After a few moments he pushed her away. “That’s enough of your talented mouth, for the nonce, my sweet,” he muttered. He drew her upward and put his hands on her rear, squeezing the lush globes and pushing her against his hard cock. His head lowered to her breasts, and Louisa's back arched as he sucked them fiercely while she moaned.
Louisa wrapped her free hand around his neck, gently stroking the back of his head. "Adam, you must put the best face on it possible. You are the now a duke, and you have responsibilities. Your mother and your wife await you."
"My wife!" Adam clasped her breasts in his hands, lifting them upward and pushing himself against her thighs. "Don't say that word. I can't think of that hideous child as my wife. I would gladly trade her for you, my Louisa." He led her to the bed and laid her down, separating her thighs with his hand, until her pouty, glistening slit was clearly visible.
"It's a shame we did not meet until you were in Paris," agreed Louisa. She licked her lips lasciviously and her hand drifted downwards as Adam settled on his side next to her. She touched herself, her slender finger sliding up and down while he watched avidly. I think perhaps I have been cursed by the Fates, to find the man I love only to learn he can never be mine." She groaned and allowed her thighs to open farther.
"It was not my choice," protested Adam, his hand moving hers away as he slipped first one finger, then two into her pussy and stroked. He placed his other hand over her neatly trimmed mons, and pushed down lightly, as the fingers inside pressed up, and Louisa shrieked faintly as she climaxed.
Adam grinned. "I would never willingly hurt you, nor would I trade your enthusiasm for a child bride who will never satisfy me."
Louisa rose to her knees next to him, and unlaced her corset slowly, allowing her lush breasts to emerge, then removed it, but left the stockings and amethyst heeled shoes on. She put a leg over him and then gave a tiny gasp as she began to sink down on his shaft and he stretched her ready flesh to its utmost. "I admit to being sorely jealous of your wife. I will truly miss this." She choked back a sob.
"Don't be miserable, darling," said Adam as he grabbed her hips and surged upwards, filling her with one abrupt, satisfying motion. The last few minutes had cleared his mind considerably. He saw no reason at all why he should not continue to enjoy Louisa’s tender ministrations. What if he had a wife? She had been forced on him by his family, and, while she held the title of duchess, there was no reason Louisa could not continue to share his bed. "We needn’t part just yet. My plan is for us return to London together. You will stay in a hotel for a few days while I find a little house for you. "
Louisa sighed and moved her hips luxuriously, her head falling back and her long hair sweeping across his legs. "You are generous, Adam, I wish I could have more of you, but I will be content with that. Your wife will have a claim on so much of your time."
Adam groaned as she teased him, rising up on her knees and then slowly lowering herself again. "I won't forsake you, Louisa. I told my mother four years ago that they could force me to marry that girl but they could not force me to be a husband to her. I may have to share my house with her, but my heart and my body are yours."
Louise reached behind her and took his pouch in her hand, rolling it gently between her fingers as she ground her pelvis into his. "Perhaps it would be best if you tried to make a life with her. She is your wife, after all. Maybe it was a mistake for me to come with you. I will surely bring scandal on you. Everyone knows I left England before because of my debts, and my poor departed husband was so much older than I...people said such hurtful things when I married him. I knew it wasn't true, but it hurt when they said I married him only for his title and fortune."
"Don't say that," ordered Adam as she began to move more quickly and his hips rose and fell, matching her pace. "I know the truth. I know your parents forced you into that marriage, and that the ruinous bills were your husband's. Gossip doesn't deter me. I'll always return to your arms, my love."
Louisa gave a groan of pleasure. "You know best, Adam," she gasped. "I will do whatever you ask of me. I don't have the strength to resist you." Then the fury of her climax seized her as Adam braced his feet and forced himself higher, giving a shout of triumph as he pumped into her. Louisa collapsed on his chest, her fingers gently tangling in his golden hair.
Adam dropped a kiss into her tumbled curls. “Rest, my sweet,” he said.
