The Way to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 1)

by Laura Shipley

  Louis laughed. “Yes, I saw that familiarity, as you call it, when she raced into your arms at your arrival. I’m sure that kiss was also simple familiarity.” He smirked and took another sip of his drink.

  “I refuse to continue this ridiculous conversation. Am I in my usual room?” Phillip demanded.

  Louis nodded his head, and Phillip went upstairs. There were fresh clothes on the bed for him. After a rejuvenating bath, he changed his pants and shirt. He would wait until dinner to put on his jacket. He shaved the beard that had formed during their days of travel. When he glanced in the mirror, he almost didn’t recognize this version of himself.

  Now, he wanted to relax. It was the first time since the start of all this that he could let down his guard. But first, he wanted to check on Charlotte.

  Phillip was familiar with Louis’ house and assumed Charlotte would be in a nearby room. He knocked on two doors which were empty. At the third door he knocked and received a response. Charlotte’s voice said to come in.

  Phillip entered the room, and his eyes fell upon the most sensual scene he had ever witnessed. Charlotte sat in a bath next to the fire, her face frozen in shock. Neither of them moved. The afternoon shadows barely concealed her nakedness.

  At last, Phillip came to his senses and turned his back to her. “My apologies. You said to enter, so I thought you were properly dressed. Please forgive me.”

  “I thought you were the maid coming back.”

  He had to leave immediately. Already, his cock grew large from the brief glimpse of Charlotte’s naked body. Although he had seen little, his imagination supplied the rest. The urge to go to her was strong, but he couldn’t take advantage of her, even if he wanted to. He stepped toward the door when Charlotte called his name.

  Chapter 9

  A maid had showed Charlotte to her room. Once inside she removed her travel-stained clothes and exchanged them for a soft dressing gown. Then, she had settled in front of the fire with a cup of tea. Her mind tried to sort through the events of the past few days. Now that she was safe and relaxed, Charlotte analyzed her feelings. Over the last several days she had killed men, jumped onto racing horses, slept in the cold outdoors, and shared a bed with a man who was not her husband.

  It was the latter that occupied Charlotte’s mind the most. She blushed at the memory of that night at the inn when Phillip had caressed her and kissed her in places never touched by a man. He had admitted to an attraction to her. She should enjoy herself if the moment arose, without worry or guilt. She could give her body to Phillip, but could she stop from giving her heart as well? Despite her defenses, Charlotte feared he had more of her heart than she cared to admit.

  After an hour of mulling things over, Charlotte decided a hot bath might help calm her nerves. The maid arranged her bath and left once Charlotte was settled. When she heard the knock on the door, not five minutes later, she thought the maid had returned for some reason. Now, Phillip stood before her, staring at her nakedness.

  The first thing Charlotte observed was Phillip’s cleanly shaven face. Without his beard, she could see his chiseled cheekbones and the proud build of his chin. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, and she remembered what it felt like to rub her hands up and down his rock-hard chest. Charlotte saw the surprise in his eyes as he examined her naked body.

  This might be the only time they would have together, and Charlotte wanted to experience all that she could. She would never feel for anyone what she felt for Phillip. After this, she would go back to England, but nothing would be the same. She couldn’t imagine being with anyone else after Phillip. Charlotte didn’t want him to leave. She wanted him to put his hands all over her wet, naked body.

  As Phillip reached for the door, Charlotte called to him, “Phillip,” then struggled for something else to say, “when will we be leaving?”

  Phillip’s voice was husky with need. “Tomorrow morning, the sooner, the better. We will travel on horseback again. It’s still another two days to the meeting house. It’s almost over, Charlotte, if you can bear it a little longer.”

  “I have been strong, Phillip, haven’t I?”

  His back was toward her, but she saw the tension in the way he held his shoulders. “You have shown more courage, in the last few days, than most men I know. I’m sorry, I haven’t been able to protect you better.”

