Wicked in His Arms

by Stacy Reid

  His hot hungry lips found hers in the dark, and he made love to her mouth with soul-searing intensity. He released her lips, trailing kisses over her cheeks, neck, blazing a trail of fire lower. She trembled and made no protest as she was splayed wantonly wide.

  He rose to his knees, his eyes drifting down to the intimate heart of her. Her entire body went hot at the lust that tightened his savagely beautiful features. Then he dipped his head and licked along her already wet slit. Livvie cried out in unbridled arousal. She dropped her head back against the silken sheets, moaning as she lifted herself against his delightfully wicked lips.

  “Oh, yes, please, yes.”

  Wonderful minutes passed in complete bliss, and with a final rake of his teeth over her aching nub, she shattered, a hoarse moan slipping from her as acute pleasure swamped her senses. Seconds later, she felt a heavy, invading pressure and then he was deep inside of her. They froze. He buried his face in her neck. When he moved he was so slow, tension and an awfully intense sensation twisted low in her stomach. “Tobias”—she gasped—“harder…”

  “No. Slowly…we have all night.”

  She nipped his shoulders in retaliation and he chuckled, low and heated, before sliding back and thrusting deeply. Livvie arched on a gasp, glorying in the shocking strength he made love to her with. He took her to ecstasy again and again with the most exacting and delightfully torturous gentle movements. She groaned, desperate for the intense rush, but never wanting the excruciating sweet pressure to end. Her hands roamed over his sweat-slicked back, and she bit into his shoulder.

  Acting on wanton instincts, she raised her legs high above his back and rolled her hips, inviting him to burn faster with her. He froze and an answering groan was ripped from him. The bed squeaked from his sudden hard thrusts. His groans blended with her whimpers of pleasure.

  “Tobias,” she moaned, poised on the brink of ecstasy. He buried his face against her neck as he slammed into her over and over. She clung to her husband and let the ecstasy consume her, unknowing that she could experience such contentment in marriage.

  Finished, he rolled with her so she was splayed atop his chest.

  “Do we return to Grangeville Park tomorrow?” she asked, still drowsy from arousal.

  “No. I believe it best we remain here for a few days. I will need to speak with Francie in detail to ensure she was not seen. If she was, I need to know who and exactly where she was spied.”

  “And what will you do?”

  “Offer bribes.”

  “And if bribes are not welcomed?”

  “Threats and blackmail will be effective.”

  She shifted, placing her hands on his chest and reared so she could observe his expression. “Is this how you’ve dealt with scandal in the past?”

  “No. In the past, I have quashed rumormongering where I can, or I ignore the ton’s reaction. My wealth and influence has seen my perceived infractions forgiven, time and time again. However, society will not be so kind to Francie if her indiscretion is revealed. I must do all in my power to protect her.”

  Warmth filled Livvie’s chest. “I should be appalled, but I admire your will to see her safe.”

  “Do you?”

  “Hmm,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to his lips.

  “I will take you fishing tomorrow, do you believe yourself up to the challenge?”

  Shock rolled over her like a tidal wave. “Fishing?”

  “Yes.”

  The oddest tugging sensation roared up and burst inside her chest. Happiness. In a daze, she accepted she felt happy. “I am more than ready for such a challenge.”

  “Then I will happily trounce you at fencing the day after. I will not be so easily vanquished as Lord Muir.”

  She shoved at his shoulder playfully and was delighted when he twisted with her. He rested his powerful body between her spread legs and brought his mouth down on hers. A slow burst of heat spread from her aching breast to her throbbing center.

  Yes…she quite liked being married to her earl.

  …

  Four days later, Livvie returned to England with Tobias and Francie. They reentered without much fanfare, and as far as Livvie could see, none seemed the wiser about her friend’s elopement. The dowager countess had opened the dowager manor and had retired there, and Francie went to visit her this morning. Hopefully a visit with her mother would rally her spirits even further.

