The Trouble With Misbehaving

by Victoria Hanlen

  C.C. leaned closer and pressed her full breasts against his chest.

  Heat flew through him causing his breath to hitch. He couldn’t take much more of this. Why couldn’t he say good night and leave? In an attempt to gently move her away, he made the mistake of setting his hands at her waist. Immediately they embarked on their own mission of discovery.

  “I’m no longer a young girl, Captain,” she whispered. “When I first became a woman, I never considered the strange category I now occupy, somewhere between green girl and unpredictable spinster. No one seems to know what to do with me.”

  “Oh, C.C. That is not the case here.” As proof, his rod twinged, and hoisted to full alert. “You do know what you’re asking of me, don’t you?”

  She swallowed and gave a quick nod.

  The glittering invitation in her eyes sent his pulse hammering like a dozen drummers. Dear God, he should leave now!

  While his heart clenched painfully, he couldn’t pull his gaze from her beautiful face. Without a doubt he loved her. Never had he met anyone he so admired. She’d brought him joy, challenged him to be a better man and gave him so many reasons to want to live.

  George’s words came back to him. “Life can be short. Sometimes it only gives love a narrow window of opportunity. If you can’t recognize the gift, you aren’t worthy of it.”

  Beau took a deep breath. “Just so we understand one another—” the tautness in his throat turned his voice to a husky rasp “—I’m not one for a quick spank and tumble. This could take all night.”

  “I would never presume—” She licked her lips as she reached up, untied his mask and let it fall to the floor.

  The sound of sliding silk and the sensation of her fingers skimming his ears broke the last barrier of his resistance. He ripped off her pink mask, speared his fingers into her hair and captured her lips under his. Pins and sable locks tumbled over her shoulders. The ship pitched sending them tottering. Now that he had his hands on her he couldn’t let go.

  All his lovemaking acumen, all his avowals to take it slow deserted him. Conscious thought gave way to the need that had sunk its teeth into him the day they’d met. He wanted to taste and touch everything.

  Nipping, exploring, feeling the glorious fit of her mouth under his, he slid his tongue between her lips and plunged into her silky warmth. His senses filled with her sweet taste of champagne and anisette and sin.

  “Undress me,” she slurred.

  Sparks of urgency arced through him. The room made another revolution as they kissed and frantically tore at one another’s clothes. She untied his cravat and pulled off his frock coat and waistcoat. He worked loose her hooks, buttons and tapes.

  She suddenly stepped back, holding her loose gown about her in a show of modesty. He could see the rapid pulse in her neck and the muscles work in her throat as she panted. Her jaw had gone slack, and an arrested, stunned expression now covered her face. She looked for all the world like a woman who’d finally come to her senses.

  Chapter 28

  Conflicting voices stole into C.C.’s mind. Her mother’s lectured, ‘A smart woman would never allow her emotions to rule.’ Another nattered, ‘You may break with convention and forswear marriage, but the boys’ welfare now comes first. You must live above reproach.’

  A desperate desire cried loudest, ‘Just this one night, this one last night with the man I love.’ She couldn’t let Beau walk out of her life without answering its call.

  The avid glimmer in Beau’s eyes sent another shiver skating through her.

  She swallowed hard. Titles did not make a man noble or kind; ensure he’d stand by her during dangerous, difficult times; guarantee he’d offer his friendship and brilliance…or repeatedly save her life. She adored Beau and wanted to hold him and caress him, and get as close to him as she possibly could. And this might be her last chance.

  She straightened her spine and let her hands drop. Her gown whispered to her feet and her breasts spilled over the top of her corset, barely concealed by her thin chemise.

  Muscles across his chest and shoulders seemed to expand in reaction. His features sharpened, fixing on her like a lion on its prey. “Exquisite.”

  That one word uttered on a dark rumble sent prickles dancing over her skin. Her blood began to crash through her veins. She had to see more of him.

  Reaching for him, she relieved him of his shirt. He set upon her laces. Down came his trousers. Off came her petticoats, corset and chemise. Shoes and drawers tumbled to the floor. Socks and stockings went flying.

