Peering around the corner, Ethan saw Kate with Robbie clinging to her skirts. Brightley had a pistol aimed at them and was forcing them toward the ravine. The bastard planned to murder them.
Louis and Hugh crouched behind a small cropping of bushes on the back side of the barn. The two men were closer to Kate and Robbie. The only cover Ethan had found was an old wheelbarrow, left on its side with a missing wheel. The position put him closer to Brightley. The fiend’s back was toward Ethan, which would make sneaking up on him easier.
Now was the time to act. Ethan pointed to Kate and signaled for his friends to grab her and Robbie. They nodded their understanding. Ethan withdrew his gun and stepped forward. His initial plan was to apprehend Brightley, but as he drew closer, he heard the pistol being cocked to fire. The sound spurred him into action; he aimed his gun and fired. The gunshot reverberated in the air. Kate visibly shook as if she had taken the impact.
Brightley was stunned. He clutched his chest with one hand but still had the gun in the other hand. Ethan rushed toward the trio as Brightley lifted his gun and, once again, aimed at Kate. The world froze at that moment. Ethan couldn’t move fast enough. He charged at Brightley, and at the same time, Hugh lunged toward Kate and Robbie and pushed them out of harm’s way. Louis got to Brightley a second later and wrestled him to the ground. In the skirmish, Brightley dropped his gun. Ethan ran up and kicked it away.
Without a struggle, Ethan lifted the villain off the ground. It was only then that he saw the blood stain on the man’s shirt. At first, Ethan could not tell if he was alive or dead until he heard Brightley moan. Good, the wretched man wasn’t dead; that would be too easy. The scoundrel needed to pay for what he had done.
As things settled the sound of horses approaching echoed. Coming over the hill were a half dozen of Ethan’s men. When they pulled up, he went to speak with them, but Louis stopped him.
The Frenchman grinned, “Go see to your family. Hugh and I can handle the rest.”
“Thank you.” As he walked toward them, Robbie broke free from Kate and ran to him. The boy threw his arms open. Ethan bent down and swept the boy up in his embrace. A lump formed in his throat, and he had to choke back the emotions that flooded to the surface. He buried his head in the little boy’s hair and breathed deeply. It was all over.
“I knew you would find us,” Robbie whispered in his ear.
Ethan sobbed, and he did not care who saw him. He loved the boy as if he were his own, and he would make sure Robbie had everything he could ever want. “I will never let anything bad happen to you or your mother. From now on, you will live with me. I would like be your new father if you will let me.”
Robbie beamed and hugged Ethan one more time. After a moment, he pulled back with a slight frown. “But what about Mommy? Will she live with us as well?”
Ethan laughed. His eyes sought Kate, who stood a few steps behind them. She had heard the exchange. He shifted Robbie to one arm and opened the other to Kate, who embraced them both.
“What do you say, Kate? Do you think you would like to live with Robbie and me?”
“I think I would like that very much.” Kate leaned in and kissed Ethan.
Robbie giggled and hugged them both.
Ethan was so busy embracing his new family that, for a moment, he forgot about the rest of the situation. He put Robbie down and left him with Kate while he went to speak to the others.
Ethan’s guards had seated Brightley on a horse and tied his hands to the pommel of the saddle. The poor man appeared to have passed out. One of Ethan’s men held him up from behind.
“Three of you take him to Dr. Wallace to have his wound tended too. If the doctor says he is well enough, then have him transported to the magistrate’s office.” Ethan turned to another of his men. “Owen, ride ahead and inform the magistrate of the situation, and ask him to call at the house at his earliest convenience.”
The riders hurried off as instructed. Part of the puzzle was complete. Now to finish the rest. Ethan would send an update to Phillip, and hopefully, Arthur would be apprehended shortly. The remainder of the group rode back to the manor house. Kate took Robbie up to check on Nana.
The magistrate arrived within the hour, and the situation was explained to him. A message arrived from Dr. Wallace saying that Mr. Brightley would survive his wound and would be released back into the magistrate’s custody the following day.
“Thank you for coming so promptly, Mr. White.” Ethan shook the magistrate’s hand as the gentleman stood to leave.
