He took a step back and scrunched his nose up in distaste. As if slapped in the face, her ardor dissolved. She should have known her behavior would lessen his interest.
“You, my dear, are soaked. It would be wise for you to remove your sodden clothing.”
Before she could offer a protest, his swift hands found the buttons on her dress. He had unfastened four before she could escape his efficient fingers. Clutching the parted fabric to her chest, she gazed at him with weary eyes.
“Perhaps you should wait outside.” Her voice shook.
“In the rain? Don’t be silly, then I would have to change again.”
“But I . . .”
She couldn’t think of an argument when he crossed his arms, mirroring her stance and expression when their roles had been reversed. Although she’d been content to see him undress, she knew she couldn’t calmly do so as he looked on.
He sighed, crossed the room, then collected her mother’s dressing gown and handed it to her. “Don’t worry. I’ll give you your privacy, and I promise not to peek.”
When he spun around, she nearly ripped her dress off in her haste. The dry material calmed her as she slid the robe over her shoulders. After cinching it tight, she hesitated, feeling highly embarrassed for him to see her in such a state of undress.
“I-I’m ready now.”
After pivoting around slowly, his hungry gaze devoured her from head to toe. Something about his perusal made her feel more exposed.
“Beautiful,” he breathed. “Now that we are dry, come kiss me.”
Powerless to deny his demand, she complied and stepped into his embrace. Every sensation was new as the lack of proper attire made her more sensitive. She let out an unexpected moan as he pressed his hard body more firmly to hers.
He kissed her with more exuberance than he’d previously shown as his hands stroked her back. When he found her breast, she gasped before melting against him as the wonderful sensation surrounded her.
His hands teased her, giving her a spur of boldness. Releasing her hold on his neck, she moved her hands under his shirt, anxious to feel the beauty she’d witnessed moments ago. Smooth skin greeted her searching fingers. As she circled his nipple with her fingertip, power surged through her to hear him groan.
Dizzying sensations swam in her head, making it difficult to concentrate on anything other than the feeling of his body, as well as his hands, on her. Other places ached for his touch, making her desperate to be closer to him. She tugged at his shirt, attempting to free it from his body.
Kenneth withdrew and stood, chest heaving, a foot away from her.
“I . . . We can’t continue.”
His rejection stung.
“Why not?” she whispered the question.
He ran a hand through his wet hair, spreading spatters of water across his askew shirt. For a brief second, he closed his eyes and when he opened them the intensity she saw there stole all thoughts.
“I want you too much to find the willpower to stop if we go any further.”
She blew out a long breath. The question of how far to take their relationship hadn’t been anything she’d given previous thought. She saw no harm in their actions to this point and hadn’t realized she could’ve been in danger.
Could she forgive herself if she gave into the demand of her body? Would she forgive herself if she didn’t?
Chapter 7
Kenneth waited as thousands of different emotions crossed Samantha’s face. His body burned like an inferno, raging to take what was in front of him. He’d never intended matters between them to move so swiftly, but her advances all evening were beginning to drive him mad.
He knew she wanted him, that had been clear, but he felt her indecision to a painful degree.
The gentlemanly thing to do would be to leave and save her from making the decision that brought such torment to her face. However, the thought of missing an evening with her rebelled in his mind. In the end, his good sense won out.
“I hope the patches on your roof serve you well until after the storm. I will send someone out tomorrow to ensure you experience no more trouble with leaks in the future.”
His voice thankfully came out even, not even hinting at the searing blood pumping through his veins. She didn’t move or respond, so he reluctantly took the few steps to the door.
“Wait.” The word was barely audible. “Don’t leave.”
Gritting his teeth, he turned back to her. Remaining here in his current state would not serve either one of them. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he needed the freezing rain to ease him on the ride home.
“That wouldn’t be wise.” His traitorous eyes flowed over her, taking in the loose robe while his mind conjured images brought on by the fact she wore nothing underneath.
“You’re right,” she admitted, tucking her hands behind her back as if to conceal her trembling. “But the same can be said of returning home wearing my clothes.”
Glancing down at the tight tan shirt and short brown trousers, he couldn’t confirm her accusation. After all, he could have borrowed the outfit from a number of tenants on his property. However, considering Sam wore the exact combination every day, he couldn’t deny it either. Could he take the chance?
“In this matter, I will defer to you. Turn around.” Whereas before he didn’t care if she gazed upon his form, now, especially with how desperately he wanted her, he refused to put on a show.
“No. You were going to let me watch before, and I didn’t.” She put back her shoulders. “I’d like the opportunity now.”
Hoping she would react in the same manner, he drew the shirt over his head and tossed it aside. A shy smile touched her lips as she surveyed his chest. The sign of her enjoyment in seeing his body brought him pleasure, but also made him more desperate to have her.
The same as before, he flipped open the first and second button, waiting for her to react. After unfastening the final button, he sighed as her eyes seemed glued to the front of his trousers.
