by Josie Dennis
He slid his gaze away from Vincent. “I can’t.”
Vincent spit out a curse. “Why the hell not? Isn’t she everything?”
Bringing his eyes to his lover, Daniel shook his head. “She is. She deserves much more than myself.”
“She has me.”
Daniel started. “You love her?”
Vincent shrugged. “I’m not sure. This is all so new to me. I gave my heart before, Daniel. It wasn’t worth enough to keep my lover, however. He put other things before me.”
“Other lovers?”
Vincent shook his head. “No. Things, Daniel. Money and gambling and drink. A good time.” His gaze grew shuttered. “He died in the pursuit of a good time, actually.”
Daniel longed to go to him and give him comfort. Emotional comfort, he realized with surprise. “I’m sorry.”
Vincent gave him the same empty shrug Daisy had given him. He hadn’t believed the dismissal from her, and he sure as hell didn’t believe it of Vincent.
“I just wanted to make certain you weren’t going to disappoint her. Not in the short term, in any event.”
“Disappoint her? What of you?”
Vincent splayed a hand over his chest. “What do I matter?”
Daniel saw that, in this, he was being truthful. Vincent obviously believed he didn’t matter. Daniel had no words to dissuade him. Who was he to put his own feelings before Vincent’s? He would be no better than the man who’d stolen Vincent’s heart and thrown it away.
“Let’s not worry over this tonight.”
Vincent’s shoulders eased a bit. “As you say. We have but a short time together. She needs you.”
“And you. You gave her everything tonight.”
This time Vincent’s smile was a bit wider. “I did. And she was perfect.”
Daniel clasped his arm. “You were both perfect, and when Daisy and I both love you tomorrow, it will be even better.”
His blue eyes widened, heat coming into them. “Both of you? God, how will I make it through the day?”
Daniel stood and then kissed him, letting his tongue delve into Vincent’s mouth. Vincent returned the embrace, tilting his head as they tasted each other.
When Daniel pulled back, he cupped Vincent’s face with his hands. “We only have a short time together. I’ll return to Winthrop Hall with Daisy in tow and you’ll go back to your life here.”
A shadow passed through Vincent’s gorgeous eyes before he nodded. “Yes. And you’ll go back to your life there, no doubt.”
Daniel pressed his brow to Vincent’s. “I have no choice in the matter.”
Vincent stroked his cheek. “As you say,” he stated again. He pulled away. “Good night, Daniel.”
“Good night.”
Daniel let him go, certain of what he’d told Vincent. This was what it was. For the time being. He would hold on to the memory of passion and connection for the rest of his life. He would return to Winthrop Hall and see Daisy married to someone far more worthy than himself. He would put Vincent out of his mind and his life.
He would settle back into his life of duty and responsibility and put any thoughts of love and true connection out of his mind.
Chapter 9
Vincent thought he was going to lose his mind. Daniel was behind him on the bed, kissing and caressing every bit of his body he could reach. Daniel’s cock teased him, brushing over his ass as his body ached for his entry. Daniel’s thighs were between his, pressing Vincent’s legs apart to brace on the soft coverlet.
But that wasn’t all.
Daisy knelt in front of him, stroking him with her delicate hands as his blood began to pound low and hard. Her fingers danced over his chest, then lower to his belly to just graze his shaft.
“You’re so pretty, Vincent,” she said, dropping a kiss right over his heart.
He closed his eyes, trying in vain to forget the discussion he’d had with Daniel last evening. He’d given his heart to Lord Linley and that man had taken it with him when he’d died. There was nothing more for Vincent to give, except this passion. If he wanted to pull Daisy to him and hold her forever, that was just the passion driving him. Hell, she had her lips on his nipple and her hand on his cock. There was no place for love in this tangle among the three of them.
“God,” he moaned, falling back against Daniel’s broad chest.
All day long, he’d put aside the chill he’d seen in Daniel’s eyes. He’d served him, of course. In the role of valet, if not lover. Adherence to protocol seemed to keep him on an even keel, even if Daniel eyed him with acute interest. He hadn’t broached the subject of love, however. No, he’d simply allowed Vincent to do his duty and disappear into the manor to see his other occupations, and, God save him, Vincent had followed the man’s misguided lead. He was in no position to argue with Daniel’s convictions. Indeed, as of this precise moment, he was in one very delicious position and would think about nothing else.
