The Prince & The Rogue

by Skyler Grey

  Her skin was cool against his face as he gently slid his thumb between the folds of her sex, finding the throbbing pearl of her clit, swollen and wet. He covered it with his mouth, not giving her time to think. He had to taste her. No matter that she was an innocent too weak to resist; his own need consuming him.

  Her body’s eagerness to be fulfilled caused her to climax quickly and she cried out as her hips bucked beneath him. He felt his mouth fill with the sweet nectar of her juices and groaned.

  God she tastes like heaven.

  Eric lifted his head as he fought to control his own desire, breathing heavily as he listened to her short, quick pants. He thought he would spill himself just looking at the beauty of her, her skin glistening with sweat at the intensity of her orgasm.

  She looked at him, dazed, her face filled with confused wonder. He smiled, holding himself above her. Gently, he pushed a damp strand of hair back, kissing her softly as he whispered, “I want you, Catherine. All of you.”

  Catherine gasped as she tried to clear the sated pleasure that filled her. Before she could answer, he had stripped himself bare, sliding his hardened chest across her tender breasts as the coarse hair that surrounded his manhood brushed against her stomach.

  “Spread yourself, Catherine, open wide for me and let me love you like you deserve to be loved. You’ve a body made to pleasure. Never has a woman made me so hard, causing my loins to ache with such need.” He kissed her deeply, drowning out the words she tried to speak.

  As he pressed her deep into the blankets beneath her, he pushed her legs apart with one knee. In his hazed state of passion, he barely felt her hands pushing against his chest. Just as the tip of his shaft dipped into her tight opening he felt the sting of nails rake across his back, causing him to hiss as he froze.

  Then to his shock, he howled as he felt sharp teeth bite into his bottom lip. Rolling off, he sat up, confused and angry.

  “What the hell was that for?” he growled, wiping the blood across the back of his hand.

  He watched as she scrambled away from him, her fists clenched tightly by her sides. Her chest heaved as she glared at him. He couldn’t help the jerk of his cock as his eyes roamed hungrily over her half-naked body. She was glorious to look at – her long, blonde hair wrapping wildly around her breasts and dropping in heavy ringlets below a slim waist, her angelic face flushed with passion and intense blue eyes sparked with heated anger. Her shapely curves teased him unmercifully as she shook a slender finger in his face.

  Realizing she was ranting, he blinked, trying desperately to force his eyes from the golden curls set between the V of her thighs. He licked his lips, thinking how sweet the cove of her honey tasted. Then suddenly, the sting of a slap snapped him back to reality.

  His cock instantly went limp as he touched the burning sting of his cheek. Slowly, he narrowed his brows. “I will have you tell me why you did that, Catherine, or I will be forced to retaliate. And trust me, you won’t enjoy it.”

  Catherine hissed, “Enjoy? You brain-dead, arrogant horse’s ass. How dare you presume that when you decide to bed a woman, you think they’re going to enjoy it? You take it upon yourself to make the decision as to whether a woman wants to be bedded? Well, Prince, this may come as a surprise, but I don’t want to be rutted like some common serving wench!”

  Eric’s eyes darkened as he clenched his jaw. Before she could react, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, yanking her back against him.

  As she struggled in shock to recover, he quickly rolled her beneath him, pinning her arms high above her head and spreading her legs wide with both knees. His voice was deep and threatening as he growled between clenched teeth. “So Lady Cat, you’ve chosen to play the coy virgin. How confused you must know me to be when only moments earlier your moans were practically begging for more. Shall we test your body to see if you truly don’t want to be, as you so delicately put it, rutted?”

  Catherine tried to scream but he covered her mouth with his, kissing her harshly. He felt her struggle beneath him but she was no match. He gripped her wrists easily in one hand as he reached between her thighs, finding the delicate bud of her clit. He grinned against her lips in triumph as her juices once again slipped onto his fingertips. He teased the tender pearl until her body quivered in pleasure, as he knew it would. Soon her hips were swaying against his hand.