“All part of the duty, as you know, my lord. I’ll hold the man until I hear from you.” The magistrate put on his hat and exited the room.
“I have to write to Phillip to and let him know what’s happened. The last I heard from him they were close to finding Arthur Penbrooke.” Ethan sat at his desk.
“Should we try and round up the other brutes that helped Brightley?” asked Louis.
Hugh snorted. “They are probably long gone.”
“I agree,” said Ethan.
“We still have the two men in custody from the attack in the garden. I’ll have them transported to the magistrate,” Hugh added.
Louis and Hugh left Ethan to complete his letter. After he sent the correspondence, Ethan got an update from his men about the cabin fire, which had been contained. The butler also notified him of the second fire, which had occurred in the garden, so Ethan checked on the damage. By the time he finished, it was close to the evening meal, so he went to put on fresh clothes.
Kate joined the men for dinner, but she was quieter than usual. Ethan had not spoken to her much since they had returned to the house. She had been with Robbie making sure he was doing well, and Ethan had been getting the last few details settled. He was ashamed for not spending more time with her after the ordeal, but he would make it up to her tonight, and every other night, for that matter.
After dinner, the party made their way to the parlor. On the way, Ethan pulled Kate aside. She raised a brow, and Ethan answered with a kiss. He meant to give a quick peck, but a lusty feeling of warmth stole over him at the taste of her lips. Kate circled her arms around his neck and held him close. His cock responded, and desire pooled in his loins.
Ethan broke the kiss. “I am sorry that I have been such a cad today.”
“What do you mean?”
“I did not spend much time with you and Robbie since we have returned.”
Kate stroked his cheek. “I understand. You had other things to do, and Robbie was fine. He’s been telling everyone that he is getting a new father.”
Ethan chuckled, “Do you think I’ll be a good father?”
“Yes, to Robbie and to all the other children we will have.”
In the past, the thought of children would have been enough to send Ethan running. Now the image of Robbie and his siblings running around the house laughing and playing made his heart sing.
The look in Kate’s blue eyes said she thought the same thing. He couldn’t believe they would have a family of their own, after all these years. Without a word, Ethan scooped Kate into his arms and made his way down the hall. He took the stairs to his bedroom two at a time. Once inside, he kicked the door shut and feasted on Kate’s lips.
Their hands were all over one another, caressing and exploring. Ethan knew he wouldn’t be able to wait much longer. The pounding in his head from the desire for Kate, plus the pulsation in his cock, drove him mad.
Ethan pulled up Kate’s skirts while he kissed her sweet lips. She read his mind as her hands made their way to his breeches. He could not control himself. After nearly losing her today, he ached to be buried deep inside her and hear her cry out his name.
Once his hand found the opening in her drawers, he slid a finger into Kate’s wet channel. She greeted him with a long throaty moan. He worked in and out slowly at first, then increased the pace. His tongue sought Kate’s mouth, and she invited him in. Their tongues glided over one another while Ethan continued to pleasure
her. After a few more strokes, Kate’s muscles clenched around Ethan’s fingers and she orgasmed, but he wasn’t finished with her yet.
Ethan brought her to the brink again, but as he did so, Kate’s hand slid into his breeches and grabbed his hard cock. He broke their kiss and cursed when her hand pumped up and down on his rigid staff. She slid her hand in a rhythm designed to drive him closer to the edge.
“God, you will be the death of me, woman.”
Kate laughed, “I hope not, my lord. I was hoping to have a long night of lovemaking ahead of us.”
Ethan peered into Kate’s eyes and saw the love and desire reflected. His erection grew harder; he was ready to sink into her. “I want to be inside you. I want to love you, Kate.”
Without a word, she withdrew and placed both hands on his broad shoulders, ready for him to penetrate her. Ethan released his member from the confines of his clothes then pulled Kate’s skirt up. In one fluid motion, he guided his rod inside her depths.
At the feel of him inside her, Kate’s head fell back in surrender. He grabbed her leg and wrapped it around his waist. With that one movement, he sank deeper, filling her with his manliness. Ethan had to pause for a moment; the need to come was so great. After a second, he pulled back then plunged in again.