Louisa smiled at him, her eyes never betraying her thoughts. She felt she had played that little scene very well indeed. The Duke of Gravesmere was too fine a catch for her to drive him away with a show of jealousy. The right touch of sorrow, loving resignation, and a total willingness to please him in the bedroom would do more than a thousand tantrums to make him stay with her. She had invested far too much time in Adam to give up now. Since she had first met the handsome young aristocrat in Paris, she had been quite certain that he was her future. He might have a wife, but the marriage was unconsummated, his father was gone, and his heart was clearly not in the marriage. With a little careful management, she would still be a duchess.
"I can rest later, darling," she murmured. "For now all I want is to make you happy." She raised herself off him and turned, so that her charming bottom was presented to his view. Adam groaned deeply in his throat as her tongue flicked across the tip of his staff, and he felt himself beginning to stir again. Louisa smiled to herself. Her interest in Adam lay primarily in his title and his wallet, but it didn't hurt that he seemed to be inexhaustible in bed and had a body that satisfied her in every way.
"I love you, Louisa," Adam groaned as she continued her tantalizing work.
"I know you do, darling," she answered, and then all discussion was forgotten as her mouth closed over him again.
Chapter 2.
London’s Latest Rage
A few weeks later Adam and Louisa set out on their journey to London. They travelled in easy stages, for Adam was in no hurry to trade his charming mistress for a dowdy wife, and Louisa was only too happy to indulge him. When they finally reached London, she declared herself delighted with the charming house he had ordered his solicitor to locate in Half Moon Street, and she set out to turn it into a haven of domesticity. She organized a number of charming card parties for her acquaintances to amuse Adam, and if the company was not quite of the highest reaches of Society, and perhaps a little vulgar, Gravesmere took no notice.
Adam was only glad that none of them were friends of his mother's and she would therefore not hear of his presence in London. He had notified her that he would be arriving, and most of his baggage had been sent on ahead to Gravesmere House, but he had given no precise date to expect him, and he found he continued to put off the dreaded homecoming. Louisa urged him most charmingly to visit his mother, who she felt sure would cherish the sight of him, but he resisted, savoring his last days of freedom. Increasingly he found thoughts of his wife haunting him, despite his mistresses' constant reassurances that she had surely improved with time. Was she still so gawky, and was her hair still that awful shade of flaming red? And how could he possibly live with her, when he was completely enamored with Louisa?
In the course of his travels he had received the occasional letter from Allegra, written in a childish hand and expressing the merest banalities. Over the last year, even those had stopped, and he had no idea at all what she might be like. He, in turn, had written not at all, and it was only at the urgings of Dr. Fitch that he had sent the occasional bauble to her as a present. He dreaded to think what she might be like. His recollection of her was simply of a gangly and pale child with tearful eyes. Allegra was now of an age to go out into society and had been introduced to the ton as the Duchess of Gravesmere this very season; he dreaded to think of how his friends must be snickering at him even now.
These dark thoughts manifested in his dreams awoke him one morning. He gazed at Louisa as she slumbered next to him, her midnight-black hair spread across the whiteness of the pillow, her cherry-red lips parted, her violet eyes
cloaked. He thought about waking her in order to wipe the last remnants of his nightmare away, but he remembered her voraciousness the night before and how she had kept him busy until near dawn. She must be very tired. He rose, being careful not to rouse her, and dressed. It looked to be a beautiful day; perhaps a walk would lift his foul mood.
Adam strolled randomly through the streets of London, moving briskly in an attempt to clear his head. He stopped as he neared the park, enjoying the simplicity of the scene. It was much too early for the truly fashionable hour of the promenade, but the park was not completely empty of occupants. Although Adam did not see anyone he knew, others were abroad enjoying the fine weather. There were even some elegant ladies and gentlemen, on horseback and in carriages, exchanging smiles and nods. There were also children playing with their nurses in small groups, chasing balls and squealing with pleasure. It was all very English to Adam's unaccustomed eye, and he realized he was in truth glad to be home. It was only his marital situation that irked him.