  Within moments nothing stood between them but cool salt air. She shifted her arms to cover her private parts.

  “No, let me see you.” He stayed her hands.

  She hesitated. “I feel so—”

  “It’s not like I haven’t seen you before. When you were sick—”

  “You peeked?”

  “Couldn’t help it—” he gave her a crooked smile “—even deathly ill, you’re beautiful.”

  Not since visiting his semi-dark room at Grancliffe Hall had she seen him less than fully clothed. And, heavens, his clothes had hidden a magnificent physique. Her gaze roamed hungrily over his impressive broad shoulders, down his well-toned torso, and stopped abruptly at several discolorations along his ribs. The sight squeezed her heart. Rives’s men had beaten him ruthlessly, and still Beau had managed to save her life. “Do those bruises hurt?”

  He shook his head. “They’re all healed except for a last bit of color.”

  The floor pitched and he splayed his long, powerful legs against another roll of the ship.

  Her gaze flew to their apex where his manhood jutted stout and sturdily like the mainmast of a freighter. Her eyes widened. Great Jehovah!

  One side of his lips quirked. “He’s a fearsome fellow, but jolly.” Beau quickly swung her up into his arms, carried her to the bed and stretched out beside her.

  “You’re trembling.” He pulled the covers over them and clasped her to his warm body.

  Alarms began to blare. All her nerve endings hummed with awareness. His heavy shaft prodded her stomach and his chest’s soft lawn of hair tickled her breasts. She dragged in a breath, filling her senses with lime, incense and his own spicy essence.

  Even fully clothed she’d had a tactile sense of their bodies’ comfortable fit. Now with nothing to separate them, she reveled in how his hard ridges meshed so tantalizingly with her softer curves.

  The gravity of what she’d set in motion suddenly registered. “In the flesh,” was far more potent and unnerving than any fantasy.

  Her hand shook as she tentatively touched his cheek and brushed soft kisses about his face. She could feel his tension build, and when she finally reached his lips he took over, his caresses taking her breath away. The moment held such sweetness, their bodies so close she could feel the thumping of his heart.

  He moaned her name and rolled her to her back. Desire careered through her. Urges she’d kept at bay suddenly demanded satisfaction.

  “Tell me what you like,” he rumbled as he feathered kisses down her neck. His weathered hand found her breast and gently kneaded, causing her to arch against his palm.

  Like? “This is good.” She shuddered and barely managed, “What do you like?”

  “Touch me,” he rasped.

  She wanted to touch him everywhere, but was unsure of herself. This had quickly gone beyond her depth. Her fingers quivered as she reached to caress the rounded muscles lining his arms and shoulders. The maleness of him, so alien to her own body, felt wonderful and wickedly alive. She brushed over the firm mounds of his pectorals and lightly drew a nail around the purple rim of his flat nipple.

  Air hissed through his teeth, and he traced hers in return.

  Mercy! The soft touch of his fingertip sent charges shooting through her.

  She tentatively moved her hand to explore the muscular length of his back, then gently clasped his firm bum.

  His hips jerked. “You shouldn’t do that, l
uv.”

  “I’m sorry,” she yanked her hand away. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No, I mean…I like it too much.” He laughed.

  Even though the champagne had relaxed her, she felt like a fumbling neophyte. “T-tell me what you’d like me to do.”

  “Surprise me.”

  “I don’t…I mean…I’ve never—”

  He stilled and pulled back to gaze at her. “You’ve never—?”

  She bit her lip “—done this.” At almost thirty, she’d never enjoyed a kiss until she met Beau.

  He raised his head to study her. “Are you telling me you endured a devastating scandal and never even touched the man responsible?”

  “Never.” She turned her face away.

  “Surely you must have—”

  She gazed back at him. “What?”

  “—at least enjoyed…touching…during one or two discreet kisses.”

  “Propriety would not allow either.”

  “How unjust. With the toll it took on your life, there should have been at least a moment or two of…enjoyment.”

