Lucien leaned in.
"I think he's trying to ask how making love to Lady Elise is different because of her blindness."
Alastair nodded. Gilles was shocked. If it had been anyone else, he would have considered the question vulgar and too personal. Knowing Alastair, it was a purely academic question. As it was Alastair and Lucien, Gilles felt comfortable sharing. He sat back, rubbing his knuckle against his lip. Considering how best to explain it.
Once he had it, he leaned forward. Both followed.
"She uses everything. Her hands, her feet, her legs, her mouth... Her hands, they're everywhere trying to see in her way."
"Like when she asked to feel my face yesterday?" Lucien asked.
"Similar but much more intense."
"That was pretty intense." Lucien returned.
"Trust me, if it had been the same, we would be having a very different conversation. It's like she's trying to pull something from my skin. She's very tactile. She feels with every part of her body and she scratches a lot." Gilles paused and glanced at the sideboard and shook his head. It was too early.
"Jesus." Whispered Lucien.
Gilles nodded and continued.
"It's like plucking a violin string. You touch or kiss or whatever one area and she feels it everywhere. She's sensitive and more responsive than anything I've ever encountered. She's very aware of her body and uses everything. She has no inhibitions and remarkable instincts."
The room was silent for a moment as Lucien and Alastair digested all that they had heard.
"What to do mean by uses everything? You said that twice." Alastair asked.
Gilles struggled to find the words. Finally, he smiled.
"Do you remember the woman that was famous at Madame Le Strader's?"
Lucien's eyes widened.
"The one that could get a man to... without either of them having to move?" He asked incredulously.
"That one." Gilles had to shift in his seat. He was becoming uncomfortable.
Alastair and Lucien stared at Gilles.
"And she'd never... until a few nights ago?" Lucien asked in disbelief.
"Until he fell on his sword." Alastair added.
"No. I'd assumed that because she'd married DeVere, she had, but their marriage had been in name only. Basil had married her to protect her." With that, Gilles sat back.
Lucien and Alastair sat in stunned silence. Every now and then Lucien would shake his head. Finally, he saluted Gilles.
"Congratulations." He said with a broad smile.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter." Gilles answered.
The door opened and Elise stood at the threshold. Gilles looked at Alastair and Gilles and willed them to act normal. He met her at the door.
"Celine and Mirabelle are being fitted. I was bored." Gilles led her to the couch and sat next to her. The room was silent for several moments. Elise blinked rapidly and her brows drew together. "Is this a bad time?"
"No. Why?" Gilles asked.
"You're all so tense. Alastair won't be still and you're all staring at me." She tilted her head. "I heard laughing not too long ago, now it's as if I've disrupted some sort of cabal."
"Everything's fine. How's Lucy?" Gilles took Elise's hand in his and began stroking her palm with his thumb, causing her to shiver. Alastair's eyes widened and Lucien coughed.
"She's lovely. Daniel helped me walk her and we played in the garden. Her teeth are so sharp and I adore her breath."
"Good." Gilles responded, clearly not listening. He was imagining her teeth, the way she'd bit his thigh just before she...
"Gilles?" She was frustrated.
He focused on her face.
"I'm sorry. My mind wandered."
She stood. Gilles jumped to his feet.
"Lead me to the door. The three of you are terrible company right now. I'll play my piano until lunch." Gilles took her elbow and led her across the room. Once she was safely at the door, he kissed her cheek.
"I'm sorry."
She shrugged and walked off. Gilles waited until the sound of snapping fingers faded and trudged back to the couch and collapsed with a groan.
"I've got to pull myself together."
Alastair nodded as he sat at his desk.
"Perhaps it will pass after you've been married for a while."
Gilles looked at him dubiously.
"Do you think so?"
"No." Alastair admitted as he picked up a letter and began reading. His interest was engaged elsewhere.
"When do you plan to have the ceremony?" Lucien asked as he settled back into his seat.
