife’s place, just as he taught all women to mind their places.
* * * *
The earl’s castle
Much later that night Emma awoke to the earl seated next to her bed. She sat up with a start, and realized any lingering pain from her head was gone, as a matter of fact. She felt alive and invigorated. Better than she had in years really.
“I see you are better, Mercy. You had me worried for a moment,” Gabriel stated.
“Aye, indeed, you did not have to wait in a seated chair, my lord.”
“Bollocks, Mercy. Do not act as if we have had nothing except a passing conversation. We made love in my office. I believe you may call me Gabriel now, at least in private. We need to discuss what happened here tonight and the night you came to my home.”
Emma was surprised by his tone and the vulgar language. She must have hurt his pride.
“I am sorry, Gabriel. I am new to all of this. I have never kissed or let a man touch me before this evening. I have had dreams, but they did not quite compare to the real intimacy.”
“You did not answer my question, tell me what happened tonight,” he insisted.
“I do not know, Gabriel. I have had these crushing headaches since my brother’s death. I supposed it was due to stress, but they have become increasingly worse. Last night was the second time I have fainted from one. It would seem after incredible exertion I get them,” she stated, coloring slightly at the comment.
Gabriel pointed at her head and said, “There is something wrong here. You have had these headaches for a year. That is not simple stress.”
“Tonight is different. I awoke in comfort and not in pain and despair. Perhaps they are becoming better?”
Gabriel said nothing, but knew it was his blood coursing through her veins that aided in her recovery.
“Please tell me who you are, Mercy. I want to help you. However, I cannot unless you tell me.”
She looked into his chocolate-brown eyes and quivered. She could not. “I cannot Gabriel. For it may bring danger.”
“If there is a danger to you, you must tell me. For if there is a danger to you, there is a danger to the children,” he added.
She knew all this. She also knew that this could not last. “I will leave tomorrow morning, my lord.”
“What!” he thundered. “You simply cannot leave your post. The children depend on you, and you have signed paperwork stating that you cannot leave unless I consent, an
d I will not offer my consent.”
She gaped at him. He could not be serious. “Pardon me, my lord. I cannot leave without your consent? I would never sign such a paper.”
“You did, in fact. George would be happy to show you,” he murmured.
She gasped at him. She was so happy to sign the papers, she had not read over them. Rebellion formed in her chest as she looked into his eyes.
“So we are once again employer and employee and not lovers. I do not have to divulge my past to you, and if you see fit you may dismiss me from my post, and I will find employment elsewhere.”
It was lie, but she could not involve him in her affairs. It would not end well, and he may send her back to her father’s care to marry the duke. She held her resolve as Gabriel stood and walked toward the door.
He stopped and stated with finality, “We will dine together and put the children in bed in cooperation. It is your job as the governess to see to the children’s needs.” With that said he walked out of the room.
Emma felt the tears roll down her cheeks before her face touched the pillow.
* * * *
Gabriel heard her tears fall silently. He nearly ran back to the room to take her into his arms, almost.
George, I want you to investigate our new governess. She states she is from Sussex. I do not entirely believe her tale.
Aye, my lord, I will contact Anthony. We shall have the information you seek presently.
Gabriel was so angry that he walked the hallways to his office. He took great satisfaction in slamming the door closed. He was frustrated, aroused, and hungry for blood. He checked the time and noted it was well past midnight. The sun would be rising shortly. He walked over to his glass and realized the blood had been sitting for too long. It had separated.
With an expletive, he willed himself to a local tavern. Gabriel stood in the shadows as a man and a prostitute came from the doorway, drunk and wobbly. Gabriel willed them to him, which was entirely easy since their minds were clouded already. He kept the man in a processed state as he took the woman into his arms and pricked the skin at the base of her neck. With his eyes flashing hellfire, he drank from her. She tasted of blood. However, it was tainted, as if her blood was bad. He backed away from her and took the man into his arms and ended with the same result.
Gabriel released them and found himself standing by the fire listening to Mercy’s even breathing. She was sleeping deeply. He willed himself back into her room and found himself floating above her prone body. Why did Mercy satisfy his hunger when another could not? He was in desperate need for her blood. He felt a raging lust for her body as well. He would not take from her this night. She was still healing. He floated through the hallway and back into his office, where he sat in his chair and listened to her deep, even breathing.
* * * *
Emma awoke the very next morning to no pain in her body, other than her broken heart. She felt that she was penetrating the rough exterior of her employer. However, she was wrong.
“We don’t want to learn our sums today!” Rose screeched.
Emma sighed internally. This child was the most infuriating girl she had ever met.
“Rose, please, dear, we must try to do our lessons for today. Perhaps we could move through this without a complaint?”
Rose sat in her seat, arms crossed, angry and petulant.
“If I were to tell you that you will be eating in the dining hall with your uncle, would that set you to rights?”
“Truly,” she said in wonder.
Her brother sat in his desk waiting for Emma’s reply. “Indeed, Rose. You and James are to be dining with your uncle every evening, provided you mind your manners and continue with your studies.”
At the announcement, Rose bent her head and counted sums, while James continued on. Emma felt immediate relief. She just hoped his lordship would keep his promise from late last night.