  He released her mouth as she gasped hoarsely, her eyes glaring at him as they slowly glazed over with desire. She fought the moans that kept escaping from the back of her throat by biting her bottom lip. His eyes bore into hers, challenging her to deny him as he slipped a finger inside her moist well.

  Eric knew she was near peaking as he slowed his strokes, interrupting the rhythm of her pleasure. His voice was hoarse with his own barely-controlled passion. Sliding his tongue downward, he bent his head and took a swollen nipple into his mouth, suckling it hard.

  He felt satisfaction as she cried out from the pleasure he was giving her, releasing her wrists she instantly circled her arms around him while arching her back. Sliding his tongue back up her neck, he whispered, “Does it feel good when I do… this?” He slipped another finger into her tight opening causing her to gasp. Her hips jerked beneath him as she unwillingly nodded in response.

  “And this?” Eric carefully slipped yet another finger inside, stretching the tightness of her velvet walls even further. He could barely think as he imagined his cock sheathed deep within her. But he was determined to teach his innocent little virgin kitten just how much her body craved his.

  Her voice was raspy with desire as she called out, “Eric, please.”

  Just as her muscles tightened around his fingers, he pulled them free and rolled off her.

  She lay lost in stunned silence as she sucked in a deep, confused breath.

  He stood, reached for his clothes, and slowly dressed, his eyes never leaving her face. Her body was covered in sweat as she lay trembling. Her face flushed to a rosy glow, enhancing her beauty even more than he’d thought possible. He had to get out of there before her beckoning body broke his will and he took her; his body was screaming in protest as he shoved his throbbing shaft back into his trousers.

  Catherine slowly sat up, blinking in confusion as she watched him stand quietly next to the bed, his arms folded across his chest, a wicked smile of perverse victory crossing his handsome face.

  Then it dawned on her what he had done. As her body began to cool, she struggled to ignore the aching throb between her thighs. The bastard left her hanging on the edge of ecstasy to prove his point. She sat glaring at him as he gave her a low bow then turned to leave.

  Before he reached the door, he stopped to look back. With a smug smile he teased, “When you’re ready to admit you want me, Lady Cat, I’ll be happy to put out the fire that rages between those silken thighs.”

  Catherine shrieked with humiliation as she reached for the cup sitting next to her, flinging it at him with all her might. He ducked out the door, closing it quickly behind him as it crashed harmlessly against wood.

  She felt her body go limp into the pillows as she dropped back. She needed release as her sex throbbed angrily in protest at not being satisfied. Never having touched herself in such a way, she gingerly reached between her legs, slipping a long finger inside the folds of her slit. Inhaling sharply she closed her eyes, visualizing Eric. Slowly, she copied the movements he’d preformed earlier and quickly felt the bud beneath her thumb swell, causing her to moan. Her hips arched against her fingers. Within minutes she peaked and felt the explosion of her orgasm carry her into the height of ecstasy. She lay panting in the aftermath.

  Sighing, she opened her eyes in irritation. Prideful prick, she thought. Even though her climax felt good, it wasn’t the same.

  Curling onto her side, she pulled only the sheet across her, enjoying the cool crispness of it, and soon fell into a fitful slumber. All the while, the nagging feeling of absolute satisfaction hung just beyond her grasp.

  Morni
ng came and Catherine was woken to the sound of curtains being whipped open. She grumbled as she tried to hide beneath the pillows. “Go away, I’m extremely tired and trying to sleep.”

  “Tired, you say? And just what have you to be tired about?” Recognizing the deep voice, she shot up. At the foot of her bed stood a grinning Eric, a look of determination on his face. His voice was sensual and teasing as his eyes swept slowly over the wrinkled sheets that tangled around her body.

  “How dare you come into my room without knocking? Get out! Right now, damn you!” she hissed angrily.

  Eric laughed and he made his way over to her. He watched as she clutched the sheets to her body, causing him to grin wickedly. “You forget, Lady, this is my room. And you are leaving today, not me.”

  Catherine felt her temper spark another notch, realizing he was right. “Of course I’m leaving, you oaf. But until then, I demand you leave this room, regardless to whom it belongs.”

