She studied him as well, her eyes widening as her gaze traveled to his manhood. She quickly glanced back up at him, silently questioning him.
He smiled back as he lay down next to her, his arms wrapping around her to pull her tight.
“I promise to be gentle,” he whispered into her ear.
“Nathanial,” she whispered as her hands caressed his back while her lips found his.
Skin to skin, he sank into the wonderful world of Alice. Yes, he thought, this was what he wanted more than anything in this world. This woman.
His awareness narrowed, every other aspect disappeared, all that mattered was pleasing her, making her want him as much as he wanted her.
A fire raced through him as he gently cupped her breast while he stared into her eyes. Squeezing, he ran a thumb over a nipple and was rewarded with a deep moan. The kind of sound that could make a man glad to be alive.
Smiling to himself, he took her breast into his mouth as his hand trailed down over her hips to the junctions of her legs. Slowly, he reminded himself as he pushed aside the raging passion building inside of him. Take it slowly. Caressing her legs, he gently ran his hand over her soft skin as he waited for her to open for him. At last, as if she couldn’t stop herself, her legs parted, exposing herself, begging to be touched.
Without taking his attention away from her breast, he gently brought a finger to touch her folds. Caressing slowly, circling, gently probing until she arched into his hand. Smiling to himself, he started to bring her higher, making her body want more.
As he caressed her, she suddenly pulled him from her breast so that she could kiss him. Her lips demanded him as she began to move against him. Her hands trapping his head in place so that she could take what she wanted.
Nipping at her lips, his tongue fought with hers as he continued to push her higher with his hand.
“Yes,” she sighed as his finger sank into her. “Yes,” she moaned as her head fell back.
The heat continued to build inside of him. The fiery passion that demanded that he take her immediately.
Fighting the urge, he focused himself on her, returning to her breast as he continued to caress her core.
“Nathanial,” she said as she tried to pull him atop of her. “Please,” she begged.
Allowing himself to be guided, he placed himself between her knees and looked down once again. Silently asking if she was sure.
Nodding vigorously, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him towards her.
You’ve got to love a woman who knows what she wants, he thought as he positioned himself. Taking a deep breath, he stopped himself from acting too quickly. Stopping himself from plundering and ravishing her before she was ready.
Alice’s eyes grew very big as he slowly entered her. Her velvety warmness was heaven. Everything he had anticipated. Everything he had ever wanted.
The animal inside of him threatened to take over. To pound himself into her over and over and to hell with anything else. Gritting his teeth, he stopped for a moment to let her adjust. This is her first time he reminded himself. Slowly.
Studying her, he waited until she was ready again and then slowly pushed forward, sinking deeper into her and through her barrier.
Her eyes sprang open for a brief moment in alarm, then closed again as if she were slipping into a comfortable embrace.
“Oh Alice,” he whispered unable to hold himself back any longer. Gently he began to pull back, then rock forward. Slowly building. Over and over. Taking her higher with each thrust.
The soft lushness that was Alice engulfed him. Held him, welcomed him, and demanded more.
She moaned under him, her eyes flashing as she raked his back with her fingers.
“Yes, more,” she breathed as she moved in time with him. Meeting each thrust. Grinding and twisting around him. Demanding, needing.
Tightening his muscles, he fought to hold on. Fought to bring her to the end. With each thrust, his world threatened to explode. She was so perfect, tight, soft, warm, welcoming. Everything a man could want.
“Oh my …” she hissed as she threw her head back on the pillow, her face flushing as she screamed his name.
Yes, Yes, he thought as he thrust one last time and exploded into her. Every fiber of his being traveling into her. Every part of him marveling at the wondrousness of the woman beneath him.
“Yes,” she screamed as she pulled him down atop of her while her body shivered with her climax. “Yes,” she whispered again as if she had finally found what she sought. Finally found the one thing in her world that only he could give her.
Collapsing next to her, he pulled her into his arms and thought to himself, one night will never be enough.
Chapter Fifteen
Alice half-woke to the pure bliss of Nathanial’s arms surrounding her. Heaven, she thought as she snuggled back into him with a soft moan. Twice more, they had made love. Each time she had risen to new heights. Experienced things she had not known existed.
Her heart pounded with happiness. This was what she had wanted. This was what she had needed.
Sighing heavily, she opened her eyes to see a faint gray light breaking through the window. Almost morning she realized.
“No” she gasped as she threw off her blankets and raced across the room to get dressed. The maids would be up and about soon. She could not be seen like this, sneaking back into the house, at this hour. They would know instantly.
Her heart raced as she looked back at Nathanial, asleep as if there was nothing in the world to worry about. How dare he be so calm.
“Wake up,” she hissed as she slipped into her chemise, “I have to get back.”
Slowly, his eyes opened, studying her for a long moment, “Good morning, Alice,” he said with a grin.
She stopped, half bent over, and watched him slowly get out of bed and walk towards her. Naked, gorgeous, half aroused already, looking at her as if she were his.
“Nathanial,” she said breathlessly, “Please.” She must get dressed. There was no time to waste.
