by Lisa Doughty
“How dare you!”
She pulled back her arm to slap him, but he caught it mid-air.
“Enough of this!” he ordered, frustration playing across his features.
He forced her hand behind her back and pulled her to him. She dropped her glass when his mouth came down on hers. His hard chest against her nipples instantly sent waves of ecstasy through her. Oh god! Everything about him was raw and masculine. He engulfed her with his heat and his tongue, good lord, she would give in, but only for a moment she vowed. Cordelia opened for him, and he immediately invaded her mouth. Her free hand went to the nape of his neck, threading her fingers in his hair.
He let go of her captured hand, and she pulled at his jacket to bring him closer. His hands slid down her back and over her derriere, pausing to pull her to him. He growled, and the rumble in his chest made her nipples tingle. Cordelia rubbed them back and forth, chasing the delicious sensation. One of his hands came up to cup her breast. His thumb brushed her nipple over the material. She gasped. He was doing it again! She tried to pull back.
“No!” he said in her mouth, and his hand came up to the back of her head to hold her to him.
The kiss turned demanding. Cordelia surrendered for another brief second. Oh, he felt divine, like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Her body begged for her to let go and give herself to him. The sensation scared her. She would not be dominated by this man again! He was too powerful. The pull was so strong that it was terrifying. With a burst of energy, she pulled away. Before he could react, she stepped out of his reach. They stared at each other, both out of breath.
“I cannot do this… not here,” she whispered, huskily.
“Then when, where?” he asked, and stepped toward her.
Cordelia knew if he touched her again, she would give him everything. The urge to run back into his arms engulfed her. The feeling scared her. How could he have so much power over her? She had to get away from him, now! Cordelia edged toward the door.
“I…I do not know, I…,” then she turned and ran.
She hurried to her room trying not to call attention to herself. Once inside, closed the door, and leaned against it. What had just happened? She put her face in her hands. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she just let go? It was the first time she had wanted a man, yet she kept slapping him or running away. Why was she so frightened? He was not the Earl. As a matter of fact, he was nothing like the Earl. This man made her feel desirable, beautiful. He wanted her, not to use her or humiliate her, but for mutual satisfaction. What more could she want? He was perfect, and she wanted him in return.
You’re a complete ninny, stop hiding! She chastised herself. Take what you want, for once. Stop being afraid! She vowed to herself to do just that!
Chapter 23
Cordelia took a fortifying breath before she turned the door knob on Lord Roth’s suite. She prayed that his valet did not sleep in the same room. Also, that her courage would not abandon her! She had paced her room, waiting for the house to fall asleep. Her conviction to go to him had wavered several times. The anticipation was torture, and she almost talked herself out of this plan several times. Finally, she decided she would not be able to live with herself if she did not try. She may never have this opportunity again.
The door creaked as Cordelia cracked it open and poked her head inside. Why hadn’t he locked it, she wondered? Was he expecting someone else? She pushed the disturbing thought aside as she scooted in sideways and closed the door as quietly as possible, then locked it. If he was waiting for someone else, then too damn bad! She would not be dissuaded now!
There was just enough moonlight to see him lying bare chested, face down on the bed. The sheets covered him to his waist, and he had a pillow over his head. His arm pinned the pillow down over his face. He did not move a muscle as she crept closer. Thank goodness he was a heavy sleeper because every footstep sounded thunderous to her. As she approached his muscular back and arms came in focus as he lay in repose. Muscular arms ended into equally as muscular shoulders. His back was broad then tapered down to a slimmer waist that disappeared under the sheets. There was not an ounce of fat on his frame. He was beautiful, magnificent. Cordelia bit her lips to suppress a sigh, she certainly picked an impressive gentleman for her first time.
Intimidated, her courage suddenly vanished. A man like this knew what he was doing in bed. She knew nothing! She would surely fumble about and make a fool of herself. She started back toward the door. No! She could do this! It was now or live the rest of her life feeling like a coward. That, she could not abide. She’d rather be a fool that had tried instead a coward that ran from the challenge. She tip-toed back to the bed, relieved he hadn’t stirred.