  Eric’s grin widened before he dropped onto the bed next to her, causing her to shriek.

  Shaking his head, he frowned at her response to his nearness. “Behave yourself, Catherine. As tempting as I might be, I come in peace.”

  Then all playfulness aside, he continued. “I’m done teasing, Catherine. I’ve something seriously important to ask you and I want you to give it some thought before you answer.”

  Catherine snorted, “Important, you say? I can’t imagine what it is you might want me to take seriously, especially after last night.”

  Eric ignored her bitter remark. He sat quietly, watching her shift uncomfortably beneath his stare, his eyes unwavering, his gaze contemplative. “Catherine, I’m here to ask you to marry me. I want you to be my wife.”

  She gasped, recoiling sharply. “What? You can’t be serious. This is a horrible joke, Eric, especially for you!” She stared in disbelief until she realized he was truly sincere. In a soft hush she whispered in awe. “We don’t even know each other well enough!”

  Eric’s eyes softened as he spoke in a light, teasing tone, “Oh, I think I know you pretty well, my little kitten. I also know that I never want to lose you. Catherine, you’ve done something to me; something I can’t explain. The moment I laid eyes on you I knew there was something special about you.

  “I tried to ignore my feelings, tried staying away from you, but I couldn’t. At night, I found myself coming just to watch you sleep. My heart swelled with an ache I cannot describe, and the thought of you leaving is almost too much to bear. You’re like no one I’ve ever encountered, Catherine. Your quick wit and feisty temper causes me to laugh and my heart to soar. I find myself anxious just to see you smile. I’ve never met anyone like you, my Lady Cat, and I know without a doubt, it’s with you my heart belongs.”

  Hanging his head, Eric sighed before continuing, “I know what I did last night and I’m sorry. I promise to restrain myself until we are married. That is, if you’ll have me.”

  Kneeling beside the bed he took her hand, raising it to his lips. “Say you’ll be my wife, Catherine. Say you will marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.”

  Catherine felt her head spin as her body flushed with emotions. She also couldn’t deny the skip of her heartbeat when she stared deep into his eyes. The most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen.

  Shaking her head to clear her confusion, she blinked and slowly pulled her hand back. “Eric, let us be realistic, you can’t mean what you’re saying.” Then raising a brow, she looked at him suspiciously. ”Have you been drinking?”

  Eric jumped to his feet, laughing. “My innocent kitten, if I had been drinking, I assure you I would be doing more than talking to convince you to marry me.” With a wink he gave her a knowing grin.

  “Call me mad. I know it’s outrageous, but, Catherine, I’ve never felt this way in my entire life. I’m not saying we have to marry right away, and you can set the date to whenever you like. Just say yes. Say yes, Catherine, for if you don’t, I’ll surely die.”

  Before Catherine could answer, she heard the sharp intake of breath fill the quiet room, causing them both to turn.

  Lavinia stood frowning, in her nightshift, her facial expression bathed in disbelief.

  Catherine quickly pulled the covers to her chin.

  Eric groaned inwardly as he took a deep breath. “Aunt, I certainly did not want you to learn of my proposal to the Lady Catherine this way. But since you are here...”

  Lavinia walked stiffly to the chair next to the bed and plopped into it. Finally, able to catch her breath, she raised a scolding brow at her nephew. “Did you compromise this child’s innocence, Eric? Tell me you did not!”

  Before he could answer, Catherine quickly answered, “No, Princess, no he did not! He has been nothing short of a gentleman to me. He only stopped by for a short visit.”

  Raising a brow, Lavinia grunted, “You call a marriage proposal a short visit?”

  Catherine looked away, unable to look her friend in the eye. But Eric stood his ground and she caught the adoring smile he bestowed upon his aunt out of the periphery of her vision.

  “You are clever as ever, dear Aunt. I am in love. And I want to marry Lady Catherine if she’ll have me.”

  As he looked at her with hope-filled eyes, Catherine could only stare at him with an open mouth. “I suppose I must say yes! I mean, how terribly embarrassing for me if it were rumored among the ton that I was the cause of your death?” Her lips curved into a tease as they both looked at her in surprise. Then, unable to help herself, she laughed.

