My Forbidden Mentor

by Laura Mills

  Her brows creased in confusion while her cheeks colored at the sight of seeing him nude in the daylight. “To get . . . breakfast,” she replied, not too steady and trying not to be obvious about her gawking.

  “I don’t think so,” he said shoving one leg into his trousers, unconsciously aiming his focus toward her legs.

  She caught his glare, which explained his sudden actions of panic. Her face softened, aware of how distressing her condition was for him, but today she was like a new woman ready for a new challenge and trying the stairs was a perfect way to start. She stopped him before he went further. “John?”

  He had his second leg through and was about to stand to finish putting on his trousers when the sound of her voice made him look up.

  Her sedate expression had his complete attention. “I want to try this. I think it’s time.”

  His velvet lashes blinked once as if determining if her choice was rational. “Are you sure?” he asked, aware it was to be her decision.

  “Yes,” she answered in undeniable confidence.

  “Perhaps I should go with you, just to make sure.” He felt helpless when he should feel happy about her determination. He rose from the bed.

  “John, I’ll call for you if I have trouble,” she told him as the beam in her eyes was imploring him to be agreeable.

  When she walked out he was left standing in the middle of her sun- brightened bedroom with his trousers pulled up to his hips, buttons undone. He sat back down, eyeing the door, desperate to watch her progress. He hadn’t heard her calling him yet, which was a good sign. He stretched out his legs crossing them at the ankles, and he folded his arms across his bare chest with his eyes fastened to the door.

  By now five minutes had passed, at least by his calculations. Not able to stand the waiting he rose from the bed once again and stepped to the door. Cracking the door open, his immediate view was empty as she wasn’t anywhere in sight. The door flew open and his body leaned through the doorway, his head swinging from one side of the short hallway to the other. He stepped further out toward the stairs. Standing at the top looking down, sounds of rustling from the kitchen got his attention.

  In an instant he returned to the bedroom. His trousers slipped off and his naked body slipped back into bed. After waiting another five minutes he sat up, placing his head against the oak headboard and taking the time to straighten the lavender blankets that were covering his hips. The door burst open and John jumped at the sound. He had been so involved in his thoughts of their previous night together that he hadn’t heard her footsteps before the door opened. She wore a gratifying smile though, and her victory was contagious making him grin in return. He could let go of his short-lived worries regarding the stairs since she had made it. “All went well, I see?”

  Sliding on the bed next to him with a full plate gracing her lap, she boastfully responded, “Yes.”

  “Well, I’m proud of you. I knew you could handle it.” His grin proved flattering and his words of praise meant a great deal. Robert had been right about John’s confidence in her. It hadn’t waned. But what had happened to the apprehension he had expressed before her victory lap? “Thank you, John.” I’ll bet he checked on me. “I hope I didn’t worry you?”

  He chuckled, the gleam in his eyes not as bright. “No, of course not. I told you I knew you could handle it, and see, you proved me right.” Even his fabricated smile had a melting effect. “Now, what did you bring us?”

  He obviously didn’t want to carry on. Laughing to herself, she let the subject drop. “Berries and various breads. I know you like berries but I’m not sure about bread?”

  “Certain kinds are alright. What do you have?” he asked.

  She unfolded the linen cloth covering their food. “A variety of sweet breads, actually.”

  Opening his mouth, she brought the bread to his lips. He moved forward and took a bite. After swallowing, he gave her his opinion. “Not bad, but I prefer the berries,” he told her as he took the remaining piece of bread from her and finished it off.

  They fed each other berries and bread while talking of past events they’d shared, making each other laugh recalling ridiculous mistakes and stunts they had pulled on each other. Comparing the extent of such ludicrous behavior, both agreed that Melissa topped them both with the story she had concocted for her father, but the mere mentioning of her father brought them to silence. Their smiles diminished and Melissa’s head hung low, studying the berries that remained.

