I’m falling in love. He’d tried to fool himself into believing it was only infatuation, but this went far beyond that. There was no denying now what he felt.
His kiss was long and leisurely, taking every moment to enjoy exploring her. But after he felt her panting, he sensed she was ready for the rest of what tonight would bring.
He gently turned her so he could unfasten her gown and let it drop to the floor. Then he unlaced her stays, and she let her petticoats fall to the floor. When she was down to her chemise and stockings, he lifted her up so she sat on the edge of his bed. Then he raised one of her feet and reached up her thigh to loosen her stocking ribbons. He toyed with the silk ribbons, and she gasped when his fingers wandered upward. Then he rolled each stocking off and dropped them to the floor.
Their gazes locked, and he couldn’t help but notice the pulse at her throat as he touched her neck with his fingers. She trembled as they gazed at one another. He could have let his touch linger on her forever, taking his time to explore her, but there was an anticipation in her eyes that electrified the moment even further.
“What about you?” She reached for his waistcoat.
“All in good time.” He lifted off her chemise, and she trembled as she lay gloriously naked upon his bed. She looked like a sacrifice to the pagan god of lust. He may not be a god, but he was going to enjoy taking her as a sweet sacrifice.
“Mr. Banks—” She tried to cover her breasts, but he caught her wrists in one of his hands and pushed her onto her back. Then he pinned her wrists above her head in the soft bedding.
“One of these days, you’ll trust me enough to call me Martin all of the time and not just some of the time.”
“One of these days,” she agreed, relaxing a little.
“Let me show you pleasure, Livvy. Close your eyes and just feel.”
She did as he asked, and he lay beside her, nuzzling her neck, licking and kissing the sensitive spot behind her ear and along her collarbone. He moved his focus down to her breasts. She whimpered and jolted as he sucked one nipple into his mouth, making it turn a soft red that pleased him. Her skin was like velvet, soft and sweet and he covered her with kisses. Lord, the woman’s breasts were utter perfection. He couldn’t wait to bury his head against their pillowy softness after he was done making her scream in pleasure. He released her wrists and slid his free hand down her belly and over her mound. He parted the dark thatch of curls that defined the lips of her sex. They were wet and hot as he explored her with stroking fingertips. She bucked her hips when he slid one finger inside her.
“My, you’re tight.”
“Tight?” she gasped, her eyes flashing open. “Is that bad?”
He chuckled. “No. It’s quite good. But it’s going take me a little while before I can enter you. Do you understand?”
“I… Yes. I think so,” she whispered, a fresh blush staining her cheeks.
He pushed a second finger inside her, thrusting them in a slow, sensual rhythm as he started kissing her again. He kept her on her toes, surprising her with soft and hard kisses. All the while he played with her, letting her feel the tight penetration of his fingers before he felt she was ready.
She was panting and dreamy-eyed as she watched him climb off the bed and strip out of his clothes. Then he rejoined her on the bed and parted her thighs as he eased down on top of her. Livvy tensed and her breath grew ragged as he guided his shaft to her entrance.
“Try to relax. It won’t be like this after the first time.” He pushed in, and she gritted her teeth, pain showing in her lovely eyes.
This was not going to work.
Martin nuzzled her throat and captured her lips in a deep, searing kiss. She relaxed and he thrust in hard and fast. He felt her maidenhead tear, and she whimpered against his lips, but he kept still, giving her time to relax and adjust to him. He poured himself into the delicious task of distracting her with kisses and eased himself to give her a chance to recover. Her hands moved into his hair, tangling in the strands and clasping him closer to her.
He’d always wanted passion from his lovers, but this was different. Livvy was sweet, innocent, yet passionate in a way he’d never expected. Her hands didn’t caress with the cool, seductive slide of his last mistress. She clutched, gripped, clawed, moaned, and wriggled, letting her body and her desires dictate her actions. He sucked on her tongue, letting her taste his hunger as he finally began to move his hips. He withdrew from her and then slid slowly back in. She gripped him tight as a fist, and he almost blacked out from the exquisite pleasure of it all. It took a minute to work his way back inside. The hot wet heat of her center welcomed him by his third thrust.
