by Tracy Kay
“You can tell me, honey,” Nicholas encouraged her, waiting for her to tell him what was causing her anxiety.
“My wifely duty,” Joselyn blurted out, turning red. With his raised eyebrows, she quickly clarified. “Our joining. I don’t particularly like it, Nicholas. I have been with several men and I can tolerate the act, but I have never found it pleasant.”
“Ah.” Giving her hands a squeeze, he reassured her. “Joselyn, honey, sex should not be unpleasant, not if it is done right, and I promise I will do it right. I have a good deal of experience, don’t you know.” He grinned with self-confidence and gave her a wink.
“Can we do it now and get it over with?” She pleaded with wide, brown eyes. She didn’t want to make love with him, but maybe if she did, she would know what to expect from him and could put her fears aside. With most of her affairs, she had been able to hold off the men until she had no choice but to perform the revolting act. Fortunately, with many of her conquests, she had been able to withdraw from the relationship before it had gotten to that point. But a marriage, that was different and she didn’t think Nicholas would be so easily avoided.
“Whoa, what a question.” Nicholas was astonished. “No, Joselyn, we can’t make love now, not unless you agree to marry me,” he proclaimed steadfastly.
“But if I don’t like it?” She enjoyed his kisses, but she couldn’t marry him if she couldn’t endure his more intimate touch. It wasn’t fair to him and eventually he would end up finding someone else to fulfill his needs.
“You will like it.” He smiled reassuringly and lifted her chin to look at him.
She gazed into his blue eyes and melted. He was so sure of himself and so compelling. He almost made her believe him. She knew marriage with Nicholas wouldn’t always be easy, but she didn’t have many choices left to her. Nicholas had wealth and a title. He was handsome and she knew she couldn’t do any better. Joselyn nodded her head. “I will marry you.”
“Because you love me?” Nicholas teased, knowing that love would come later for them.
“I will let you know after we, you know,” she shyly teased in return.
Nicholas laughed, stood up, drew her into his arms, and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, meant to reassure her, but when she wrapped her arms around his neck, it turned into something more passionate. His fingers adeptly unfastened her gown as he began kissing her neck. Joselyn tilted her head, giving him better access. Nicholas trailed kisses up her neck, across her cheek, and back to her lips. He kissed her gently and gradually deepened the kiss, drawing her in and overwhelming her senses. Her gown fell into a puddle at her feet, along with her corset moments later. Nicholas pulled her tight against him, deepening the kiss further. Before she could catch her breath, Nicholas slipped off her chemise and stepped back to admire her.
“I know they are small,” Joselyn said shyly, trying to cover her small breasts.
Nicholas captured both of her hands in one of his. “You are beautiful.” He kissed her again, lightly massaging her breast with his free hand. When he deepened the kiss, he flicked her nipple and she gasped, arching towards him. He released her hands and she wrapped her arms around him as he bent his head, dragging his lips down her neck and over her collarbone. His hand gripped her hip, drawing her in close as he slowly placed kisses across her chest. He licked and nipped at her puckered, dusty rose tipped bud with his mouth while his talented fingers plucked and squeezed at her other breast.
When Nicholas felt her body go lax, he picked her up, laid her on the bed, and quickly removed his breeches. Nicholas’ mouth went back to her breasts to flick the sensitive nipples with his tongue, again and again. Deliberately, he made his way downward. His hands constantly moved over her, caressing and tantalizing her. He lapped at her belly and navel giving her little bites each time she groaned. He leisurely explored every inch of her, paying close attention to her every reaction and observing what touches made her breathless. He gradually spread her legs and lightly ran his fingertips through springy, red hair, smiling at her gasp from the sensations he caused. He trailed his hand across her legs, paying tribute to supple thighs and calves. Taking his time, he kissed and stroked his way back upward, making sure he spent equal time on each leg.
When he reached her inner thigh, she trembled and called his name. “Nicholas.”
“You like that, huh?” Nicholas grinned smugly up at her, enjoying his torture of her.
