“Please, my lord.” Her hands sank into his hair, pressing his lips firmly against her pebbled bud.
Richard pulled away from her. She could see his shaft straining against his breeches, as he flipped up her skirt. He seemed to know instinctively what she needed. He quickly pushed up her chemise and then rolled her stockings down until they were around her slippered feet.
“You did not wear drawers.”
Lily blushed. It wasn’t a question. The gratitude in his voice rang clear for her choice in apparel.
“I chose not to wear them this evening,” she replied breathlessly.
Richard arched a brow, but did not reply. His hands slid over her thighs, his touch like satiny fire. He leaned forward and inhaled deeply. The sight sent Lily’s nerves racing. Richard once again found her mouth as his hand continued to explore. When he reached her apex, she gasped against his mouth. He refused to break the kiss. His fingers slid into her moist curls, sending luxuriating sensations lapping over her.
Richard intensified the kiss as he sank his fingers deep, searching out and finding the hidden nub buried beneath her molten folds. Lily groaned on contact. Her back bowed and it was all Richard could do not to come in his breeches. He’d waited for this moment for so many lifetimes. This was no dream.
She was fully aware and longing for his touch. He would cherish, prolong, and draw this moment out, until she cried out her release against his lips. He knew he wouldn’t take her here in the carriage. He wanted the first time they joined to be a memorable experience, not a quick rut on a leather seat. If she touched him now, he’d climax immediately and having a short fuse was not particularly the impression he cared to make on his future wife.
Richard circled Lily’s bundle of nerves with his thumb, stretching her taut with need. Her body tensed and a thin sheen of sweat broke out over her skin. She glistened in the dark like a marble sculpture, shined to perfection. Her fingers bit into his shoulders as she reached for the elusive crest. Richard backed off from the sensitive nub, instead slipping one finger inside her moist channel. Her velvet sheath surrounded him, urging him inside. In and out he stroked in short teasing stabs, as his lips instinctively moved to her neck.
Richard couldn’t seem to remember how to breathe. He’d lost the ability the second Lily’s warmth surrounded his hand. He wanted her. He fought his baser impulse. His mouth watered, as his fangs sprang from their resting place. It would be so easy. One taste, one sup would be all it took to sate his appetite. He could hear the blood rushing, just below her skin. See the pulse beating at the surface. Lily panted against the side of his head, her body ready and waiting for his invasion. Richard pulled out of her fiery furnace, jerking away from her neck long enough to press down on her damp pearl.
Lily screamed out, shattering. The strain she’d felt just moments ago fled her body in a rush as knot after knot of tension unwound. It took a few moments for her to return to some semblance of reality, when she did Lily realized Richard wasn’t moving. His body stiffened beside her.
“Richard, are you all right?” she gasped, trying to calm her breathing.
No answer came.
“Richard?” Lily croaked.
Lily shifted until she could look upon his face. Although shadowed, Richard’s face was deathly pale. His lips thinned, pulled tight as if under strain. His closed eyes kept her from seeing his black orbs. Just when panic had started to set in, he shifted.
“Forgive me, my lady. I fear the moment got away from me.” With that said he flashed her a reassuring smile, that looked somewhat pained.
In the pale light, Lily thought she’d caught a glimpse of a long tooth in his mouth, but quickly dismissed it as a play of the moonlight. “You gave me a start.”
Richard straightened himself, withdrawing his hand from between her legs, his breathing ragged. Awareness rushed back to Lily and she started righting her clothing. Richard sat with his head tilted back against the bench, his arm thrown over his eyes.
Lily glanced down at his lap and saw the outline of his shaft pressing the fabric of his breeches. Her breath caught. Surely his impressive size was another trick of the light. No man could be that big, could he? She remembered the matron’s words… he almost split me in two. Her gaze locked onto his breeches. His shaft appeared to grow under her perusal.
Suddenly thoughts of the wedding night filled Lily’s head, despite a few lingering jitters she looked forward to seeing all of this man. Although if the rumors proved accurate there was no way he’d fit inside of her body.
Richard laughed. He couldn’t stop himself. Lily’s thoughts had been so strong he couldn’t help but read them. Like an innocent, she’d leapt to the natural conclusion. Of course she was wrong. He’d fit just fine inside her tight sheath. Tonight he’d knocked on the door to heaven, soon he’d slip inside. Richard blew out a heavy breath. He needed to get Lily home. They’d been out far longer than propriety demanded. He finished helping her re-dress and then made himself presentable.
Before returning to his place behind the team, he pressed one more kiss to her swollen lips. “Soon we’ll be able to spend time together without the worries of the ton intruding on our lives. If you’d like, we could even retire to the country.” He didn’t want to influence her decision. If she said she wanted to stay in London, Richard would find a way of working things out, so that they could.
Lily turned to look him in the eye. “It would be my fondest wish to return to the quiet life of the country.”
“Even if that country was in Oughterard, Ireland?”
She hesitated for a moment, as if considering his question, then bestowed upon him the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. “Even in Ireland.”