He smiled and said, “You said that last night, remember. I do believe it is becoming my favorite word.”
Gritting her teeth, she turned her back to him so that he could lace her up. “Hurry,” she demanded.
Chuckling in the back of his throat, he pulled her laces tight. But before he tied the bow, he leaned down and began to kiss the back of her neck.
“Oh, my …” she sighed as she began to sink into him. Becoming lost in the scent of sandalwood. “Oh, Nathanial.”
She could feel his lips smiling as he pushed aside her hair and ran them over her neck. His strong arms holding her next to his naked chest. The memory of their night together filled her with longing and want. The way he consumed her, the way his touch set her on fire. The feel of him inside of her. Thrusting, exploding. Every memory rushed back in.
No! she thought as she forced herself away from him.
“No,” she said to him, “I must get back.”
He sighed heavily and nodded. “As you wish,” he added as he finished tying the back of her dress.
Once complete, she turned to leave, then stopped to look once more at the man standing before her. His broad shoulders, his hard chest, long, strong legs. Every part of him pure male.
He had been hers, she thought. For one night at least, she had known what if felt like to be wanted and loved by a man like this. What woman could ever ask for more?
Sighing heavily, she ran out the door and across the drive towards the house. Her heart pounded in her chest as a sadness filled her. One night, she had said. But how could she ever live with herself with only one night of such memories?
The night sky had become gray around the edges, she had maybe minutes before the servants were up and about. Please, she prayed, let me make it to my room unobserved. The shame and embarrassment would be too much to bear if she were found out.
They would look at her and know instantly that she was coming from th
eir master’s bed. How could they not? Soon, her mother would know what she had done. There were no secrets in a house like this. Olivia would discover. She would be forced to leave. Under no circumstances would her wantonness be allowed to ruin Olivia’s reputation.
The thought of being forced away from Nathanial sent a bolt of fear straight through her. Never seeing him again. Never hearing his laugh, or having him look at her, just her. The thought was terrifying.
Blinking, fighting to hold back a tear, she crept into the house, quickly removed her slippers, and raced up the stairs. Please, please, she kept saying to herself as she approached her door. Just let me make it to safety and I will never do it again, she prayed, knowing all the while that she was lying to herself.
As she slowly turned her door handle, being careful not to make a sound, a sudden bump at the end of the darkened hallway made her jump. A cat? A servant? Biting back a squeal, she rushed into her room and closed her door, being careful not to slam it. Had she made it? Had someone seen her?
Resting against the door she fought to gain control of her breathing as her ears scanned for any noise. Would a maid knock, giving her a knowing smile? Or worse, her mother come in, demanding to know where she had been and with whom?
How had she allowed herself to get into such a situation? Why had she been so foolish?
One night, she reminded herself with a smile. She had wanted Nathanial and she had gotten Nathanial. And whatever happened after this, that one night had been worth it.
Sighing, she made herself ready for bed as her mind wandered to all the things they had done. To the way her body throbbed with need. No matter what, they couldn’t take this feeling away from her.
.o0o.
Later, at afternoon tea, her mother gave her a strange look, her brow narrowing.
“Why are you smiling?” her mother asked. “You have been smiling all day, why?”
Olivia gave her a quick look, “Yes, I’ve noticed that as well.”
Alice swallowed quickly as her mind raced. “It must be the country air,” she said as she took another sip of tea.
Her mother frowned with doubt as she slowly shook her head. “I’ve never known you to find the country air so entertaining. You used to hate our visits to the country estates.”
Alice shrugged her shoulders. “Perhaps as I grow older, I’ve come to realize the value of a little peace and quiet. The London rush can be tiring at times.”
Her mother snorted and shook her head again, but thankfully, she chose not to pursue the topic.
Stop smiling, Alice told herself as she tried to force her lips into a passive pose. A task she realized that was going to be difficult to maintain. Her mind was constantly recalling the previous night. What does he think of our time together? she wondered. She had not seen him since leaving him in all his glory.
Was he happy with her? Or had he found her innocence a bother? Did he really think she was beautiful? He had said so, but was that just words men said to make a woman like them?
So many questions and he wasn’t here to ask. How dare he not be here?
No, she reminded herself, even if he were, she could not broach the subject. She could not pester and bother until he answered her questions. First, Nathanial was not a man that would allow himself to be pestered. Second, one night, she had promised him.
There could be no more liaisons, not if she wished to retain her reputation. Not if she wished to remain here with him and Olivia. If she bothered him with a thousand questions, surely, he would set her aside.
This had been such a magical time, such a magical place, she would be heartbroken to leave it and return to London.
“Now you are frowning?” Olivia said, “Why? Is something wrong?”
Alice smiled weakly and shook her head. “No, I was just thinking how sad it would be to leave and return. It has been so nice here.”
“We’ve only been here one day,” her mother said, “Really Alice, what has gotten into you?”
She swallowed hard and ignored her mother’s question. Some things could never be explained. Olivia gave her a strange look and was about to ask a question when the parlor door opened without a knock.
“Ladies,” Nathanial said as he breezed into the room like a man in control of the world.