“Yes.” She took a ragged breath, writhing beneath him, rolling her head back and forth.
“Hmm.” Nicholas returned to kissing and nibbling her inner thigh.
“Nicholas, please,” Joselyn begged, not quite sure what she begged for. No man had ever made her feel this way before, breathless, needy, and achy. Nicholas kissed slowly up her thigh until he reached her most sensitive spot. He placed a tender kiss at the apex of her sex, then gave her soft skin a long lick. He spread her legs wider with his hands and softly blew on her quivering flesh. She arched her back, gripped his head and groaned. Nicholas blew one more time before he began licking her tender folds. When he began nibbling and sucking on her over-sensitized pearl, Joselyn screamed at the intense pleasure. When his tongue dipped into her, she fainted.
When Joselyn came back to awareness, Nicholas was holding her in his arms, stroking her back and nuzzling her neck. “I fainted,” she stated the obvious, surprised at her lack of control and not knowing what to say. She had never fainted before and neither had she ever experienced anything like what he had done to her.
“Hmm,” Nicholas hummed, nibbling on her neck.
“You haven’t taken your pleasure, have you?” Joselyn asked, unsure if he had or not.
He chuckled. “We have only just begun, Joselyn.” Nicholas went back to nibbling on her skin, starting all over again, using his tongue and his hands.
As he once again brought her to the precipice, Joselyn gasped. She didn’t faint this time, but she was still startled when she felt him slowly enter her. She expected the usual pain and discomfort, but there was only a little pressure then intense pleasure. She rode out his thrusts, meeting him again and again until they both reached release.
After a long moment, Nicholas withdrew from her and rolled onto his back. He put his arm around her, laid her head on his shoulder, snuggled her close, and leisurely rubbed her hip and back.
Sighing contentedly, Joselyn whispered against his neck. “I think I have fallen in love with you, Nicholas. That was divine. You are divine.”
“I am glad you approve, my dear,” Nicholas replied with male satisfaction, pleased with himself and Joselyn.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Madeline!” An excited Joselyn entered the parlor while Madeline sat pouring tea with the morning sun shining in her blond hair. “I am getting married!” She blurted out, unable to keep the happy news to herself one more moment.
Glancing up at her friend, Madeline smiled insipidly. “That is good news, Joselyn. You finally agreed to marry Lord Henry. I am very happy for you.” Madeline had avoided the dining room, unable to stomach food or company after her restless night. She had hoped for a quiet morning alone. She sighed inwardly, her peaceful solitude shattered.
“Goodness no, Madeline. I am not marrying Lord Henry.” Joselyn sat in the chair across from Madeline. “I am marrying Nicholas.”
“Nicholas, my brother Nicholas?” Madeline scrunched her nose at her in astonishment. She knew Nicholas was attracted to Joselyn, and at the ball the night before, he could barely take his eyes off her. But asking her to marry him? She would have never guessed.
“Yes. I know it seems quick, but I think I love him, Madeline.” She paused to pour herself a cup of tea before going on. “And he forgives me for the things I have done and he understands. Your brother is wonderful.” She closed her eyes in an attempt to control her excitement.
“When did you fall in love?” Madeline inquired tentatively. She was hoping this was another one of Joselyn’s theatrics, but she had a sinking f
eeling that Joselyn was telling the truth.
“I am not sure. Maybe that first day when he held my hand as I told him about the threats or maybe it was later. I don’t know, but I know I love him and he says he cares about me.” Joselyn was glowing with happiness. The night before had been magical, and after hours of love making, Nicholas had carried her back to her room for some much-needed sleep. When she had awakened, the sun was shining brightly and her life was completely changed. She knew everything was going to turn out splendidly. With time, she could love Nicholas, and if she told everyone that, she could believe it, and she knew she could make him love her too. Her life would finally be perfect. Through Nicholas, she would be titled, wealthy, and she would be respected and sought-after like Madeline, maybe even more so, she thought smugly.