  John watched her reaction, seeing and feeling her pain all over again. His fingertips went beneath her chin and lifted it up. Glassy hazel eyes captured his. “Are you alright?” he asked so quietly that she almost didn’t hear him. Their happy reminiscing had brought unguarded pain at the same time. She nodded while giving him the best smile she could manage. His smile in return relayed that he understood.

  Worn down by the fight to stay strong, fresh tears began rolling down her cheeks. Melissa turned her watery gaze away from John. “I’m sorry,” she said, apologizing for her lack of control.

  “Why are you sorry?” he asked.

  She swallowed hard at the memory of her father as his death began dominating all of her thoughts now, all of her thoughts except the acknowledgment of John’s understanding of the situation. She hadn’t expected his constant consolation, but then she hadn’t anticipated this wave of grief to cascade upon her, especially when she was experiencing happiness for the first time in a long time. Her gaze shifted back toward his, which penetrated her very soul. “I’m sorry for falling apart on you like this.”

  John’s gaze never wavered. His hand came up to embrace the back of her head, guiding her to rest upon his chest. A dam broke loose within her. Her hands gripped the sides of his waist as her whole body jerked with an overflow of emotions. She clutched at his upper body as if she would fall from the earth.

  John could feel hot streams of wetness flow down his chest, receding toward his belly. Wanting to relieve her grief, he offered reassurance. “Don’t be sorry for grieving, Melissa. You’ve been through a lot more than you know. You’re allowed to let go every now and then,” he told her and then paused when he could feel her shudder against him. “I don’t mind you falling apart as long as you put yourself back together again.” That got a light chuckle out of her.

  She lifted her head, revealing red and swollen eyes that bore into his. “How would I get through this without you?”

  His opposite hand brushed away the damp strands of her hair, which clung to her face. “You would find a way, although I’m glad to be here for you.” The realization that his words were sincere, that he really meant them, sent a jolt of reality through his concerned mind. This was where he wanted to be, with her, whether consoling her, riding horses, sleeping, making love, it didn’t matter, just to be in her presence was enough.

  A smile appeared within her puffy features. “Thank you.”

  His fingers stopped their caressing motion to obtain a berry to feed to her. “You’re welcome.” Her mouth opened and she devoured the plump blackberry. “Now, I’d like to go to my place today and check on Chief,” he said while popping a berry into his mouth. “It will give you an opportunity to see how training stables are run, which in training you will have to learn anyhow.” His gaze shifted from the plate of berries to witness a maneuver that made his groin ache.

  Melissa was licking at the fruit juices dripping down her fingers. “That sounds fine to me,” she replied, her tongue stopping mid-motion when her eyes caught his in a seductive stare. Suddenly the air around them turned smoldering.

  John reached over and placed another blackberry in her mouth. His voice was soft yet husky. “I’m ready for dessert now,” he announced with renewed vigor.

  “A sudden burst of energy?” she asked in teasing manner.

  He reached down to untie her robe. “It’s your fault. You wanted to feed me.”

  When John awoke he wasn’t sure how much time had passed. His head lifted as he
looked toward the window, mentally trying to determine the time of day by where the sun was sitting. Well it wasn’t early, he gathered. His hair tousled and his body cramped from their cradled position, he started to pull away from her when she groaned.

  “No.”

  He bent close to her ear and murmured, “Sweetheart, we need to get moving.”

  She responded in a languid tone. “Not yet . . . want to sleep more.”

  He slid out of the bed and reached back over the bed to drag her over to him, lifting her into a sitting position. “Time to get up,” he insisted. He was learning her ways and how to deal with them.

  Propped up on the edge of the bed Melissa was wide-awake now, glaring at John in frustration, ignoring her state of complete nakedness. She hadn’t wanted to get up, wanting to forever keep him in her bed. She watched him get dressed, his trousers covering every sleek muscle of his powerful thighs and about to shield a part of his anatomy she longed to be acquainted with after its discovery of endless gratification. Unaware, her lips curled into a pout as the last button of his trousers closed.