  In his enthusiasm, Eric snatched up his aunt, causing her to squeal as he spun her around the room in delight. Setting her down gently, he kissed her cheek as his face beamed with excitement. Turning to Catherine, he went to her, taking her into his arms, and he held her tightly against his chest.

  “You will never regret it. I will make you the happiest woman in all London. In all the world, for that matter!” Taking her face gently between his hands, he kissed her on the tip of her nose, her forehead, and then brushed her lips with his.

  Catherine felt her heart about to burst with happiness as she wrapped her arms around his neck, hungrily kissing him back. It wasn’t until they heard the clearing of Lavinia’s throat that they pulled apart, Catherine shyly laughing while Eric chuckled.

  Lavinia slapped her nephew on the shoulder, shooing him from the room. “Leave us, Eric. You will court her properly after she returns home today.”

  He stood grinning. “Of course.” he conceded. Then, bowing low to them both, he blew Catherine a kiss. “Dream only of me, Sweet Kitten.”

  Lavinia shook her head, grumbling, pointing toward the door. Once Eric was gone, she turned to face Catherine, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  “I knew it. I knew in my heart that you were the one to tame the wildness in my nephew. How you did it so quickly, I don’t know, nor do I care. But I do believe in destiny, and I believe you were destined to be his, Catherine. Don’t ask me how, but in my heart I knew it the moment I saw you both together. Now rest before you have to leave, for I’ve sent word to your aunt that I would return you home personally after luncheon. I thought I could buy us some extra time together.” With a wink, Lavinia left her room.

  Chapter Six

  Pulling up outside her aunt’s home, Catherine heard the Princess sigh. “We’re here, child.”

  Catherine nodded. But instead of sadness, she felt joy as the carriage door swung open. Eric had told them that he’d catch up with them later that evening, for he had business that required his immediate attention.

  As she stepped from the carriage, she was not at all surprised to see her aunt standing nearby to greet them. Abigail’s face was filled with excitement. She barely gave Catherine any notice as she made her way over to Lavinia, graciously bowing, then chattering excitedly about how honored she was to have her as a personal guest in her most humble home.

  Catherine caught the flicker of annoyance in Lavinia’s face before making her way up the
steps alone, leaving the two older women to catch up, when suddenly, the front door swung open. She shrieked as Devan rushed out, almost colliding into her.

  “For God’s sake, Catherine. I almost knocked you down.” Grabbing her shoulders to steady her, Devan chuckled as his gaze swept over her, seeing her as if for the first time.

  “My, but you’ve grown, Little Cousin, and into quite a beauty.” With a wink, he offered her his arm but she hesitated to take it.

  He grinned. “It’s safe, Cat. I’ve grown up quite a bit since you’ve last seen me. In fact, I’m requesting a chat, just the two of us, before I have to leave again. Would that be possible?”

  Catherine stared at her cousin, her lips parted in surprise. He was right. He had changed. He was much taller, his shoulders wider. His hair was cut short and he finally had the face of a man instead of a little boy. In fact, he was actually quite handsome.

  Devan winked as he gently put a finger under her chin, closing her mouth. Taking her arm and cradling it in his, he walked her inside.

  As they entered the house, Catherine’s aunt quickly showed them through the long halls and out the back to sit in her garden. It was clear that she wanted to show it off to the Princess.

  “I’m so happy, Princess Lavinia, you were able to come before dusk. I’ve so wanted to take you on a stroll through my labyrinth.” Her Aunt Abigail’s eyes were shining with excitement and pride as she waited anxiously for Lavinia’s reply.

  Intrigued by the maze, Lavinia nodded. “I’d love to. But I refuse to leave Lady Catherine alone.”

  Devan quickly spoke up. “I will be glad to keep her company until you lovely ladies return.” Giving them a dashing grin, he bowed politely.

  “See there, Catherine is in excellent company.” Locking her arm with Lavinia’s, Abigail pulled her along, pointing out all the different varieties of plants and flowers along the way.

  Devan shook his head sighing. “My God, can that woman talk!”