“I am happy for you, Joselyn. The two of you make a beautiful couple.” Madeline forced a smile. She wasn’t sure how she felt about Joselyn’s announcement, but she would try and be happy for Joselyn and Nicholas.
“Madeline, I know I have done some horrible things, but I will change. I am not going to hurt Nicholas. I promise.”
Madeline studied her and forced another smile. What in heaven’s name was Nicholas thinking? Joselyn was a mess, and well, she wasn’t good enough for her brother. He could do better, a lot better. Madeline pushed back her negative feelings, and in a strained voice, she responded, “I know you won’t, Joselyn.” She hoped Joselyn would change for her brother’s sake.
“Will you help me plan the wedding? We want to get married next month, as soon as possible,” Joselyn gushed, relieved that Madeline was supporting her. She was completely oblivious of Madeline’s true feelings.
“That is short notice.” Madeline prayed for strength and knew she would plan the best wedding she could for her brother. “You will have the finest wedding I can put together, even if I have to stand on my head to do it.” She did her best not to choke on the words and hid her grimace by drinking her tea.
“Thank you, Madeline.” Joselyn blinked back the tears that had gathered in her eyes. She was very happy that Madeline would be planning her wedding. Madeline was the best at putting together an event. No one could do it better. “Perhaps a wedding will be in your near future as well. I noticed you dancing with Lord Graives last night and he couldn’t keep his eyes off you. Corinna is right, the two of you would make the perfect couple.”
Madeline was not ready to marry and she didn’t want to talk about Lord Graives or any man for that matter. She was still feeling confused by her response to Damon Spencer and feeling vulnerable from all the criticism she had received. Redirecting the subject to avoid something emotional that Madeline simply wasn’t up to, she asked, “Have you thought about the dress you want to wear at the wedding?”
“No. I was hoping you could help me decide on that, along with everything else. There is so much to do. I don’t know where to begin,” Joselyn prattled, too involved with herself to notice her friend’s unhappiness.
Madeline was pleased that her tactic had worked. Planning weddings and balls, she could do. Dealing with her emotions right now, Madeline couldn’t do. “After the ceremony, we can have the wedding celebration here.” Madeline put her cup down and stood. “Don’t worry about a thing. I will take care of all the details.” Madeline took out a sheet of paper, pen, and the ink well from the small writing desk and sat down in the matching chair, ready to begin planning.
“Thank you.” Joselyn was relieved and pleased that her friend would deal with the difficult business of planning her wedding.
“What colors do you have in mind? That is always a good place to start.” Madeline asked as Elizabeth Cathcart entered the parlor, interrupting Madeline and Joselyn’s conversation.
“Madeline, I need to speak to you, in private.” Elizabeth stared pointedly at Joselyn. “Lady Joselyn, please leave.”
“Yes, your grace.” Joselyn gave Madeline an apprehensive glance before taking her leave.
Madeline methodically put down the pen, stood up from the desk, moved to the settee across the room, sat down, and gathered her wits before addressing her mother. “What is it, Mother?” Madeline asked coolly, preparing herself for her mother’s censure.
Elizabeth took a moment to sit in the chair opposite Madeline, arranging her skirt, and gave her a level stare before speaking. “Madeline, your behavior last night was a disgrace. You have embarrassed me and this family.”
“The man was too forward, Mother. I . . .” Madeline interjected.
“Do not interrupt me while I am speaking, young lady,” Elizabeth raised her voice and pointed one long, tapered finger at Madeline. “I will not have such behavior from you. I have been patient. Truly, I have. Your father and I have allowed you to run wild too long. The gowns you wear, the things you do are . . .” She paused searching for the right word. “Ghastly. I do not like you associating with that Malany girl. She is a bad influence. It is disgraceful the way she was raised, by all those men.”
“They are her brothers.” Madeline defended her friend, becoming riled. She wasn’t in the mood for one of her mother’s tantrums and her head was beginning to throb again.
