by Sahara Kelly
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, wiping her eyes. “You made me realise how happy I am, how loved I feel, and how well you all satisfy me. I love you so much. Every one of you.” She sniffled. “Do you know that?”
Gabriel looked at her, a gentle expression on his face. “Of course we do. Every time you touch us, kiss us, smile at us…you’re letting us know how you feel.”
He shifted his body over hers, pushing her legs apart with his hips. “And every time you take us…like this…” He slid his cock inside, slowly, lovingly, sliding on the mixture of their own juices. They’d already had each other once, but Gabriel had apparently recovered quite quickly. “Each time we feel the heat, the wet slick silk slipping over us…” he glanced at her, “and that look on your face, the one that tells us how much you enjoy it…” Slowly he began to slide in and out.
“Gabriel,” she breathed, as her body came to life once more.
“Every time, Gwyneth, you tell us how much you love us. We know, dear one. We know.”
Swamped with emotions, she raised her hips a little, urging him on, taking him as deep as she could and once again finding that blind, mad ecstasy awaiting them both.
Her doubts put to rest, Gwyneth decided to visit the school herself the next day, accompanying Royce in the gig.
Thoroughly wrapped up against the cold breeze, she leaned against him as they drove away from the Manor. “I have missed you, Royce.”
He looked down and quirked an eyebrow. “I haven’t been anywhere but in the house…”
She shook her head and smiled at him. “I’ve missed you at night.”
“Ah.”
“Well? Are you done with me then?” She teased him with a nudge. “One night and you’ve had enough of me?”
He bit his lip. “Gwyneth, you know damn well I could never get enough of you. Now stop teasing me, otherwise you might find yourself in the ditch with your legs up over your head and me inside you.”
“Hmm.” She looked around. “How about there?” She pointed to a spot beside the lane where most of the snow had thawed, leaving grass and a few leaves next to the hedge.
His hands jerked on the reins, surprising the horse. “No.”
“I could find another ditch if that one doesn’t suit…”
“No.”
“Mayhap you’d prefer one with softer mud…” She barely contained her laughter.
He drew the gig to a stop and turned to her. “Enough, you wicked woman.” He grabbed her, kissed her fiercely and thoroughly, then picked up the reins and moved them onward. “Now. That will have to suffice until later.”
Breathless and trembling, Gwyneth blinked in surprise. “Well.” She gulped. “Um…all right.”
This time it was Royce who laughed as they drew up the school. “Now behave yourself.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The harsh winter winds lessened as January progressed, and there were even one or two days that could be described as ‘spring-like’, but Gwyneth knew all too well that they were merely a distraction provided by Mother Nature, who was erratically unpredictable, to say the least of it.
However, the diminishing snow allowed for more efficient message deliveries and several began to arrive on a regular basis from London.
Giles had established another couple of contacts and verified that Gylbart’s case involving the Mortmain had indeed been refused. The reason cited was lack of verifiable documentation concerning the initial Mortmain, the terms, and details, and many other pieces of information that would have allowed the judges to make an informed decision.
The receipt of that letter had relieved all of them, and Gwyneth voiced their approval on the afternoon that Royce relayed the news.
“Thank heavens,” she sighed. “I hope that means that we need no longer worry about him trying to legally manoeuvre our land out from underneath us, especially since Gabriel’s claim is already on its way to the courts.”
“Possibly,” answered Royce, frowning.
“That doesn’t sound like a thunderous round of applause…” Jeremy raised an eyebrow.
Royce muttered something. “Give me a few moments.” He turned the pages on the letter he was reading.
Evan sighed. “I cannot speak for you all, but I am getting annoyed with these continuous challenges to our right to be here. Is the entire world nothing but greed?”
“It seems like it, doesn’t it?” Harry nodded. “I agree with you. I wish people would cease trying to take away someone else’s property.”
“To view this from another perspective, we probably should be grateful that all this is happening in London and in the law courts. A couple of hundred years ago and we might have an army on our doorstep…” Jeremy pointed out.
The others agreed with the validity of his statement and the conversation wandered down a different path, but Gwyneth kept her eye on Royce, who intently continued to peruse the latest letter from Giles.
Finally, she stood and went to his side. “What is it?” She put her hand on his shoulder.
He looked at her, the rest of the room quietening, as if awaiting his words.
“Gylbart is trying another tack, since his first attempt failed.” He frowned again. “Apparently he is protesting the possession of Wolfbridge Manor and lands.”
“I don’t understand…” Gwyneth raised her hands in confusion. “How can he do that? The records of the last hundred years are quite clear on the ownership. The sale to Jerald Wolfbridge is fully documented…”
“You are correct,” corroborated Royce. “but Gylbart’s claim is an appeal against the way in which Wolfbridge is deeded.”
“You mean to the Lady of Wolfbridge?” Harry’s voice was icy.
“Yes. Exactly.” Royce shot him a look of gratitude. “You understand.” He turned to the others. “Because Lady Aphrodite obtained approval for her rather unusual way of keeping Wolfbridge in the hands of women—distant heirs at best—Gylbart is going to present challenges, asserting that now Wolfbridge should go to male heirs.”