Richard’s heart rejoiced. He gave her a curt nod and then started to exit the carriage, but paused instead. He climbed back in and sat across from her. “Since you’ve agreed to become my wife, I thought I might impose upon you long enough to get your opinion about a problem that’s been troubling me so.” He hoped by asking for Lily’s thoughts she’d realize how much her opinion mattered to him.
Clearly surprised, Lily’s eyes widened a fraction. “You are asking for my assistance in a personal matter?” Her tone was one of utter disbelief.
He nodded. “If you’d be so kind… “
She pursed her lips but for a moment, before inclining her head. “Of course.” She held out her hand gesturing for him to continue.
Richard knew it was highly unorthodox for a gentleman to talk business with a lady of gentle rearing, but given her responsibilities and the situation he’d make an exception. Besides he really did value her opinion and could no longer justify his visits to Rose. It felt far too much like betrayal in his heart.
“I have a friend, whom I’ve had a business arrangement with for a long time. Circumstances in my life have changed which has made this business agreement no longer satisfactory. As you might guess, I have no wish to hurt this friend.” He gazed into her face, to ensure she followed along.
Lily nodded. “I understand.”
“And I still have need of the services this friend provides, but I can no longer hold up my end of the bargain. At our last meeting I had to lie to this friend and it hurts me to do so. What do you think I should do?”
Lily’s jaw firmed. “I do not condone lying, Richard, but seeing as though you are trying to save a friend’s feelings I suppose it is somewhat understandable. Are you sure you must continue with this friend’s services?”
He released a heavy breath, his gaze boring into her. “For the time being it’s imperative.”
She humphed. “Well then I see no alternative, you must tell this friend the truth. It is the only honorable thing to do.”
Richard reached out and touched her hand. “Thank you.”
Lily inclined her head.
Richard climbed up to the driver’s seat with a silly grin on his face. He’d told her about Rose, in so many words, which gave him a modicum of relief. Soon he’d te
ll her the whole truth. He had no intention of declaring his love for Lily while his visits to Rose continued.
He thought about their wedding. Perhaps afterwards they wouldn’t return to Ireland right away. Maybe they’d visit his country estate in Surrey. It had been years since Richard had been in residence there.
He kicked up the team and turned them for Lily’s home. After depositing her at the door with a gracious bow, Richard set out for his house to pick up his other carriage. Hurley waited. They changed out the horses and then proceeded to Covent Garden. Following Lily’s lead, he decided it was time to let Rose go. He no longer needed her services and would make do with a quick bite on the street. He would be wed in eight days. His bride would then take care of all his needs… he hoped.
Afterwards he’d pay Lily one final nocturnal visit.
Chapter Eight
An hour later, Hurley maneuvered the team to the front of Caulfield’s. The night was cool and a dense fog had begun to form, shrouding London like a thick cloak. Richard slipped from the carriage and inside the gambling den. He made his way past the gamblers and up the stairs in search of Rose. Tonight the house smelled like stale cigars and cheap perfume. Richard ignored the odor and continued down the hall to Rose’s room, grateful that he’d been able to avoid Josephine.
Upon reaching Rose’s door, Richard rapped lightly. The silky voice that belonged to her called out from the other side beckoning him in. He entered the familiar room and closed the door behind him. She stretched out upon her bed wearing an ivory silk robe that tied at the waist. The thin material did little to hide her many charms. Richard gazed upon her protruding nipples, then shifted uncomfortably in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort in his breeches.
He’d been hard as nails when he’d left Lily and his erection still hadn’t gone down. Rose’s gaze flicked from his face to his cock and back again.
“Is there anything I can do for you, my lord?” Her tongue slipped out wetting her lower lip suggestively.
Richard swallowed hard. He was tempted, so tempted to get a modicum of relief, but he’d held off this long, so he could hold off a while longer. “I’m here to settle our accounts.” His voice sounded as if he gargled stones.
Her brows furrowed for a moment, then rose to her hairline. A smile played at the corners of her mouth. “You’ve done it.” She leapt from the bed and rushed toward him, arms open wide. “You have finally found her after all these years.”
The moment Rose’s arms embraced him, the door to her room flew open, shattering the joyous moment. Richard and Rose turned in unison. Lord Archibald Devlin stood in the dim hallway, mouth agog. His face held shock, but for a moment, before slipping into a deep scowl.
“I’ll be with you in a moment, Archie,” Rose called out, her silky voice dropping an octave.
Devlin’s face turned to stone. “Don’t bother. I want nothing that has touched that… that man.” He held out a shaky finger, pointing it at Richard. “Thanks to your engagement, Martins has damn near ruined me, you greedy bastard,” he hissed, then turned on his heel and stomped away.
Rose continued to stare in his wake. “I’m not sure what that was all about, but I’m sure he’ll get over it. He’s been a regular customer on and off since before his wife passed away.”
Richard released the breath he’d been holding. His heart sank as he considered the view Devlin had been given. Rose pressed against him, her lush breasts practically spilling from the robe; her legs clearly outlined against the silk, along with the curve of her ample rump. The embrace was innocent, but that’s not how Devlin saw it, considering he was in a brothel. No way Archibald would believe he was there as a friend. Richard’s only hope for now was that Archibald reacted like a gentleman and kept his mouth shut around Lily.
