by Golden Angel
Pressing his lips together, Thomas was obviously thinking quickly.
“Have you broken your fast yet?” he asked, abruptly changing directions.
“No,” she said. It had been her plan to eat when she returned. Gabrielle had been uninterested in food, unfortunately. The poor dear just wasn’t feeling quite the thing in the morning; she’d enjoyed the brief outing although she’d been yawning by the time they’d finished. Seeing Gabrielle’s fatigue, Arabella had steeled herself to return home, even though she would have much rather stayed with her friend. Still, as Gabrielle was enceinte, her activities were somewhat curtailed.
Thomas held out his elbow. “Let me escort you, then.”
Eyeing him suspiciously, Arabella took his arm and allowed him to walk her to the dining room.
It was empty other than the food, and Thomas informed her it was a bit later than his parents and Mary could usually be found here and still too early for Walter. Although he’d already eaten, he sat down with her and conversed as she ate. At first it made her rather nervous, then eventually she relaxed and was able to enjoy the conversation. Mostly he talked, since she was eating, but it was still enjoyable.
Exactly how she’d pictured a marriage should be.
If only her bottom wasn’t sore and she wasn’t still silently seething over his high-handed ways, she would have felt quite blissful.
Still, she decided it was prudent to pretend she wasn’t holding a grudge. After all, she had her new rose and violet perfume ready and she planned to put it on either tomorrow or the day after. Wearing it for the first time on the day she’d been spanked would be far too suspicious. Since she had some mischief planned, it behooved her to behave as though she didn’t.
Even more so when she realized her unaffected act was grating on Thomas’ nerves.
After her meal it quickly became clear that Thomas intended to dog her footsteps, as if he was afraid she might disappear if she wasn’t directly in his line of sight. Although, to be fair that had already happened twice during their first morning of marriage, so perhaps he wasn’t entirely ludicrous to think so. He’d left her alone both times.
Perhaps this was his way of trying to make it up to her?
Arabella was highly amused when he decided to escort her, his mother, and Mary to Lady Winchester’s afternoon soiree. It was an event guaranteed to be filled with debutantes, young men who didn’t feel up to telling their match-making mothers they wouldn’t be attending, and those gentlemen who were gritting their teeth and still trying to find a bride before the end of the Season.
Thomas would likely be the only married gentleman there and since their wedding had been yesterday, Arabella had already expected to be mobbed by those wishing to speak with her on her first social outing as a married woman. Having her husband by her side was only going to make the attending ladies more rabid to speak with both of them, as his presence would be a curiosity.
Gossip and speculation would be rampant.
It appeared she wasn’t even going to have to exert herself to make him miserable today.
******
Thomas had discovered a circle of hell unmentioned in Dante’s Inferno.
He’d managed to mostly stay away from the ladies’ afternoon socializing, as Gabrielle had always been able to chaperone Mary during those times his mother couldn’t. The few times he’d gone, he’d been on the search for his bride and so hadn’t minded the petticoat line quite so much. But his presence had also been explained as escorting his cousin while his mother and sister-in-law were unable to, and so had been unremarkable. Today, he had no such excuse and the gossips had descended like vultures.
It was a mob scene.
The shock followed by speculation that had crossed their hostess’ face when she saw him should have warned him to the kind of reception he’d receive from the rest of the attendees. Even the other young gentlemen looked as though they were wondering what he was doing there when he didn’t have to be, but they didn’t have the gumption to ask him.
None of the ladies asked outright either, but they hinted… they probed… they looked for his and Arabella’s reactions.
His wife just smiled serenely and behaved as though there was nothing unusual in him dancing attendance on her. The whispers which had sprung up around them were rather loud, as if the whisperers were hoping to be overheard and their curiosity addressed. Surprisingly, loathe as he was to be gossiped about, Thomas found he truly didn’t care about what they were saying.