“That’s ridiculous.” Gwyneth was on her feet.
“Absurd.” Jeremy followed her.
“He wants to overturn a document that has been executed faithfully and without problem for this long?” Evan’s face was pale with anger. “He can’t do that.”
Gabriel sighed. “He has to try everything. He won’t give up, Royce. I’ll wager on it..”
Royce looked back. “He is that type, isn’t he? Dogged, determined, wants to win no matter the cost.”
Gabriel nodded. “Until he had what he wanted, whether it was money or…or people,” he took a ragged breath, “he never stopped. He would do anything, try anything, threaten, even kill, to get what he craved.”
“And when he couldn’t buy Fivetrees…” Harry commented.
“Exactly. For some reason, he holds us to blame. And now he wants Wolfbridge as well. He wants it all.” Gabriel shuddered. “He mustn’t have it. God, don’t let him have it.”
“We won’t.” Royce straightened. “But this legal mess needs untangling.”
“You’re going to London,” said Gwyneth.
He nodded, his eyes meeting hers. “Yes.”
She sighed, knowing he was right, but hating the thought of him leaving. Having her men together was the ultimate happiness. Having one of them away…well, it just didn’t seem the same with him gone.
Silence followed Royce’s statement.
“Do you need anyone to go with you?” Harry, ever practical, was first to respond.
“I think not.” Royce shook his head. “I’ll feel better knowing Lady Gwyneth has you all here with her. I doubt Gylbart will travel—I see no particular reason for him to come down here, since all his actions right now concern legalities and must be pursued in London. But still…”
“She will be quite safe,” Jeremy answered. “You know that.”
“I do, and it eases my mind. But this whole matter has gone on long enough. I would see it finished so
that we may get back to enjoying our everyday lives.”
Everyone nodded at Royce’s words.
“I would suggest that perhaps our Lady should spend some time at the school while you are absent, Royce,” Gabriel suggested. “Surrounded by our tenants, she will certainly be well protected…”
“A lovely idea, Gabriel, and yes I’d like to be there for a while.” Gwyneth quickly picked up on his comment. “But you’re all acting as if I am under some sort of threat. I’m not. It’s Wolfbridge that is threatened. The lands, the Manor, and Fivetrees too, of course.”
“My Lady, we do not trust Gylbart as far as we could throw him.” Evan responded without a second thought. “Also, we have no idea how far he would go or what he would do to accomplish his goals.”
“Evan’s right, my Lady.” Gabriel looked at her, his eyes pleading for her understanding. “You are the most precious thing in our lives. We must protect you at all costs. And Gylbart might take advantage of that. If he ever got his hands on you…” He shivered.
“There’s nothing we wouldn’t do, or surrender, or sign, to get you back in one piece.” Harry kept his voice level. “We must not give him that chance.”
She swallowed, finally grasping the fear they all shared. Then she nodded. “I will do as you suggest.”
There was a muted sigh of relief and the conversation turned to preparations for Royce’s journey. Gwyneth wanted to write to Giles, and the others had various commissions that he could accomplish while in town.
For a brief moment, she wished she could go with him. Not because she wanted to leave Wolfbridge, but because it was Royce and he would be seeing Giles as well.
She shook it off, but knew she’d feel a lot better upon Royce’s return.
Later that evening, she managed to catch him for a moment, putting her hand on his arm. “Royce. I need to…to see you before you leave.” She stared at him, praying he understood.
“When?”
“Tonight. In my chamber.” She held her breath. He’d not visited her since the New Year.
His body tensed under her hand. “Alone?”
“For this night, yes.”
“Then I shall be pleased to accept, my Lady.” He bowed, and she released him, watching him walk away.
*~~*~~*
Journal of Gwyneth, Lady of Wolfbridge - January 1819
I finally did it. I managed to ensure Royce’s companionship once again. I believe he had avoided such matters since our one night together, which troubled me. Did he not like what we did? Even though all indications were that he was as pleased as I?
I knew the other gentlemen had no objection to his becoming a part of our real family, for Gabriel told me so. I asked him to suggest to Royce that he join us, but Gabriel merely shook his head, saying that Royce would not respond to an invitation from a gentleman. His pride would insist that I ask myself.
And when I did, his first concern was would he be alone with me? I found that interesting, since he seems to be quite content with the knowledge that I entertain more than one man in my bed at a time. He was even part of such an evening a while ago.
Well, perhaps I shall discover more about his thoughts on this matter in the future, but for this one night, it was just Royce and me.
He leaves today, only hours from now, so I must hurry to write the details of our night, before I am summoned to breakfast. And to bid him farewell.
I have just come to the realisation that I shall say goodbye to him tomorrow. Even though Royce will return, I feel something horrid inside at the thought of waving him away.
Especially after last night.
He came to me. I waited for what seemed like hours and then, just as I was about to give up hoping, there was a tiny sound at my door. I opened it to find him there, shirt undone, looking tired. I wanted to take him in my arms then and there, but waited, as is proper, until the door closed us in.
Then I went to him and simply hugged him as much as I could.
My actions seemed to shatter his reticence, and he seized me, kissing me with all that wonderful savagery and passion.