  She tried to conceal her embarrassment at how quickly he’d uncovered her inexperience, and worked to steel herself against the feelings of betrayal her scandal always awakened.

  “No wonder you wouldn’t talk of it.” He watched her intently. “You’ve never had…intercourse with a man?” He seemed to need it reaffirmed.

  “Never.”

  His brows pulled together. Another few moments passed while he dragged in tattered breaths and gazed about her face. “Blast and bollocks!” He threw back the covers. “I thought he’d ruined you…thought you’d already—” He slid off the bed and stood. His shoulders rose and fell with his ragged breaths. He fisted his hands. “We can’t do this.”

  “You don’t want me!” Her throat constricted in agony. He was rejecting her! A knife through her heart couldn’t have sliced deeper. She pinched closed her burning eyes to keep the traitorous tears from escaping. This couldn’t be happening.

  The mattress finally sank beside her. His warm hand cupped her chin. “Look at me.”

  Biting the inside of her cheek, she fell into his emerald-green gaze.

  “God help me, C.C. I want you so badly, I’m going out of my mind.” His expression rearranged to something resembling pained sternness. “Do you love me?”

  She blinked back the tears. “Is it necessary I do?”

  He nodded solemnly. “I used to…before Mil…let’s just say, there’s a world of difference between a casual romp and true lovemaking.” He drew his index finger down her jaw. “Not that it can’t be accomplished with no affection whatsoever, but believe me, there is a difference. And besides…dearest, you are untouched. A woman’s virtue is her most valuable—”

  “Do you love me?” she interrupted, bracing herself for a quick shift in conversation, a fake to the left, a clever joke.

  “Oh, my precious jewel, I love you with every ounce of my being.” His voice broke on the last word.

  She’d never heard such a ready declaration and certainly not from a man who meant more to her than air.

  Silence stretched between them. “Your turn,” he coaxed.

  This was a dangerous game. Yes, she loved him, had known for some time, but until now she hadn’t realized how desperately. Admitting such a thing had once destroyed her life. She was loath to repeat the mistake. Instead, she sat up, scooted closer to him and circled her arms around his neck. “I cherish you beyond anything in my life,” and tried to show him in her kiss all that he meant to her.

  She fell back against the pillows and pulled him with her. “Love me, Beau, love all of me,” she whispered.

  His brows furrowed deeper. He seemed about to say something. Instead, he captured her mouth, clasped her hands over her head and pressed her into the bedding. The cool softness of the pillows underneath contrasted startlingly with the heavy ridges of heated male exciting her every sinew. He thrust through her lips, sliding his tongue along hers with enough hunger to curl her toes.

  Reeling from his beguiling kiss she barely noticed his hand move to lightly brush the inside of her thighs. Up and down he teased closer and closer to her cleft.

  He licked and nuzzled the delicate skin on her neck, across her chest and down to her breasts where he lavished staggering attention. While he devastated her with his lips and tongue, his sly fingers stole into her most private place, circling, teasing, exciting her in a way she’d never imagined.

  “Oh!” she gasped.

  “Mmmm.” His throaty rumble almost sounded like a purr…a devilish purr. He must know he was turning her body into a quivering mass of need.

  The lamp sputtered, sending sparks of light flashing around the room, or maybe it was the tingling currents firing through her body.

  Before long, sensation began to throb through her cleft, her breasts and everywhere in between—teasing bursts of electricity—each one more intense than the last. Like a dangerous over-winding of some tantalizing inner mechanism, tension built to an unbearable peak. Suddenly, ragged chains of lightning pulsed through her, unraveling her, flinging her up and over into a new and unexpected terrain of delight.

  For moments she couldn’t move or speak. “Wonderful,” she finally slurred. “I never…tell me how to please you like that.” She opened her eyes to see him watching her.

  His lips slowly curved, accentuating the devilish glint in his darkened eyes. “The pleasure is all mine, luv.”

  How she treasured his smile. She brushed at a golden lock on his forehead. Before she could complete the motion, he leaned over and sucked her breast into his mouth. She gasped as charges dove straight to her core. A moan forced its way up her throat. He was doing it again—addling her mind.