  Glancing up to catch her frowning face, he read her mind. “Later,” he told her. Her hunger was something he could get used to, but they had work to do today so her impetuous appetite would have to wait. When she hadn’t moved an inch, John realized he had a struggle on his hands. “Do I have to dress you as well?” he inquired.

  Without her help, John managed to produce her clothing, dress her and dress himself in record time. Although he would much rather undress her than dress her he rather enjoyed the unique experience, purposely revealing only frustration for her benefit. He left to saddle Clara while Melissa finished with her shoes.

  She was in love with a lord, she thought, a handsome, tender, sometimes difficult lord. Was he capable of returning her love? Could he give up other women? Somehow she would have to find out.

  Finishing with her boots, she heard his footsteps approaching. When the door opened, she quickly uttered, “I’m ready.” She could tell she’d already pushed her limit by letting him dress her this morning.

  To her relief he gave her a smile. “Good,” he said, swooping her into his arms to be carried down the stairs. He propped her up on top of his mare and slid up behind her.

  Chapter Sixteen

  A short time later his large manor came into view, with three enormous stable houses and beautiful thoroughbreds prancing about. Their racing bodies were in superb condition, their muscles lithe and sleek with every springing step.

  John slid off Clara then helped Melissa down. One of his stable hands came over to take care of Clara for him. “Thank you Todd. Have Simon ready Chief for me, will you?” John directed as Todd nodded in agreement. After Todd took Clara John shifted back to Melissa. Anxious to gather necessary belongings and be back into Melissa’s warm bed, he led her to the front door. “Would you like to come in with me or see the horses? I noticed you studying them on our way in.”

  A smile appeared at his observance. “Well, if you don’t mind, I have been eager to see your horses up close. May I?”

  His smile mirrored hers. “You don’t have to ask, sweetheart, and I don’t mind at all. It shouldn’t take me long.” He leaned over and planted a gentle kiss upon her lips. “Simon should be in there. You’ll know him when you see him, he’s the one giving orders. He’ll help you with any inquiries you have until I return.”

  “All right,” she said and turned toward the stables.

  John followed her movements before pivoting toward the front door. He missed the inconspicuous, unmarked carriage parked behind a shading limb of trees that graced the side of his manor.

  Once inside Charles got his attention. “Good day my lord.”

  John headed for the stairwell, saying in passing, “Good day Charles. It is a marvelous day in fact, is it not?” Sensing something was wrong, he inquired just as Charles was about to speak again. “Is there something else, Charles?” His gleeful pace stalled halfway up the stairs.

  Charles winced before responding. “Yes my lord,” he said, stepping next to the railing of the stairwell. “There is a female visitor here to see you and she’s been here quite some time. Her visit was unannounced. I tried to tell her you weren’t available but . . .”

  He never finished, for John just wanted to know who it was. “Who is it, Charles?” John’s brows were creasing in frustration because he wasn’t in a generous mood when it came to any delays that could thwart the plans he’d already made with Melissa.

  “Yes sir. It is Baroness Lindsey Pope.” Charles shot a brief glance toward the closed doors of the sitting room, adding in a whisper, “Ghastly chit if I may say so my lord.”

  John chuckled at Charles attempt at humor. “You may say so, Charles, and may I say that I agree with you one hundred percent.” John spun down the stairs to take care of the disturbing annoyance once and for all. “I’m freeing you from her company Charles. You may go.”

  John heard a sigh of relief and chuckled some more.

  Sitting in a wingback chair, sipping a cup of tea, was a young lady sporting auburn hair and green eyes, someone he’d had a one-night fling with some months ago, which had been enough for him. She’d begun stalking him after that, becoming overly possessive. Finally he’d had to put her in her place by reminding her she had a husband who might be interested in her extracurricular activities. Since then she’d left him alone until now.