“I want to be inside you, Vincent.” Daniel dipped a finger into his ass, causing his breath to catch. “Deep inside you.”
“Yes,” Vincent breathed.
“He’ll love you,” Daisy said, her voice a bit shaky. “Oh, yes. Love him, Daniel.”
If only, a voice whispered in Vincent’s mind. He froze, his belly tightening. When had he begun to want Daniel’s love for himself? Hadn’t he only spoken of Daisy’s devotion last night?
Thankfully, before he could give more than passing thought to that tempting and impossible notion, Daisy licked him. Trailing her tongue down over his abdomen, she let her full, rosy lips tease his cock now. Her mouth was wet and hot and he hardened to an almost painful state.
Daniel dipped two fingers inside him now, easing his way with the cream they’d used before. The broad, thick head of his cock pressed against his hole and Vincent braced himself. It was perfection, Daniel being inside of him. Much like the way he’d felt himself when he’d been deep inside of Daisy. He wanted to experience that again.
“Take me, Daniel,” he rasped.
With nothing more than a grunt of agreement, Daniel pushed inside. He was deep. Hard. Vincent felt himself squeeze Daniel tight. He moaned low in his throat as he closed his eyes. Daniel’s hands were on Vincent’s chest now, holding Vincent up against him as he began to thrust. His movements were controlled. Compelling. Again and again, he pushed in and out, his rhythm smooth and his breath hot on Vincent’s neck. His strength was evident in every move. In every action. Daniel reined himself in. He always seemed to do that, to take on what was before him and never waiver, and God, it felt incredible.
Daisy uttered a sound of awe, causing Vincent to open his eyes. He saw that she sat back on her heels, her eyes wide and her mouth open. Vincent breathed in sharply, rising in need from both Daniel’s exquisite fucking and Daisy’s blatant expression of hunger. Her cheeks were flushed and her breath coming fast.
“Daisy,” he bit out. “Sweetheart.”
Her gaze grew hotter still and her hands clutched her perfect breasts. “Oh, my.” Her fingers teased her nipples and she rose up again. One hand delved between her thighs and teased her blond curls. “Oh, this is just too much!”
“She needs to come,” Daniel rasped, taking Vincent’s earlobe between his teeth. “Tell her how to come.”
Vincent swallowed thickly and stared down at her. “Slide a finger inside your pussy.”
She bit her lip and did so, leaning back on her free hand. “Like you and Daniel did.” She gasped. “Oh, it’s not enough!”
“Circle your clit, love,” Daniel told her. “That sweet little peak hidden there.”
She nodded and began to work herself, arching upward as she made the most provocative sounds. Vincent could smell her sweet arousal, the heat of her. His mouth watered for a taste.
“Daisy, come here,” Vincent urged. “Please give me your fingers.”
She ceased her gyrations and came closer, putting her trembling fingers on his lips. Vincent gave a long lick, tastin
g the juices she’d managed to bring forth.
“God, you’re so sweet.”
“I need you inside me,” she said, removing her hand and kissing him. “Please.”
Vincent nodded, moaning as Daniel finally increased his pace. His cock was rock-hard and he began to pump deep and fast. Vincent leaned back against him, bracing his hands on the bed beside him.
“Ride me, sweetheart,” he begged her. “Climb on and ride my cock.”
She looked at Daniel as if for reassurance that such was possible, which would have made Vincent laugh if he wasn’t half out of his mind.
“I’ve got you both,” Daniel assured her, gripping a strong arm around Vincent’s chest. “Take him, love.”
Daisy kissed Vincent again, then placed her hands on his shoulders. She hesitated for one heart-stopping moment, and then climbed up and sank down on him.
Vincent groaned as her cunt gripped him tight. She was wet and scalding hot, and the added pleasure nearly felled him. He managed to lean just enough to one side to grab one cheek of her delectable ass and help her move just right. She was moaning now, clutching at his shoulders as she rode him. Her climax was close. He could tell by the sounds she made and the way her pussy gripped him.