He lay in the center of the bed, making his hands difficult to reach. Gently, she placed a knee on the mattress and stretched across the headboard to tie a sash to the center post. If she could manage to bind his hands before he woke, then she intended to play her own version of closet duo. So far, he hadn’t moved a muscle, giving her the confidence that she may be able to complete the task. What would he do when he woke and found himself at her mercy this time? The thought was exciting and made her heart start racing. He took a deep breath and she paused, praying that the sound of her heart beating did not wake him. He did not move, so she continued.
Cordelia placed a loop around one wrist, then gently lifted the other hand and did the same. She was surprised at the weight of his arms. They were very heavy, and no doubt, powerful. If he woke, it would take nothing for him to overpower her. To her surprise, he did not move, and she quickly tightened the sash around the headboard. If he pulled at the bindings, they would tighten, making it difficult to free himself. Knowing he could not use his hands made her relax a bit. If he could, she would surely melt under his touch again. With renewed confidence, she removed the pillow.
“Good evening, Lady Cromwell,” he said without raising his head. Did he know it was her and let her tie him to the bed?
“Shhh…” She placed a finger on his lips just as he had done to her. “I have come to give you your turn,” she whispered next to his ear. He tested the bonds, then settled on the bed next to him.
“This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind,” he whispered under her finger.
“Exactly,” she whispered, satisfied that she had rattled him a little. “Now shhh…”
No doubt, he was used to driving women mad with those hands and lips of his. With a new-found confidence, she intended to try everything Roddy had taught her. This time he was at her mercy and would be the one losing control under her touch.
She rubbed her finger across his bottom lip, feeling its soft firm texture before removing it, then straddled him. Next came the sash over his eyes which she tied loosely at the back of his head. He would be treated the same as any gentleman playing Closet Duo. Well, sort of anyway. It would be a long time before he forgot her clever little game, if she had anything to do with it.
She decided to check the binds one more time before she continued. The last thing she wanted was those hands coming free before she had her time with him. Cordelia pulled the binds testing their strength. They seemed secure enough.
“Mmmm,” she moaned, as she slid her hands down his arms, his skin warm under his hands.
She continued down his arms, relishing in his warmth over taut muscles. Never in her imagination did she think he would feel so good. She paused at his bicep, brushing her thumbs across the large muscle. He was manly everywhere, nothing like the Earl or Roddy. Everything was sinewy and hard in comparison. He radiated raw masculinity. Now was her chance to touch him anywhere and everywhere, and she intended to do just that, as she continued down to his shoulders. He turned his head to the other side, enjoying her touch. His face became visible in the moonlight. He looked content, relaxed as she rubbed up to his neck, his mouth relaxed, opening slightly. She threaded her fingers into his curly hair. It was as soft as it was black.
“Hmmm…” he moan
ed. Cordelia smiled. It felt good to be the one to make him moan. Her stomach pinched, and she lightly scraped her fingernails on his scalp before moving down to his shoulders.
Cordelia was lost in the feel of him as she caressed his muscular back. She let herself enjoy every hill and valley as she moved down his spine, not missing an inch, as she rubbed across his rib cage, then to his narrow waist. This man was irresistible, he felt as good as he looked. Cordelia couldn’t help herself. She pressed her lips just below his neck, pressing her breasts on his back. Immediately his heat penetrated her silk nightgown making her nipples hard.
“Ahh…,” she heard herself moan, as she arched against him and rubbed her sensitive nubs back and forth relishing in the pleasure she felt. He carefully lifted against her and rotated his hips.
“Untie me…,” he begged.
Cordelia ignored his plea. She was not ready to submit to his hands yet. She rubbed her lips down his back, then licked her way up with the flat of her tongue, tasting his skin. His head arched and he moaned, as she slowly licked her way up, enjoying the salty taste of his skin and the delicious sensation on her nipples as they rubbed between the smooth silk and his firm warm skin.
