From the Viscount With Love

by Bethany M. Sefchick

  Here, however, the rose colored walls blended perfectly with the thick ivory-shaded rugs that covered the floors. Impractical perhaps, especially in London with its penchant for dirt and grime but oh-so pretty and feminine. In fact every corner of the lavish suite she had been given dripped with feminine frills, the likes of which Lavinia had not enjoyed in a very long time. She also rather enjoyed how Frost, with his muscular body and large frame, seemed to dwarf everything else in the chambers with his mere presence. Except for the bed. And right now, he was looking at the bed longingly, as if remembering what the two of them had done at Lycosura the night before.

  And how, back there, he had been just a man and she, simply a woman.

  While he had not taken her body, he had kissed and caressed her, giving her little doubt what he longed for. He had wanted to be intimate with her, she could tell, but he had not dared, instead behaving like a...well if not a perfect gentleman, then not a true scoundrel either.

  She, in turn, had bared her breasts to him, allowing him to kiss and fondle them at his leisure. She had also stripped down to little more than her shift, saying that it was necessary to perpetrate the ruse. It had not been. Lavinia knew of plenty of other whores at Lycosura who pleasured their clients with their skirts around their knees. She did not need to be different. Except that had Desponia returned, Lavinia had wanted it to appear as if she was upholding her end of the bargain. Reclining on the bed with Frost in only her shift, one breast bared to him had seemed like as good of a way as any.

  Not to mention that, at the time, Lavinia had believed that last night would be her only night with the golden god sent from Heaven above. Her only chance with a man who made her passions truly stir and made her want to do the things she had simply been forced to do in the past. She had wanted one taste of paradise before she had been forced away from its gates and out into the cold, selling her body to the highest bidder.

  She had never imagined that she might somehow, by some sheer stroke of madness, end up not just in his house, but in the family wing, treated as if she truly belonged. As if she was a lady. It was a gift beyond measure and one she should be grateful for. And she was. Truly. But that did not mean that she still did not desire Frost. No matter how wrong that desire might be. Or how unladylike.

  At this precise moment, Lavinia wished ladylike manners to perdition and back. She ached to have him suckling at her breasts again, but that was not possible. Not while she was within this town home anyway. In the love nest on Gracechurch? That was another story and once more, she silently wished that Lady Chillton had never burst into the library. After all, despite the woman's kindness, she still wished to find Lavinia's family. And that was something Lavinia could not allow. But she could not stop it, either. So for the moment, that left her in something of a quandary.

  She could run away, she supposed but where would she go? She was not stupid enough to seek out another brothel and she had never had much luck in securing a position as a lady's maid or governess, no matter how often she had tried. So for the moment, she was forced to rely upon the viscountess' kindness, at least until she could come up with a way out of this new situation she found herself mired in. Lavinia decided the least she could do for the woman was keep her hands off the lady's son so that he would not become spoiled for the woman he would eventually marry. Especially since Lavinia herself could never have him.

  Except that when Frost looked at her like he was just now, his eyes full of passion and obviously remembering last night as clearly as she did, that was extremely difficult. Especially for a woman like Lavinia who had been given a taste of sexual pleasure over the years and now longed for more, especially from a man she actually desired and might care about, at least in some small measure. Thus far in her life, she had only longed for said pleasure with this man, even though she had only just met him. Peculiar that.

  "Let us not speak of what transpired this morning," Lavinia said as she moved to pick up the stockings and put them on another chair. "There is naught to be done for it."

  However as she moved, Frost reached out and snagged her hand. "But I am sorry, Lavinia. More than you know. I wanted to rescue you, but instead, I fear I have trapped you in yet another prison." Then he glanced around and smiled. "Albeit a prettier one. Though one that includes my mother, unfortunately."

  "As I said, I believe your mother understands why you acted as you did, even if she does think you should have either come to her for help or, at the very least, put more thought into your plan." In fact, the countess and her daughters had been nothing short of delightfully charming ever since they had escorted Lavinia to her rooms, chattering away about all of the things they would do on the morrow in order to perpetuate the ruse that Lavinia was somehow related to the Tillsbury family. It was almost as if they were enjoying themselves, which she found difficult to believe. Then again, Lavinia's family had been very poor examples of how a proper family ought to behave.

  Frost snorted. "I could not very well go to my mother with something like this." Then he ran a weary hand over his eyes. "Though, in the end, I am not truly surprised that she knew what I was doing all along. She is far more clever than I have ever given her credit for being. And I am certain that she has learned a thing or two from her good friend Lady Raynecourt over the years." He paused. "That would be the mother of Rayne, the man you met earlier."

  "This is...all too familiar." Suddenly, Lavinia felt very uncomfortable being this intimate with a man she barely knew and exchanging secrets and confidences as if they were truly part of each other's lives. Perhaps even lovers. Everything was moving far too fast for her.

  "I am sorry, Lavinia." Frost attempted to apologize again. "I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, for I suspect you have been uncomfortable for far too long. All I ever wanted was to rescue you from that wretched place. You did not belong there."