  The past few days had been a honeymoon of sorts for Livvie and Tobias. They had spent the time fishing, swimming together in the lake, and ripping each other’s clothes off with every opportunity that presented itself. He’d even showed her a few boxing moves, to her utter delight. At first she had felt deep discomfort to be so happy when her dearest friend was so miserable. But dear brave Francie had rallied, and had joined Livvie and Tobias for all the meals and even strolled with them across the countryside that last evening.

  Upon their return yesterday afternoon, Livvie had been beyond thrilled to receive a warm and pleasant note from the Duchess of Wolverton, who insisted she call her Adel. The duchess was considering commissioning her to make portraits of her twin sons who were only a few months old. Livvie would call on the duchess on Friday, which gave her two days to select her best pieces to show.

  Livvie was now comfortably situated in her workroom, painting the beauty she remembered of the lowlands of Scotland.

  A knock on the door had her lifting her head. “Yes?”

  The housekeeper strolled in. “Good afternoon, your ladyship, a letter for you from Riverhill Manor. The lad that delivered it is in the kitchen drinking milk and eating a sandwich. He’s awaiting yer reply.”

  With a grin, Livvie carefully replaced her brushes in their boxes, stood, and removed the apron she wore whenever she painted. “Thank you, Mrs. Potter.”

  Livvie walked over to the small walnut desk in the left corner and grabbed a letter knife. Slitting the seal open, she quickly scanned the note.

  Dearest Livvie,

  How we miss you at Riverhill. We sent around on Sunday, inviting you and Lord Blade to dine with us, and learned of your departure to Scotland. News abounded that you’ve returned, and I urge you to visit your father. Though he does not complain often, he misses you dreadfully, and a quick visit would not be amiss.

  Your mother.

  Helena

  “I shall be traveling to Riverhill for luncheon with my parents. You can send the boy with a reply that I will visit, but I shall be right behind him. Please also inform Mr. Wilson to ready a carriage.”

  The housekeeper smiled. “Shall I also inform Lord Blade and Lord Westfall you will not be with joining them for the afternoon luncheon?”

  Livvie glanced through the side windows in the direction of the lake, where the gentlemen were fishing. The Marquess of Westfall had arrived at Grangeville Park only a few hours after they had returned from Scotland. The man had been icily polite as he took her measure, and she had not imagined the distaste in his eyes when he looked down on her. The marquess possessed an aura of quiet, self-contained power that would have been intimidating if she was the frail sort.

  Lord Westfall had also brought his seven-year-old daughter, Emily, who was the sweetest child. When she had bounded around the corner with a puppy hurtling behind her, the marquess’s entire demeanor had changed. He had smiled, swinging her into his arms and then into the air to the child’s delight. Livvie had been shocked when the little lady had calmly announced she was his bastard daughter and made an enquiry as to who Livvie was.

  The entire meeting had possessed an air of unreality, but Tobias had smoothed the tension with surprising charm, and luncheon had been quite entertaining and pleasantly diverting, when she had found herself liking Lord Westfall’s dry wit. His daughter was delightful, and it wasn’t till after she had told him so, that the man had bent and kissed Livvie’s cheek, welcoming her to the family. That evening, she had instructed Mrs. Potter to make sure they were properly welcomed as she hoped they woul
d stay.

  “Yes, please do inform the earl.”

  “Yes, my lady,” Mrs. Potter said and left.

  Livvie hurried from the parlor and bounded up the stairs. Her stepfather’s home was less than an hour by carriage. She would visit and return home in time for dinner. It felt like a lifetime since she had last seen him, and she wondered if he was truly well. Was there a new worry hidden between her mother’s lines? With the aid of her lady’s maid, Livvie dressed in a pale lavender carriage dress with a matching bonnet and gloves and donned walking boots. She would encourage her father to wander with her through the lovely gardens of Riverhill.

  After leaving a quick note for Tobias, she summoned the carriage and departed to visit her parents. She was quite happy that they lived in such close proximity, and in truth, she could easily visit her parents once per week.