“Not yet,” she whispered in a husky voice. “I’m not done with you.” She smiled when he shivered.
Lifting herself off him, she ran her hands down his ribs to his waistband. His pants were tied tight, preventing her from slipping her fingers inside. Undeterred, she continued around the front to find the tie. His breath became ragged and she slowed, thinking she may be acting too bold. Cordelia closed her eyes, praying that he would not stop her. She wanted to see him, touch him, drive him as crazy as he did her. He lifted slightly, giving her room to continue her path. When he did, relief flooded and empowered her. His stomach muscles quivered as she searched for the knot. When she found the bow, she grabbed a tail in each hand and let her fingers trail behind as she pulled it apart. He sucked in his breath at the slow torture.
Cordelia shifted to his side to have better access. Starting at his shoulders again, she ran her hand down his spine, then slid her hand into his pants and over one firm buttock. He stilled as she explored him, making her feel in control. She squeezed the firm mound of his ass before she slid her hand out. He rocked his hips to the side, and she knew he wanted to roll over. She remembered Roddy’s instructions. The anticipation of being touched is a powerful aphrodisiac, Cordi. Do not rush to feel his cock.
Excitement coursed through her veins as she slid her hand back into his pants. Stroking down the middle this time, she dipped her finger slightly into the crease as she slid between his legs. Just as Roddy had told her he would, he lifted, giving her access to his most sensitive spot behind his balls. She slid her hand over it slowly, then cupped his balls. He buried his face in the pillow when she found the delicate tendon that was her target. She ran her fingers up and down both sides and flicked across it with her thumb as Roddy had showed her. His legs quivered, and he made guttural noises into the pillow as she caressed him. His fists tightened around his binds and his head began to thrash side to side as she as continued to rub her thumb up and down the now hard tendon. By his reaction Cordelia knew she was driving him to the edge. Excitement surged once more as heat gathered in her sex. She wanted more, wanted to see him, see his face as he lost control. She slid her hand from his pants. They needed to be off, out of her way. He collapsed and struggled to catch his breath. She had expected him to say something, but he did not. Quickly, she went to remove his pants before he could protest, but when she struggled to remove them, to her surprise, he lifted his hips to assist. She gasped when his arse was bare and crawled down the bed as she pulled his pants to his ankles. Starting at his ankles, she slowly rubbed up his legs, feeling the crisp hair on her fingers. Then moved to his buttocks and up his back, and finally to his shoulders. She could touch his body forever. He felt good under her hands. Nothing like she had imagined. A sexy little moan escaped him. Suddenly, the urge to feel his skin on her nipples overwhelmed. She pulled the top of her nightgown down and rubbed her breasts down his back as her hands stroked down his sides and wrapped around his hips, almost touching his arousal before retreating, teasing him further.
“Ahh, god, madam, untie my hands, please,” he pleaded, weakly. Cordelia ignored him as she continued.
“Up,” she commanded, as she pulled on his hips.
He lifted slowly, resting his weight on his knees. His bum was almost in her face as she settled in behind him. She spread his legs apart at the knees. Trying to contain her excitement and go slowly, she ran her hands leading with her thumbs over his arse, then between his legs, stopping to tease the back of his balls before retreating, hoping to send him into a frenzy. He buried his face in the pillow and squeezed the binds so tight that his knuckles turned white. Enjoying this reaction, she did it again, this time cupping his balls fully and using her thumb to rub across his exposed tendon once more. The muscles in his back tightened and released as he fought for control. He moaned, and she smiled, enjoying her new found power over him.
She retraced her path, this time sliding her hands around front to his wrap around his engorged shaft. She closed her eyes as excitement flooded her veins and white-hot heat shot straight to her sex at the feel of him. His erection was hard, but the skin was soft, as she slowly slid her hand to the pillowy tip, then circled it with her thumb, as Roddy had showed her. His breath became ragged as she squeezed and pulled the skin slightly, as she made her way back to the base. The muscles in his legs started to shake.