“Christ, you’re both amazing,” Daniel said. “I’m coming. God, I’m coming!”
Vincent held on as Daniel moved faster still. Daniel’s cock inside of him, his own high and deep in Daisy, was more stimulation than he could take. He closed his eyes again, pumping up into her as Daniel burst inside of him. Daisy shook and shuddered as her climax took and at last Vincent let himself go and join them both.
The pleasure went on for what seemed like forever, with Daisy sobbing and laughing as she hugged him, and Daniel holding him so very close. He was wrung dry from the two of them, and he let his foolish heart soar along with his orgasm.
This was more than just passion. His heart knew it. It was his mind that had the strong conviction to keep his emotions out of this for one reason and one reason only.
He needed to love them both for a little while longer, and letting his emotions come to the surface? That would put an end to everything as surely as if Mr. Carstairs and Mrs. Holmes walked into the room and summarily dismissed him.
When Daniel and Daisy took their inevitable leave, he would have incredible memories. If his heart wanted more, it would once again grow accustomed to loneliness.
* * * *
Daisy made her way to the library, which was becoming her favorite refuge during her visit. For the last few days, at least.
She didn’t really feel comfortable with the Hawk family, no matter how kind and welcoming they were to her. She surely couldn’t go down to the servants’ hall and ogle Vincent. That would lead to his prompt dismissal and her expulsion from the manor in disgrace. As for spending the day with Daniel? Aside from their heated nightly interludes in his lovely guest room, he kept to his usual demeanor and activities. The fact that they’d been at Hawksfell for nearly two weeks seemed to make no difference there.
He kept himself far from her, just as he always had at Winthrop Hall. Did he keep himself from Vincent as well? Surely he did. Surely he ignored the affection clear on that man’s face as easily as he’d ignored hers all these years.
“More of the same,” she grumbled. “Foolish man.”
“What was that, Daisy?”
Daisy came to a stop, shocked to find Lady Hawksfell seated in the library. Her cheeks flooded with heat as she faced the countess.
“Forgive me, Lady Hawksfell. I was merely talking to myself.”
“No worries,” the countess said. “I’ve been known to do the same now and again. Sit and tell me what’s troubling you.”
Daisy sat, and then ran her hands over the skirt of her pretty pink day dress as she studied the fine carpet beneath her feet. Tears pricked her eyes, but she fought them.
“There is nothing troubling me, my lady. I assure you.”
Lady Hawksfell clicked her tongue. “Rubbish.”
Daisy’s head shot up and she looked into the woman’s face. Her eyes were a clear blue like her own and her expression held sympathy Daisy hadn’t expected. Suddenly, Daisy couldn’t hold in her tears. She began to sob, deep, unrelenting sobs that embarrassed her, yet she couldn’t seem to stop.
“Oh, Daisy!” The countess rushed to her, dropping down to her knees. “Oh dear, what did I say?”
Daisy sniffled, shaking her head as she attempted to cease her crying. “N-nothing. You said nothing.”
Lady Hawksfell covered her hands, which clutched at her skirt. “Easy, Daisy. Tell me what’s wrong.”
Daisy lifted a hand to her cheek, dashing away the tears on her cheeks. There were so many tears! “What you must think of me, Lady Hawksfell.”
“Millicent, please, and don’t think you’re the first woman to cry in this library.”
Daisy found a smile. She hiccupped, letting out a breath she’d been holding. “He’s just so stubborn.”
The countess patted her hand. “Ah. As I suspected.”
Daisy blinked at her. “Never say you suspected I’m in love with Lord Winthrop?”
“Dear girl, that was patently obvious the afternoon you arrived at Hawksfell.”
Daisy started to cry again, but thankfully managed to keep her sobs quiet this time. “I’m disgraced, and it shall all come to nothing.”
The countess rose and took her seat again. “No disgrace here at Hawksfell Manor, Daisy. These venerable walls have seen more than one passionate interlude in all its time standing over the moors.”