  Pulling her hand away, she tightened the knot that kept her wrapper closed and moved closer to the fire, wishing she had something warm for her feet. Even though it was June, there was still a bit of a chill in the air. In truth, what she truly desired was for this man to warm her, but she did not dare ask. "You did rescue me." She paused then, remembering his easy use of her Christian name. "What should I call you? Frost seems so...odd."

  Rising from his chair he was immediately beside her. She felt his hand at her shoulder but then he quickly dropped it. "When we are in society, Lord Chillton will do, as you might suspect. With my family, I am simply Frost. But when we are alone, you might call me Robert. After all, I already call you Lavinia." She wasn't really surprised that he had acknowledged his free use of her Christian name. He was very direct when it came to things like that, she had come to realize.

  "That is not the same thing." She moved away from the safety of the fire and back towards the bed. Then, thinking better of it, she instead changed course and moved towards the massive oak wardrobe that dominated one large section of the far wall. Even now, she could not imagine how even a team of ten men could move the thing. It was simply that large and imposing. "I have no status, no place in society. In the eyes of the ton, I would be deemed a fallen woman if they knew the truth about me and where I come from."

  Lavinia could tell that Frost wanted to return to her side but something held him in place where he stood, the flickering light from the fire casting a bronze glow over his skin and Lavinia felt herself begin to grow damp between her legs. It had happened before, particularly when she sucked men's cocks and she had come to learn that it was a natural part of her body's process to ready itself for lovemaking. She prayed that he could not tell that she was aroused, for this was not how she wished for matters to proceed between them. She wanted him to view her as a lady and not a doxy. Though as he was standing before her in only his lawn shirt with the sleeves rolled up to expose his muscular forearms and extremely tight breeches, she did not know how she was expected to be otherwise.

  "You are a lady, Lavinia. I know this. So do you. And so does my
mother. Deep inside of her she does, at any rate, else she would not have allowed you to remain here, risk of scandal or not." He shook his head. "And she will find out the truth of you soon enough. Or Harry Greer will. Do you not think it better to tell us - to tell me - before this lie gets too far out of hand?" He shook his head. "I did as my mother requested. Your name will appear in the Town Tatter tomorrow as a newly discovered member of my family. Hell, my mother plans to drag you to Bond Street first thing in the morning to properly outfit you and then to a bloody ball tomorrow evening! Do you not think it better that the truth come out now rather than later?"

  Lavinia closed her eyes. She did not wish to lie, but she could not tell him the truth either. "I cannot tell you what you wish to know, Frost. Please believe me. I would if I could. But I risk much if you discover who I truly am. I also do not wish to be responsible for any harm that would come to you and your family." She had no doubt that her mother's lover would find some way to exact revenge on any noble family that gave her shelter.

  "We will find out the truth eventually. We are rather a tenacious lot." His words were soft.

  "I am certain you will." In fact, Lavinia knew that day was coming sooner rather than later.

  "My mother questioned me about the issue you know." Frost laughed, though there was no humor in the sound. "She asked me if I even knew your family name before I concocted my asinine scheme to remove you from Lycosura. I was embarrassed to admit that I did not. She also asked me why I rescued you."

  Lavinia closed her eyes, not wishing to meet Frost's gaze when he admitted that he had rescued her simply out of duty and loyalty to Lord Candlewood. "Why did you rescue me? Even now, I still do not know."

  "I wanted to. I do what I wish, as you have likely already discovered. And now I want to know the truth of you, Lady Lavinia." Frost's voice was gentle and coaxing. "Why will you not give it to me? The truth is really very simple and it is, I think, a fair exchange. Other than my family, who would I tell? Who are you running from?"

  Lavinia was conflicted, just as she always was when this topic arose. She wanted to be truthful, especially with this man who had been so kind to her, but she could not trust that Frost would not run straight to her grandfather. Or worse, her mother. Which also meant discovery by the family's old footman who had coerced her mother to run away with him in the first place. And for Lavinia, that would spell utter disaster.

  She wished she could trust Frost with the truth, for he seemed like a good man, despite his rake's reputation that preceded him. But she could not. Rather, when the time was right, she would slip away into the darkness. Once she decided where she would go, of course. For now, however, she simply wanted to sleep. Over the last few years, she had denied herself every luxury, no matter how small. But not this. Not tonight. She was too tired of running. For a few days anyway, she would remain where she was.

  "I cannot tell you. And you cannot confess to others what you do not know yourself," Lavinia finally whispered. "I am sorry Frost, but it is best for us all."

  "Robert," he corrected gently. "You have already held my cock in your hands. Several times, actually. I think formalities are a little beyond us."

  She nodded. "Very well. Robert. I do not wish for you to have to lie to your mother. And yes, I am aware that in time, more likely sooner than later, she will have her truth. As will you. But for the moment, can you not accept that I am Lady Lavinia and ask nothing more?"

  He did not want to agree. She could see it in his eyes. However, she also knew that he did not wish to quarrel with her. From the moment they had first locked eyes the night before, the attraction between them had been strong. Lavinia might even term it dangerous, at least for her. Attraction this powerful led people to do foolish things. It made women like her weak. Subservient to a man. Her mother had been that way. Lavinia refused to allow herself to go down that same path. So she needed to be strong, despite the temptation otherwise.