Alice’s heart jumped at the sight of him as a thousand butterflies took flight in her stomach. He was so handsome and so commanding. The kind of man a woman couldn’t help but fall in love with.
He smiled at them, his eyes lingering for just an extra moment on hers.
“Nathanial,” Olivia said, “Where have you been all day? Hiding in the dowager house I assume. Why is that place so special?”
Nathanial smiled at her, “You would never understand,” he answered as he poured himself a whiskey.
“So, to what do we owe this pleasure?” Alice’s mother asked with a frown. “It is not like you to interrupt your daily tasks to grace us with your presence at this hour of the day.”
“Mother,” Alice hissed as her cheeks grew warm with embarrassment.
Nathanial laughed and took a long sip of his drink. “I apologize for interrupting, Lady Weston, but I just stopped in to inform you that I must return to London.”
“What?” Alice gasped as her heart stopped beating. Was he rushing to get away from her? Now that he had gotten what he wanted, was he in a hurry to move on to his next conquest? A soft sadness filled her. She was losing him.
“Why?” Olivia asked, studying her brother with a serious frown. “Is this anything to do with Jocko? I saw him arrive earlier this afternoon.”
“It is business,” he told her, then looked at Alice for a long moment. “I assure you, it is only business,” he added as if trying to reassure her.
“That is the difference with the aristocracy,” her mother said. “They would never allow such a thing to interfere with their plans. It just isn’t done.”
Nathanial laughed. He’s happy, Alice realized. She could see it in his eyes. He is happy with the world. Maybe he had not been disappointed last night. Perhaps he really had enjoyed himself.
“I assure you, Lady Weston if I didn’t have to, I wouldn’t. Jocko will return in a few days to escort you ladies back to the city.”
“So soon?” Olivia asked.
He grimaced for a moment and nodded. “Yes, you will need time to prepare for the ball we are going to give on the fourteenth.”
“The fourteenth?” her mother gasped. “That is only a few weeks away, not near enough time.”
Nathanial shrugged his wide shoulders. “Nevertheless, it will be held on the fourteenth.”
“Why then? Why not later?” Olivia asked, her brow knitted in confusion.
He smiled at his sister, took another sip of his drink and said, “Because that is the day I wish it to occur. I realize this will be difficult to arrange, and I realize that the purpose of the ball is to show off Olivia. But I need it to be on that date. Is it possible?”
“Yes,” Alice said without really thinking. It was obvious that it was important to him, that made it important to her, she would move heaven and earth to make sure it occurred as he needed.
He smiled at her and nodded his thanks.
Her mother was looking at her strangely but holding her tongue, Alice knew she would receive a severe talking to later, one of her mother’s more strongly worded rebukes. But here, now, in front of Nathanial, her mother had chosen to hold back.
“Good then,” he said, “I will leave it to you ladies to arrange it. I must be off, it is a long ride to London.”
Alice’s heart lurched at the thought of him alone on the road to London. So many things could go wrong. His horse could falter, throwing him. Brigands and highwaymen could accost him. A storm could catch him, giving him the chill and a fever. Everyone knew the road was not a safe place. Her heart raced as she pondered the thousand different dangers he would face.
He bowed and turned to leave, shooting her a quick look at the do
or.
She froze, as her mind raced. Should she say something? Should she tell him how she felt about him? What if something happened and she never saw him again?
But, before she could act, he was out the door and on his way.
Her heart fell, this was wrong, so wrong.
“Wait,” she yelled as she rushed to catch him before he left.
“Alice,” her mother hissed with surprise at her unladylike actions.
Alice paused before opening the parlor door. “I have a question about the ball and who he wants to attend. I will just be a moment.”
Her mother frowned, Olivia looked lost, obviously thinking that her brother could care less who she invited to the ball.
Alice ignored her and hurried from the room, her feet scurrying to catch him before he left.
A strong sense of relief washed over her as she found him at the front door, Jocko at his side, Benson helping him on with a long coat.
“Mr. Caldwell?” she called, her throat tight with fear. What would she do if he ignored her? What if he was upset at being bothered?
His quick smile set her heart to beating again.
“Thank you, Benson, that will be all,” he said to his butler. “Jocko, see to the horses, make sure that Tommy is ready.”
Jocko shot her a quick look then glanced back at his employer. Smiling, the Breton mumbled something under his breath as he left the house. Something about distractions.
“Yes, Lady Alice,” Nathanial asked as he pulled on his gloves. His gaze catching hers, holding her in place.
She paused for a moment. What should she say? How could she tell him what he had meant to her? What last night had meant. How could she get him to tell her what he thought of their time together?
“Mr. Caldwell,” she began.
“Last night it was Nathanial,” he said with a cocky grin.
Alice gasped and quickly looked around to make sure they were alone.
He laughed and pulled on his other glove, his eyes holding hers, waiting for her to continue.
“Nathanial,” she said with an effort, the word sounding bold and strange in the light of day. “I wondered if there was anyone, in particular, you needed to be invited to the ball. Or perhaps someone you wish to make sure is not there?”
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