Perhaps because he had already seen his friends, and his youngest brother, go through something similar. Society frowned upon couples who were too affectionate, who spent too much time in each other’s pockets… but for the first time Thomas felt Society could go hang itself. Not just because he was there to keep an eye on his wife—she was behaving so innocently he was sure she was up to something—but because it wasn’t any of their business.
It was an odd revelation to make.
He’d always thought he would want a wife who wouldn’t garner disapproval from the ton at all, but now that several disapproving looks were being sent his and Arabella’s way from the crustiest of the haut ton… he simply didn’t care.
Not that he’d be putting himself through this particular torture again any time soon. Not caring about what they thought didn't mean he enjoyed being at the center of their focus and gossip. Why he had felt his presence was necessary was beyond him. Of course Arabella wouldn’t do anything scandalous with his mother, cousin, and Gabrielle all right beside her. It was just that after her unexpected reaction to the spanking this morning and her carefree demeanor as she breakfasted had made him feel leery of leaving her to her own devices.
And, if he was being perfectly honest, he hadn’t particularly wanted to let her out of his sight again. It was their first day of wedded life after all, and although they had social obligations for the remainder of the week before the Season ended… well, he’d barely seen her today and other than breakfast, the time they’d spent together had hardly been pleasant.
Next time he’d remember that teas weren’t exactly pleasant either. Especially not when they were overrun by the largest gossips in the ton.
******
Other than her spanking, Arabella had rather enjoyed her first day as Lady Arabella Hood.
Of course, the spanking meant she wasn't sitting entirely comfortably, but the annoyance was minor compared to how irritated Thomas had become at the tea. While Arabella had reveled in the attention, he'd become stiffer and stiffer throughout the afternoon, his expression turning almost pained. Obviously unused to so much attention from avaricious matrons intent on burrowing out the best gossip, he bore up reasonably well but clearly did not enjoy the experience.
They'd returned home in time to change for dinner, which was eaten with his family, and then attended Lady Rochester's ball where she was able to see and speak with her siblings as well. Isaac had told her it was 'very quiet' around the house and pretended to be pleased about it, but he'd also dropped a kiss on the top of her head, something he only did when he was feeling particularly affectionate. Benedict, always more demonstrative than their eldest brother, had swept her up into a full hug.
"It's not so different, really," he said thoughtfully. "It's just the knowing you won't be at Manchester House when I visit anymore that has changed."
Which was quite true. It was odd to see her siblings and know she wouldn't be returning home with Isaac and Lydia this evening. A touch of nostalgia had gripped her momentarily, but then she'd been swept up into the dancing and other conversations with inquisitive members of the ton who hadn't been at Lady Winchester's tea.
By the time they returned to Hood House, Arabella was more than ready to receive her husband in her bed. Although she was still miffed about her punishment that morning, somehow it seemed very far away right now. Her bottom was still sore but not horribly so, she'd had an enjoyable day of watching Thomas squirm, had her perfume ready to wear as soon as s
he desired... and she wanted to experience the marital act again.
So when Thomas knocked the adjoining door and she called for him to come in, she'd already donned another one of the new nightgowns in her trousseau. Lace wafted around her legs as she turned, and she smiled at the gratifyingly absorbed expression on Thomas' face as he took in the sight of her. Like the night before, he was wearing the dark red robe which obscured most of his body. Going by his expression, however, he was aroused by the mere sight of her.
He might not approve of her at times, he might think her thoughtless or selfish, but he absolutely desired her. Knowing so gave her a sense of feminine power that she reveled in.
Tonight's gown was entirely made of white lace-work, which rubbed pleasantly over her skin, stiffening her nipples and brushing over her sensitive bottom. Even if she hadn't liked being spanked, she could still enjoy the more pleasant after effects.
"I… ah..." His gaze was moved away from her breasts and up to her face, his expression still flummoxed. "I wasn't sure... if..."
