Sara flew over to the wall, cringing as she stared at him.
“Sara, look at me.” He pointed to his now-flaccid penis. “I do not get pleasure from hurting women. See how fast it went down. I will never hurt you.”
Sara studied him for a moment. He was right. His penis had been hard and erect; now it was soft. With Duncan, the more he hit her, the more she screamed, the harder he got. Oh, glory be, they were different. She ran to Philip and threw her arms around him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
“It’s all right.” He held her tightly, his arms cradling her. “In fact, we are going to do this differently.”
She pulled back. “What do you mean?”
“You are going to make love to me. I want you to see how passionate you are.” He kissed her neck. “I want you to understand that I don’t have to be in control. You decide what we do.”
She’d never heard of such a thing, but when Philip led her to the large chair in front of the hearth, she followed.
“I don’t understand, Philip.”
“You will. Be patient, and you will.”
One towel still lay on the chair, so he spread it out and sat, tugging her closer. “I want you to straddle me, one knee on either side of my legs.”
Sara settled herself and looked into Philip’s eyes. “Now what do I do?”
“Ah, sweetness, that is the beauty of this position. We will do whatever you want to do. You are in control. I think you’ll surprise yourself.” He ran his hands over her bottom reverently.
“Oh, Philip,” she said softly. He had already done so much for her. If she weren’t careful, she would find herself falling in love with him.
She kissed him tentatively on the mouth. Pulling back, she ran her tongue along his bottom lip. He opened his mouth and pulled her in closer, deepening the kiss. Possessing her. Gazing into her eyes again, he let her know how much he wanted her.
“Sorry, you’re in charge,” he said, sounding chagrined. “I lost myself.”
Sara giggled and decided to tease him. She found his nipples with her thumbs and then traced the round peaks with her tongue. He groaned as her teeth scraped his right nipple. Never in her life had she felt so powerful. So beautiful. Only one thing would make this better.
She glanced at him furtively. “I think I would like you to touch me.”
“Oh, would you like that? And where would you like me to touch you?”
He ran his hands up the backs of her legs, caressing her buttocks.
“Oh!” she started at the intimate caress. “I like that, but I think I will have you start on my breasts.” She reached back and strategically placed his hands on her breasts. “I think you know what to do.”
She smiled at him, wiggling her bottom over him, and he ran his tongue over her nipple. A small moan escaped her throat. Letting her feelings guide her, she grasped his head and pulled him in closer.
“Ah, you like this?” He sucked hard, and she threw her head back as she wove her fingers through his hair. Her hand reached around for his nipple and she pinched it as she moved against him. His hardness stroked her cleft. He groaned as he caught her other breast and ravaged her nipple, and she responded by rubbing herself along the length of him between her legs.
She spread her legs wider, giving him access to her entrance.
“Philip, can I touch you? I want you inside me. I need you now.” She stared into his eyes, shocked at her wantonness.
His eyes smoldered as he gazed into hers. “Do whatever you like, love. I’ll let you know if I don’t like it.”
Shocked by her own boldness, she reached down between her legs and grabbed him, running the tender end of him against her pleasure spot. She rocked against him, building the pleasure inside her core, then dipped the head of his manhood inside her briefly before running it around the outside of her entrance. Her other hand clenched his shoulder at the unexpected pleasure.
“Sara, you’re killing me,” Philip ground out through his teeth. “I don’t know how much more I can take.” His blue eyes reached hers, hazy with passion. She was lost when he gazed at her that way.
“Take me in you,” he whispered, running his fingers across her cheek. “Take me.”
Sara plunged him inside her womanly sheath, wrapping him in her wetness. They groaned simultaneously. She slowly retreated, then brought herself down on him again. She lost control of her thoughts, driven by sensation alone, her body screaming for release. Drawing him inside her again and again, faster and faster, she clenched her muscles around him.
He groaned and reached for her bottom. Pulling her in close, he caressed her two globes softly as Sara arched her back, trying to get him in deeper. Reaching a frenzied pace, she brought herself up and down his length, moaning with each push. He changed his tactic and reached in front to touch her nub. Within seconds she screamed, exploding with an orgasm that was so intense it sent Philip over the edge with her. He yelled as his seed shot into her.
He gathered her to him as their panting subsided, and ran his hands softly up and down her back.
“Philip?” Sara spoke softly between pants.
“Yes?” His hand was still caressing her.
“Is it always this good?” she whispered with her eyes closed, enjoying the scent of their lovemaking.
“No, sweetness, we’re especially good together.”
A few minutes later, he put his hands on her waist and kissed her forehead, then lifted her and set her down on the floor.
He led her over to the bed and pulled the coverlet back.
“I think I have kept you up late enough.”
They climbed into bed together, and Philip tucked her head onto his shoulder.
She fell asleep instantly.
Chapter Seventeen
When Philip awoke at dawn, he gazed at the beautiful woman sound asleep in his arms. He could feel her soft breasts moving as she breathed, teasing his chest hairs. Her eyes still had dark circles under them. He was partly to blame. He had kept her up.