  She shifted in her seat, making herself comfortable before opening In the Service of the Crown. Within seconds, she was drawn into the world of intrigue and murder, and her heart raced along with Wrotham as he investigated who in his cadre betrayed secrets to France. About half an hour later, the coach pulled into the forecourt of her parents’ home, and she reluctantly closed the leather volume. She was assisted by the footmen who greeted her with pleasure, and she fairly sailed through the entrance.

  “Your ladyship,” the butler Emerson said on a deep bow.

  She grinned and inclined her head. “Where are Father and Mother, Emerson?”

  “His lordship is in his study and her ladyship is in the gardens, my lady.”

  “No need to announce me, I will intrude upon Father in his study. However, please inform Mother I’ve come to call.”

  “Very well, my lady.”

  She handed him her coat and then walked briskly down the hall. At her father’s study, she knocked twice, then waited.

  “Come in.”

  With a smile, she opened the door. “Good morning, Father.” Livvie untied her bonnet strings.

  Her father pushed from behind his desk and walked over to engulf her in a warm hug. “You did not send word you were coming.”

  “Mother sent over a note. I’m sure she is quite aware and wanted my visit to be a surprise for you. It’s quite convenient that we live in such close proximity and I shamelessly took the opportunity to pay you a visit.”

  His eyes widened in undisguised alarm. “Good God, you did not leave your husband, did you?”

  She chuckled. “No, Father, I simply wanted to see my family.”

  He patted her shoulder. “Come, luncheon will soon be served and it will be pleasant for all of us to gather once more. William is here as well, with Lady Louisa. They return to Town next week.”

  Distaste curled through Livvie, and she strove to show an unaffected mien. She had not seen William since the occasion when he had accosted her. Of course, he would have heard the news she was now a countess. Should she now tell her father, since he had recovered, of the despicable manner in which his son had acted? She looped her hand through his arms as they exited the study and made their way to the gardens. “Are you well, Father? It has been over a week since we last spoke. Are you on the mend?”

  “Dear girl,” he said with a smile. “I daresay I should stop referring to you as dear girl, you are a countess now.”

  “Oh, pish, Father.”

  He chortled and her heart lifted with happiness. To think that three months ago she had thought she would lose him to death.

  “I am recovering quite well, my dear. Your mother, bless her heart, is with me every step of the way. It was just last week that I put away the walking stick. I still tire and do not indulge in long walks, but in no time, I shall be mended in its entirety.”

  “I’m glad.”

  He patted her hand where it rested against his arms. “Tell me, Livvie, are you happy?”

  She cast him a quick glance. “Of course.”

  His shoulders relaxed. “I am relieved. While Lord Blade is not an unpleasant man, he has a reputation of being cold.”

  Her heart twisted. “Father, I—”

  Her sister’s shrieks of joy were an effective distraction from further conversation. With a light laugh, Livvie pulled away and ran down the well-tended pathway that led to the garden to greet Ophelia and her mother. They spent a pleasant hour together chatting about the gossip in the area, namely the momentous occasion of Squire Wentworth marrying the Dowager Duchess of Wolverton last week in a small, intimate ceremony at Rosette Park. The vicar had also been caught in an awkward situation with the butcher’s daughter and was being pressured by the bishop to take her as his wife. Surprisingly, he was staunchly denying any wrongdoing and refusing to offer for the girl. His congregation was not taking kindly to the news, as most were insisting he marry the girl. It was feared that he would lose his position.

  Laughing, Livvie gasped, “I never thought the vicar had it in him.”

  “It is rubbish if you ask me,” her father growled. “The vicar had his arm on the girl’s shoulder as she cried. It’s his duty to offer comfort when needed. There is certainly no cause for a marriage as her family is demanding.”

  “They were alone in a closed vestibule. I daresay her papa is doing the right thing in demanding the vicar to act with honor,” her mother sniffed.

  “By the by, Livvie, I have in my possession the latest volume of In the Service of the Crown. The delivery came yesterday. I thought with your hasty wedding and everything, you would not have gotten a chance to place your order,” her father said with a wink.