“Good god, madam, enough. Please untie my hands,” he begged, as he pulled against his binds weakly. Retracing her path, her nipples tingled as she felt his muscles quiver beneath her. She rubbed her thumb over his tip, spreading a bead of liquid that had gathered over his pillowy head.
“Ahh…”
She moaned, and slid her hands up and down his shaft, as she laid her bare breasts on his arse. His heat penetrated her skin. The small nub in her sex began to throb. He had awakened that spot on her, and now it refused to go to sleep. Touching him wasn’t enough and wanted more. She wanted to see him when he found the same fulfillment he gave her. She had to see his face, full of desire and lost in ecstasy. She pushed against his hip.
“Roll over!” She sounded desperate but did not care.
He rolled over, his arms crossing above his head. He grabbed his binds to relieve the pressure and moved the blindfold off his eyes to his forehead by rubbing against his arm. Cordelia did not care. She was too engrossed in what she saw before her.
“Oh my,” she whispered, as her eyes roved over his form. “You're exquisite,” she whispered, with reverence.
He stared at her, his chest slowly rising and falling. His eyes were hooded and full of desire. His mouth was slightly open, too enticing to ignore. She had to kiss those lips. She took her hands from his hips, crawled up his chest, pushed the blindfold off his forehead and covered his mouth with hers. She plunged her tongue into his mouth frantically, and he groaned lifting his head to deepen the kiss. She straddled him and put his cock between her intimate folds, rubbing her throbbing nub against his hard shaft. It felt divine, so good that she could not concentrate on their kiss any longer. Cordelia put her hands on his chest push herself against him. With her hands pushing on his chest to brace herself, she rubbed back and forth across his shaft, chasing her orgasm.
He squeezed his hands around his binds, then pulled hard against the restraints. With a loud rip, his hands pulled free from the headboard and went straight to her hips. He thrust his hips against her, holding his cock against her nub, rubbing it deliciously. It was all that she needed, and she cried out as her orgasm took her. His seed exploded on his belly and he moaned as it came in wave after wave. When finally done, he pulled her to him as he tried to catch his breath. Her chest was heaving against his, as he held her tenderly.
“I have no words,” he whispered.
“Then we are even, my lord. `Tis how
I felt under your ministrations,” she whispered, quite pleased with herself.
“Not even close, my lady.” He chuckled. “Rhys, my name is Rhys.” He gently brushed her hair from her face. It was an intimate, almost loving gesture, which made her uncomfortable. “Thank you for coming to me. I thought…”
Cordelia rolled off of him. This was not the direction she wanted things to go. It was time to get away from him so he would know that this would not go beyond tonight. Her stomach pinched as she rushed to right her nightgown while scrambling off the bed.
“Thank you for indulging me, my lord.” She did not know what else to say. She had never had an experience like this before.
“Wait! Where are you going?”
He sounded shocked at her hasty retreat. Most women probably could not be ripped from this man’s side after what they had just shared. He struggled to raise up on his elbows.
“Good night, my lord,” she rushed to say, before he could get up, and dashed for the door.
Cordelia unlocked it quickly while he struggled to sit up and come after her. She squeezed out the door, praying no one was in the hall. Relief washed over her when it was empty, then dashed down the hall, and behind the servant’s passageway door to hide in case he decided to follow. Peeking through a crack, she saw him race into the hall looking both directions to see where she had gone. He was shirtless and clutched his pants at his waist. The binds were still hanging from his wrists. He punched the air in frustration before he went back in the room.
Cordelia exhaled the breath she was holding. Somehow, the relief that she expected to follow did not come. What had she done?
Chapter 24
Cordelia leaned on the door in the servant’s passageway and tried to catch her breath. Oh god! What was she thinking? She should not have trifled with a man like Lord Roth. She had let her lust and ego get the best of her. Now she would have to avoid the man at all costs which would be difficult with the Duke arriving tomorrow. It would be social suicide to waste the Duke’s time and not introducing him to Lady Drayson. As far as Lord Roth’s sister was concerned, Cordelia was past the point of no return, and there would be no avoiding Lord Roth as a consequence.