“Does it still hurt?” he whispered.
“No—no,” she answered and gasped as he tilted his hips and penetrated her at a new steeper angle.
“Thank God,” he moaned and rammed himself home, driven by hard and primal need. He’d never been one for gentle lovemaking, at least not once he had properly sated a woman. He was trying to be slower, gentler.
Livvy dug her nails into his back, and he hissed out of breath. “Faster.”
Martin let go of his threadbare control and possessed her body, driven like a hungering beast seeking the pleasure of her climax and his own. She lifted her hips, taking him deeper. He thrust hard, then shallow, then slow, then fast, never letting her find a rhythm. He liked the glint of delighted and aroused shock in her eyes each time he took her with another surprising move.
Without warning, she came apart beneath him and called out his name. She went limp beneath him, and he pistoned even harder until his body ached, demanding one more push, and then he came. A rough shout escaped him as he melted into her. He should have withdrawn, or used a French letter, but he had become lost in this woman and in this moment. He stayed there, lying on her, feeling her channel squeeze him with rippling aftershocks. His release had been pure bliss, and he couldn’t deny that everything about this woman in this moment had felt right.
He looked down at her, and she gazed up at him, cheeks flushed and eyes bright. “How do you feel?”
“Like I’m going to perish.” She paused and then added, “Perish in the most exquisite way.”
“You’re not hurt?” He had to be completely sure.
“No.” She shifted beneath him, wincing. “Well, perhaps a little sore, but I don’t mind.”
“Stay right there,” he commanded and carefully withdrew from her. He retrieved a cloth from beside his washbasin and returned to the bed. They both blanched at the streaks of blood on her thighs as he wiped her clean, which extended to his own shaft as well. He cleaned himself, and when he turned around she was already burrowed deep beneath the blankets, still naked.
“Is it all right if I stay? Or should I sleep in my own chamber?”
The thought of her leaving made him want to growl and block her escape. “You are exactly where I wish you to be.”
A delighted smile flashed across her lips. “Good, because my legs are as unstable as a newborn foal’s, and I’m not sure I could’ve walked back to my room.”
“I’d be more than happy to carry you anywhere, but right now I want you here.” He climbed under the covers, tucked her body against his, and sighed in contentment. He’d never felt so calm and at peace in his entire life. She tangled her legs in his and gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes.
“I should hate you,” she murmured. His heart sank, but then she continued. “I should, but I don’t. I like you…far too much.” Her confusion stunned him, but before he could say anything, her lashes fanned down and she sank into an exhausted sleep. Martin held her tight, afraid she might slip away like a phantasm after uttering the words he’d been too afraid to hope to hear.
She likes me, far too much. And I like her far too much. What was he to do?
He couldn’t keep her, even though he wished to. He’d vowed never to love, never to care except when it came to his sister. Helen was the only one he could safely let into his heart
.
Martin brushed a lock of hair from her face and smiled as he watched her sleep. Would she dream of him? From her content and relaxed expression, he hoped she would, because he knew he would dream of her. Dangerous, wonderful, tempting dreams that made his chest tighten with an emotion he never thought he’d feel again after his parents died.
Hope.
The Gentleman's Seduction
Lauren Smith
Chapter Thirteen
Livvy wasn’t sure how long she slept, but she woke to a possessive yet gentle hand caressing her hip and felt a little kiss upon her lips. She opened her eyes, noticed Martin’s own eyes were closed, and she let him continue to kiss her. It was still dark outside, and she ought to go back to sleep, but she was amused at Martin kissing her.
Was he dreaming? It seemed like it. A blend of warmth and lust filled her despite her soreness. She wanted Martin to be inside her again. The first time had been a little frightening, but once the pain had passed, she’d given in to her urges, overcome by the power that her desires gave her. She stretched a leg over his lower body, hoping to convey her interest. He made a soft sound of delight as he cupped her bottom and gave it a light smack. She giggled and wiggled over him, kissing him more heatedly.