Her folds were warm and wet from her orgasms. They moved together as one. He quickened the pace, ramming into her with raw passion. Ethan captured her lips again and pressed her against the door. The back pressure allowed him to be more forceful with his thrusts. Their bodies and scents mingled until there was no telling which was which; they were united.
Kate combed her fingers through Ethan’s hair. It surprised him when she grabbed his hair and tugged. Instead of pain, he felt a white flash of excitement course through his body and end at his dick. He doubled his efforts, and Kate met him with every thrust.
Ethan’s kisses became more desperate, hungrier. He sucked on Kate’s tongue and lips. Lust burned in his brain, and he could think of nothing else. Ethan knew he was close. The tightness in his balls and the strain on his cock increased. He wanted Kate to come with him; he wanted to share this moment.
He slipped his hand between their bodies and stroked her swollen bud above her opening. Lost in the passion, Kate whimpered and broke the kiss to call out his name in tortured pleasure. She moaned louder as she came closer to release. Ethan rolled with the nub between his fingers and gently squeezed it. The pressure sent Kate spiraling. She spasmed around his shaft as her climax overtook her. A second moment later, Ethan felt his seed erupt into Kate. He plunged again and emptied himself. Their voices mingled together in a song of completion. The smell of their coupling permeated the air.
Chapter 28
Kate leaned against Ethan as she struggled to catch her breath. They had lost themselves in the raging maelstrom of feelings caused by the days escapade. When Kate had seen Ethan after he had shot Brightley, she had wanted to shout with joy and, at the same, time scream with all her pent-up terror. She had feared it was the end for her and Robbie, but Ethan had saved them. Now, the man she loved wrapped her in his arms, with his manhood buried deep inside of her.
“I’m sorry for being so forceful. I think the events of the day and the thought of losing you made me desperate to have you.”
Kate put her finger to his lips. “I know, and I feel the same way. I thought I would never see you again, that Robbie and I...” She could not say the words; the mere mention made her shudder.
He kissed her fingers. “It’s all over now darling. Brightley is in the magistrate's custody, and I’m certain Phillip will find Arthur soon as well. For tonight, let us focus on us. Now that there is no further threat, you can return to your parents’ home or your estate in Leicester.”
The idea of leaving Ethan made Kate want to cry. “I don’t want to leave you.” She gazed into his eyes. “How long do we have to be apart?”
“There is much to be done. There will have to be an inquiry and possibly a trial against Arthur and Brightley. They need to be brought to justice. I have responsibilities here, and you must run Nathan’s estate. I don’t know how often we will see each other before we are married.”
“You still want to marry me?”
Ethan smiled and caressed Kate’s cheek. “Did you think I wasn't truthful with you, that I said those words without meaning them? I love you, Kate, and I want to spend my life with you and Robbie. But we must settle things first. Besides, you’re still in mourning for Nathan.”
“You are right. In all this chaos, I forgot about Nathan. He deserves to be remembered as the honorable man and dutiful father that he was. He loved us both.”
“And we will make sure Robbie knows that. For tonight, I want to show you how much I love you.”
“I thought that’s what you just did.”
Passion crossed Ethan’s face. “That was just the beginning.” He captured her lips, an unspoken promise of more to come.
Ethan brushed his fingers through Kate’s hair, releasing her hair as a shower of pins fell to the floor. The amber tresses trailed down her back. At the mere touch of Ethan’s hands, ripples of yearning boiled in Kate’s veins.
Taking her hand, Ethan led Kate over to the bed. In a matter of minutes, their clothes were in a pile on the floor. Their arms and legs intertwined as they caressed, causing the sensual hunger between them to heighten. Her core pulsated with an ache that only Ethan could satisfy. He took her breast into his mouth, and she thrust her chest invitingly. His teeth nipped the sensitive flesh until her nipples hardened. Over and over, he feasted on one breast then the other while Kate succumbed to the sensation. She pulled him closer, encouraging his touch. His hard, muscular body came on top of her, making her a prisoner to his ministrations.