"Tomorrow. I have a plan and I expect she won't like it." Gilles brushed his fingers through his hair.
Gilles waited until lunch to share his plan.
"I've invited the vicar and his wife to visit us tomorrow. His name is Tibbet, I believe." He looked up at Holderson who nodded in confirmation.
Elise dropped her fork and began breathing rapidly.
"Why?" She jumped when Gilles took her hand.
"Because I want him to marry us tomorrow."
She shook her wildly and stood. Gilles held on to her hand.
"Sit down, Elise." He tugged and she sat hesitantly. Everyone at the table stared as he reached for her chin and turned her face towards him.
"Do you trust me?" He asked.
She nodded. His gut clenched when he saw her lip tremble.
"Mon petite!" Celine whispered as she took Elise's other hand.
"Anyone but him, please! Don't let them ruin our day!" She begged.
"Ruin it? It's going to be your vindication. I want him to do it specifically and I want his wife there too. They will see you on the happiest day of your life and know that you are the most beautiful, talented and cherished woman in all of England."
Elise gasped and smiled weakly.
"That's perfect, Gilles!" Mirabelle sighed.
"Oui! It will show them that you have won and they are fools."
"Indeed." Gilles lifted her hand to his lips. "Tomorrow they will see your triumph and learn their place."
"Excellent." Alastair stated.
Chapter 34
Gilles was grateful to his family for supporting Elise. He'd sensed that she felt lighter. She laughed more through the evening and her voice sounded softer. She had found the strength to face her demons. Gilles considered his own demon. It no longer hunted him during the day, stabbing him in the heart when he was alone. His obsession with Elise had pushed it out. The nights he spent with her kept it at bay as well. Gilles was starting to believe that the past was releasing it's grip on him, he just wished he could forgive himself and release the past. He didn't want to forget, he just didn't want to hate himself for failing whenever he remembered.
Despite his gratitude, he appreciated when the last of the family excused themselves for the evening and he could retire. With the exception of Alastair who usually remained in the study well into the night, Gilles was the last to go up to his chambers.
As soon as his door closed, he heard light feet pattering in the other room. The door opened and Elise rushed in. She halted and cast her senses about the room, seeking him. Gilles rushed towards her and she opened her arms and ran forwards. He caught her and lifted her. She took his face in hers and laughed. Gilles drank her laugh, pressing his lips to hers, their tongues tangling.
Gilles lifted Elise higher and wrapped her lags around his waist. He fisted his hands in her hair and pulled, exposing her neck. Elise gasped when he pressed an open mouthed kiss to her skin and laved. He pushed his hands under her gown and slid them up her hips and filled them with the firm globes of her derrière. Gilles licked her collar bone and kissed his way down her chest until he reached the valley between her breasts, he buried his face and inhaled. She saturated his senses. The taste, smell and feel of her was intoxicating. He could no longer deny he was addicted.
Elise arched her back and he pressed his lips to the thin s
atin of her nightgown. He located her nipple and licked it through the fabric. She hissed and grasped his head, locking him to her. He suckled the tight peak through the fabric causing her to buck against him. He set his teeth to her and she shrieked. Gilles found the other nipple and licked the fabric until it was transparent and clung. He lifted his head and he could see her nipple through the fabric. His cock swelled and throbbed. He closed his lips around her and pulled her in. Elise sobbed and pressed herself to him. Gilles could feel the heat of her through his trousers, he suspected she was getting them wet too.
"Now, Gilles! I need you inside of me now!" She kissed him wildly.
Gilles raised her a little more.
"Hold on to me." He growled against her lips.
He juggled her and found the fastenings of his trousers. Within seconds his cock sprang free. He positioned himself at her entrance and lowered her.
Elise moaned and tightened around him. Gilles lifted her again and pulled her down faster. She picked the movement and gripped him with her thighs and lifted herself. He kept his hands on her thighs and helped her pick up the pace.