He opened his eyes as their lips briefly broke apart. “Do you wish to learn how to ride a man?” he asked. His eyes burned like blue diamonds lit by firelight.
“Is that…how is that possible?” She raked her nails down his chest, and he hissed out a groan.
“Let me show you.” He shifted her so that she lay fully on top of him. “Hips up, darling.” He tapped her hips with his hands, then reached between their bodies and gripped his shaft. It stood at attention, and she finally understood. She could ease down on top of it and—he thrust up into her, pulling her hips down, and she squeaked in surprise. The new position made her feel impaled upon him, so much so that for a moment she struggled to breathe.
“Oh Lord,” she panted, shifting a little as he filled every inch of her.
“Still sore?” he asked.
“A little, but it’s not bad.” She laid her palms flat on his chest and leaned forward to steal a kiss. He gripped her backside and lifted her up, then pulled her down again, showing her the rhythm to set. She sat back, arching her back to find the most comfortable angle, and he gazed up at her, her breasts bouncing as she rose up to ride him.
It really is a bit like riding. The thought was so scandalous that she knew later she would be blushing violently.
“That’s it,” he encouraged in a low growl. His hands moved from around her breasts, pinching the hard nipples and rolling them between his fingers.
She hissed and rocked on him faster and harder, desperate for that surge of blinding pleasure that only he could give her. When he lowered one hand to stroke his thumb over her tight bundle of nerves, she came hard, and his gruff shout told her he’d come as well. Passion burst between them, and Livvy felt tears blur her eyes as she sank down on top of him. Their skin shimmered with perspiration, and he slowly ran his hands up and down her back. She laid her head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
“It’s after midnight. Are you hungry?” he asked.
“I am. May we get something to eat?” She slid off him, hating to separate their bodies, but they needed to be able to move.
“Yes. Stay here. I’ll fetch something.” Martin slid out of the bed and retrieved his dressing gown. He wrapped it tight, and with a wicked grin he exited the bedchamber.
Livvy lay back on the bed, watching the shadows cast by the firelight. Her fantasies of being Cleopatra had certainly come to life. She bit her lip and hid a smile. A few minutes later, Martin returned and set a tray beside her. Then he stoked the flames and added a few logs to the fire.
She sat up and pulled the sheets up to her collarbone, waiting for him to join her. He let his dressing gown drop, and she had a chance yet again to admire his lean, strong body. Once he was in bed, he set the tray between them and gestured at the food.
“Please, eat.”
She picked up a bit of cheese and a few slices of apple, and he did the same. They ate in silence, and for a moment she was able to forget why she was there. She was not Martin’s mistress, nor was he the man who’d purchased her in lieu of her father’s massive debt. She was just herself, in bed with a man she loved. Loved. The word was there, easy upon her lips. She was in love with him and had known from the start it was a risk.
“I wish it could always be like this,” she said softly. Martin stilled as he reached for another piece of cheese.
“So do I,” he finally replied.
“But it can’t, can it?”
He didn’t respond right away. “I don’t think so. Even though I might wish differently.”
She swallowed her last bit of food, her appetite waning now. “Because of my father?”
“I can never forgive him for what he did. I watched my mother’s heart give out. You can’t possibly know what that was like. In only a few years, Helen and I were completely on our own.”
Livvy wanted him to share more of his life with her, even if only by conversation. She shifted closer to Martin, and he set the tray on the table beside him. “I should like to hear more about her.”
“She’s wonderful. I truly mean that. I know plenty of men who find their sisters tiring, boring, or costly. But Helen is…splendid. She’s the smarter of the two of us and the braver as well. She fought a duel for me once, when I was young and foolish.”
“She did what? A duel?”
Martin chuckled. “I was in Bath, gambling, doing everything I could to try to increase our fortune, but I lost it all. A man named Gareth Fairfax was furious when he discovered I had no means to pay my debt back. He challenged me to a duel, but when Helen found out, she locked me in a room and went in my place. She dressed in my clothes and hid her hair. It was quite the thing, or so I was told.”
