My Forbidden Mentor

by Laura Mills

  Rose had given in and Robert couldn’t believe it. She had never backed off before when they had had one of their discussions. It was refreshing but caused him to stagger in response.

  “Good. Now that we’re being civil again, would you two like breakfast?” John asked, actually proud that he had helped to resolve the battle of wills between his friends, but when he chanced a glance toward his wife his pride was doused with a venomous look. She didn’t look happy, not happy at all. He turned his attention back to Rose and Robert, who seemed oblivious to Melissa’s glare of disapproval.

  They both answered, “Sure,” at the same time, smiling awkwardly toward each other. As Robert and Rose headed for the dining table, John stayed behind to confront his wife. He turned to face her. “Have I said something to disturb you?”

  Melissa folded her arms across her chest. “No, quite the contrary. You’ve managed to make peace between them, at least temporarily.”

  “And why does that bother you?”

  “Because you manage to help others with their problems but won’t deal with your own.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m not sure you do, John,” she unleashed, leaving him to stand alone in the entry way as she glided up the stairway to their bedchamber.

  John took a moment to gather his bearings before entering the dining room. As much as anger flared in him at that moment, she’d been correct. A couple of months had passed and their future seemed as bleak as ever. In that time he’d yearned for her to trust his judgment of character, namely regarding Jack, but she still defended the scoundrel anytime his name was brought up. So why would he not think otherwise about their situation? After all, hadn’t she kept her and Jack’s reacquaintance a secret?

  As he approached the dining room he heard laughter between Robert and Rose and instantly missed the laughter he use to share with Melissa. Should he give Melissa the benefit of the doubt, forget this one incident with Jack, and move on? He took his seat and joined in the laughter.

  Melissa’s eyes widened as she sat up on the chaise that graced her bedchamber. Rose had just revealed her plans. “This sudden change of heart took place all because of earlier today?”

  Rose sat in a chair across from her. “Of course not, but we had a good conversation at breakfast and it helped to confirm my decision.”

  Melissa stared into the flames flickering aimlessly within the fireplace. How nice it would be to have a good conversation with her own husband, she thought. Her eyes found her best friend’s. “How do you think he will react?”

  Rose smiled. “I’m not sure, but I think it will be good.” Rose bent forward to emphasize her suggestion. “Perhaps you could have John quiz Robert for me but not be too suspicious about it. It will make what I have to do easier.”

  Melissa shook her head regretfully. “I can’t, Rose. I’m sorry. John and I barely speak as it is, much less if I ask him to spy for me.”

  Rose turned solemn. “Melissa, you two need to work this out. I can’t believe it’s gone on this long. You two are married with a child on the way. You two love each other. It’s got to work out somehow.”

  “I just don’t know what to do anymore, Rose. We hardly talk without angering each other.”

  “You’re both stubborn is the problem, both of you, and to the point of being ridiculous.”

  Melissa became defensive. “And you and Robert aren’t stubborn?”

  “You’re right, we are,” she chuckled to herself, coming up with an outrageous plan. “Perhaps you could talk to Robert for me and I could talk to John for you.”

  “Oh, Rose, I don’t know.”

  “I was only jesting, Melissa. After all, these are extremely personal issues we’re dealing with.”

  Melissa changed the subject. Her marriage was all she thought about these days and she needed a temporary diversion. Rose’s news was exciting enough to capture her attention. “So when is your last day at work?”

  “After today’s episode with Robert it was yesterday.”

  “Good for you.” Melissa leaned forward as well. “And your plan of seduction? When will that take place?”

  “When he least expects it.”

  Melissa was giddy. “I’m so happy for you, Rose. You and Robert will be back together before you know it.”

  “I hope so.”

  They chatted on about many things. Rose always knew how to cheer her up.

  One early December morning two weeks later Melissa sat in her carriage awaiting Rose at Rose’s request. They had planned to do some shopping then have lunch together. Also, Rose had some rather exciting news to tell her. Melissa had scarcely seen her for the past two weeks so her plan must have been working.

  A knock came upon the carriage door, startling Melissa out of her thoughts. Rose didn’t usually knock. Melissa leaned over, opening the curtains to find Duke Albert standing at her carriage door. I wonder what he wants?

  Actually feeling sorry for the duke, she couldn’t turn him away. Ever since he and John had had their in-depth conversation he’d been trying time and time again to contact John, but John had ignored him. Melissa had hoped that John would finally come around. A father and son relationship was an important one but she had little faith that the duke would have success. John not only ignored his father these days, he ignored his wife as well.

  The curtain fell back into place as she reached for the latch on the door and opened it.

  “Lady Blackburn, I was wondering if I could speak with you a moment?” He gave a handsome smile accompanied with a gracious bow.

  “Yes, of course.” A few moments wouldn’t hurt and she always waited on Rose anyway. If they weren’t the best of friends she wouldn’t have the tolerance for such tardiness, but as Rose accepted Melissa as she was, Melissa did the same.

