by Vivian Kees
The cold, crisp autumn night air both exhilarated and renewed her senses as she took in a deep breath. It was glorious. Once outside the garden’s gate, she was free.
Her pulse pounded, her heart raced, it was utterly thrilling in the most devilish of ways!
With her head low as she passed strangers, her hood drawn, she felt wicked, much like a woman of mystery. This was new, this was now. She was outside of her comfort zone and she loved every passing second.
Her pace increased as she grew close to her destination and as determined, in twenty minutes she was standing on the steps of Mr. Hawthorne’s brownstone.
The house was impressive but certainly did not hold a candle to the grandeur of Collingwood. She pressed the bell and waited. Barely a moment passed before the door swung open.
“And how do you do?” asked Mr. Hawthorne, a rakish grin adorning his lips. He stepped aside and motioned for her to come inside. “Do come in.”
“I’m fine. Thank you for asking. And yourself?” She brushed past him into the foyer.
He looked handsome dressed in a red silk smoking jacket. It was a style she would never have guessed he preferred. Mr. Hawthorne was a man of many surprises.
“I’m well, thank you.” He guided her down the front hall as she held onto his arm.
“Nice jacket, is it silk?” she commented, stirring conversation.
“Yes, from the Orient. I picked it up during my last trip. I spent a month there.”
“The Orient you say? That must have been interesting…. Business or pleasure?”
“It was a mixture if both. I’m dipping my hands into a couple of new ventures and the two mixed perfectly. I had the chance and grabbed it without any regret. The experience was amazing and one that I shall never forget. The traditions, the culture…. Their whole lives are so rooted in it, yet it all makes perfect sense, the yin and the yang as they refer to it. You should go there someday, if you desire it.”
Eugenia clutched his arm as they walked into the dining room.
“I’ve never considered travel. William was a homebody.”
Mr. Hawthorne helped her remove her cloak as she took in her new surroundings. She glanced at the table, set for two. “But one never knows the future. My life up to now has been living proof of that.”
“I don’t doubt you for one minute. I’ve been thinking…it’s time to do away with the formalities. May I call you, Eugenia?” He pulled out a chair for her.
“Yes. Given the circumstances, it would be most fitting.” When she walked inside his door, there was no going back. Even if she could, she’d decided she wouldn’t. Formalities were irrelevant now.
“Please, forgive me. I need to disappear into the kitchen for a moment.”
Upon his exit, she examined the tableware more closely. Fine silver, delicate china and cut crystal lay before her. She was thoroughly impressed. Simplistic yet stylish, he had good taste. The décor throughout the house ran within the same boundaries of style. Everything was tastefully put together, yet understated. In the middle of the table, an arrangement of roses mixed with some greenery and freesia called to her. Tentatively, Eugenia reached out, thumbing a rose petal between her thumb and forefinger.
“You like flowers?”
She looked up in surprise. He was quick. “Why, yes. I was admiring the work that must have gone into this arrangement. I have a garden that I cater to on a regular basis. I prefer to cut my own flowers, rather than having them brought in. It’s a wondrous way to relax and unwind.”
There are many ways to unwind. As the words spun through her mind, she lowered her eyes to the table.
“I can think of more intriguing ways,” he replied, removing a large silver platter from a trolley and placing it on the table.
She blushed.
“I hope you like good old traditional English fare.” Other dishes and platters followed to deck the table. “Roast beef and all the trimmings.”
“It smells delightful. My compliments to the cook.”
“She’s been with me since I took the house over….”
“Another one of your seizures?” she asked.
A rift of silence cut between them.
“A business acquisition,” he corrected. “However, it took a great deal of remodeling to bring it up to par. The staff came with the house, and I was happy to have them. They’re a hard working, respectable bunch.”
“I do apologize. Sometimes I speak without thinking and it does me a disservice every time.” Eugenia fiddled with the napkin on her lap.
“I understand that you must be upset. And no doubt you hold some ill feelings towards me. But you must remember, I didn’t lead you here—your husband did.”
He spoke the truth, the words cutting through her like a knife. She had no one to blame but one man, and he was dead.
“Yes.” Admittance was hard.
His fingers slid over the palm of her right hand as he reached across the table.
“You deserve so much better.” His touch tickled ever so slightly, his warmth running up through her arm as he curled his fingers to coddle her hand. “You’re not eating?”
“I’m not that hungry. I ate earlier. It would have aroused suspicion with my own house staff if I didn’t.”
“Then a drink? We could adjourn to more comfortable quarters.”
She swallowed hard at his suggestion. “Yes. That’s a good idea.”
One arm slid around her waist as they made their way from the dining room. Together they glided upstairs. She felt faint, her heart racing again. But this wasn’t the time to founder. Once inside his bedroom, she relaxed, that was, until she felt his fingers cascade across the back of her neck.
“About that drink,” she said. “I’ll pass on it.”
* * * *
Perfumed, delicate and oh, so soft to the touch. Cal gingerly touched the back of her neck as she stood with her back to him.
A small gasp escaped her lips, and then she pressed hard against him, melding to his body.