“Regardless, it is disgraceful,” Elizabeth criticized as she poured herself a cup of tea.
Taking advantage of her mother’s distraction, Madeline reminded her, “I was raised by my brothers.”
“Against my better judgment, and obviously, a mistake if last night was any indication,” she commented, adding sugar to her tea.
“Mother, I did not embarrass anyone but myself and the man I hit, who deserved it by the way,” Madeline justified, offended that she had to defend her actions.
“He is the son of a marquess, Madeline,” she pointed out, looking down her nose at her daughter.
“And I am the daughter of a duke,” Madeline countered, annoyed with her mother.
“That is beside the point.” Elizabeth stirred her tea, tapping the spoon on the side of her cup. “The man will make a good match for you. You almost destroyed any possibility of marriage with him.”
“I will not be marrying Alfred Farrington, Mother,” Madeline grimaced at the thought.
“It has already been decided.” She sipped her tea, smugly watching Madeline.
“What do you mean, it has been decided?” Madeline stared at her mother with trepidation and a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wouldn’t marry Alfred. She couldn’t. The thought of it made her ill. First Joselyn and Nicholas, and now this, she simply couldn’t take much more.
“Lord Alfred paid your father and me a visit this morning and offered for you.” Elizabeth sipped her tea again and sneered imperiously at her daughter. “We agreed. You will be married to Lord Alfred by the end of the year.”
Madeline fidgeted nervously but raised her chin in defiance. “I will not.”
“Yes, you will, young lady, and that is final,” the Duchess ordered with satisfaction and pleasure. Her nuisance of a daughter will finally be married and out of her house. And as an extra bonus, Madeline will be miserable in the marriage. She so enjoyed watching her arrogant daughter suffer.
Smiling spitefully back at her mother, Madeline countered with confidence. “Brandon will never permit a marriage between Alfred Farrington and me.”
“It is not up to Brandon.” Elizabeth peered at her daughter over the teacup with triumph in her eyes and on her face.
“Try telling Brandon that, Mother.” Madeline began to tremble with emotion. She was not marrying that odious man. She was not.
“Try telling Brandon what?” Raven asked as he casually entered the room.
Incensed at the interruption by a man she was beginning to detest, Elizabeth sneered. “It is none of your concern.”
Ignoring her, Raven contemplated Madeline and raised one black eyebrow in question. “Madeline?”
“Mother has decided I will marry Alfred Farrington,” she answered with a quiver in her voice. Madeline had been on the verge of tears before
he had arrived, but she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Raven’s commanding voice. She knew he would make everything right.
“I think not,” Raven calmly informed them. “I will not permit such a match.” He would never allow anyone he cared for to marry a Farrington.
“You do not have a say in this . . . Raven,” Elizabeth sniffed with a curl of her lip, looking him up and down with contempt.
“Yes, I do, Elizabeth. Since Brandon isn’t here at the moment, I will speak for him. Madeline will not be marrying a Farrington or anyone else I find objectionable,” he clarified stiffly. Absolutely, he would not allow Madeline to marry a Farrington and he knew Brandon felt the same.
“You are not a member of this family. How dare you presume such authority?” Elizabeth was indignant. How dare that man intervene in her family matters and plans? She was finally getting rid of that annoying daughter of hers and she wasn’t about to let some sailor trash interfere.
“Lady, you do not know Madeline. Neither do you care about her or her safety. I presume authority because it is my right to presume. Like it or not, Brandon is the head of this household and Brandon defers to me, and that, my luv, means what I say goes. Madeline is a member of my family, and she will not marry Alfred Farrington, or any other man, without my permission,” Raven decreed with finality. He had to take a calming breath and ease his seething temper. He was not going to permit this spiteful woman hurt Madeline or push him to losing control. He could sense Madeline’s turbulent emotions and needed to soothe her worries. He had an overwhelming need to protect her, all the Cathcarts and her friends, and he needed to keep them safe. He had learned to listen to those feelings and now was no exception.