  Phillip was wrong, he had protected her, and he had tried to make her comfortable. When she started this journey, Charlotte never would have guessed how much she would change. She never imagined she would allow herself to feel love for another man. Charlotte knew that opening herself up to love meant the possibility of heartbreak. This time, she knew there was nothing but heartbreak in her future, but she would live with the consequences. She wanted whatever time she could have with Phillip.

  Charlotte spoke, “After tomorrow, what will happen?”

  Phillip turned his head slightly to answer, “After you relay the information, you will go back home to England. You will be safe.”

  “Where will you go?”

  “Wherever I am needed for the war effort.” There was a note of sadness in his voice.

  “So, I will never see you again?” Saying the words brought a lump to her throat.

  “It’s best this way Charlotte. We will go our separate ways.”

  “Yes, I will go back to my dull life in England while you run away and play spy.”

  Phillip still couldn’t face her. “I’m not running away, I’m doing a job. You of all people should understand.”

  She knew he was using the war as an excuse to run away from life and memories from his past. Well for tonight she wanted him to live in the present. It was now, or never. She had to make her move. “And what about tonight?”

  Phillip yearned to face her but stopped himself. “What do you mean?”

  “Do we go our separate ways tonight, or do we spend one more night in the same bed?”

  The silence was deafening. Phillip fought the urge to go to her. Charlotte held her breath, waiting for his response. Thinking he needed an incentive, she stood and stepped out of the bath. His quick intake of breath and the low moan that escaped him caused Charlotte’s heart to race.

  “Charlotte, you don’t want to do this. You are a young woman with a future ahead of you. You’ll be married someday.”

  “How do you know?”

  Phillip couldn’t stop himself, and turned to gaze upon every inch of Charlotte’s body. The longing in his eyes caused her body to burn with desire. She stood straighter, jutting out her breasts. The longer Phillip looked, the more she throbbed between her thighs. Her breasts yearned for his touch.

  “I know because you are the most beautiful, sensual, intelligent woman I have ever met. Any man would be mad not to want you.”

  “I don’t want anyone else, Phillip, I want you.” Charlotte would never desire another man. No one would ever compare to Phillip. She wanted to experience all of him before returning to her boring life.

  Conflict played on Phillip’s face. He wanted to do the honorable thing, but she knew he was attracted to her. She would leave the final decision to him. There would be no regrets tonight, no matter what happened.

  Time stood still as Charlotte waited for his decision. Finally, Phillip’s hungry eyes met hers. She smiled and took a step forward. He closed the remaining distance in a few strides and wrapped her in his arms.

  Phillip’s hands and lips were everywhere at once, and Charlotte relished the sensation. His lips were rough as they trailed kisses from her delicate face to her supple neck. He reversed course and claimed her mouth, like a man thirsting for water. The euphoria of his embrace swept away Charlotte.

  Phillip broke the kiss. Charlotte stood confused as he went to retrieve the towel from the chair and returned to her side. Her bosom heaved in anticipation and excitement, as she realized he intended to dry her damp body. Phillip started with her left arm. Using slow, circular caresses he made his way from her hands to her
shoulders. An electric current of arousal passed through her body from the friction of the towel against her skin.

  Phillip slowly descended to her chest. He cupped Charlotte’s breast through the towel. Her breath hitched as he gently pinched her nipple.

  Next, he continued down to her abdomen, stopping just before reaching Charlotte’s most intimate of places; it was the spot she yearned the most for him to touch. She wanted to feel him inside her. Charlotte tensed as Phillip removed his hands and walked around her. She sighed as he made his way to her buttocks.

  One moment, Charlotte felt the towel, and in the next, his hand connected with her flesh. His touch felt like a brand on her skin, scorching her, stroking her desire for more. She couldn’t help but moan as Phillip massaged her round bottom. The next several minutes were spent giving loving attention to her luscious rear. As he played with her, moisture seeped from the junction between her legs.

  Charlotte never knew this sensual torture could be so maddening. She wanted to kiss Phillip senseless and beg him to take her to bed. But he must have a plan, and she would not interrupt his fun.