The day progressed quite a bit easier than it had since she took on this post. The children were in high spirits and eager to learn. Rose changed her manners as she worked harder than Emma had ever seen her. The day came to a close, and the children ran above stairs to rest and wash before dinner. With these new arrangements, the children would stay up one hour past their usual bedtime, which meant they needed to be on their best behavior.
As Emma made her way down to the dining hall, she met the children at the doorway.
“Now remember your manners and answer any questions your uncle may have.”
As they entered, they noticed the room was empty save some servants. She could see water begin to form at the back of Rose’s eyes. Emma looked to George, and he started toward the small group.
“Your uncle will be in momentarily.” He looked out the window and stated, “In precisely ten minutes.”
This calmed Rose and James was quiet as usual, so Emma tried to engage the boy in conversation. However, every time she spoke the boy tilted his head and lost focus. She stared at the boy and realized he had affection for her. She smiled and shook her head. She was certain it would pass as most adolescent likings did.
As soon as Emma had engaged Rose in topics of childhood games, his lordship entered the room. The children became deathly quiet in his presence. Emma could understand. He was very foreboding.
“Good evening, children. How fare your lessons for today?”
And so it went. The children answered his questions with fervor. Rose looked upon Gabriel as if he was God himself as James showed quiet respect.
“So are you happy with Miss Goodwin?” he asked.
Emma slowed her eating for she was ravenous as well as thirsty. She waited in quiet desperation as Rose and James sat completely still.
“Aye, Uncle, she is the best governess I have ever had,” James inserted with pure adoration written on his face.
Gabriel looked to the boy and felt a moment of jealousy. James was clearly infatuated with Mercy. He shook his head at the ridiculous thought. He had nothing to fear from his adoptive son. The boy was experiencing his first brush with finding a woman attractive.
“Very good, children, I am pleased to report that Miss Goodwin has had nothing but fantastic things to say about you as well. However, you must mind your manners and continue with your studies.”
“Miss Goodwin said if we were to continue with our work as completely as we have been, you will dine with us each night. Is this true?” Rose asked, hope shining in her eyes.
Gabriel looked to Emma, who colored under his gaze. The governess had been making bargains with the children.
“Indeed, Rose, certainly. Be mindful of that fact every day while you are in the schoolroom,” he stated.
“We shall, Uncle Gabriel. We shall,” James inserted.
And so the supper passed with no incident. The children were gay with glee that their reclusive uncle was dining with them. Emma was quiet during the meal, only stating quick yes-and-no answers. She could feel the heat of her employer’s gaze upon her body. Her betraying spine sent shivers of tiny pleasure through her system. Her dreams did not compare to his hot and lusty mouth. He was a masterful lover, who knew how to please his lady. Her body still slightly ached. She knew she was still a pure woman for she felt no pain, and she did not bleed after their encounter. She was a gently bred lady of a marriageable age.
As her mind wandered, supper had come to a halt; it was time for the children to retire to bed.
“Miss Goodwin, Uncle Gabriel has been trying to claim your attention for a while,” James stated.
“Oh dear, I apologize. I was lost in thought,” she replied.
“I wonder of what you were thinking?” Gabriel asked.
Emma refused to make eye contact with the devilish earl, lest she gave away her true feelings. She stated that they were to act in the capacity of employer and employee. She did not want to entice the earl with ideas, to the contrary. She needed the sanctuary of this position. She could not risk her father or the duke coming here.
The g
roup stood and began the journey to the nursery. The children were immediately placed into sleepwear as the adults waited. When they retired to their beds and were given wishes of good sleep, the earl walked out of the room with Emma.
Chapter Six
Emma’s fast-paced walk was easily kept by Gabriel. It was as if the man floated on the very air. Feeling strange with extreme desire, she ignored the charming rogue.
“That was quite an evening, Mercy. I believe you may have the children well in hand even though you have them behaving by way of a slight manipulation,” he teased.
Sighing inwardly, Emma said, “I did not manipulate them. I explained that if they were to do good work you would dine with them. The arrangement was and still is if they are to behave, they may eat with you, if they misbehave, they will be sent to bed early without supper, is that not correct?” she asked.
Enlightenment came to the earl’s eyes at her words. “You are very clever, Mercy.”
“Please, address me by Miss Goodwin. As I stated last evening, we are employer and employee. No more intimacy shall pass between us while I am in your hire. It is best that way. We should have never engaged in any type of sexual activity together.”
Gabriel remained deathly silent as she came upon her door.
“Have a pleasant rest of your evening, my lord,” she stated as she opened her door.
As she went to walk through, he leaned in against her back, which made her shiver, and whispered, “Pleasant dreams, Miss Goodwin. I am sure I will have the enjoyable evening you wished for me.” With that said he let her cross the threshold and close the door.
She stayed her back against the cold hard wood. Emma fell in over her head. The earl was devastatingly handsome, and he seemed to find her attractive. She tasted desire at his lips, and she longed for more. Her heart beat quickly at the thought of his hands upon her breasts again. She quivered and moved into the room. She hoped she could sleep tonight without images of her employer touching her, bringing her to an incredible orgasm, tasting her cum upon his fingers.