  “Good?” he growled, between laves.

  “Yes, it’s so…”

  “Mmmm hmmm.” He ran a foot down the inside of her calves to her locked ankles. “Let me close, luv.”

  His heavy member pressed against her thigh, an unsettling reminder of where this was leading. But she wanted him, all of him. She adored him and welcomed surrender, even as the daunting unknown loomed in every lecture ever heaped upon a young woman. Shuddering, she slowly loosened her feet.

  In a smooth, controlled move, he settled between her thighs, gently spread her and fit his shaft in her entrance.

  She gasped at the sensation. The champagne’s pleasant effects had lowered her inhibitions, but a shard of fear broke through. She’d been taught to save her virtue for the man she married. Her splayed legs began to quiver against his.

  Beau’s color had risen as he balanced on his elbows. The heat in his expression sent her pulse racing even faster. “Do you want me C.C?”

  “Yes.” Yes, she loved him. Yes, she wanted to share this most intimate of intimacies with him.

  Holding her gaze, he rocked.

  She could see the love smoldering in the depths of his eyes and feel his heavy member wedge into place.

  Her cleft quivered around his implacable presence. He pressed in further. The intensity of the sensation made her begin to pant.

  Beau stilled. “Are you all right, luv?”

  “I— That’s far enough,” she gasped. Surely he didn’t intend to install his entire fearsome fellow in her. Clearly, there was much more of him than was needed for this task.

  He pressed his legs against hers, adjusting their positions. Then reached down to gently tease her sensitive nub. Streams of excitement rushed through her. After a few moments, her muscles eased. He seemed to know the moment she was ready and slowly began to rock again, each time pressing in a little farther.

  The friction intensified. “Better?” he growled, on a labored breath.

  She ran her hands up and down his muscled back while she shifted her hips to accommodate his heavy presence. Soon she was beside herself. She craved more of him, even as she desperately wanted to wriggle away.

  “It’s too—” Suddenly it was too much. She woozily
tried to squirm out from under him. With his last adjustment, he’d spread her wide, making her devastatingly vulnerable. She attempted to scoot back, to dislodge him. But he was too heavy and too securely embedded.

  “Steady on, luv. You can take me. I know you can.” Moisture beaded on his brow as his chest heaved. He bent down to lick a long tingling line around her breast, fastening onto the tender bud to suckle and tease. Ribbons of excitement careened through her. The urge to move became paramount.

  Her hands slid down to his bum and grabbed hold to help her adjust around him. Instead, he tensed and thrust hard. A sting and sudden weighty fullness forced the air from her lungs.

  He stilled again, panting. “That’s my girl. I knew you could do it.” He brushed his lips across hers in a tender caress that gradually deepened. As always, she was helpless against his mind-addling kisses. He licked the crease between her lips and when she opened to him, he swept into her mouth in a possession as powerful and erotic as the joining of their bodies.

  She could taste the sweetened champagne on his tongue, feel his unyielding shaft in her passage and the mounds of his scrotum pressed against her cleft. And knew, as impossible as it seemed, his ‘jolly fellow’ was fully inside her.

  All the months they’d been together, all the perils they’d faced seemed to coalesce in this moment. They were finally one, a searing fusion of their hearts and bodies.

  The fine nerves in her passage began to scream around his stout invasion. Reading her need, he lifted her thigh. “Clasp your legs around my hips, luv.” His shoulder and neck muscles bulged as he began a slow rock.

  The excitement and exertion had her pulse beating double time. How she loved the way he watched her so tenderly. Her inner muscles began to clench and throb as his drives became more potent. A wild frenzy took hold. She found herself reaching for something unnameable. Her fingers frantically roamed his back. She filled her hands with the rounded sinews of his buttocks and clutched. He groaned and thrust deep.

  This time there were no building bursts of electricity. Something in her suddenly gripped him and ignited. Bolts of pleasure ricocheted through her and shot to the very ends of her limbs. The blinding power of it forced her head back and arched her spine.