  Frost sighed in resignation. "Very well. I will do as you ask. I will not pressure you for a name, though if you ever feel comfortable enough to share it with me, I will listen." Then he cocked his head and this time did place his hand on her shoulder. "But in return, you must do something for me."

  Her heart sank, for Lavinia was certain she knew what he would ask. He would ask for her body, and this time, she would give it. But not as gladly as she would have without the attachment he placed on the transaction. That made it seem...ugly. As if she truly was a whore. That despite his claims otherwise, he did not see her as anything more than a toy for his amusement.

  "What do you wish...Robert?" It hurt just then to use his Christian name, knowing what he would ask, but she did so anyway. Somehow, despite her best efforts, she had become a kept woman anyway. When he smiled down at her, it nearly broke her heart. She did not know this man, but she had believed him better than this. In truth, he was just a man. No better or worse than any other.

  Frost placed a finger beneath her chin and then tilted her head up so that she would face him. "Tomorrow, when my mother takes you shopping for a new wardrobe as befitting a woman of the Tillsbury household, you will not kick up a fuss. You will not complain or protest that she is being overly excessive. You will allow her to buy you whatever she wishes, be it jewels or shoes or bonnets or other fripperies. You shan't protest if she orders you a dozen gowns. Or more."

  That was what he wished from her in exchange? It hardly seemed fair. Except that she had the suspicion that he did not view it in that manner. "But..."

  His finger moved to her lips. "No protesting. I believe I was clear on that issue."

  "But why?" Lavinia spoke around his finger, not wishing to be silent. Not about this.

  Frost smiled and there was something a little sad in his expression. "Because it will make me happy. Because I wish it. Because it will make my mother feel better about the choice I forced her to make in haste where you are concerned. Does it truly matter? It is a very small thing to ask, don't you think?"

  It was. It truly was. And Lavinia could not understand why he had made such an odd request. She dared not think that for once, something was going in her favor, but she was unable to help herself. First her rescue from Lycosura and now this? It was too much to hope for. And such boons usually came with all manner of strings and conditions attached. Tonight, however, with Frost looking down at her as if he wished to devour her, she could not quite bring herself to care about whatever consequences there were to this arrangement. For once, she would take what she wanted. And what she wanted at this moment was Frost's kiss.

  "It is a small thing," she finally agreed. "And while it seems I receive much while you receive very little in return, I will do as you ask."

  "That," Frost grinned, "is precisely what I wanted to hear." Then, without waiting for her approval, he bent down and took her mouth roughly with his, the desires he had kept pent up all day no longer able to be held in.

  Lavinia tasted of toothpowder, a hint of mint, and something more. Something sweet. Something that was uniquely her. And when she moaned in pleasure, Frost took full advantage, sliding his tongue across the seam of her lips until she opened more fully for him so that he could mate his tongue with hers.

  And then he was lost. He thought of nothing but the sweet, delectable woman in his arms. He did not think about how his request would keep her bound to his family longer than she imagined, for he knew she was likely to run at the first chance she had. He did not think of his own reputation as a scoundrel, nor of what would happen tomorrow when the dawn broke. Instead, there was simply Lavinia, soft and pliant in his arms, her lush body arching against his in matching need.

  Lavinia was not an innocent, at least not in the same way most young women of his acquaintance were. She kissed as if she knew what she was about. She had last night as well. She had also cupped him so thoroughly that there was no doubt in his mind that if he opened the placket of his breeches, she would likely fall to her knees to please him. So no, she wasn't some s
choolroom miss. But, still, at her core, she was extremely wary of men. Still a virgin. And that part of her, buried deep inside of her, was the part he wanted to reach. Physically of course, and he had no doubt that would come in time, but emotionally as well.

  For the first time in his life, Frost wanted something more from a woman than simply a quick tumble in the sheets. More than her body. He wanted Lavinia's surrender - both body and soul. More to the point, he wanted Lavinia to surrender to him. And she would. In time, he had no doubt that she would. For this passion that arced between them was more powerful than either of them could comprehend. And if there was one thing that Lord Robert Tillsbury, Lord Chillton, knew better than just about anything else, it was passion.

  Chapter Six

  Town Tattler

  Yes, dear and faithful readers, that was indeed an unknown coach outside of Viscount Chillton's town home yesterday morning - and nearly at the crack of dawn, no less! However, I have it from several extremely reliable sources - including one from the hallowed halls of Bow Street! - that there is no scandal brewing around either the viscount or his family. In fact, it is something of a tragedy. Not long ago, word reached the esteemed viscountess that a distant relation from somewhere in the north - and my sources are good but not quite that good as to uncover where - had been orphaned after caring for her ailing father for a goodly number of years. In the process, this gentle noblewoman lost everything, including her home. The viscountess could not countenance such a thing, of course, and immediately opened her home to the poor, unfortunate soul!

  So do not be surprised to see a fourth young lady in the Chillton family box at the theater or at the modiste's being fitted for a new wardrobe. "They" say that charity begins at home, and it seems that the viscountess is taking that directly to her heart in caring for the young lady in question.