by Lisa Doughty
“In her final fitting,” Emelia informed her.
“Ah, a race to the finish then?”
“She will be ready.”
“I have no doubt.” Cordelia smiled at Emelia. She was dying to ask if she knew where Lord Roth had gone but resisted. The last thing she needed was for Emelia to think she was interested in the man. Instead, she decided to keep her mind on the task at hand. “This was a good suggestion. It is just what was needed.”
“I believe so, time will tell.”
The bells rang, cutting off their conversation. The doors opened, and the ladies emerged, giggling, and raced to the next door. Emelia went to the end of the hallway to help the footmen. Cordelia was distracted by the chaos and didn’t notice that Lord Roth had walked up behind her.
“This must be a very stimulating game. They seem to be enjoying themselves immensely,” he said quietly from behind her. His baritone voice gave her goosebumps and shivers up her spine. How did he do that?
“It usually livens up the crowd.” She stated flatly as if she was uninterested in conversation.
“Do you play?”
“Me? Heavens no. I invented the game for my guests, to help them acquaint themselves in a fun and semi-private setting.”
“Seems very private to me. Once those doors are closed…”
“For a mere two minutes! It’s hardly enough time for anything untoward to happen,” she said, defensively.
“It’s more than enough time,” he whispered, seductively.
“Hardly. I’ve never had a complaint…” she started, defensively.
He laughed, and she scowled at him over her shoulder. Arrogant ass! She vowed not to take the bait this time.
“I stand by my word. Two minutes is not enough time to…”
The bells rang, the doors opened, and twenty giggling ladies started dashing for different doors. Rhys smiled at her.
“Let’s find out, shall we?”
He took her by the hand and pulled her into the closest closet.
Chapter 19
“My lord! This is not…”
“Shhh…” he put his fingers to her lips and pressed her against the wall, pinning her with his body.
His scent was enticing. His baritone voice and his body pressing against hers sent waves excitement through her making her heart start racing. What was he going to do? She was at his mercy. His heat penetrated her dress and his breath became heavy in his chest.
“Damn, you smell good…,” he whispered, his breath hot searing her cheek. “I like you with no weapons, my lady. So much more…accessible.”
His mouth was on her ear, sucking her lobe, sending waves of heat and tingles down her body. She reached up to pull his fingers off her mouth, so she could speak.
“Oh, no you don’t. You are mine this time.”
He dropped his fingers only to cover her mouth with his own. He placed her hands over her head, pinning them against the wall. He held them there, as his mouth assaulted hers, coaxing her to open. He moved down to her neck and started sucking and kissing. She melted under him. He wrapped something around her wrists and she felt it tighten, just as he ran the flat of his tongue down to her cleavage. Then, he tied her hands to a hook on the wall. She gasped, her chest heaving into his mouth. The excitement of being completely at his mercy sent her heart racing faster. He moaned against her neck, and the baritone vibrations made her nipples tingle. What was he doing? He pressed his hard member against her thigh. This was exciting him. She should cry out! Her mouth opened as he sucked on her earlobe, but only a gasp escaped.
His mouth covered hers again, his tongue immediately invading her open mouth. The kiss was possessive, controlling, demanding. He rubbed his tongue against hers, commanding her to respond. Heat, like she had never felt before, swirled, then collected between her legs. She groaned in his mouth and struggled to free her hands. He moaned and sucked her tongue into his mouth forcefully, suckling it, making it his, dominating her. White hot heat shot in waves between her legs as he possessed it, making her feel weak. It was the most delicious sensation she had ever felt. Oh god, what was he doing to her? Her sex throbbed with every gentle pull. His mouth was so hot and wet. His tongue was slightly rough, but firm and erotic. The feeling was so intense that her knees buckled slightly. Cordelia did not know it could be like this. Oh god, she wanted more!
