by Josie Dennis
He’d tried to deny it to her but he was always so starchy Rose had simply assumed that he didn’t want to share his private thoughts with a mouthy maid from Dublin. It was true she sometimes felt as put down as her poor mother had been, saddled with eight children and a husband who worked like a dog to put bread on the table. It was a hard life.
Oh, Rose missed her family but she’d had to go into service as soon as she was able. She consoled herself on lonely nights with the thought that matters might be marginally better for the family without her mouth to feed. Letters were scarce but she heard often enough to know the Killians continued in health at the very least.
Sinking down on her narrow bed, she settled her chin in her hands. She was fortunate to find this position. She was but twenty-one years old and already had six years of service under her apron. And working here at Hawksfell was far preferable to the other positions she’d occupied. She’d been a kitchen maid and parlor maid, shackled to the scullery or passing like a ghost to keep the rooms of the great house clean yet never getting in the way of the quality.
Her lips tingled and she thought to Morrissey’s brief kiss. It was hardly a kiss, actually. She felt a pull toward him that she’d never felt toward Hugh. He was just as pretty but there was a spark in the chauffeur’s eyes that she’d never glimpsed in Hugh’s. Not in her direction, in any event.
It was a pity but she knew she could do nothing to risk her position or his. She would simply continue in solitude and pray that she kept this position until she was too old to serve.
Her eyes filled with tears and she let them come. There was one benefit to keeping apart from the rest of the staff.
She could cry in peace.
Chapter 2
Jared nursed his mug of ale, his mind in a muddle. The Inn at Helmsley was full and boisterous on this spring evening, which was no surprise. The wind was blowing briskly and it was colder than a witch’s teat outside. Every time the door opened the patrons howled their displeasure at whatever poor soul inadvertently let in the bitter air. As for Jared, he sat with his back to the huge fireplace set in one thick wall of the inn’s main room, thinking about the set-down he’d given poor sweet Rose earlier today. He gave no care to the chilled wind encroaching, and he paid little attention as yet another hapless visitor opened the door to groans and hollers. That was, until the tall man stood over his table.
“May I join you?” the man’s deep voice rumbled.
Jared’s eyes moved slowly up the man’s fit form to settle on a face of pure masculine ruggedness. Glossy black hair fell across his brow and the dark eyes in his finely chiseled face were familiar. Very familiar.
“Certainly, my lord.”
The man cursed softly as he shrugged out of his coat and pulled out a chair. “So there’s no hiding in this corner of Yorkshire, is there?”
Jared shrugged. “You have those dark Hawk eyes, my lord. I might not know your title but your familial connection is clear.”
The man tilted his head in a nod. “Baron Waltham, then. Robert Hawk.”
Jared searched through his memory for the names of the other Hawks who had visited the manor, both before and since his employment there. “You’re new.”
Lord Waltham gave a sort of laugh, another deep rumbling that danced over his skin. “I suppose, yes.”
“I’m Jared Morrissey, my lord.” He tamped down his physical reaction to this titled gentleman. It was not welcome and not allowed. “I’m the chauffeur up at Hawksfell Manor.”
One dark brow arched. “You work for the earl?”
“I do.” Jared nodded. “You’ve never been to the manor?”
“No.” The baron’s dark eyes slid toward the crackling fire. “I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Jared felt a stirring of his own passions at the baron’s words. “You’ll find it here at the inn, I wager.”
Lord Waltham’s gaze snapped back to him. “What?”
Jared smiled, his cheeks going hot. “Forgive me, my lord. My mouth tends to run ahead of my brain.”
The other man smiled, taking his face from handsome to breathtaking. “No worries, I’m sure. Do I detect a bit of a brogue in your tongue?”
“Yes, my lord. I was raised in Ireland.”
Lord Waltham raised a hand to a passing serving girl to signal for two ales. “And now you’re mired in the wilds of York.”
Jared laughed. “Hardly mired. I’m most fortunate to find a job I love at such a place.”