  She almost combusted on the spot. “It is here?”

  He smiled indulgently. “Yes, my dear.”

  She jumped to her feet from the garden bench, and hurried away to the house. His laughter followed her as she all but ran through the hallway to the library. She swept inside and hurried over to the large oak desk where a small brown parcel was atop it. With impatience, she tore through the package and a smile burst on her lips when she spied the familiar leather volume. The door to the library closed with a snick and she spun around.

  “Oh, Father—” Livvie’s words faltered and she instinctively retreated a step.

  William. Her stepbrother leaned against the door watching her like a silent predator.

  “Why have you closed the door?” she asked with cool aplomb.

  “I saw you from my window when you arrived. I watched you in the gardens with Father. How you glowed. You look ravishing, Livvie. I can see you are a woman now,” he said thickly.

  He prowled over to the windows and alarm skittered thorough her when he drew the drapes closed so only a slice of sunlight came through the parted section.

  “What in God’s name are you doing, and where is Louisa?”

  “My wife had been obliging enough to visit our neighbors. For all intents and purposes, we are alone…a state I have been most eager to get you in.”

  Fear sent chills down her spine. Without hesitation, she made a dash for the door, and halfway there, he grabbed her around the waist and flung her. She screamed and he chuckled.

  “There is no one close by. I’ve ensured I assigned tasks to all the lingering footmen and maids. Father will remain in the garden as is customary for the better part of the afternoon and your whore of a mother will hover.”

  “Release me, William.”

  “You are a married woman now, Livvie. You have full knowledge of what goes on between a man and a woman.” He pushed his hips against hers suggestively. “And you know what I want from you,” he said, lust glittering in his eyes.

  She tried to push at his chest and was met with staunch resistance. “You are being despicable,” she hissed. “If you act on your foolish desires, imagine the pain you will cause Father. He trusts you.”

  “You will tell no one that I’ve had you. Your husband would beat and banish you. And Father…such stories from you would surely do him in. His heart is still weak, you know. Will you really burden him? I believe not.” A light entered his eyes, and a charm
ing smile tipped his lips. “There is no use resisting. Stay the night. Louisa has been complaining of melancholy and has been taking laudanum. It will be quite easy for me to visit you in your old chamber.”

  Livvie recoiled from him. “You insufferable ass! Your logic is beyond me. I am a married woman, and Tobias will be severely displeased when he learns of your conduct.”

  His charming facade slipped into a hard mask. “All of society knows Blade would never be reckless enough to duel over a woman. The man feels no passion and is a cold bastard. In fact…I can assure you he will be quite annoyed if you reveal anything that may lead his family’s name into gossips and scandal,” William said, looking extremely smug.

  Her heart lodged in her throat as she stared at him. She lifted her hand and slapped him with all her strength. The crack echoed in the library and he glared at her with a look akin to stunned disbelief.

  He grabbed her, and his lips assaulted her. She lifted her knee to his private area with all her strength. With a groan, he collapsed to the carpeted floor on his knees.

  “You bitch,” he gritted, tears streaming down his face.

  She rushed to the door.

  “I promise you, Livvie, I will have you underneath me before the month is out. And I will not promise that you will enjoy it.” Ignoring him, she wrenched the door opened and hurried outside. Her emotions were in a chaos. The blasted blackguard! How dare he believe she would not report his disgusting behavior to her husband? Her heart squeezed. What if she told him and he did nothing because of the potential scandal?

  It was clearly a matter of honor…her honor, and she would take care of William. But how? His unexpected assault clearly showed he was willing to attempt his forced seduction wherever and whenever he would see her. Even if she stayed away, she would encounter William at balls and garden parties, where there were ample dark corners, linen closets, and secluded spots in gardens he could drag her away to before she could sound an alarm.

  And if she screamed for help, the scandal would be terrible. Tobias would never forgive her for allowing such a taint to touch his family’s name after the ruthless way in which he had repaired their reputation.