  As Phillip kneaded Charlotte’s soft flesh, he pressed his body against her backside, and she felt the nudge of his manhood. He was as aroused as she was. Through it all, Phillip showed restraint. Charlotte didn’t understand what he waited for, but it didn’t matter. She would enjoy whatever he would give.

  Phillip turned Charlotte so they were standing face to face. His eyes seemed to glow from the reflection of the fire. He looked like a predator, and she was his willing prey. He placed one hand on her cheek. Charlotte leaned into the warmth of his touch. Phillip’s fingers cradled her neck as he pulled her toward him. As he tilted her head, there was nowhere else for her to look but into his deep, soulful eyes.

  The depth of emotion on Phillip's face took Charlotte’s breath away. In his eyes, she saw doubt and desire mingling. Perhaps, he was as afraid as she was to face his true feelings. Tonight, she would give him whatever he wanted and no more.

  “I will give you one more chance, Charlotte. After this, there is no turning back. I don’t think I could stop myself. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  She placed her arms around his neck and stepped forward, closing the last bit of distance between their bodies. Her breasts pushed against his broad chest. She swore she felt his heart beat as fast as hers. Charlotte stared into his eyes and answered, “Make love to me, Phillip.”

  He possessed Charlotte’s mouth. His hungry lips rained hot kisses fueled by desire. Charlotte’s hands went inside the opening his shirt, caressing along his tight abdomen. Next, she went to his shoulders and pushed the shirt down his arms. Now, she was free to explore the contours of his body. Phillip’s chest was smooth and muscular, but when her fingers brushed across his back, she was reminded of the pain he had suffered. His scars were the reason he would never love another. At that moment, she knew she lost her heart to Phillip, even if he didn’t return her feelings.

  A light caress on Charlotte’s breast brought her attention back. Phillip kneaded her breast, and the nipple tightened under his touch. She pushed against him, craving more. He kissed his way over to her other breast and took the nipple into his mouth. As he nipped, Charlotte breathlessly whispered his name. Unable to wait any longer, Phillip swept her into his arms and placed her on the bed. Charlotte never imagined herself a great beauty, but when Phillip gazed upon her body, she felt like the most sensual being in the world. Desire flared in his eyes.

  Charlotte watched Phillip remove the rest of his clothes until he stood before her in all his naked glory. Her eyes followed the trail of hair from his navel to his groin, which led to his protruding manhood. She had never expected it to look so impressive, and she felt nervous, knowing where it would go, but excitement chased away her fear as she marveled at the possibilities.

  Not finished with her inspection, Charlotte noticed the marks that wrapped around Phillip’s legs. They appeared similar to those on his back, and she realized his captors had whipped him on his legs as well.

  Phillip noted her sudden sadness. “I don’t want your pity tonight, Charlotte. I couldn’t bear it.”

  Charlotte’s gaze met his. “I feel sadness for what you must have gone through, but I don’t pity you. You are a fighter, strong and proud. Those scars have made you into the man you are now, the man I want.”

  Phillip climbed into bed with Charlotte. He drew her close and suddenly his mouth was on hers, telling her without words how much she meant to him. Feeling bold, Charlotte rubbed her tongue along Phillip’s lips. He made a hungry sound in the back of his throat as he opened his mouth to her. Their tongues explored each other, touching and tasting.

  Phillip’s hand traveled past Charlotte’s breasts to rest at the apex between her legs. When he came her throbbing mound, she arched her back in response. His touch awakened new sensations in every part of her body.

  His fingers slowly explored Charlotte’s flesh. His touch drove her mad. A throaty moan of desire left her lips as he spread her intimate folds, and the cold air brushed against them. His fingers rubbed around her entrance, which made her tremble. Wet heat flared between her legs. This was what it meant to be driven to madness by lust. Charlotte fought to hold in the cries of ecstasy, but Phillip aroused every sense in her body.