It didn't take long before she was riding him frantically as he thrust into her. Their tongues dueled, both seeking to taste and explore the other deeper. Gilles angled Elise back and dove for her breasts again. He grabbed one strap and tugged until it ripped, allowing one side to slip, revealing the creamy perfection of her breast. He licked and laved and suckled until she was mindless. Gilles could feel the tension within him was almost at it's peak, he needed her to come soon. He suckled harder and he pulled her down upon him as hard as he could, praying he wasn't bruising her.
Elise gasped for air and sobbed his name. Her hands spasmed around his skull and her breathing became erratic.
"That's it, darling. Come for me." He commanded and bit her nipple.
She flew apart. Her body trembled and she gripped him tight where he thrust into her, causing him to see stars.
Gilles clenched his jaw to keep from crying out and his head fell back. He felt his balls pull tight and his cock exploded. Stream after stream of his seed poured into her and he convulsed, repeating her name over and over against her damp skin.
Stumbling towards the bed, Gilles lowered her to the bed and collapsed on top of her, half standing. Elise's legs remained around him until he finally pulled away to strip off his clothes. Once naked, he scooped her into his arms and crawled with her towards the pillows. Gilles flopped onto his back and sighed.
"After tomorrow, you will be mine." Gilles said as he draped her hand across his lips.
"And you will be mine." She felt his smile under her fingers.
Gilles took her hand and set it on his chest, letting it glide until it found the place where his heart beat and pressed it against his skin.
"Always." He whispered.
Elise rose and pressed a kiss to where her hand had rested. Gilles cradled her head in his hands and held her against him.
Some time later, she pushed away and sat up.
"I'm still not excited that they will be here." She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin.
Gilles knew who "they" was.
"Will you still be uncomfortable in their presence?" He asked as his knuckles brushed her thigh.
Elise shook her head.
"No. They seem so small to me now." She smiled.
"Good. They're truly beneath you." Gilles rubbed a thick golden curl between his fingers.
"Mirabelle said that Mrs. Tibbet and her sister were probably jealous of me, that women can be cruel like that. That is why they hated me and said such things."
"I've noticed that certain petty women can feel threatened by beautiful women and lash out, especially if one has a husband with a wondering eye, as I've heard of Mr. Tibbet."
"You must never give me cause to behave so badly." Elise teased.
Gilles' palm glided over her shoulder and down her back.
"I anticipate being the ill behaved, jealous spouse in this marriage." His hand reached the cleft of her bottom and his finger traced it. "If you are no longer bothered by them, then why don't you want them there?"
"It's going to be such a beautiful morning and everyone I care most about will be there. They just don't belong."
Gilles felt his heart swell. He was again grateful. Elise was already accepted by his family and she had bonded to them as well. It would have been a hardship if there had been a conflict. Instead, they had all claimed her and she had embraced them.
"I would have them kiss your lovely feet, my lady." He rolled onto his stomach and set his lips to the top of her foot. Gilles licked the fine bones. "I would have them on their knees groveling, if I could." His tongue traveled up her shin and he licked her knee. She closed her eyes and waited for his lips to touch hers. "I want them to see me, prepared to lay all that I have at your feet, promising to cherish and protect you with my dying breath."
Elise trembled, a tear rolled down her cheek. She caressed his cheek. Her hand traveled down. Over his chin, his neck and to his chest. Elise pushed him on to his back and settled on her knees. She started stroking the ridges of his stomach.
"All that you have, my lord?" Her voice was like honey. Gilles' cock responded, twitching against his leg.
"Anything you wish, my lady." His voice was deep and strained. Elise's hand drifted lower until she found his erection. She caressed it gently, her fingers surrounded him, closing tight. Gilles hissed as she began stroking him. He was resting on his elbows watching her.
"What if I want this?" She whispered. She stopped tugging and her hand dropped to his sack and formed around it. Elise squeezed gently. "What if I want all of it?"
"Elise..." He groaned. "You don't know what you ask."
Elise lowered and began pressing kisses to his stomach, slowly traveling lower.