Decorum, the constraints of proper society, it was all left outside the bedroom door. Within these walls, they’d play by their own rules.
Pressing his lips to the back of her neck, her head angled to the left. And there it was, the scent he had remembered. He drank her in.
“I’ve wanted this. I’ve thought about you and the way you touched me, kissed me,” she murmured, tipping her head back to meet his kisses.
His hands cupped her breasts, and underneath her silken bodice, her nipples hardened. He manipulated them with his thumb and forefinger, pinching just enough, forcing her to squirm.
“You like that. Tell me you like that. I want you to say it.”
“I like it.”
“And you want more? You want me to do naughty things to you. You want me to tease and pleasure you.”
“Yes…. Yes.”
“Then you shall receive, my lovely.” In one sweeping gesture, she was in his arms and gently placed on the bed.
When she looked up at him, it was she who now grinned. One hand quickly found her mouth to cover her surprise when he started to disrobe.
“My dear, you look like you’ve never saw a naked man before.” He chuckled, amused, ridding himself of his trousers, his erection now prominent.
“I…well…” she stammered. “It’s not that. No man has ever been so bold.”
“Bold? Am I bold?” He laughed. “Take a long, hard look,” he spun around, giving her a full view. “And now, it’s your turn.”
They switched places. Cal interlocked his fingers beneath his head, casually lying on the bed, more than anxious to see her, his eyes tracing her every movement. This was one show he wouldn’t miss.
* * * *
Eugenia had to fight to maintain control of her fingers. She started to undress, reaching back to unfasten each button on her bodice. Feeling like quite the voyeur, she slowly slipped each arm free.
“Slowly,” he murmured, and smiled devilishly.
It was clich
é to think, yet it was true. Cal Hawthorne possessed the body of a Greek god. Hercules came to mind and his descent from MountOlympus. His taut muscles rippled with every movement beneath the glow of the dim lighting. In every way possible, he was the exact opposite of William.
Stepping out of her skirt, she was careful not to trip. That would have surely ruined the moment. Clad in only her under things, she already felt naked, exposed to his ravenous gaze.
“The pantaloons, take them off,” he murmured. “The corset and stockings can stay. I rather like them.”
She kicked the skirt aside and awaited his next command with unabashed anticipation.
“Come, lay beside me.” He patted the area next to him. “I want to savor every second we have together. And I wish to explore you from top to bottom.”
Next to him, she felt more at ease and less exposed. She jumped slightly when he made initial contact with her, one hand trailing down over her side resting on her hip, and then continuing its journey down toward her nether region. She was wet and throbbing with anticipation.
His fingers slid between her legs. He was a master. She was sure of this, as he manipulated her in ways she had never before experienced. In a small circular motion, he toyed with her and it wasn’t long before she felt as if she’d explode in delicious ecstasy.
“Not yet. We have much more to explore.” He brought each finger to his mouth and suckled them. “Sweet. Very nice, indeed.”
Cal worked his way down her body, kissing and nipping her sensitive flesh. When his head replaced his fingers between her legs, she gasped so loud, it forced him to look up. “You’ll love this.” He winked and spread her legs wide, placing each foot on his shoulders. “Lay back and enjoy.”
Never, oh my! She was on fire; she was at the breaking point. And again, that feeling of wanting to explode radiated throughout her. She flexed her toes and let out a sigh of pleasure. He was driving her crazy, it was purposely being done—she was sure of this. She was now at the mercy of a demented, erotic madman.
“You have to let me…I need to…”
“And you will, but not before I’m ready.” He covered her body and kissed her, his breath hot, his tongue passionate and demanding.
And then he was inside her, taking her, possessing her body. Eugenia cried out, and for the first time in her life, she felt what sex was supposed to be like between a man and a woman. The intimate connection had been made, and together they now melded as one.
They rocked back and forth in unison. He was gentle, and she enjoyed every moment, every thrust. His hands held her close, caressing her. And when she took position on top of him, she delighted in the expressions on his face as she ground down with shameless abandon.
* * * *
Vixen.
Never did he expect to unleash this within her. Yet, he liked it. Loved it. Hell, she excited him more than any other woman he’d taken in his entire life. And as he met her with thrusts of his own, he didn’t want the night to end.
His eagerness increased, and he pressed into her with more vigor. She leaned back and took down her hair, letting it cascade across his chest in silken waves. Her hands rested against his chest, her fingernails gripping him in passion, as she met every one of his strokes with her own demand. Another deep thrust and he groaned, giving in to his startling release deep inside her, the same moment she shuddered and cried, the walls of her hot sex gripping him in orgasm.
When it was over, she collapsed, her body covering his.
“Are you ok?” he asked, after regaining his breath.
She nodded.
“That was wonderful. Thank you.”
She nodded again.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Something wasn’t right between them. He could feel it in the stiffness of her body.
In a flash, Eugenia was out of bed, gathering her clothes. “I should go. Do you require me for anything else?”
Cal sat up in bed in a state of bewilderment. “Well, no…. But you can spend the night. It’s late.”