“As chauffeur?”
“I’m blessed with the very good luck to work on the earl’s motor cars when I’m not driving the family around. I consider that lucky indeed.”
The baron grinned. “Yes, that is lucky. I’m forever finding myself down in my own garage.”
It was Jared’s turn to be surprised. “Truly?”
The ales arrived and Lord Waltham took a long drink before answering. “I like my motor cars and like working on them. Is that so shocking?”
“That a titled gentleman putters with the grease and motors?” He smiled. “A tad, yes.”
The baron chuckled. “Yes, I drive my venerable old butler quite mad about that very thing.”
“You should visit the earl’s carriage house, then. He has quite a few handsome beauties down there.”
Baron Waltham ran his gaze over him and Jared felt his skin tighten. “I should say I’m not surprised.”
Jared was completely enthralled by this man and knew he had to pull back. He heard his father’s warnings blaring in his head. Even though this Hawk was warm and welcoming, he had the eyes of a Hawk and a Hawk’s propensities. Yet he couldn’t keep from staring at him, his body as affected as it had been when Rose had stepped so close to him.
He had to put some distance between himself and this gentleman. Before he did something to put his position in jeopardy and lost everything.
* * * *
Robert drank more of his ale as he leaned back in his chair. His companion, this Jared Morrissey, was an interesting fellow. Handsome and charming and very pleasant. More than pleasant. Their conversation was putting him at ease, something he scarcely felt, and his beast was stirring as well. This man, this chauffeur of his Hawk relative, was compelling. He hadn’t had a man in some time. He never gave much thought to his partners.
Man or woman, groom or maid, he took what he needed and they were amply rewarded for their service. If it left him cold that was the price he paid for being a Hawk. Urges that demanded to be satisfied was his curse. He’d thought that his recent coupling with one of the maids at Waltham Hall would set him in good stead for weeks but now with this tempting man in front of him? He found himself watching his mobile mouth as he spoke about his work at Hawksfell Manor.
“You love your work,” Robert interjected.
The words startled him and his companion. Jared blinked his pretty blue eyes at him, his mouth slightly parted.
“I do.”
Robert couldn’t help leaning forward. “I wish I could summon that sort of passion.”
A naughty twinkle came into the chauffeur’s eyes. “Ah, never say you don’t feel passion, Lord Waltham. You are a Hawk, after all.”
Robert welcomed the flash of want that washed over him this time. He could smell the man’s fresh scent. It was very alluring and unlike any he’d encountered. “And what do you know about Hawks and their passions?”
Jared’s cheeks flushed but he leaned closer as well. “They are legendary, my lord.”
“Robert.” Robert cleared his throat, which was suddenly parched despite the ale he’d drunk. “Please, call me Robert.”
The smile that crossed Jared’s face seemed to raise the temperature in the room. With a glance around to assure none of the other patrons paid them any undue notice, he placed a hand on Jared’s firm, muscled thigh.
Jared’s muscles hardened further, and then he covered his hand with his own. “What are you about, Robert?”
Robert felt his own cheeks heat but he
flashed an awkward smile. “I’m not sure.”
Jared chuckled, his good humor again evident. “You’re not sure? Trust me, my body is quite sure.”
Robert didn’t try to disguise his desires now, even as shame bit at him. “I don’t do this sort of thing, Jared.” He pulled back, unable to look away from him. “I don’t bed new acquaintances. I would never force myself on someone.”
Jared blinked at him, then placed his other hand over the one Robert had fisted on the table. “Liberties? Surely no one could refuse you when you turn those dark Hawk eyes on them.”
Robert found a smile, which was surely the other man’s goal. “No one does refuse me. Mostly because I pay my staff very well for their services.” He shrugged. “And their discretion.”
Jared gave both his hands a squeeze and folded his own on the table now. “Your staff.” He winked. “Yes, I’ve heard of the Hawks and their well-paid staff. Well-satisfied, too, if I had to guess.”