“But what can come of it?” Daisy asked. “Daniel is stubborn. He thinks he can love no one and that no one can love him. Doesn’t he know we love him?”
She caught herself, but too late to draw the words back into her mouth. Lady Hawksfell, however, merely arched one graceful brow.
“We? Now that is diverting.”
Daisy buried her face in her hands. “I love them both. I cannot seem to help myself.”
“Daisy, this is not unusual when you love a Hawk.”
She peeped through her fingers to see that the countess wore knowledge on her face. Oh, she’d seen the affection between the lady and Michael Crowley. Were they together as she and the earl were?
“You love two,” she whispered.
Lady Hawksfell nodded. “I do, and in return, we are both loved by Gabriel.”
“But the earl is different, my lady. He is open and clear in his affection.”
The countess tipped her head back and laughed, a musical sound. She recovered, holding up one hand. “Forgive me, Daisy. If you knew Gabriel when Michael and I first arrived at Hawksfell, you would surely amend that opinion.”
“Love changed him,” Daisy said with certainty. “That is clear.”
“True. Love can change all it touches.” Her hand rested on her belly. “And more changes are to come.”
The truth struck Daisy. “Oh, you’re expecting!”
Happiness beamed from the woman’s face. “I am.”
Daisy smiled, then realized might find herself in the same situation. She’d taken both men into her since beginning their liaison. Both of them, and both of their seed.
“Oh, dear,” she murmured.
“Are you worried about being caught as well?” Lady Hawksfell asked her.
Daisy quickly did the calculations in her head. No. She didn’t believe she was in her fertile period, but how could she know for sure? The image of a child with Daniel’s dark eyes or Vincent’s sunny smile popped into her mind. Her heart clenched at the possibility, even as she knew the consequences would ruin her.
“I’m not worried, precisely,” she answered. “It is inevitable, though, isn’t it?”
The countess nodded. “I’m afraid it is the way of things, but these are early days. You’ve only just begun your liaison, have you not?”
Daisy marveled at the ease of their conversation despite the subject matter. “Yes, and I
fear it shall end just as quickly.”
“That isn’t for me to say. You have my confidence, Daisy. I would never say a thing to compromise you. Or anyone else who has fallen in love with your Hawk.”
It was unspoken between them that another man was loving both of them. Daisy didn’t apprehend any shock on the woman’s countenance, however. Hawksfell Manor was a singular place. That was certain.
“I sincerely doubt I will be as fortunate as you are in your situation, Lady Hawksfell. Daniel is determined to see me as a duty. I can only imagine how he considers—”
Again the lady held up a hand. “Do not say his name, Daisy.” She dropped a wink. “I can’t very well divulge a secret I don’t have, now, can I?”
Daisy smiled for the first time in what felt like hours. “Thank you, Millicent. You’re most gracious.”
The lady snorted. Actually snorted. “Ha. If Michael heard your words, he would laugh himself silly.”
She couldn’t argue with that assessment. Michael Crowley seemed on the verge of laughter just about every moment of the day. He was bright and warm, much like Vincent.
She came to her feet. “I’ve trespassed on your solitude long enough, I fear.”
Millicent nodded. “If you insist. I do hope I’ve been of some help?”
Daisy nodded vigorously. “Most definitely. I might not know where my future lies, but I do know it has possibilities.”
“I do wish you the best, Daisy. I think your Hawk would be very fortunate indeed to keep you in his heart.”
Daisy felt a wave of emotion wash over her. The woman’s words were kindly meant and made her wish they would be proven true.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
With that, she left the library, knowing that the only real solace for her at the moment was her own guest room just down the hall from Daniel’s. Just out of reach.
Just like the love she so wanted from both Vincent and Daniel.
Chapter 10
Daniel made his way around the back of the great house, eager to get away from the feelings elicited in him from the conversation he’d just overheard in the library. He’d gone there looking for Daisy, as he’d noted that she spent much of her days ensconced within its stacks. If she was hiding from him, he couldn’t blame her. Once more, he’d dismissed her affections as swiftly as he had each time they’d made love. He was a dolt, to be sure. Daisy was in love with him.