“No, I don’t think I will. But I trust I’ve fulfilled my obligations?”
He nodded, frowning. “Yes, of course.” She was acting strange, and it made his heart pound.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Chapter Four
Eugenia slipped back inside Collingwood before any of the staff became wise to her proclivities. Safe in her own bed, she cuddled deep under the covers and sighed.
She was silly and delusional to think that anything more could have come from her tryst with Mr. Cal Hawthorne. It was nothing more than a business transaction. And now she was done not only with her end of the contract, but also with him.
In the light of the morning she hoped things would become clear, that once again she’d be able to think reasonably. But for now, all she wanted was the warmth and solace of her bed. Sleep would come soon, and with it she’d block out the world and pretend that nothing had ever happened between the two of them. Sometimes denial was a good thing.
The next day, life continued on as normal. Eugenia’s daily routine went by uninterrupted and by now she had banished everything to the past. It was a coping mechanism to be sure, but one that always worked.
Just after the noon hour had passed, Jordanna appeared and from the way she fluttered into the parlor, it was obvious she was in dire straits. In an instant, she demanded that the two of them be left alone. The maid who had been there to serve tea looked to Eugenia and waited for some acknowledgement from her mistress. She nodded briefly and the maid disappeared.
“What’s wrong?” Eugenia asked. “You look positively ghastly.”
“I came here as fast as the driver would allow. This morning, Henri had some of his business associates come round to the house. As usual, they took to the library, drinking and commending each other on masters of the world. You know how men are when they get together.”
Eugenia nodded, knowing well the dealings of men.
“I happened to walk by and well, of course I had a listen at the door. I heard Mr. Hawthorne’s name. They say he’s taken on a mistress.”
The blood drained from her face at the very mention of the word. “What else was said, Jordanna? I need to know.”
“Your name. Someone saw you leaving his house in the early morning hours. Is this true?”
She lowered her head in shame. “It’s true. I went through with his proposal. And we sealed our deal last night.”
“My dear, when this breaks open, it will be social suicide for you,” Jordanna cried. “This was to be our secret. Just you and I.”
“How was I to know that someone would spot me? Who but a rake would be out lurking around at that hour?” She was mortified. Her biggest fear had come to light. What would she do? What could she do? Once word spread, she’d be ruined.
“Rake or no rake, someone did see you. It’s happened and now we have to think of a way to control the damage,” Jordanna stated, taking a deep breath. “If the source isn’t credible, we can work on that.”
Eugenia stood and started to pace the room. This was too much. Just when she had thought she’d found the solution to all of her problems, this had to happen. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another.
“For now, we say nothing. I will deny everything if questioned about it. I’m good at faking innocence. I was after all, in disguise. There are a hundred or more women in this city who share my features. It could have been any one of them. If you hear anything, refute it and tell them you know for a fact, I was in that night.”
Jordanna nodded in agreement.
“We must end this conversation. I don’t want to arouse any suspicion from the house staff and the walls have ears here. We will have tea or something stronger.” Eugenia preferred the later at the moment.
“I’d love to, but I mustn’t. Henri doesn’t know I’ve left the house and…” Jordanna hesitated but for a moment. “He’s forbade me to see you, for now. He doesn’t want your influence rubbing off on me. W
e have guests coming around for dinner and I’m to see to every detail personally. You’ll have to forgive me, Eugenia. It’s him—not me.”
“Guilty before trial, and there isn’t even a jury,” Eugenia said quietly, sitting down. “That is shocking. I understand, he’s your husband and I am a mere acquaintance.”
“You know that isn’t true. You’re so much more to me. You’re a sister to me in every way but blood. And it hurts me beyond belief to know that I have offended and hurt you.”
“Just go. I don’t blame you or Henri. This was all my doing. I had a lapse in judgment and now I have to suffer because of it.”
“It’s that bastardly Mr. Hawthorne. I hate and despise him,” Jordanna spat. “He never should have made that offer.” Her face was red with fury. “I wish nothing but ill-will on him.”
“I don’t. How can I? He didn’t force me to do anything I didn’t want to do.” Admitting this made her blush. “I could have said no at any time, Jordanna.”
* * * *
Judgment. What did that word mean anyway? Whatever it meant, Cal Hawthorne was sure that he indeed, lacked it.
The image of Eugenia fleeing his bedroom ran through his mind as he inebriated himself in the study, still dressed in his night attire. A dark mood had followed him throughout the day and all he wanted now was to be alone with his thoughts and strong whiskey.
The offer really had been made in jest; it was just a way to get close to her. And now he had done the exact opposite by driving her out of his life.
He slammed his fist down on the desk causing various items to scatter in front of him. Damn it! He’d go to her tonight come hell or high water. He’d make amends and show her he really did care. Even if she rejected him, she’d know he wasn’t some heartless bastard.
During their liaison, something else had happened. He’d remembered her. At first it didn’t come to him. He couldn’t pin point where or how they had met. It had been in passing, of that much he was sure. Then it all came rushing back. Eugenia was one of the girls who worked the halls. Specifically the one that William had frequented.