“What’s wrong?” Rose asked, staring up at him.
Richard dropped his hands from her and turned to close the door once again. “The man who just walked in on us is my intended’s father.” Richard stared down into her face. “I thought you weren’t going to entertain other gentlemen while I was here.”
“That wasn’t other gentlemen, it was only Archie.” She shrugged, clearly not understanding the fuss. “Surely he knows a gentleman in his prime, such as yourself, has his needs.” Rose rubbed her hands over Richard’s cock her eyes glowing in anticipation.
Richard stopped her movements. “He knows and understands, but I’m not so sure Lily will understand if he mentions my needs to her.”
Rose’s mouth formed a silent ‘O’ and her frown deepened. “He wouldn’t do that, would he? Not when we’re both so close to getting what we want.” Fear gripped her voice. She wrapped her arms around her waist. “Would he try to take away your happiness, because of me?” Tears sprang into Rose’s green eyes.
Richard stepped forward and squeezed her hand. “Nothing would be done because of you, Rose. His reasons are his own.” You are as good as out of this hellhole.
Rose wiped at her eyes with her sleeve.
“That’s why I came here tonight.” He paused. “I wanted to say goodbye and settle our agreement.”
Rose smiled. “You know I’ve wanted this for you.” She sniffed. “You deserve happiness more than anyone I know. You’ve helped me and others without asking for a thing of import in return. If that lady of yours can’t see how wonderful you are… well then, she doesn’t deserve you.” Her chin tilted defiantly in his defense.
Richard smiled and brought her hand to his lips. “Thank you for all that you’ve done for me, my friend. I shall not forget it.” He released her. “And to prove it, I’ve set up a trust for you. If you so desire, you can leave this place tonight and never return.”
Rose stood across from him staring, her eyes the size of tea saucers. Her mouth had dropped open as if to speak, yet she uttered not a sound. After a few moments, she began to shake, then peals of laughter sprang forth, filling the quiet of the room.
“My lord, you have been kind enough throughout the years, it is not necessary to set up a proper fund. Honoring the contract is all I desire.”
He stepped forward, closing the small distance between them. His hands framed her face, pushing aside her copper curls. “You have been friend and confidant to me, when you could have—”
Rose leaned back out of his grip. “I would never have done that. Unlike some people, I honor my agreements. Besides you’ve given me gifts and pleasure throughout the years.”
She leaned in until her lips were near his ear. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she whispered, then pulled back to peer up at him. “Even if you hadn’t had any blunt, I’d have still serviced you.” Rose’s smile lit up the room.
Richard laughed. “Well now you don’t have to service anyone, anymore, unless you wish it.”
“I’ve been thinking about retiring to the country,” she mused. “Perhaps find me a
gentleman of my own.”
“I think that’s a fine idea.” Richard removed a card from his coat pocket. “This is the information for your accounts. It’s available whenever you desire. I also took the liberty of purchasing a manor home for you in Sterling, Scotland outside of Edinburgh, as per our agreement.” He crooked a brow, then winked.
Rose gazed into his face. “Bless you,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “Thank you for showing me that not all men treat their vows carelessly.”
Richard started to leave, but Rose stopped him by placing her hand on his sleeve. He turned back and arched a brow. She loosened the collar of her robe exposing her ample bosom, and then pulled her hair back.
“Once more for old time’s sake… ?” She arched her neck, so that Richard got a good view of the vein throbbing there.
He breathed deeply. The scent of her blood beat him, triggering his hunger. His fangs sprang into place and he growled. “Rose, you are too good to me.”
Richard stepped forward and accepted her gift, knowing this would be the last time he’d ever see Rose.
&nb
sp; *
Lily paced back and forth in front of her hearth for over an hour after readying herself for bed. The same niggling thought had been eating at her ever since Richard deposited her on the doorstep. All the kissing, stroking, and embracing had been similar to what she’d experienced in her dreams. Her reasonable mind told her there was no way Richard could have been in her bedchamber night after night, but his touch told a different story.
No matter how she’d tried to convince herself she’d imagined things, Lily could come up with no other conclusion. Richard had been here. She worried her hands as she turned and faced the bed. The fire at her back warmed her skin through the thin gown. Its glow sent shadows flickering along the walls, reminding her of long ago childhood nightmares. A chill slithered up her spine, despite the temperature. Lily rubbed her arms, trying to ward away the sudden unease. Her gaze fastened on the sleeping draught sitting on her mahogany bedside table.
Did she dare take it again?
Part of Lily begged her to imbibe, just so she’d get to experience the dream again. But the other half knew what she should do. Lily continued to stare at the tonic for what seemed like hours, yet only mere moments past. Mind made up, she half emptied the draught into the chamber pot, then undid her robe and laid it in a chair. Lily got into bed ignoring the seductive lure of the glass beside her. Tonight she would let the fates fall where they would.
*
Lily peeked out from beneath her lashes as Richard entered her room, just like he’d done every other night over the past several days. Her bed curtains were drawn back making him clearly visible as he stood by the window. Lily lay tucked under the covers as usual with the glass at her bedside. He approached on silent footfalls.
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