  Looking up as he entered, she stood and pranced over to him. “Lord Blackburn, how nice to see you. I’ve been waiting some time. I assume you’ve just arrived.” Seduction was written all over her entrapping features.

  He grinned at her attempts to wile him. She was playing a dangerous game with a non-existing player. “So proper, Lindsey. What brings you out to the country?” he asked, even though he already knew.

  Her hands reached for the collar of his shirt. “It’s been awhile darling. I thought you might be lonely.” Her voice downshifted an octave. “Lonely for my company. I sure am for yours. Remember how much fun we had?”

  His hands caught hers before they could get a grip on his collar, a reaction that temporarily stunned her. Lindsey Pope was used to getting her way and this time she wasn’t.

  John’s annoyance shifted to mild rage. Her persistence on a matter that had been resolved months ago astounded him. “I’m not interested Lindsey. You should have gotten the message the last time we conversed,” he told her, making his point clear once again. He didn’t need this now. She was wasting his precious time.

  Stepping over to the large framed window of the sitting room, looking out into green lush landscape, her eyes scanned along its entirety. Numerous corrals dominated her view and past them a particular female caught her eye. The young lady seemed to be very enthusiastic about John’s horses along with Robert.

  Yes, Robert, another conquest if he’d be willing. Her green eyes full of spite left Robert to focus on the young lady accompanying him. “Who’s the young lady chatting with Robert?”

  John strode over to the window, seeing Melissa and Robert. “She’s a student of our company.” There was a sternness to his voice, revealing his rising anger.

  Her smile turned devious. “Your student, huh? What are you teaching her?”

  “None of your business Lindsey,” he spoke through tightened lips and clenched teeth.

  “She’s certainly attractive.”

  John was beyond the point of caring. She was taking up too much of his time. His eyes narrowed when he turned to face her. “It’s time for you to leave Lindsey. I’m not able to service you anymore, you need to go elsewhere.”

  His mind was made up she thought as she walked back over to the couch, picked up her purse and headed for the door. She gave it one last effort. “If you ever change your mind, I’m available,” She informed him while disappearing through the doorway.

  Relieved that she was gone he headed for his bedchamber to finally change his clothing and gather necessary items.


  But as John’s mind was preoccupied with his own ideas, Lindsey took full advantage of the possibilities presented to her, namely intimidating his female student. What in the world was he teaching her anyway besides the pleasures of his bed.

  She approached Robert and Melissa before taking her leave. With a toss of an auburn ringlet and a smile bearing an undermining recourse, Lindsey played her part well. “Hello, Robert. It’s been a while.”

  Robert knew the hell John had gone through with this wench and if he’d been alone he wouldn’t have had a second thought about being rude to her but for Melissa’s sake he behaved. “Hello Lindsey.”

  Assuming she’d have to introduce herself since Robert hadn’t done the liberties, she faced Melissa with her hand outstretched. “Hello, I’m Baroness Lindsey Pope.”

  Melissa smiled but was overcome with a sensation that this woman had a deceitful nature. “Hello, I’m Melissa Howard.” She shook Lindsey’s hand, catching a distinct beam in her eyes.

  “Pleased to meet you, Miss Howard. John tells me you’re a student of his company?” Lindsey asked, waiting to see what kind of reaction she would stir.

  Melissa wasn’t aware that John freely mentioned she was his student to anybody but as he had to be the only one to tell her she went along with Lindsey’s inquiry. “Yes I am. He’s a very thorough teacher. I’ll be forever grateful for his knowledge,” she stated, hoping her words revealed a double meaning like this libertine woman wanted to believe.

  Lindsey retaliated by giving her a sneering smile. “Yes, I’d have to agree with thorough.”

  Annoyed, Melissa tried tuning out this obstacle of a woman by letting her attention wander to a nearby mare.

  Lindsey caught her drift and shifted her gaze to Robert. “It’s certainly nice to see you again, Robert. If you ever get lonely for company I’m available,” she offered.