He watched for a few minutes, and then on a whim went to the nearest livery stable and hired a horse; not one of which he was terribly proud, but it would serve for a brief turn in the park to enjoy the fine morning. He rode through the park, his mind in turmoil. If he concentrated he could almost imagine himself in Paris, riding in the Bois de Boulogne with Louisa at his side. He was furious that she was here in London with him and yet he might not declare his feelings for her. His parents had robbed him of that opportunity, and bound him to a well-born nonentity.
His wandering attention was recalled as the sound of pounding hooves caused his horse to flicker an ear and sidle across the track. Adam watched in surprise as a fine black stallion galloped wildly into view. He was amazed to see a woman riding it, laughing aloud as the pair tore along. She wore an extremely tight-fitting riding habit, which accentuated her tiny waist and feminine curves. Its dark green color highlighted the red-gold curls that glinted in the sunlight where they escaped from her high crowned hat, which boasted an enormous plume of feathers that brushed her shoulders. A foaming cravat of lace framed her piquant face, animated by enormous blue eyes lit with laughter. Despite her delicate figure, she handled the powerful beast at the dangerous pace with the ease of an accustomed horsewoman. Tearing after her came two gentlemen, who called out as they chased her. She pulled up quite close to Adam, and the rapidity and collection of their halt and the quiet attitude of the horse spoke volumes for her skill.
She waited for her admirers to canter up and greeted them laughingly. "Didn't I tell you that my Midnight was more than a match for your horses?"
The men stopped next to her, and were eager in their assurances of her superiority. One man seized her hand and kissed it eagerly. "Before today I felt that you were at your best in the ballroom, my lady, but now I believe that you are even lovelier on horseback," he declared passionately.
The woman shook her head and withdrew her hand. "Don't make an idiot of yourself, Roland," she said, looking over his shoulder. "I believe now we will have to wait for my groom."
They were soon joined by that individual, who looked clearly harassed by his volatile charge. She tossed him an apologetic smile and laughed.
"It is amazing that you are riding so early in the day, oh fair Artemis," observed one of the gentlemen. "I know you danced until three this morning. Is there no end to your energy?"
The woman laughed again and tossed her head. "Pooh. Do you think me such a poor thing that a little dancing would keep me lying abed on a fine day? I am not likely to waste my afternoons languishing about with a cup of chocolate and visits from my hairdresser. I am a fashion unto myself."
"And a most beautiful one," responded her companion. "Will you attend the ridotto at Ranelagh this evening?"
"I? A member of the haut ton at a public masquerade?" replied the woman with a touch of hauteur.
"I will have no pleasure if you are not there. Allow me to escort you; I will make sure you come to no harm."
She smiled and tantalizing dimples appeared in her cheeks. "I believe you may see me there. My brother will be my escort, however; he will guard my virtue better than you would."
"You wound me," cried the gentleman. "I have no thought but that which makes you happy."
"Then I will see you there tonight," she said teasingly, turning her horse and urging it forward. The party continued on their way at a sedate walk, laughing and talking gaily.
Adam watched them move on, surprised by what he had seen. The woman was very beautiful, and her horsemanship was remarkable. Galloping in the park was rather scandalous, but he had to admire her skill and daring. He wondered who she was. No woman of his acquaintance could handle a horse like that. Whoever she was, she must be a new arrival to London. He would surely remember any woman who looked and rode like that.
Adam made his way back to Half Moon Street, finding Louisa lying abed with a bowl of chocolate, her hairdresser hovering over her as he arranged her curls. She beckoned to Adam with an intimate smile, and he perched on a small stool and watched her perfect profile as she went through the small pile of invitations on her tray.
"There is an invitation to dine with Mr. Buckley," she said. "Shall we venture out tonight?"
"I am tired of small parties," said Adam petulantly. An unbidden thought popped into his head. "I think we shall do something more adventurous. What do you think of attending the ridotto at Ranelagh this evening?"
"Oh, Adam, could we?" Louisa's violet eyes flashed at him eagerly. "Do you think we should be seen together in public?"
"We shall be masked," shrugged Adam. "And I would love to go in public with you. I only regret we cannot do it more often."