His hands slid slowly up her sides, bushing against her breasts. Then, his fingers were in her bodice, working their way toward her nipple. The slow torture of the back of his hand on her sensitive skin made her nipples turn into hard buds, straining against the material of her bodice. She moaned, and he let go of her tongue. She immediately wanted him back. His cheek was on hers as his fingers reached their destination. He rubbed across her nipple, sending another wave of delicious sensations to her belly and beyond. She sucked in her breath at the intense pleasure. He made a sexy little noise as he fondled the hard bud.
“Ahh…” she moaned, unable to help herself.
He yanked the top of her bodice down, and her breasts popped free. His hands slid to her back, pulling her close. She felt his hot breath on the sensitive bud before he sucked it desperately into his mouth, sending a lightning bolt to her sex. She opened her mouth to cry out, but nothing came, as she was overcome with waves of ecstasy. He growled and pulled her even closer, making her arch into his mouth. She could not think as her body took over, writhing against him.
He licked his way across to the other nipple, swirling his tongue around the hard bud, before sucking on it forcefully, trapping her against his mouth with his hands. Pain and pleasure warred with each other as she arched against him, wanting more.
“Oh god…oh god…,” she whispered, and pulled against her restraints. Heat, unfathomable heat, started a throbbing between her legs. Somewhere in the background, she heard bells ringing.
Her nipple tingled when he let go and started working his way back up her neck. His hand slid higher and higher up her thigh as the sound of doors opening and ladies giggling filled in the hall. He pulled down her pantaloons as his hot breath and rough tongue wreaked havoc on her nipple once more. Several doors slammed shut, and it was quiet again. Only the sound on her moans interrupted the silence.
“Open for me,” he whispered in her ear as he slipped a finger into her intimate folds. “Ahh, you are so wet. Open for me please!” he commanded and kicked her legs apart gently. She complied, her heart racing with anticipation. What he was going to do? Her nerves tingled everywhere. “I want you to come. Come for me, my sweet thing.”
He rubbed up and down her folds with his fingers and circled the sensitive skin around her entry. Cordelia’s legs quivered. She dropped her forehead to his shoulder, unable to hold it up any longer. When his thumb landed on the spot no one had ever touched before, she flinched. She gasped, and her head flew back against the wall. He pressed, and the most incredible sensation possessed her body. What was it? Her mind spun with pleasure as he pressed, then released, only to rub back and forth and press again. Her breath came in gasps, and she was unable to speak as heat and ecstasy engulfed her. Something was building, a fire just out of reach. Oh, the heat was building as well as something else, something sensual, and erotically delicious. He moaned in her ear, as if he knew what was happening to her and was enjoying himself. She moved her hips, searching for more, just a little more.
“Stay still. I want to do it,” he commanded in a whisper, right next to her ear, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. He pressed his thumb, then rubbed again ever so lightly, circling the spot, sending intense erotic sensations everywhere. Cordelia heard herself moan, and her head thrashed from side to side on the wall.
“Oh god, please!” she begged, as a white light built, threatening to shatter her into pieces.
He pushed two fingers inside her, and he moaned with pleasure as it sent her over the edge. She gasped as her body tightened around his fingers. The light shattered into a million pieces and her sex pulsed ar
ound his fingers again and again.
“Ahh, there it is,” he whispered, with satisfaction. “God damn your tight! Mmmm, and wet, and hot,” he added, as he pumped his fingers in and out slowly.
Cordelia went limp against him, her legs shaking beneath her. He bent down and sucked a nipple in his mouth but released it quickly. The bells started ringing in the hall again. He groaned and pumped his fingers a few more times. Her entire body was filled with sensation.
“We will finish this tonight,” he whispered, before he kissed her.
It was a long lingering kiss, that promised of more to come, as he slowly slid his fingers out of her. As soon as they were gone, she wanted them back. Tonight? Did he say there was more tonight? He righted her pantaloons. The back of his fingers rubbed against her nipples as he pulled up her bodice, sending another wave of erotic sensations through her. The haze started to clear once he reached up to release her wrists. He kissed her neck as he rubbed her wrists gently.