Kate’s breath came in ragged pants, but she grew bold. When Ethan had finished with her breasts, he returned to her mouth. Her tongue plunged into his mouth without hesitation, craving his taste. She rubbed her tongue over his and playfully bit it. Ethan rewarded her with a growl. He pressed his erection into her abdomen, and her legs spread of their own accord, ready for him to take her again.
Never had Kate imagined passion could be all-consuming. Every touch of his hand or kiss of his lips left her wanting for more. She gave in to the moment with total surrender.
Ethan sprinkled kisses down Kate’s throat to her chest and between her breasts. Then he continued down to her stomach, and she realized he was not stopping there. Ethan continued down to the top of her mound. Her breath hitched when he kissed her between her legs. His tongue jutted out and lapped at her cleft. The coarseness of his tongue on her wet flesh made her moan and open to him in welcome. This was the ultimate pleasure, and Kate’s only focus was on Ethan’s mouth.
Kate sighed, “I did not know there were such delights.”
“I will show them all to you, my love. After all, we have the rest of our lives.”
Kate cried out as Ethan’s tongue entered her, mimicking the thrust of his cock. He sucked on her sweet bud until she grabbed the sheets and called out his name. The powerful force plunged her over the edge of reasoning and sent her body into an explosive orgasm like she had never known before. Ethan did not stop; if anything, he became more fervent. This time, while his tongue licked and suckled, he put a finger inside her and started an erotic rhythm.
The familiar warmth rushed over her, and a humming settled between her thighs where Ethan feasted. Her hips met his thrusts, becoming more desperate with each movement.
“Please, Ethan, more. I need more.” She cried out.
Ethan sucked one last time on her clitoris. It was all she needed to open the floodgates. Her climax let loose with an explosion. At the same time, Ethan’s tongue lapped up her sweet cream.
Kate’s body felt weightless, and she gasped when Ethan’s lips pressed on hers. His tongue delved in, and she tasted her release on his lips, which only reignited her desire. His rock-hard erection nudged between her legs, and she angled her hips tow
ard him. She wanted him inside her again, claiming her. As if sensing her urgency, Ethan sheathed himself in one thrust and started a grueling pace. It left her breathless and exhilarated to feel his large girth stretch her. She pulled him down for another taste. Every time they made love, there was more to explore. She knew life with Ethan would never be boring.
“I love you, Ethan.”
“Now and forever, my darling.”
Kate locked her legs around Ethan’s waist and held his body close, a willing captive to his primal lust. Her breaths came in ragged gasps as she constricted around his manhood. A second later, Ethan shouted and expelled his seed. Ethan rolled off Kate and drew her into his arms, and shortly after, they fell into a peaceful slumber.
Later in the night, they awoke to make love again. This time Ethan let Kate do as she pleased.
Kate asked, “What do men enjoy?”
“What do you mean?”
She felt awkward asking. “I mean, is there something you would enjoy me doing to you? Something I haven’t done yet?”
It took a few moments for Ethan to answer. He seemed to be pondering his response. “There is one thing that most men like a woman to do.”
“What?”
“You know how I have kissed and tasted your cunny? Well, when a woman takes a man’s cock in their mouth, it can cause the most extreme pleasure for both parties.”
Kate gazed down at his manhood, which was already growing hard. What would he taste like, she wondered? Well, there was only one way to find out.
She wrapped one hand around his engorged member and followed Ethan’s instructions. The first touch of her tongue to his tip made Ethan let out a long growl of pleasure. At first, Kate was not sure what to do, but Ethan told her how to glide her mouth up and down and suck. As she grew more comfortable, she brought her tongue out to trace the ridges of his throbbing veins. The sound of his moans excited her, making her curls damp.
Ethan’s fingers knotted in her hair, holding her in place as he bucked into her mouth. Kate had never felt so empowered, knowing she had caused such a frenzy in Ethan. Before he surrendered to his climax, he had Kate come up and sheath herself on top of him. The new position made her take him deeper than their previous couplings. It felt as if he was touching her very center. Ethan took hold of her hips and guided her movements. Soon they were panting and grunting, a mass of hot, sweaty sex, ready to combust. He sank into her, hard and fast until their bodies shuddered when they reached the pinnacle of ecstasy.
The Spy's Lady: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 2) Page 19