Miss Taygete’s Sweet Sister’s Society (The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book)

by Charlotte Stone

  “Stop what?”

  “This game,” he ground out. His dark blue eyes looked wild. “You’re not marrying Nicholson. Don’t lead him on. It’s cruel.”

  “Cruel?” She stared at him. “But I’m not being cruel. I plan to marry him, and you can’t stop me.”

  “Oh, I can’t?” Something shifted in his eyes and then his voice lowered, and he whispered, “I want you to remember that before this moment, I tried to be fair with you, but you’ve forced my hand, Taygete.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  His eyes roamed her face and then his thumb brushed her lower lip. The gesture traveled through her like a straight shot to the place between her thighs.

  “Hugh,” she partly whispered, partly moaned.

  He growled again, but this time, the anger bled from his eyes as heat filled him. The very air around them felt warmer, and Taygete realized just how much of his hot body was around her and just how much she liked it.

  The kiss was inevitable, but the hunger that Hugh did it with was a welcome surprise. He used his lips and tongue to stroke moans from her and burn heat in her body. He continued to use one hand to cradle her face, but the other vanished. Taygete felt that shot of heat again when it landed on her breast, his fingers working at the nipple through the material, which was already rising to his manipulations.

  Her hips rolled as she leaned her chest closer to his hand. He made a noise that was both pain and pleasure but never stopped moving his fingers.

  “I want you,” she whispered against his lips.

  His head came up, and the shock in his eyes almost made her laugh. “Here?”

  “Yes.” She needed him, needed her body full of him, needed to find release. It had been too long. “Here. Now.”

  His expression became wicked, and he took her mouth again.

  His moves became more aggressive, and she made a sound of protest when he moved her, laying her on the seat. When she looked at him, she flushed at how hot his eyes were, raw desire bleeding into them.

  “Have you done this before?” His hands gripped her legs and began lifting her dress.

  She didn’t want to discuss it but nodded.

  Anger flashed quickly. “Nicholson.”

  ‘It was eight years ago.”

  His fingers hooked around her stocking and peeled them away, but his eyes remained on her. “He doesn’t get to touch you again.”

  Taygete would not agree to this.

  Hugh lowered his body between her legs and spoke as though she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. “You don’t have to agree. I’m simply telling you what will be. He will never touch you again.” His breath was hot on her leg, and Taygete came out of her skin when his tongue trailed up her calf, past her knee, and beyond, and all the while, he watched her reaction.

  She placed her hand at the back of his head, urging him on. She needed him too much for teasing.

  He didn’t fight her, allowing her hand to guide him, and when his lips kissed her clitoris, she came undone.

  Hugh was not gentle. She was already wet, and he lapped at her like a man who’d gone without food and water for days, rubbing his lips back and forth, using his tongue in the most erotic way, plunging into her folds over and over again before returning to her peak, sucking and licking, his fingers latched onto her body. In a blink, she came, the orgasm catching her off guard. She bit down on her lip to keep from exposing her pleasure to the driver.

  She felt amazing and smiled as Hugh climbed over her, his eyes focused as his hand worked at his breeches. Her eyes moved to his hand, and her breath caught when he exposed his member.

  It was beautiful, and she wanted every inch of it inside her.

  She reached out to guide it toward her and again. Hugh didn’t fight her, but once she had him positioned, he took over, driving into her with a force that stole her breath.

  He picked up her legs and swung them over his own as his body took hers at a pace that was as hard as his eyes. Staring at him, she felt claimed, and her body spasmed around him with joy. Hugh held on to the seat and window as he made love to her with speed and finesse.

  Taygete’s hand went to the back of his neck to hold on. He felt beautiful inside her and so good she wanted to weep.

  He moved his hand from the chair and grabbed her hips, lifting her higher. Taygete felt herself close again and closed her eyes just as it hit.

  Hugh’s mouth closed over hers, and she moaned against his lips as he rocked into her, filling her as he came.

  She broke from his lips and kissed him everywhere her mouth could reach him—his cheeks, chin, eyes. It had been the greatest experience of her life, and she would remember it always.

  “Eight years?” he asked seconds later, his blue eyes lucid from pleasure. “What have you done to find pleasure all this time?”

  Taygete pressed her lips together.

  He shifted, and she gasped as his body rubbed her swollen nub.

  “Tell me,” he whispered. “Do you touch yourself?”

  She kissed him to silence him and found that it worked.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

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  Hugh had Taygete straightened long before the carriage came to a stop, and with the time he had left before they arrived at their destination, he’d held her and kissed her so that there would be no question as to where she belonged.

  She was his, and she had no clue the lengths he would take to ensure it. Seven years had passed since Maia’s death. It was time they both let go and moved on with their lives together. He suspected the laws of London were just part of the reason she feared becoming his wife and could only hope Commander Nicholson didn’t run back to his brother to make a complaint. Even still, Hugh would not choose another woman.