  Albert sat across from Melissa, still smiling. “Thank you. I’m sure you’re aware I’ve been trying to talk with my son and he’s all but ignored me.” He chuckled from nervousness. “His behavior doesn’t surprise me, nor do I blame him. I want you to understand that.”

  “John’s going through a lot right now. He’s been extremely busy with work.”

  “Lady Blackburn, you don’t have to make excuses for your husband. I understand. I suppose I thought by talking to you I could gain some insight into how he’s doing right now. I feel like we’re starting over with our father and son relationship. Before you know it you’ll have,” Albert’s blue eyes scanned over Melissa, and until now hadn’t noticed the pouch of her belly, “a child on the way.”

  “Yes. You will be a grandfather early in the new year.” She looked down to her belly as well and her hands moved there in reaction.

  “Congratulations.” Albert appeared dumbfounded.

  “Thank you,” she sighed. The baby seemed to be the only joy in her life of late. “John is doing all right, Duke Albert. He’s had a lot on his mind. Just give him time.”

  Albert sighed. “Yes, time. I’ve wasted so much time thinking only of myself in the past. I suppose that’s why I’m so anxious to earn John’s respect.” He smiled, glancing toward her stomach. “And I truly would like to be a part of my grandchild’s life, even if John won’t let me be a part of his.”

  Melissa listened before commenting. “Duke Albert, without seeming offensive, you have to realize that John has been hurt deeply by his past. I cannot override him in the decision regarding your grandchild.”

  “I understand.”

  “Do you really? What I mean is, you have to know that he will not allow you to treat your grandchild the same way he was treated as a child, and I will not allow it either.”

  Albert stayed silent.

  “I know I’m being dreadfully honest here but your attitudes would have to change, your ways of thinking. Truthfully Duke Albert, I would like for all of us to be a family, a close family that could share holidays together and summer picnics, for you see you will be the only living grandparent our children will have.”

  Albert was
about to reply when her last words surprised him into silence. This changed everything. “Forgive me, I didn’t realize your parents had passed on. I see now that you understand more than I thought you did. Thank you for your insight, Lady Blackburn. John’s a very lucky man to have you. You have impressed me with your intellect, which of course competes with your beauty.”

  “Thank you, Duke Albert. I’m glad we had this chat.”

  “I am glad as well. Good day.”

  The carriage door flew open. “I’m sorry I’m, oh, Duke Albert,” Rose acknowledge, as she slipped in beside Melissa.

  Albert stood to take his leave. “Rose, I was just leaving.” He turned to Melissa again. “It’s been a pleasure,” he said, then left the carriage.

  Rose rose to sit across from Melissa. “What was that all about?”

  Melissa smiled. “I’ll tell you later. I want to hear your news that couldn’t wait.”

  A huge grin shown on Rose’s face. “Robert and I, he’s asked me to marry him again Melissa!”

  “What? Oh, Rose that’s wonderful.” She reached over and they hugged. “I want to hear every last detail.”

  Rose proceeded to tell Melissa of the events that had occurred over the past two weeks, including the seduction. She had literally attacked Robert in his carriage not two nights ago.

  “And he didn’t fight you off?” Melissa asked in a teasing manner.

  “I’ve got skills, darling, that would make you blush. I also have the advantage of knowing what Robert likes,” Rose confessed with confidence.

  “I wish I had your enthusiasm,” Melissa replied.

  “That’s it, love.”

  “What are you talking about, Rose?” Melissa asked in wariness.

  “Is there anything special that John likes, you know, sexually? Something he couldn’t resist?”

  Melissa wasn’t sure why Rose’s boldness surprised her, it shouldn’t have. “Well, he likes everything Rose, I suppose, but he’s usually the initiator.”

  “That’s it. This will work.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “First of all, you need to be the initiator. That will catch him off guard.” She saw Melissa shake her head in uncertainty but ignored her anyway. “And I’m going to give you a short lesson in attaining an instant reaction from a man, one I’m positive will make him talk to you.” Rose paused a second. “Although you may have to decipher between the groans.” Melissa looked strangely into her best friend’s face.

  Rose went on, explaining in detail what she requested Melissa to perform, and she guaranteed her an optimistic reaction.

  Two more weeks passed before Melissa was brave enough to try Rose’s suggestion. It took all of two weeks for Rose to fill Melissa with enough confidence to go through with it. Dressed in a sheer gown, Melissa was full of courage until the moment had finally arrived to get John’s attention. He already lay in bed while Melissa paced inside their dressing closet. I can’t do this, I’ll make a fool of myself she started hammering into her brain. Feeling defeated, her insecurities led to her whipping off the gown and trailing off to bed naked like she always did. That’s how John preferred her, only lately she could wear her riding habit to bed and he wouldn’t notice.

  Sliding beneath the covers on her side of the bed, she lay there staring up at the ceiling. Coward, she called herself. She looked over to John, seeing the familiarity of his back facing her. Her eyes filled with tears staring into the blurring broadness of his upper body. Every night for three months now it had been the same distant motions, both turning away from each other in bed, and this was the hardest part to deal with. In the past, which seemed so far away now, lovemaking had dominated their nights, yet now words were barely spoken, and when they were, they were snapping and out of necessity.