“I strongly advise you cover your eyes and maintain your maidenly sensibilities.”
She shook her head and put her hands on her hips, unknowingly parting the dressing gown. His mouth dried. He couldn’t take the torture any longer. Leaving in his current state of undress would be easier than this.
“Why are you acting shy? What do you have hidden in there?”
Before he could respond, she bounded across the room and yanked his trousers down for him.
“Just that,” he murmured dryly.
“Oh my.” Her eyes widened as she took in his length. “I never imagined . . . I mean, you look so different than I do.”
He let out a strained laugh, glad he’d decided to leave. Samantha was too innocent and clearly had no idea what would have happened. Her eagerness now made more sense to him. She had no reason to fear without understanding the consequences of her actions. And there were consequences. Amazingly pleasurable ones. But consequences all the same.
“I am a man. This is how we look. Now you’ve had your fun, back up and allow me to dress.”
Being too close to the door, his only option without having to brush up against Samantha was to leave the house completely naked. At the moment, the idea didn’t sound distasteful.
“You can’t leave now. I have too many questions.”
Her pleading eyes met his as she straightened her body, bringing her closer to him. The front of her dressing gown rubbed across his member, ripping a groan from his lips.
“Did that hurt?” she asked, eyeing him closely.
The concern in her voice would have made him laugh had his body not been so tightly wound. In response, he could only shake his head.
A light entered her eyes. “You liked it?”
He didn’t dare respond, but when she moved, allowing the gown to touch him again, he realized he didn’t have to. How had he gotten himself into such a predicament? Never before had he been out of control with a woman.
S
amantha ran her hand down the length of him, causing pleasure to shoot through him, and his breath to come out in gasps. How could someone so innocent do something so right? She did it again, and he had to clench his fists to keep from grabbing her and tossing her onto the bed.
“If you like this, why does it look like you’re in pain?” Lines of confusion marred her brow.
“It’s hard to explain,” he rasped. “But I can show you.”
The words were out of his mouth before he had a chance to think. Apparently his brain and his mouth were being controlled by a certain throbbing part of his anatomy.
“All right,” she whispered, but he could still see indecision in her eyes. However, when she took his hand and drew him toward the bed, he lost the ability to do the gentlemanly thing. He was too far gone.
After gently laying her down on the lumpy straw mattress, he parted the fabric of her dressing gown. Her luscious breasts were full with hardened nipples, proving her desire for him. Scanning the rest of her body, his pulse raced at the beautiful expanse of milky white skin. He had never seen a lovelier woman, and the idea she would give herself to him made his chest swell with pride.
“What now?” her unsure voice asked, convincing him of her fear.
“Now, I’m going to kiss you.”
“I like that.” She held her arms out to him.
Not needing any more encouragement, he fell on top of her, trying not to think of how wondrous her warm body felt against his. It would break his focus. Although intending to love her slowly, his frantic mouth and hands couldn’t follow the command.
Moving further down her body, he reveled in her moan when he took one nipple in his mouth. But his greedy hand didn’t stop until it rested on her center. The one place his body yearned for at this moment. She squirmed beneath him, but he couldn’t let her go. A desperation unlike anything he’d felt before welled up inside of him. He needed to bring her to pleasure. To watch her face as bliss gripped her.
“Kenneth!” She exclaimed as he slid a finger inside of her. “Oh. Is this . . . Is this what you meant?”
He drew back to take in her face. “Yes.”
Speaking almost loosened the grip he had on his control. She looked so glorious with her half-lidded eyes and opened mouth. He stroked. He teased. He coaxed until her eyes fluttered closed. Her features smoothed slowly as her release raked her body.
Burning need and awareness left him feeling raw. All other thoughts blanked as his body fought to become one with her. Easing himself up, he widened her legs and positioned himself at her entrance.
“Wait.” She pulled herself up on her elbows and tried to scoot away from him. “You don’t intend to put that in me, do you?”
Her shock and fear penetrated through his trance. She was right. How could he take advantage? Closing his eyes, he drew in deep breaths through his mouth, attempting to contain the storm raging within.
“Not if you don’t want me to.” As the words left his mouth, his body fought with him, demanding he take them back.
“Good.” She settled back against the bed, pulled him down, and wrapped her arms around him.
Horrible, sweet torture tensed his muscles and clouded his vision as her movement caused him to nudge her center. Then he gritted his teeth as she did so again. And again. Why was she doing this to him?
Using every ounce of every part of him that was a gentleman, he managed to lift off of her warm, unwilling body and pull back.
“Where are you going?”
“I have to leave,” he ground out. “Or I . . .”
She sat up, pulling her legs underneath her and watching him with her head cocked to the side. Then she lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. He sighed, enjoying the sensation.
“I see pain in your face. So, that is what this is about?” she motioned between them and the bed.
He nodded.
“I see.” She took the delicate pink flesh of her lip between her teeth again, bringing him more torment. “Will it hurt?”