Smiling enigmatically, a bit gleeful at his confusion, Arabella glided forward, swaying her hips as she moved to the bedside. Placed her hand delicately on it.
"I have no qualms," she said teasingly, brushing the heavy locks of hair over her right shoulder so he could clearly see the whole front of her. The eyelets in the lace teased glimpses of her skin beneath; it made her feel quite scandalous. "Unless you mean to retire alone?"
Her words were a prod, as they were meant to be, and the uncertainty in her husband's eyes cleared away to be followed by eager resolve. Coming forward, he met her at the bed, snaking his arm around her waist and hauling her against him. Immediately, her heart began to beat faster, fluttering inside of her chest as she pressed her hands against his.
"You're a minx," he growled, his hold on her tight, his other hand pressing against the small of her back and beginning to slide down to her bottom.
"Just don't expect me to use my mouth," she whispered, almost tauntingly, as she went up on her toes to kiss him.
Whatever answer he might have made was lost in their kiss, his grip tightening on her as she wound her arms around his neck. The lace, which hadn't felt scratchy before, now seemed to abrade her skin as his hand caressed her bottom, squeezing and rubbing and reigniting some of the sting from this morning. It was a pleasant sting though, similar to the way he had made her feeling with the spanking the night before.
Moaning against his lips, she wantonly rubbed herself against his front, enjoying the way the lace rasped over her tightly budded nipples as well.
To her disappointment, his hands suddenly disappeared from her backside and clamped on to her hips, pushing her away. About to protest as her lips were torn from his, she looked up at him in confusion and sudden uncertainty.
His dark eyes were glowing in the candlelight as he stared down at her, completely in control of himself now and sinfully handsome. Something had shifted in his gaze, making him look far more threatening than when he was actually trying to.
"Oh no, little minx, last night we went at your pace. Tonight we're going at mine. Put your arms up."
Confused, curious, Arabella did as he told her, a little thrill shivering down her spine as she raised her arms.
Strange how obeying him here, like this, made her tingle all over whereas obeying him elsewhere made her feel like gnashing her teeth.
His eyes seemed to burn, staring straight into hers as his hands skimmed up her sides, and then she felt her night gown lifting. With one smooth movement, Thomas pulled it up over her head, leaving her completely naked in front of him. Arabella started to lower her arms.
"Stop."
The command made her freeze and she felt almost breathless with a strange new excitement as she looked up at him.
"Put your hands behind your head if you need to, but you aren't allowed to lower them yet."
Any other time, any other arena, being told she wasn't allowed to do something would have had Arabella immediately challenging the notion. But right now... she bent her elbows and cupped the back of her head with her palms. It only took her a moment to appreciate her new position as Thomas' gaze dropped down to her completely exposed breasts. Her nipples throbbed as his hands skimmed up her sides ones again, barely touching her, making her ache for more.
When she tried to lean into his touch, he gave her right breast a short, sharp slap and she jumped in shock, her lungs seizing in her chest.
“I told you, we’re going at my pace,” he said, cupping the breast he’d just spanked and giving it a gentle squeeze. His thumb swept over her nipple and the tiny bud throbbed as a similar sensation pulsed between her legs like a response.
Arabella’s lips made a small ‘o’ but no sound emerged. She didn’t have the breath to make one.
Part of her wanted to smack him, but she couldn’t deny how arousing she found this previously hidden masterful side of his personality. It was like discovering a secret. Somehow this was very different from when he’d taken control and spanked her last night, and certainly different from this morning.
Staring up at him, she waited to see what he would do next.
******
His wife’s wide hazel eyes filled Thomas with smug satisfaction. Not just because he’d surprised her, but because she had turned suddenly docile, even submissive. Which had surprised him as well, but he’d just reacted automatically when she’d shown every sign of pushing him faster that he’d wanted to go.
Tonight he wanted to take his time.
Explore her body.
Become acquainted with every inch of her.