Waking her early probably wasn’t the right thing to do, however, his member had its own opinion about that. Philip stared up at the ceiling, trying to calm the lust in his body. If he didn’t look at her, it had to get better, right?
It wasn’t working. He stared at the tent the sheet made over his engorged penis. How was he going to fix this without disturbing her?
A giggle of laughter erupted next to him.
“Again, Philip? Twice last night, and you already want to do it again?” Mirth bubbled in her voice as she turned to look at his face.
Philip growled and rolled her over onto her back.
“Yes, I want you again, beauty. But this time I’ll be on top.” He leaned down and pulled her nipple into his mouth. A responsive moan reached his ears. “That is the only answer I needed.” He smiled and proceeded to ravage her mouth.
***
Philip hopped out of bed and covered Sara with the blankets. “Stay in bed, my dear. I will arrange a bath for you and see to it that breakfast will be ready shortly.”
Sara sighed as she pulled the covers up to her chin. Her thoughts ran back over the previous night. Astounded would be the best way to describe how she felt at the moment.
Phoebe had been right. A relationship between a man and woman could definitely be better than her relationship with Duncan had been. Wouldn’t it be amazing to wake up in Philip’s arms every day? She daydreamed briefly about what her life would be like if they married. Perhaps they could have a child, like Phoebe and Edward’s beautiful baby girl. Was that too much to hope for?
Of course it is. He is a duke.
The reminder of his title soured her mood. A wedding between a duke and a dressmaker could never be. She would do best to set that silly notion aside. Sighing, she made her way to the tub. The steaming water awaited her, and she slid into its warmth.
She’d do best to enjoy this while she could.
When Sara was dressed, she headed downstairs and found
Philip in a small breakfast room sipping tea. He quickly stood.
“Good morning, sweetness. You are lovely this morning.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “May I serve you breakfast?”
“Yes, please.” Sara blushed with a smile. “I admit I’m a bit hungry this morning.”
Philip filled a plate from the sideboard of eggs, sausage, toast, and fruit. He set it in front of her with a smile. “I suspect you do need to replenish your energy.”
Sara was thankful they were alone. She would be extremely embarrassed if he spoke in such a manner in front of the servants.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
Philip reached for her fingers and brushed his lips across them briefly. “Philip, please. I enjoy hearing my name on your lips.”
They ate in silence for a bit. Philip appeared lost in thought. Finally, after she filled her plate a second time, he spoke softly. “Can we talk, Sara?”
“Of course.”
“I would like to talk about your situation at the dress shop.”
“I told you all I know about last night. I don’t know why someone stopped Stinky from breaking in, but I am thankful he did. I didn’t recognize the other man.”
“Stinky?”
She gave him a sheepish look. “I don’t know his name. That’s how I think of him.”
He arched a brow but said nothing. “I suspect it was a man I hired to watch your place. I have someone there every night to protect you and find out who is blackmailing you.”
“What? You hired someone to watch me?”
Philip sighed. “Watch over you, not watch you. I worry about your safety. I’m trying to find out who is bothering you, but so far I have been unsuccessful. It seemed to be the next best way for me to see to your safety, especially since you sleep at your shop. It’s not safe for a woman to be alone in the middle of London.”
“Philip, I appreciate your concern, but I cannot expect you to continue this.” How long could he possibly hire someone to protect her? The threats could go on for months.
“I don’t want to continue this. I have a suggestion for you that I would like you to seriously consider.” His feet shuffled as he straightened his napkin.
Piercing blue eyes stared into hers. He took hold of her hand and ran his thumb across the back. “Sara, I would like you to stay here. No one else comes to this house. It would be just the two of us. You risk danger every time you step into that shop now.”
“You want me to move here?” Her gut clenched at the possibility of what he suggested.
“Yes, I believe it would be a satisfactory solution for both of us. After last night, it’s clear we have a mutual affection for each other.” He cleared his throat and dropped his eyes. “You risk too much working and sleeping in the heart of London all alone. You stubbornly refuse to listen to me.”
“Stubbornly? And what about my business? What about the gowns your mother and sister have ordered from me?” She set her fork down and pushed her chair back from the table.
The duke’s brow furrowed as he shook his head. “My mother and sister have plenty of gowns. They would not want them if they knew they were placing you in danger. You cannot be in that shop alone anymore. I forbid it.” His chin went up, his look stern.
“You forbid it? Since when do you issue me orders? I’m not part of your family.” She shot to her feet, the better to glare at him. “And what would you have me do all day, Your Grace? Stare out the window waiting for you?”
“I don’t know. What do other women do? What did my mother do?” Philip was clearly irritated with the direction their conversation had taken.
“Your mother took care of her many children. Phoebe takes care of her daughter. But I suspect children are not part of this. Oh, but they could be. Because I suspect that you want me sexually available to you at all times as part of this deal.” Her hands went instinctively to her hips.
“There are ways of preventing children. Once you move your things in here, I will have you consult discreetly with a woman who is an expert at preventing children. It’s done all the time, Sara. After wives give their husbands an heir and a spare, many of them decide to stop having children.”