His hands quickly found my body and slipped my robe away, just as my hands were pushing his shirt over his shoulders and then unfastening his breeches. I was not ashamed to show him I wanted him, nor afraid to kiss his chest, lick and suck his small nipples and slide my hand down between his legs to grasp that heated length that throbbed in my palm.
He is so amazing, so unexpected.
Yes, he worshipped my breasts, licking and sucking the way I like so much. But then he dropped to his knees and parted my thighs. I was already wet, excited and eager for him.
I did not expect the gentle kisses he lavished on my mound and my upper thighs. Nor the delicate touches of his lips against my soaked folds.
Light as a butterfly’s wings, his tongue dappled my sex with kisses and licks, teasing my arousal so high I could feel my flesh swelling with desire.
Had he not taken hold of my thighs, I would have fallen, but soon he tired of such play and stood, stripping the rest of his clothing and then looking at me, his gaze drifting over my body, down to my toes and back, lingering here and there.
He reached out and cupped my breasts, rubbing his thumbs across my nipples. He smiled as I made a sound and told me he loved to hear me respond like that.
Then, to my astonishment, he picked me up, ordered me to put my legs around him, and sank me onto his cock.
It was…incredible. He walked us to the mirror, standing in front of it, sideways, so that we could both see our bodies. Telling me to watch, he started to move, his muscles clenching as he raised and lowered me.
It was so very erotic, I blush to even write these words. But needless to say it was very effective, and I found myself on the edge of my release far too soon.
Seeing our skin, his darker than mine, rubbing against each other, my white thighs around his waist, my breasts so full and taut and pressed to his chest - a vision I will never forget.
Finally he dropped me to the bed and followed me down, inside me before I could protest his leaving me.
We devoured each other with deep, savage kisses that stole my breath and gave me his. I believe I may have scratched his back in an attempt to get him closer, and I know he groaned as he plundered me, thrusting faster and faster, slapping our bodies together, each of us fighting to find that last moment, that eternity when we hung above the precipice and prepared to fall.
He cried out and gave one final thrust, spearing into me, deeper than I can ever recall. I must have made a sound too, but I don’t remember. I was lost, tipped into the void, clinging to Royce as his cock throbbed violently within me, matched only by the equally violent spasms where he was sheathed by my inner muscles. I felt his seed boil and erupt into my body, a sensation that fueled my release and prolonged it.
Could two people ever get any closer than this?
I was spent, lax of limb and blank of mind. But Royce? He pulled himself free, then turned me over onto my stomach. His hands stroked me, shoulder to buttock, hip to toe. He lavished kisses all over me, and I’m not convinced that a single spot remained untouched. I felt - cherished, I believe is the best word. So very cherished by his tender attentions.
He soothed, then aroused, and to my astonishment the rush of desire returned in full force. His hands found the sides of my breasts and the inside of my thighs, delicate touches that stimulated rather than calmed me.
It was not long before I found myself moving urgently, needing him once more.
He took a couple of my pillows and raised me, pushing them beneath my hips and thus presenting me for his pleasure.
I will admit I blushed at the thought of what he must see. Can a woman ever relish the notion of a lover staring at her backside? I certainly have difficulty. I fully expect that all my cheeks were blushing.
But Royce seemed pleased, stroking my buttocks so gently, then giving them tiny loving slaps. Was this punishment? No, but I found it unusually p
leasing. My skin warmed under his palms and where he slapped, he licked, a dual assault of tenderness and firmness that undid me.
I could feel his cock; he would brush it against my wet folds and then against my hot skin.
I wondered if he would enter me again, and if so, where. Royce is blessed with a sizeable cock, and there was no salve at hand if he planned on taking a different road. I do not dislike that, but it helps to be fully aroused, to be craving it. And at that point I was desirous of being taken in the ordinary way.
Perhaps he sensed it, because his attentions drifted to my wet flesh and his teasing fingers had me gasping and writhing. When he pulled me to my knees and position himself behind me, I nearly sobbed for joy.
He came in so deeply, so strongly that I had to fight to keep my balance, but oh how wonderful a feeling it was.
Royce touched me with everything he was, every part of his body, his hands, his cock, his chest as he leaned toward me and tweaked my nipples - I felt immersed in him. He, more than any of my other gentlemen, makes love in a way that demands everything I have to give, simply because he gives all that he has to me.
In this, I know full well that I am so very, very blessed.
Chapter Thirty
Leaving Wolfbridge the next morning was not the easiest thing Royce had ever done.
Gwyneth’s scent lingered in his nostrils; the memory of running his hands over her soft skin taunted him, and the touch of her lips on his as she bid him farewell had lit fires within him.
There was no doubt now. He knew he had fallen for this woman, as deeply and profoundly as the rest of her gentlemen.
He would give his life for her if necessary. And that fact alone made him a true Wolfbridge resident.
The ride to London would be arduous, he assumed, since the roads might not be as good further north. But as the Manor receded behind him, he promised himself he would set an acceptable pace and get there at the earliest possible moment. Giles was not expecting him, but he hoped to find him in town. God forbid he and Ione had decided to travel anywhere else. That would certainly turn his plans upside down.