"You are so kind to me, darling Adam." Louisa patted his hand. "I will be so unhappy when this time together is over. I must admit that sometimes I pretend to myself that we are married and need never be parted again. I know it's silly of me, but I can't help it."
Adam looked down at the top of her drooping head and stifled an oath. His wife. He would never forgive his father for forcing this marriage on him and depriving him of the woman he truly loved.
And so that night Adam and Louisa arrived at Ranelagh Gardens. He wore a plain black domino and mask; Louisa's domino of violet silk hung open over a sumptuous gown of lilac satin heavily embroidered in gold. The gardens were brightly lit by gaily twinkling lanterns; the pavilions overflowed with refreshments and revelers seeking to discover what faces were hidden behind the masks. Strains of music floated from the pavilion, where people clad in brightly colored dominos danced. The pair dined in comfort in a private box and then ventured forth into the ballroom, where they danced a few turns.
"Adam, darling, perhaps we could visit the card room," said Louisa. "I believe Mrs. Ormsley said she would be there tonight. You don't mind, do you? I know how tedious you find dancing."
"Are you thinking of me, or of yourself?" teased Adam. Louisa had a fondness for gaming that he found quite charming. She took so much pleasure in the activity, and though she seldom won, risking money made her curiously excited, and Adam usually found himself well rewarded for her losses later in bed.
Louisa pouted prettily. "If you are minded to be unpleasant about it..." she murmured.
Adam laughed and drew her close, his hand slipping inside her domino to caress the side of her breast.
"We shall do anything you desire, my dear. I am yours to command."
Louisa smiled prettily, and the pair made their way to the card room. There Louisa found Mrs. Ormsley and Sir Jonathan Salter at play, and she moved quickly up to the table.
"Do you mind, Adam?" she asked. "You know how I love basset."
"Indeed I do, my love," said Adam with a grin. "Play to your heart’s content. I believe I may take a stroll in the fresh air, but I will be back shortly." He placed a rouleau of guineas on the table before her. "Best of luck, darling," he said.
He strolled through the crowded card room and re-entered the ballroom. The bright
ly clothed crowd continued to dance, and there was a small commotion at the far end of the room, where some gentlemen appeared to be chasing a lady of less than impeccable virtue. Adam made a mental note to watch carefully over Louisa; this was no place for a gently bred woman to be left alone. As he prepared to go outside, a woman seated on a settee not far away caught his eye. She was holding court with a bevy of gentlemen, all of whom appeared to be hanging on her every word. A domino of sky-blue silk covered her white gown, and silver embroidery glittered on her underskirt. The simple richness of the ornament stood out, making other women appear vulgarly over-dressed. She seemed somehow familiar to him, and then he caught the glint of her unpowdered red-gold hair and recognized the flash of brilliant blue eyes behind the mask. It was the lady he had seen riding in the park earlier that day. Intrigued, he drew closer.
"Don't be impertinent, Roland," she was saying, tapping a gentlemen on the cheek with her fan. "You should treat me with the respect due a married lady."
The gentleman dropped to his knees by her side. "What can I do to earn your forgiveness?"
She looked at him calculatingly. Another gentleman laughed. "It is his fortune she'll be having," he declared loudly.
"No, for I have one of my own," said the lady. "I have no need for money. I do not believe there is anything I need from you at all, Roland."
The gentleman clutched his heart in mock despair. "Oh, cruel damsel. You wound me to the quick!"
"Pish," said the woman. She made a sweeping gesture. "You think only of yourselves, all of you. I am but a diversion for you."
Another gentleman came forward and took her dainty hand. "On the contrary, you are the sun around which we mere planets revolve. Without your presence we would have neither light nor warmth."
The woman laughed again, tilting her head prettily on its slender neck, seeming to consider his words. "What a pretty speech. I think you win the prize for tonight!" She took a flower from her hair and presented it to him mockingly. He accepted it with a deep bow and pressed it his lips to it before tucking it into his buttonhole.
A Duchess Enraged Page 3