  When he at last rubbed over her clitoris, her world turned upside down. Charlotte’s legs opened of their own accord, welcoming his touch. The knot in her stomach released, and electric shocks shot up and down her legs. Phillip increased the intensity and pressure. The roughness of his fingers over her delicate bud had her body screaming for release. Phillip claimed Charlotte’s mouth, sucking and plunging his tongue deep into its warmth. His hands and mouth were everywhere at once. It made her dizzy with lustful want.

  Before Charlotte knew what was happening, Phillip thrust two fingers into her warm, wet channel. She released his lips and yelled out his name.

  He whispered encouragement in her ear. “That’s it my sweet darling, feel my fingers inside you. Soon it will be my cock.”

  Charlotte’s legs opened wider with the increasing rhythm of his fingers. Her hips met his thrusts, and his name escaped her lips. The tension built between her legs and her body burned with raw need to join her body with Phillip’s. He rubbed his thumb across her already sensitive pearl, and the floodgates opened. Charlotte clamped down on the finger’s thrusting inside her as she was lost in the climax. A cry of pleasure echoed as she felt the warmth jet from her core. She wasn’t sure how long her body was gripped in release, but she felt Phillip remove his fingers and position himself on top of her. A delicious shiver ran through her body knowing he was about to possess her body.

  **********

  Phillip had never been more aroused by a woman’s orgasm. The beauty of emotions that crossed Charlotte’s face was the most erotic vision he had ever seen. He felt powerful yet humbled that she would trust him with her body. Even though he cared for Charlotte, he couldn’t let his feelings cause him to make a mistake they might both regret, like falling in love. She deserved more than he could give her.

  As soon as he had realized Charlotte was in the tub naked he should have left but he was selfish. He wanted this woman more than he ever wanted any other woman in his life. They were both old enough to know the consequences of their encounter. If she was willing to explore their passion, then he would give her everything he could.

  Phillip couldn’t wait any longer to be inside Charlotte. He rose above her and waited for her dreamy gaze to focus on him. He wanted to make sure she knew what was about to happen. The first time could be painful, and he didn’t want to alarm her or continue before she was ready. Charlotte smiled at him. He didn’t deserve this woman. She was too innocent, too perfect; nothing like the other women he had been with, and that was what made her so special.

  Never taking his eyes off Charlotte, Phillip guided his shaft to her wet sheath. He rubbed his member up and down, eliciting an
other moan from Charlotte. She angled her hips, trying to get close.

  Phillip tried to enter but felt Charlotte’s muscles clench around him in protest. Inch by inch he worked his way in, pausing to allow her to get used to his girth. She didn’t know what just being inside her did to him, it was maddening to his patience. Phillip entered until he felt the resistance of her maidenhood, the last barrier between him and pure pleasure. It was also the last part of Charlotte’s innocence. He hesitated.

  “Please, Phillip. I want this. I want you.”

  Before Phillip went any further, he lowered a hand and stroked Charlotte’s nub. He wanted to divert her attention from the discomfort she might feel when he completed penetration. When she was about to come, he thrust himself fully inside of her. Charlotte winced, and her muscles spasmed, but she soon relaxed.

  Phillip pumped in and out, taking his time at first then increasing the rhythm. This was unlike anything he had ever known. His heart raced and sweat glistened on his body as he thrust into Charlotte, the woman who had captured his heart. His body shook with the revelation. Charlotte’s legs wrapped around his body and pulled him closer. He leaned down and caught her lips in a possessive kiss as he increased his tempo.

  Their bodies became one, meeting each other thrust for thrust until neither could tell where they began or ended. His cock was ruthless, plowing into her, driving deep each time. Phillip knew he was close. He went harder, wanting Charlotte to share his release. His was near to bursting, but he waited.

  They were panting and moaning when Charlotte found release. Her channel tightened around Phillip’s rod, causing them to come together in an explosion of fulfillment. Phillip thrust a few more times and spent the rest of his seed in Charlotte’s welcoming body. They breathed heavily from the exertion of their lovemaking. Phillip was reluctant to release her body but withdrew. He placed one final kiss on Charlotte’s lips before rolling onto his back beside her.