  She looked back toward the ceiling. How much worse could it get? And what about their baby? Would having a child make it better or worse? Could she stand to wait another three months to find out?

  Melissa reached over to John out of desperation for physical contact, desperate for any contact, for an emotional connection between them had been non-existent these past few months as well.

  John could feel the movement of the bed as he lay on his side facing away from his wife. It hadn’t been unusual for her to leave their bed in order to escape the resistance between them, but all of a sudden a warm hand glided over the side of his hip and down to his groin. His breath caught as he wondered what on earth she was trying to accomplish.

  “Melissa, don’t,” John said quietly, hating to tell her that. Even so she continued stroking his awakening organ, which gradually increased from her touch.

  It had been a long while and he missed her greatly, but their present circumstances kept him from giving into his ardent desires.

  Another stab of pain pierced deep inside when he voiced those two disapproving words but she relinquished her pride for all she wanted was her husband. She was beyond proving her innocence of what he believed she was guilty. All she craved now were his affections, his loving touch, and his warm body pressing into hers. She needed to know they could still be together and be one, that they still loved each other despite the pain they were causing one another.

  Her touch was exquisite and his manhood confirmed it by rising into the palm of her stroking hand and hardening into a torch of silken flesh. She wasn’t making this easy for him. “Melissa, you don’t have to do this,” he told her, unable to conceal his labored breathing.

  “I want to,” she said in a shaky whisper.

  Beyond the caressing of her hand upon him, the bed moved again and then her hand disappeared. He stayed still, thinking she had changed her mind and saved him from enduring the torture of blissful pain if she continued when suddenly he gasped as he felt her soft wet tongue gliding over the crown of his manhood. His eyes widened at her maneuver. Melissa had never touched him there with her mouth. He lifted onto one elbow, his opposite hand reaching down to lift her head away when her mouth closed over him. Shivers of pure pleasure dominated his body as her tongue joined in the up and down movement, her whole mouth tightening around him in a perfect pumping motion. His breathing turned heavy and gasping.

  He watched her head bobbing below his belly, his hand that had reached for her balled into a fist at his hip. His chest escalated as his eyes traveled along her sensuous form. Her golden hair spread out across her back, loose strands hiding the curve of her soft full breasts that crushed against the side of his hip. His eyes followed over the shape of her enlarging belly, grazing along his buttocks, readily reminding him of the child they had created together, growing inside of her as his manhood was doing now.

  His eyes shut as for the moment all he could concentrate on was his wife’s mouth and the sensations she was creating. Completely giving in, John twisted his body so he would lie flat on his back, making her position more comfortable.

  His hands found their way into her golden streaming hair, gently putting pressure on her head in a downward motion. She responded by taking him further into her mouth. An uncontrollable groan emerged from him as he spiraled into ecstasy. Her movements sped up and automatically the groans he expelled increased. The insatiable rhythm of friction had brought him to an unusually abrupt peak. He knew he had reached his threshold and with strained effort he tried warning her. “I’m there, Melissa. I’m there.” Opening his eyes, he was determined to back out but her mouth held its grip.

  She didn’t back off, which amplified the cresting effect. He pulsed continuously inside the heat of her mouth, the sublime feeling making him cry out as if he were in dire pain. The event had drained him, causing his hands to release their grip upon her head and fall to his sides. His eyes closed while his body experienced the last rippling forces.

  As he lay sated and recuperating he sensed a splash of moisture striking his belly. His eyes opened to find Melissa leaning over him, her weight resting on the palm of her hands with eyes shut and tears falling from her golden lashes. John’s e
yes watered at the sight of her and he shut his eyes once again, wondering how to deal with what had just happened.

  “John, don’t you want me anymore?” he heard her ask before sniffles of weeping began.

  He swallowed hard and opened his eyes. He’d never wanted anyone more in his life than his wife. He sat up, wrapped his arms around her, and held her in a tight embrace. “Of course I want you,” he rasped into her ear. “Lord, what have I done? To you, to us?” His mouth found hers and urgently they clung together. When their lips parted they continued holding each other.

  In the silence of their bonding moment Melissa asked ever so softly against his ear, “Why don’t you believe that I love you, John, and have no desire for another man?”

  His eyes squeezed tight. He’d hurt her, almost beyond repair, but she needed to trust in his judgment and tell him the complete truth. Hiding the fact that she’d even seen Jack again and didn’t say anything infuriated him. Could he have overreacted? Could he finally admit to himself that he was no better than his father, living out of jealous rage, treating his wife like she didn’t matter these past months?

  His eyes opened and he lifted away to look into her worried features. “I do. I do believe you, sweetheart. I just haven’t acted like it.” He inhaled a deep breath of air. “Forgive me,” he said while resting his forehead against hers, not able to look into the hurt he had caused in those saddened eyes. Melissa moved away from him, leaving him to wonder what more had gone wrong. She was distancing herself again.

  As she stretched to lie flat on the bed, she consoled the fragile expression on his face. “I have to lay down,” she smiled. “The baby is too heavy in that position.”