  They arrived at Anthony Ellis’ flat and Hugh questioned if bringing Taygete had been a wise choice. Lawton was the definition of a well-bred English rake in every way. The gentleman kept multiple mistresses while seeking his pleasure from any pretty and willing woman he could woo. However, he was wise enough to keep away from well-bred English girls, and therefore never got caught in a compromising position.

  Anthony’s butler took Hugh’s card and as the man walked away, Hugh looked at Taygete and watched her as she took in the room. Her cheeks were still a bright pink and her lips were swollen red, and Hugh was tempted to sweep her from the house so that he could have his way with her again, but the next time Hugh had her, he planned to do it in a bed.

  Her gray eyes found his and though they were slightly wary, they remained relaxed. The pleasure he’d given her had done that. She’d all but stopped fighting him, and even though he knew she’d start again and probably soon, he had no worries, because he already knew how to make her soft again.

  His thoughts must have been reflected in his eyes, because she turned away just as the butler returned with Lawton on his heels.

  “Hugh,” the Earl of Lawton called with a powerful stroll and a wide grin. “I already know why you’re here, but before we discuss business, let's have a drink.” He stopped before him and took his hand, but when the butler moved away, Lawton’s eyes caught Taygete and he stilled.

  “I’ll have to pass on the drink.” Hugh let go of his hand. “I just want the painting.”

  “Lord Lawton,” Anthony said, introducing himself and completely ignoring Hugh as he took Taygete’s hand and kissed her glove, his eyes warm. Hugh had heard women say Anthony’s eyes reminded them of stars. The celestial blue was unique in its own way and the man knew how to use them on women.

  Hugh imagined that it also helped that Anthony was always well put together. The only thing that looked carelessly done was his hair, a shade that was too dark to be blond, yet too light to be brunette.

  “It’s lovely to meet you,” the earl went on against the back
of her hand.

  Taygete took in a sharp breath, and Hugh moved to stand closer.

  Anthony looked at Hugh while still clinging to Taygete’s hand, the touch driving Hugh mad. “You can have the damned painting if you leave the woman.”

  “Oh,” Taygete whispered in surprise.

  “She’s not here for you,” Hugh growled. “And you can let go of her hand.”

  Anthony didn’t listen. Instead, he wrapped Taygete’s hand in his arm and asked, “Hugh is being rude not to introduce us. What is your name and please tell me you’re not a lady?”

  Taygete blinked at those words, mildly confused, and yet still she couldn’t speak. He should have known Lawton would have this reaction. Whenever one of the Men of Nashwood was around him, Lawton was mistakenly thought to be part of the Brotherhood… an advantage he was not afraid to use but that would never be.

  The brotherhood never took new members, and even worse was the fact that Lawton went to Cambridge. He’d easily been a rival when they were young, but the trouble with Lawton was he’d never met an enemy. He charmed everyone from women to men and even animals.

  But the way he was staring at Taygete made Hugh want to commit a violent act.

  Hugh, unwilling to let this go on for fear of his temper spiking, took Taygete’s shoulder and pulled her away. “Her name is none of your concern. Bring me the painting.”

  Anthony looked at him. “You may have it, but it’s likely to find its way into my possession again within the next twenty or so years.”

  That statement threw Hugh off, but when Taygete straightened beside him, he looked her way.

  She was staring at something far beyond Anthony, and Hugh lifted his head just as a man and woman made their way out of what seemed to be Anthony’s sitting room. The woman’s eyes fell on Taygete and all the color left her face.

  Hugh stiffened as well as he realized who the couple were. A glance at the older gentleman let Hugh know exactly who the woman was. He was the Duke of Adenburg, and she was Lady Adenburg, but long before she’d been a duchess, she’d been Miss Jennie Smithson, Titan’s fiancée.

  She was the reason Titan refused to come to London. Looking at her now, even though she’d paled at the face of Taygete, Hugh noticed she was still beautiful. Her brown hair and eyes glowed against her pale skin. Her lips had a natural bow as though all she could ever do was smile, and long thick lashes framed her large eyes. In the last eight years, she’d given birth to two sons, but one would never know. She was a thin woman, not in possession of any of the curves Taygete possessed, which in Hugh’s eyes would have never gained her a second glance, but he knew the woman didn’t lack for admirers.

  The scandal surrounding Jennie and Titan had been short-lived, since she’d left the miner’s son to marry a duke. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t? The scandal had died, but it was obvious from Taygete’s reaction and Titan’s absence of the many seasons since then that the pain was still there.

  Now Hugh definitely regretted bringing Taygete along. He’d never wished to cause her any pain.

  Anthony looked around the room, feeling the tension, and turned to Hugh with suspicion. “Who is she?”

  “Taygete?” Jennie called and moved forward but was jerked back by Lord Adenburg.

  Hugh looked at the duke and watched his eyes narrow at Taygete. Recognition hadn’t been in his eyes before, so he’d obviously never met the Bellenger family, but Taygete’s name was so unusual that one would know where it belonged.

  There was apprehension in the duke’s eyes as he looked from Taygete to Jennie before he turned to Anthony. “We didn’t know you’d be having more guests, my lord. We’ll be leaving.” He prompted Jennie to move, and they started in the group’s direction.