"I don't know?" She took him in her hand again and began stroking. Gilles gasped and swore. "I don't know what it's like to feel a mouth upon me, licking and sucking until I lose my mind?" Elise squeezed and her shoulders descended towards him. He felt her breath on him. "I don't know how it feels to come against a tongue and feel everything sucked from me?" Gilles felt the hot wet slide of her tongue as it lashed against the head of his penis. He bit his lip and tried not to thrust into her mouth. "You would deny me what you have already enjoyed, you would not let me pleasure you the way you have me?"
"Darling..." He moaned as he sank back against the pillow, his eyes rolling back into his head as her mouth closed around him.
This time, Elise was relentless. She stroked and squeezed as she sucked. She opened her mouth wide and practiced taking him as deep as she could, thrilling every time he gasped and called out to his maker. Elise knelt between his legs and mimicked the way her body wrapped around him and stroked when he was inside of her. Her fingernails scratched his thighs and dug into the muscled flesh of his buttocks.
Gilles held himself taut and tried not to give in to his straining body. He felt the last of of his control slipping when Elise's head started bobbing up and down over him. He saw her hand moving up his body as she continued to devour his cock. His eyes grew wide and her fingers crawled up his chest until they found a nipple. Her fingernail flicked at it and he gasped. Gilles heard her purr, felt her throat muscles vibrate against the end of his erection and almost cried out. Elise let the pad of her finger circle the tiny, tender bud of his nipple.
"Christ!" He moaned as his fingers dove into her hair, cradling her skull.
Elise lifted her head, her tongue running up the length of him.
"Let go, Gilles. I want to taste you. I want all of it." She dropped her head and took him into her mouth again. Her declaration was almost enough. Feeling her pinch his nipple sent him over the edge. He thrust into her throat and she held on tight, afraid he would pull himself free at the last moment.
"Elise! I'm so close. You have to stop!" She felt his hands weakly grasp her shoulders. She took him deeper and stroked his sack.
"God, Elise! I can't hold it!" His head tossed from side to side and his shoulders came off the bed as he released a hoarse yell.
Gille's cock swelled and pulsed. She took him deep and let her throat muscles massage him as warmth hit the back of her throat. She tried her best to swallow everything that poured from him. His breath hissed in and out and he pulled the sheet to his mouth. Elise released him and pulled back. She licked her lips. Gilles last sentient thought was that she looked very much like a sated kitten.
The next thing Gilles was conscious of was the sound of the curtains being thrown open. He sat up, afraid that he and Elise had been discovered. He looked around and found nothing suspicious about his bedchamber. She was gone and hadn't left a trace. Gilles collapsed back onto the pillows and sighed. It could have been a dream. The best damned dream he'd ever had.
Chapter 35
Elise's chambers erupted with activity before she'd had a chance to wake up. Anna was a whirlwind. She barked orders and rushed around the room. Deciding it was better to stay out of the way and do as she was told, Elise took a tray in her bed for the first time in her life. Anna had foreseen that her appetite would be all but destroyed and had Holderson arrange a plate of toast and fruit and a cup of tea with honey for Elise. Once she'd made her best attempt with breakfast, Elise was pushed into a tub of fragrant bubbles.
Shortly after, Elise sat on the stool in front of her dressing table. The door knocked and she heard Mirabelle and Celine march in.
"Good morning, what are you two doing here?" Elise asked, her voice light with joy and excitement.
"We're here to help. I've brought champagne." Mirabelle sang as she floated in.
"Where else could I be, mon enfant? It is my daughter's wedding day, is it not?" Celine asked as she pressed her hand to Elise's cheek.
"Oh, Celine!" Elise whispered, overcome with emotion. "I used to dream about having a mother and a family but I couldn't have imagined anything as lovely as this!" She began crying when Celine pulled her into the tenderest embrace. A moment later, the room erupted into sobs as Mirabelle and Anna rushed into the huddle.
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 18