“What happened?” She covered his arm with a hand and tucked herself against his side.
“She and Garrett dueled, she grazed him and revealed she was a woman, and he took her home as a way to pay off my debts.”
Livvy stiffened. “Like you did with me?”
“Yes,” he sighed. “Believe me, the similarity between that situation and ours is not lost on me. But I gave you a choice. Helen had less of one.”
“So she went home with him,” Livvy prompted.
“They fell in love, if you can believe it. They’ve been married for seven years and have two children.”
Livvy rested her head on Martin shoulder, wondering why she and Martin couldn’t be so lucky, but she knew the truth. Her father’s actions all those years ago would forever hang over their heads and keep them apart.
“Does she live in London?”
Martin shook his head. “She lives closer to Bath. But she and Garrett have a townhouse, and they sometimes visit.”
“Oh…” Livvy tried to fight off a wave of disappointment. She knew she couldn’t ever meet Helen, she was a mistress. Men didn’t introduce their mistresses to their family.
“I’m sorry. We haven’t done much socially since you have been here. I could write her, see if she wishes to come. I had planned on visiting her for Christmas, but…”
But they both weren’t sure if she would still be with him for the holidays. Livvy ignored the pang that thought created in her chest and focused on the present moment.
“But she can’t meet me…I’m not…”
“You’re a fine young woman. You’re not like the others. Helen is more…open in her thoughts than most ladies. She wouldn’t cast judgement upon you, not when the sins are mine. I think she might come.”
Livvy tried to calm her excitement and kissed his cheek. “That would be wonderful!”
Martin hugged her back, then slipped out of bed to stoke the fire once more and blow out the remaining candles. Then he rejoined her in bed, and they settled into sleep. Livvy curled herself around Mart
in, wishing she didn’t have to think about the day they went their separate ways. Her heart would surely break when they did.
***
The next two weeks passed in a blur for Livvy. She and Martin were locked in a dream of passion and delight. They went riding in the morning and went out during the day. At night he made love to her until they collapsed, exhausted, in each other’s arms. In all the ways but one, they seemed to be living a full life together. Only a shadow of how they’d met lingered now, but it was enough that she could not forget for one minute that she wasn’t Martin’s wife, but his mistress.
Livvy lingered in the door of the library and eyed the empty settee. Martin was due to meet her here for a light luncheon before they headed out for the day. She stared at the couch, and an impish idea filled her. If she was being honest, she’d been inspired by a scene in one of her favorite novels and wanted to see if Martin would like it.
She removed her slippers and stockings, then lifted her blue-and-gold silk skirt out of the way as she sat crossways on the couch. Leaning her back against one armrest, she tossed her legs over the opposite arm in a scandalous pose that exposed her legs up to her thighs. Then she crossed one leg over the other at one knee and waited. After a few minutes, she heard Martin whistling softly down the corridor.
“Livvy?” he called out.
“In the library!” She covered her mouth to stifle a giggle. She couldn’t wait to see his face when he walked inside.
The door cracked open, and he peered around the frame. “Livvy, I—” He froze, his lips parted as he gazed down at her. Then his shock transformed in raw lust as he closed the door behind him, locking it. Livvy gripped her skirts, moving them higher still as he stepped toward her.
“Playing a game?” His voice was low, with a dangerous edge to it.
“I thought I might, if you wish to play too.” She batted her lashes and then did something she hadn’t planned on. She slid her hand between her thighs, parting her undergarments, then pushed her finger in her own slick channel.
Martin sank to his knees with a groan in front of the settee. Livvy watched him through hooded eyes as she continued to stroke herself, and finally he couldn’t seem to stand waiting another moment. He pulled her to face with him on the couch and spread her legs wide, tossing her skirts up to her hips. Then he tore at the delicate underclothes until he found his way to her. He put his mouth to her folds, his hot breath fanning over the most sensitive parts of her. His clever tongue set off a blinding heat inside her as he explored her.
Rogues to Lovers: Legend of the Blue Rose Page 67