He nodded again.
He couldn’t lie to her, yet he couldn’t take the time to explain. His body wouldn’t allow it. His member had swelled to the point of bursting, and he couldn’t remain here talking about this with a naked woman. He didn’t want to force her into something she didn’t want to do.
“I don’t think it will fit, but you can try.”
Surprise shook him, piercing his heart. She would willingly accept the pain for his pleasure? An uncomfortable tightening in his chest made him feel something he never felt before. He wanted to explore it, but Samantha laid back down on the bed and spread her legs, waiting for him.
His control snapped. He covered her body with his, her lips with his mouth, and her center with his hand. He would bring her to the Heavens again, if it was the last feat with his dying breath.
When her release hit her, he thrust into her, breaking through her maidenhood in one solid motion. She stilled as he rained kisses across her face. However, the need pulsing through him wouldn’t allow him to pause long. Following the demand of his body, he began the notes of their joined rhythm. Not long after, she joined in, creating the melody with him.
As the last cord struck through him, bringing his body the long awaited release, he felt Samantha spasm around him. Molten fire seeped into him, sending him adrift in the sea of pleasure. The amazement on Samantha’s face only served to send him deeper into the throes of ecstasy. Never in his life had he experienced such an intense reaction.
Rolling over, he pulled Samantha on top of him and promptly fell asleep.
The day was greeted with reluctance, as Samantha allowed one of her eyes to open. Her room felt the same, but she felt anything but. Last night had been the most amazing experience of her life. With a glance around, she realized Kenneth had left her sometime in the night.
Stretching her body, she remembered the wondrous feeling of falling asleep in his arms. However, the night had done more than offer pleasure; it solidified her feelings for him. She loved Kenneth. The knowledge filled her with joy yet scared her senseless.
As she dressed in her Sam outfit, she tried not to think of last night. The day would be difficult enough with hiding her feelings from everyone else when Kenneth was around. A knock made her heart flutter.
Opening the door, she smiled as giddiness flooded her. Kenneth stood before her, a grin the only outward sign of their encounter. Part of her expected him to look different now.
“Good morning.” When his gaze traveled down to her clothing, his grin melted. “Where do you think you’re going dressed like that?”
“To work.”
He moved further into the room and slammed the door. “We have already talked about this.”
“Simply because you know I’m a woman doesn’t mean I need the job any less,” she argued, hating how quickly the luster for the day faded.
“I have positions available in my house that wouldn’t require you to dress like a boy or work so hard.” His eyes softened. “I hate to think of you toiling outside with the horses.”
She sighed. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I enjoy my work in the stable. Besides, I prefer to hold a job as Sam.”
Giving him a smile, she hoped he wouldn’t press for her reasons. She didn’t want him involved with Mr. Lemange. The odious man wanted her father’s money, and she would hate to see Kenneth attempt to help by paying the man a sum not owed to him.
“Then perhaps I have a job for Sam within my house.” The huskiness of his voice made her shudder. He took a step toward her. “As of late, I have experienced difficulties undressing myself. I should hire a valet.”
She laughed before he silenced her with his mouth. When he pulled back, the teasing light in his eyes made her heart speed in her chest.
“Perhaps I should test your skills in that regard before I give you the position.”
“Sorry, but I have to decline.” She rose to the tip of her toes to kiss him on the cheek. “I already have a jo
b, and I can’t be late.”
Instead of being angry, he nuzzled her neck and planted kisses on her as he slid his hands up her shirt. She shivered as he gripped her waist. The compulsion to stay overwhelmed her, but she couldn’t give in.
He drew back, and she had to bite her tongue to stop from protesting.
“Although I hate not getting my way, I’ll allow Sam to remain as a stable boy for now. Just don’t think it will make you exempt from our daily adventures. I have so many more planned.” His intense perusal of her made her body tingle.
“I can’t wait.” Her voice came out thick with longing, eliciting a laugh from Kenneth.
“I wish I could offer you an escort, but I should probably be on my way.”
As he left her to finish preparing for the day, she couldn’t concentrate on anything except thoughts of what his next adventure would be. His new playful manner toward her made her more anxious to be around him. How would he treat her as Sam? How should she treat him?
The question followed her the entire way to Berwick. The day looked bright and comfortable, a direct contrast to yesterday. Her steps faltered when she arrived within sight of the stable. So much had happened since her last normal day here. She wasn’t sure what to do.
Taking a tentative step into the building, she immediately saw a man carelessly leaning against the stalls. Judging by his crisp shirt, well-tailored trousers, and shiny hessians, he belonged to the upper class. His slightly long black hair fell just over his eyes in waves. He was a handsome gentleman.
“So, you must be the Sam I’ve heard so much about,” he said as a greeting.
She dropped her gaze as her palms began to sweat. Had Kenneth told his friends about her? What did he know?
Catching the Baron Page 8