His teasing tone had its affect and Robert felt his shoulders relax a bit. “And just what have you heard about my well-satisfied staff?”
Jared laughed, an infectious sound. “I’m speaking in generalities, Robert. Hawks in general, that is.”
“Well then, I can assure you that I’ve never left anyone wanting.”
“Wanting more though, I’ll bet.”
Robert actually chuckled at Jared’s quip. He was utterly charmed by this man. He’d never had any brothers growing up in his large and lonely house. He’d certainly never had any boon companions, in school or out. He’d been raised alone and he just imagined he would die alone. But this interaction with the affable Jared Morrissey made him think that perhaps he could make connections beyond the sexual.
“You’re a charmer, Jared Morrissey.”
Jared shrugged now. “So I’ve been told. The lasses seem to like me.”
Robert tilted his head to one side. “And the lads, I wager.”
Jared colored a little then grinned. “I can’t speak to that. But after making your acquaintance I’m beginning to see the merits.”
Robert just stared at him. He’d never loved a man? Someone as magnetic as Jared would surely have legions of men and women in his past, perhaps as many as any Hawk. An image flashed in his mind, one of Jared letting Robert do everything to him he wanted to at this moment. Of bringing him to release as his laughs turned to moans. His beast stirred again and his cock throbbed at the mere thought. He wanted this man, not some nameless groom who was paid for his time and effort. It was this acquaintance, this friend, he craved.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Jared.”
Jared lost his smile. “I wasn’t aware of any game, Robert.”
Robert pulled back. “I’m afraid I’ve overstepped.”
Jared shook his head. “Never, my lord.”
Robert felt the distance the formal address put between them, and he took the escape it afforded him. He came to his feet, sweeping his coat off the back of his chair to hold it close to his groin. He had to hide the evidence of his urges behind the thick wool fabric. Perhaps the cold outside temperatures would chill the hardness away, but he doubted it. It never had before.
“I’ll no longer intrude on your evening, Jared.” He bent at the waist then straightened. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Jared stood. “Please stay.”
Robert shook his head and donned his coat, wrapping it tight around him. “I cannot. I have pressing business awaiting me at Waltham Hall.”
With that, he left the inn and hurried out toward his motor car. He had to put distance between himself and this beguiling man. No one had ever made him want to know a sexual partner before pleasing them both. No one had ever made him crave a man’s friendship as well as a man’s ass or mouth. He hadn’t even realized he’d want such a thing.
As he drove himself back to the hall, he knew he’d never have that true connection. He didn’t deserve it.
* * * *
“Rose, sweet.”
The whisper reached through Rose’s sleepy mind and she shifted in her bed. She’d been dreaming of Morrissey, so she assumed this audible intrusion was just an extension of that dream.
“Rose, open up.” Scratches came at her door then, soft and insistent.
She sat up with a jerk. That was certainly no dream whisper. Not when taken with the scratches. She slipped out of her bed and padded to the door. “Who is it?” As if she didn’t know.
“It’s me.”
And there it was. “Morrissey?”
A chuckle reached her, sending shivers through her body. “Ah, there’s my girl.”
She unlatched the door and pulled it open a bit. There was Morrissey all right, leaning against the wall with his pretty face nearly in the crack of the door.
“Morrissey, are you daft?”
He smiled at that. He had such a lovely smile. “Let me in, Rose.”
Her mouth dropped open. “What? Clearly you’re foxed.”
“Yes, I had more than my share of ale.” He threw a glance down the hall then returned those sparkling blue eyes in her direction. “Hurry, sweet. Before Mrs. Holmes catches wind of this.”
That warning was all she had to hear to do his bidding. Reaching out, she grabbed the front of his rumpled shirt and pulled him into her room. She closed the door then turned to glare at him.
“What is this about, Morrissey?” she rushed out in a harsh whisper.
He stared at her and in that instant she felt like she was wearing nothing at all. Surely not the thick, modest nightgown that covered her from head to toe.