Rage licked at Sara’s insides. The same man who had insisted she recognize her value was now treating her as if she had none. “Forgive me, but please allow me to clarify the situation. You want me to move in here and give up my business so that I can be your mistress. Oh, and consult with a courtesan so everything will be exactly as you wish.”
Philip adjusted his cravat. “Certainly you were not expecting me to propose marriage. You know I cannot do that. Although you no longer have any attachments to prevent it, I am still a duke. My wife needs to come from a noble bloodline. If I ever marry again. I doubt I will after the fiasco of my first marriage.”
“And what will I say when I come upon your mother in the street? Or your sister? Oh, I’m sorry, Emma, but I’m living sinfully in your brother’s townhouse. Of course, perhaps you would keep me here and never allow me out. That would prevent that from happening, would it not?”
She threw her napkin onto the table and stalked over to the doorway, turning as she reached it. “Excuse me, Your Grace. I have work to do. I shall be leaving now. Thank you for your offer, but I have no interest in being your whore.”
Philip followed her. “What is your hesitancy? I don’t understand. You’re a widow. This is done frequently in the ton. No one will think any less of you.” He reached for her.
She pulled her hand out of his reach. “I will. I will think less of me. The biggest insult you’ve leveled at me is the supposition that I would sit here waiting for you all day. Do you think me so ignorant as to be satisfied with such an arrangement? I do have a mind, Your Grace. And I prefer to use it. For your information, I love designing clothes. Seeing my creations in weddings and at balls makes my heart sing. Or perhaps you don’t understand that kind of devotion to a craft. It isn’t always about the money.”
Sara turned to leave, but it felt something important had been left unsaid. “This is partially my fault,” she said. “I take responsibility for my actions. I did whore for you last night. I wanted to know how it felt to be held in another man’s arms. I needed to know what relations would be like with a different man. Well, now I know. So I thank you for that. In a way, I used you.”
“Clearly, it was not like this with your husband. So, after the intimate relations we shared—which you cannot deny were extremely satisfying—how can you walk away?” Philip stared into her eyes, gloating over what he no doubt thought was a compelling argument.
“Because now I know what I don’t want. You.”
Sara stormed out of the townhouse.
Chapter Eighteen
Philip strode into his estate, still fuming over Sara Downey’s refusal. How dare she turn him down! The front door slammed behind him as he made his way to his library, ignoring his servants as he passed them. He was in such a state he ran right into his mother.
“Philip, is that you? For heaven’s sake, what is making you carry on so? Must you slam doors?” the duchess scolded him. “I think you could behave a bit more civilly, my dear.”
“Pardon me, Mother, I did not mean to startle you. I’m having a bad morning.” His mother followed him into the breakfast room, sitting beside him as he poured himself a cup of tea. Philip rolled his eyes, all too aware he was about to be interrogated.
“How are things with Lady Downey?” his mother asked, tipping her head to the side as she studied him.
“Lady Downey? Why would you concern yourself with her?” Sweat broke out on his forehead as he searched his mother’s face.
“Well, I noticed the two of you dancing last night, and she appeared to be upset. Is everything all right with the poor girl?” Her brow furrowed with concern.
“Lady Downey is fine. I escorted her home safely, that’s all. You needn’t worry about her.” Philip picked up the newspaper on the table in the hopes it would put a stop to
the conversation.
“I do worry about that young lady. Although her husband was a despicable person, and I daresay she is better off as a widow, London is not a good place for a beautiful young woman to live alone. She has a wonderful business, but she has no one to look after her.”
“Mother, please do not concern yourself. I am sure you have better places to focus your efforts.”
Her eyebrows rose as she surveyed him. “You are right, Philip,” she said at last. “I am a very busy woman. But I do need to pick up Emma’s other gowns later this week. Perhaps you would consider escorting us again?”
“Of course, Mother. Whatever you say.” He snapped the paper in front of him, only to put it down a moment later. Something she’d said had stuck out at him, in light of his conversation with Sara. “Ah, just a moment, Mother. Did you say you are busy this week?”
“Why, yes, I’m very busy this week. But I shall attempt to assist you with whatever you need. What is it?”
“No, I was just wondering what kind of things you will be busy doing.” He stared up at his mother, attempting to hide his curiosity. He certainly didn’t want to explain the reason for it.
“Philip, you have never asked me such a question before. Why the concern?”
“I am just curious. Would you mind answering the question?”
“Of course not. Let’s see, I have to go to the orphanage on Monday. We have a meeting about renovations. I also need to find more donations of clothing for the little ones. And Tuesday, I must go to the library. Wednesday, I need to visit with your father’s solicitor. He has some questions for me. That may be a good day for our visit to the modiste. Or perhaps we could do it on Thursday after I interview the new dance instructor for your sister. And of course, I have many things to do with the house. There are some changes in our menus I would like to initiate and…”
“Thank you, Mother. I see your schedule is full. Would you not prefer it if you could sit at home instead? Did you not enjoy taking care of Father?” He was sure he knew what her answer would be, but he asked anyway. Wouldn’t everyone prefer to have little to do?
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