He started with his hands, caressing, curving his fingers around every soft section of her body as he slowly knelt down before her. All the while, he could feel Arabella’s stare, her eyes burning a hole through the back of his head as he nuzzled her thighs, his hands having moved down to her calves. Every inch of her skin was silky soft, and her legs had the firm muscles of an avid rider, which was already giving him several interesting ideas. With his face only a few inches away from the apex of her thighs, he could smell the sweet, musky scent of feminine arousal. Conversely, the heady aroma made him want to simultaneously hurry himself along and slow even more.
“Thomas?” Her voice was soft, almost anxious. “May I put my hands down now?”
He’d taken so long that her arms must be getting tired.
“Yes,” he said, standing. He ran his hands back up her body as he did so, enjoying the way she shivered under his touch. “Then get on the bed and lay on your back.”
Shrugging off the robe, he enjoyed watched her obey him—for once. As soon as she was in position, her dark hair spread over her pillows, her legs spread very slightly apart, hands at her sides, her eyes went straight to his hard cock. Immediately her legs opened a little wider, and Thomas grinned. Obviously she thought she was going to get what she wanted, right now.
But he wasn’t quite done yet.
Climbing onto the bed, he took each slim ankle in one hand and spread them further, pushing her legs up towards her so she had to bend at the knees. The lips of her pussy parted, a pink shell fringed by dark wet curls, opening for him as Arabella blushed. To her credit, she didn’t attempt to cover herself (which he’d half expected), she just watched and waited to see what he would do.
Well, she might not be using her mouth tonight, but Thomas certainly intended to use his.
“Oh!” Arabella’s gasp of surprise as he lowered his head between her thighs sent another lance of lust stabbing through him. That soft little gasp was like music to his ears as he slid his tongue between her lower lips, tasting her sweet nectar. Wrapping his arms around her thighs to firmly hold them apart, Thomas began to feast.
Almost immediately, Arabella’s fingers gripped the back of his head, her hips lifting in eagerness to meet his mouth. Her passion spurred him onwards and he was determined to show her exactly what she’d been missing out on when she’d been in such a rush the nigh
t before. Not that he’d expected a virgin to know the finer points of love-making, but he was going to demonstrate at least one of them now.
******
Oh goodness… who could have guessed the stuffy, proper Lord Thomas Hood would have such a wicked mouth?! Certainly not Arabella. Not that she’d truly known what to expect from a man using his mouth on her. The terms her friends had bandied about certainly hadn’t satisfactorily described this… this sinful decadence.
Arabella moaned as she moved against his tongue, nearly sobbing when he began to suckle. Not naturally a follower, she was finding it paid to let her husband lead. At least, here it did.
His strong hands kept her thighs pried apart when she would have clasped them closer together, as his oral assault on her most sensitive parts became almost too intense to bear.
“Thomas!” She cried out his name as her pleasure rose… surged… crested. “Thomas!” Gripping his hair tightly, she pulled, writhing against his mouth in her ecstasy. The heady sensation of rapture rolled on as he continued to lick, suck, pleasure her, prolonging the pounding waves rippling through her.
By the time he was done with her, Arabella felt limbless as she forced her hands to smooth down his hair and fall away. Muzzy with the hazy afterglow of satisfaction, she still felt a small tremor as Thomas rose over her like a dark god, his manhood erect and unsatisfied. She felt like the pagan sacrifice sent to appease him.
Arabella whimpered as he knelt between her thighs. She felt so exquisitely sensitive she wasn’t sure she could bear to have him inside of her… yet she didn’t want to deny him either.
The thick head pressed against her and then easily began to slide inside of her, Thomas bracing his arms on either side of her body as he groaned and thrust forward. Crying out, she felt her muscles contract around the large invader, her hands coming up to rest on his biceps. A moment later, they were on either side of her head, his hands pressing down on her wrists, holding her immobile and helpless beneath him.
For some reason his dominant stance, her utter vulnerability to him, aroused her all over again.