“When can you come to me?” he asked, against her neck. Cordelia heard desperation in his tone. “You are so responsive! Oh, the things I want to do to you! When? I will not be able to wait for long.”
Anger replaced the haze, as what just happened fully sank in. He had tied her up and had his way with her! No, he didn’t force her, but he hadn’t asked permission either. He had done what she vowed no man would ever be allowed to do. Oh god, and she had let him, actually wanted him to! She was conflicted, since he took her to heights of ecstasy. She should be sated, but instead, she was livid at herself for letting it happen. She needed to get away from him so she could think. His hands and voice were driving her to distraction. She could not reason anymore.
“I’m not available,” she said, flatly, hoping to dissuade him.
“I agree. Now you belong to me.”
That jerked her out of her erotic haze. It reminded her of how much of an arrogant arse he was. The gall to make such a declaration! The egotistical cad!
“I belong to no one,” she hissed and pushed against him.
“Now you belong to me and no one else, until we are done with each other. Is that clear?” he said, forcefully.
The darkness hid his face but could not hide the possessive anger in his voice. How dare he make commands on her, especially after forcing her into this! He held her chin and kissed her. It was a kiss to prove his dominance over her.
Cordelia was not having it! No one would ever control her again! She kissed him back with equal force, fighting fire with fire. Her fingers threaded into his hair, vehemently pulling him to her. She matched his ardor, thrust for thrust, pressing her body against his until she could feel his erection straining against her hip. He pushed her back, pinning her against the wall as he pulled away to catch his breath. Oh, how she wished she could see his face. It was satisfying to know that she could make him lose control.
“You must come to me, the sooner the better,” he said, huskily, short of breath.
“We will see, my lord,” she replied. “Now, if you do not mind, I have other guests to attend to.” Before he could react, she pushed him away, yanked the door open and stormed out, without looking back.
Chapter 20
Emelia stood at the parlor door as the other ladies filed in. The first thing she saw was Cordelia’s livid look, and was concerned. Cordelia quickly walked by.
“I need to talk to you!” she hissed, without stopping.
The ladies were giggling and whispering amongst themselves. Cordelia took a deep breath before she spoke.
“Did you enjoy Closet Duo?” Cordelia asked them, cheerfully. The ladies’ expressions were comical. They blushed and hid behind their hands. Their reaction had new meaning to Cordelia. Lord Roth had been right, two minutes was more than enough. How could she not have seen that before? Cordelia closed her eyes briefly, trying to force her memories of him into the background. She knew why. It was because she had never experienced the game herself, until today. “I can see that you did,” she answered for them.
“Can we play again, Lady Cromwell?” someone asked, hopefully. Some of the ladies nodded in agreement while others stared at her expectantly.
“First, let us see what happens with the gentlemen. I’m hopeful they will be more attentive, and new challenges will present themselves.”
The group murmured at the possibilities.
“It is time to dress for dinner. I am sure you will find the gentlemen have quite different attitudes this evening. A few suggestions, if I may. If you made a…” she paused, searching for the right word. “A connection during the game, but do not wish for the gentleman to be able to identify you, I suggest you change your perfume. In the past, it has been a dead giveaway. On the other hand, if you wish more attention from the gentleman…well, I’m sure you will find a way to reveal yourself.” She smiled knowingly, and they laughed. “After dinner, there will be a bonfire. Dress accordingly.”
The ladies departed, giggling and talking. The game had been a success once again. She was sure it would tip the scales and change the tone of the week. Usually, she would have taken pride in her accomplishment, but she was too angry at herself. Emelia had to have seen Lord Roth pull her into the closet, yet she had done nothing to assist her. Cordelia felt abandoned by Emelia’s inaction and narrowed her eyes at her confidant.