  Anthony bowed and said, “I hope we can meet again soon, Your Grace.”

  Hugh bowed as well, since it was what the older man would expect. “Your Grace.”

  “Lord Edvoy,” the duke called before looking at Anthony. “The next time we meet, let it be at the club.” Then he started out the door.

  Jennie kept her eyes down as they left, and Hugh thought that though this was his first time seeing the couple together, even he could tell something was odd about them.

  His eyes moved to Anthony and noted that he was watching the duke and duchess leave with an inquisitive expression. When the door closed, he looked at Taygete before turning to Hugh and said, “I can tell there’s a story here.”

  “Not one that shall be discussed.” Taygete’s silver-blue eyes had darkened with anger, the flush leaving her skin and her mouth pressed into a hard line. “Now, I believe there was something about a painting.”

  Anthony lifted a brow and gazed over her with newfound affection. Hugh had known it would only be a matter of time. Taygete was more than gorgeous. She had qualities that would keep a man on his toes. She never ceased to surprise him with her actions or words.

  Anthony turned back to Hugh and smiled. “Why is it that the brotherhood always manages to get the most intriguing women?”

  Before Hugh could think up a good response, Taygete said, “I belong to no man.”

  Hugh would make certain that it was the last time she ever uttered those words.

  Anthony’s attention returned to her, but then his eyes moved to the arm that Hugh had around her before meeting her eyes again. He chuckled. “I believe I’ll hold my position on the matter for the moment.” Then he clapped his hands and said, “Follow me to the gallery,” and led the way.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

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  Taygete barely registered the fine drawings and paintings that filled the long hall or the others that dominated the room that Lord Lawton seemed so proud of. A part of her admitted that at another time she might have enjoyed seeing the display of works from great men, both living and dead, but Jennie’s face remained prevalent in her mind.

  It had been years since Taygete had seen her, but before that, Taygete had known Jennie well. She’d grown up in Southampton and every man in town had thought her beautiful. She’d received her first offers for marriage at fifteen, but her father, Mr. Smithson, who still managed a carriage transport company that did well, had refused them all.

  Jennie’s mother had died at a young age, and Jennie had spent much of her time with the Bellengers. Maia had been her best friend.

  Taygete recalled the moment Jennie had met her brother. He’d come home for a week from Cambridge and once their eyes had met, it had been as though their souls had found just what completed the other. Taygete had envied their connection until she’d met Hugh. In the moment she’d caught his eyes, her world had become about him. Her every breath and heartbeat. Nothing else had mattered, and Taygete realized that with just a touch, he could do it again—spellbind her to him. It was maddening and thrilling, and she had no clue as to what to do.

  She’d not been prepared when he’d made her climax in the carriage, but she’d wanted it. She’d wanted him desperately for years. It had only been a matter of time before their close proximity would bring them to where they were.

  And then, when it was over, and she could finally catch her breath again, he’d stolen it with leisurely kisses, and Taygete had known no greater happiness in her life. The carriage could have fallen to pieces around them and still she’d not have let him go. The only reason she had was that he’d let her go first, making her she was presentable before introducing him to his friend.

  Lord Lawson had caught her off guard. He was gorgeous and made Taygete wonder if attraction was required for a man to show their face in London.

  But nothing had prepared her for Jennie or the betrayal she would feel at seeing the other woman standing next to the man she’d chosen over Titan. Jennie had been everything to Titan, and he’d been a ruined man ever since. When she’d
left, she’d taken his heart, leaving a hole in him far too great for even Electra, who was very good at making people feel better, could not fill it.

  All because Jennie had wanted a title, and she’d received one of the very best in England. England only had a few dukes and one wasn’t on the market for a wife every day.

  Taygete wondered how Jennie had even met a man like the Duke of Adenburg. Taygete had never heard his name attached to hers until they were mentioned in the papers. The world had known that Jennie had been fortunate enough to have caught Adenburg’s eye, but Taygete thought otherwise. There was no way that Jennie hadn’t loved Titan, no matter what the gossips thought.

  She remembered the way Jennie had paled at seeing Taygete and thought it rightfully so. The woman had been married to the duke since before Maia married Hugh, and Taygete recalled Maia sending a letter home that Jennie had tried to start a friendship with her while they’d both been in London. Maia, of course, had not allowed it, knowing the woman had ruined their brother for any other woman.

  Taygete looked over and watched Hugh take a painting from the wall. The gold frame held the image of a man and had been done very well. Hugh stared at it and then his eyes looked over and caught hers.

  His gaze hit her like a slap to her chest and though she tried to deny it, she wondered just how similar her and Hugh’s story would be to Jennie's and Titan’s. If Jennie could rewrite history, would she? Would she choose Titan over a duke?

  And what about Taygete? Was she making the right choice in denying not only herself but Hugh true happiness? He didn’t deserve that. Not after the loss she’d caused, but her mind was set on never marrying and if she did, it would be to someone else.