“You are so very lovely, Rose.” He leaned down to bring his forehead to hers. “So very tempting. Temping like him. Only, not like him.”
She blinked as she tried to unravel the riddle of his words. “Morrissey, please. You’re not making any sense.”
He smiled widely. “Jared, please.” He stroked her cheek, his touch sweet and tempting. “Call me Jared.”
She swallowed. “Jared, then. Have you taken leave of your senses?”
He came closer, pinning her to the door with his body. “I need you, Rose. I’m in a bad way.”
To her shock, he took her hand, kissed it, and then placed it on the front of his trousers. Oh, he was huge and hard there. She pulled back like his flesh burned her. It did, but not in the manner it should for an untried virginal girl.
“Jared!” she whispered.
“Just love me a little, Rose?” He pressed closer, his hardness rubbing against her belly now. “I need you.”
Her lips trembled as she imagined Jared’s pretty mouth against hers. “Do you need my kisses, Jared?”
His eyes widened a moment at her boldness, and then he chuckled again. “Ah, your kisses. I’ll just bet they’re sweet, indeed.” He brought his lips to hers and pressed gently. Pulling back with a sigh, he nodded. “As sweet as the rest of you.”
She licked her lips, tasting his freshness on her tongue. It was the scent she marked as his. She’d always smelled it in the carriage house, even among the engine and motor smells. “Your kiss is sweet as well.”
“Aye?” He brought his mouth to hers again, stroking his tongue over her lower lip. “Then taste this.”
He surged inside her mouth and she moaned softly. He tasted heady and fresh, too. Like ale and sunlight, if that were possible. Grabbing onto his shoulders, she pulled him closer and opened her mouth for more of him. He ground against her as he kissed her, his hands on her bottom as he awoke all sorts of sinful feelings within her.
“Touch me, Rose,” he rasped, grappling with the front of his trousers. He released himself with a hiss. “Christ, I’m hard.”
His words were crude and they spoke to a part of her she hadn’t known existed. Unable to resist the notion, she wrapped her hand around his shaft. He was smooth and hot and as hard as a silver candlestick. Moving her fingers, she began to stroke him.
“Do you like that, Jared?” She had to know.
&n
bsp; He growled and turned her, stumbling with her until they fell onto her bed. He rolled onto his back and stretched out, putting his hand over hers. “Like this, love.”
He moved up and down and she did likewise, earning groans and gasps from him.
“Quiet,” she breathed, nuzzling his neck. His scent was stronger here, and she had to lick him. “You mustn’t wake the others.”
He nodded, using his other hand to stroke over her hair. “Sweet Rose, make me come.”
She lifted her head and stared at him. His lashes were thick and dark on his cheeks. “What?”
He opened his eyes, and looked up at her. “Give me release, love.”
She bit her lip and he groaned again. Their movements became more frantic and he pulled her head down until her mouth covered his. He kissed her and she caught his moans as he shuddered beneath her. The next moment he spurted hot and wet against his belly.
Taking in big gulps of air, Jared released her mouth and leaned up on his elbows. “Christ,” he cursed again.
She watched as he pulled up his shirt, showing his leanly-muscled abdomen as he used the shirttail to wipe himself clean.
“You found release, Jared? Um, you came?”
He glanced at her, and then their gazes held. “You made me come, Rose.” He kissed her fingers as he had earlier. “It’s magic, your touch.”
She shrugged. She felt out of sorts. As if something was missing. Her skin felt tight and she seemed to itch. And throb, especially between her legs.
He sat up and kissed her, his hands cupping her face. “I’m sorry to leave you unsatisfied.”
She gaped. “I am not.”
He tilted his head. “Trust me, Rose. I’ve seen such frustration and you need a bit of loving yourself.”
Alarm trilled through her and she shook her head. “No.”
He stroked her cheek then nodded. “As you wish, then.” He climbed off the bed and tucked himself back into his trousers. “I thank you for your time and attention, Rose. You were just what I needed.”