“Now, Cordelia,” Emelia said, as soon as the last lady left the parlor, guessing why she was upset. “Lord Roth wanted to be alone with you. There was no stopping it. It would have happened one way or another, and probably at a time and place I could not cover for you. At least he was discrete, no one noticed. I thought it was the best option,” she reasoned.
“And who asked you to interfere?”
“Oh, that’s rich coming from you, the premier matchmaker of the ton!”
Cordelia was shocked by Emelia’s abruptness. It was completely out of character for her.
“They ask for my help! Beg for it! I never, ever force anyone to be together!” She turned away from Emelia so she couldn’t see her embarrassment. She was conflicted about her encounter with Lord Roth.
“You’ve been screaming for help for a while now, Cordelia, although not in a conventional way. You would have done the same for Roddy or me.”
“He tied my hands! He had his way with me! You call that help?”
“He raped you?” she demanded, angrily. “I will have him drawn and quartered…”
“No! No, he didn’t rape me, he just … had his way with me,” she choked out not willing to explain. Then she sat down heavily. “Oh god! And I let him.” She put her head in her hands.
Emelia rang the service bell, and a maid answered.
“Cognac, please,” Emelia asked sweetly. Once the maid had left, Emelia knelt in front of Cordelia and put her hands over hers.
“Cordi, look at me.” When she lifted her head and met her eyes she said, “Why did you not call out? I was right outside. You had to know that.” When she didn’t answer, she pressed, “Did you like it?” Cordelia nodded slightly, and Emelia smiled. “You did? Did he…”
“No! He just…touched me. It was… wonderful.” She trailed off, barely audible. “But he didn’t ask me. He just took what he wanted without permission.”
“Did he make you touch him?”
“No! I would not… not even if my hands were not tied…I couldn’t…” she rambled, knowing that it was a lie. She did want to touch him and explore him as he had her. The thought pinched her stomach.
“Did he receive the same amount of pleasure as you?”
“How would I know?”
“Cordi! You know! You saw it many times with the Earl. He may not have touched you, but you saw what happens at the end of a man’s pleasure. Now, tell me the truth.”
“No, alright, I…I…he made me…at least I think that is what it was.”
Emelia squealed and hugged her.
“Women can go their whole lives and never experience what you have, Cordelia. That was a gift, a v
ery generous gift, I might add, especially if he did not find his pleasure also.”
“He had complete control over me. I was helpless. I…”
“That can add greatly to the pleasure if you let it, Cordi. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Then why am I so angry?”
“Now that is a question only you can answer.”
“He wants me to come to him. Commanded me to. Well, he can wait until hell freezes over if he thinks I’m going to…to…submit to him like that again!”
“Are you saying that you never want to feel like that again, ever?”
Cordelia paused. His handsome face flashed, and the incredible feelings he gave her made her shiver. She would be lying if she said she did not want more, much, much, more. She was so confused.
“I don’t know!” she hissed. “I don’t know…,” she said again, softly this time. Why couldn’t she make up her mind? She should still be angry, but most of her anger had ebbed. Now she only felt. . . what was it, longing? Curiosity? She couldn’t quite tell. When Cordelia fell silent, Emelia continued.
“May I make a suggestion?” She paused, waiting for Cordelia to object. “Why don’t you take control next time? Make him yours. See if you like it. Experiment a little. He wants to play. So, play.”
“Give myself to him? Just like that? Are you crazy? He is only here for two days!”
“Even better! Use him, find out what you like to do. You do not need to give yourself to him, Cordi, there are many other ways to find pleasure. Try them. See if you want a companion, whether it be him or someone else. You could do much worse than Lord Roth. He is perfect, and from what I know of him, he is not interested in long-term commitments.”
Cordelia’s mind whirled. Could she do that? Play but not give herself? Would he care? Her sex was still throbbing, wanting more, reminding her of what he had done to her. Her heart leaped into her throat. Could she be so bold?