by Arlene Lam
“Is that a fact?” He asked reaching out to cup her face in his hands.
“That’s a fact.” She said placing her hands over his in an attempt to move them and escape his fierce stare.
“Amelia.” He whispered bringing her face directly in front of his.
“What?”
“Tonight I’m going to prove you wrong.”
Watching him rise to his feet in front of her, as he moved beside her on the squeaky mattress and then as he pushed her down delicately so that she lay down in front of him Amelia found it hard to speak. Her voice was caught in her throat. But she didn’t care because all she could think about all of a sudden was him. How the heat of him being so close felt so right and how it would feel to have his lips on her once more even if it were only for the smallest moment. And when he bent down to her, she closed her eyes in anticipation. He was soft at first, gentle. Barely brushing her lips with his own, but she didn’t want him to be delicate. Her emotions would not allow her to, and so she let her hands go about his head to pull him more securely to her.
Jordan took heed and let his tongue delve into the sweetness of her mouth, while he pushed the thin straps of her nightgown down about her shoulders, ending his assault on her mouth and turning his attention to kissing the exposed flesh there, only to move on to the soft swell of her breast.
The chocolate mounds enticing him to taste them brought his lips to one dusky hardened nipple, the muffled groan coming from below music to his ears. Feeling her slowly arch her back against him he took it as a welcome sign and ran his tongue over the other hardened nub. Peeling back the rest of the material he didn’t stop until it caught in a heap at her waist.
He thought better of removing it completely, he was in no rush and the last thing he wanted was to scare her. In fact he intended on taking it as slow as possible, so he could enjoy and relish everything thing about her. Taking the time to look at her he saw her as she shut her eyes tight and bit her lower lip and thought, at that moment there couldn’t be anything in the world more stunning than this woman.
Amelia caught him staring. Senses finally taking hold of her she crossed her arms in front of her chest obstructing his view a deep blush heating her cheeks as she wondered how long he had looked at her. Feeling deeply embarrassed by his roaming gaze she turned her head from him and spoke into the pillow. “Please don’t look at me like that.”
Jordan placed his hand on her chin and forced her to look at him. “Like what?”
“Like that.” She said screwing her face up oddly and motioning to him. Confused by the frustrated look he was now directing at her.
Prying her arms away from her, Jordan placed them neatly at her side and held them there so that she couldn’t block his view of her again. “I can’t help the way I look, especially when I see something I like.” He said and was rewarded with a shy smile, but quickly had to stop her from burying her face within the pillow once more. “I don’t want you to hide.” He stated. “Not with me, I like looking at you far too much.”
“Why?” She asked in all honesty. “I’m not the prettiest girl and there are dozens and dozens of beautiful women right here in New Orleans who would want nothing else than to be with you.”
“I don’t want those women. I want you. I’ve told you before. You’re beautiful.” Leaning into her he kissed the top of her head sweetly. He didn’t see how a woman as lovely as she was couldn’t see it for herself. Kissing her neck he looked up at her. “You are stunning.” Moving to the crevice between her breasts he kissed her there delicately. “Gorgeous.” From there he started a burning trail down to her stomach kissing her right above her navel and stopping. “Exquisite.” Sliding the intrusive nightgown slowly down the length of her Jordan didn’t let his gaze fall from hers. “You are Vous êtes une belle et magnifique femme. You are perfect.”
Bringing his face back up to her own Amelia kissed him with enough fiery passion and reckless abandonment that it shocked her. Taking a chance she tore herself from him for only a moment wanting him to reassure her that what she was doing was right.
Kissing her fluttery lids closed, Jordan rolled over on his back taking her with him and felt her hands move hesitantly to his chest. Unbuttoning his shirt Jordan let her move his hands to the side playfully as he had done. He watched as with each button she freed she placed a shy kiss to the heated flesh that was revealed until she came to his pants where she timidly retreated back the way she’d come. She placed feather soft kisses at the junction behind his ear instead, the action wringing a slow low groan from him.
Rising up above him Amelia looked down at him in wonder. She let her eyes start first with his face, which from the moment she laid eyes on him was forever etched in her brain, he was too handsome for his own good. He had his dark unruly hair cut neatly but still it was long enough to curl at the nap of his neck where she reached out to play with it, fine black brows complemented long straight lashes that even now in the dark seemed to cast shadows on his face and served well in setting off his striking eyes they were the deepest blue and fringed with the brightest violet.
He was smiling at her so those dimples, which set many a lady on edge, could be seen clearly and she couldn’t resist the urge to lean down and touch her lips to his. His physique was nicely tanned by the sun and deeply muscled. Sinewy arms led to his solid chest and his stomach was rippled with muscles of their own and well defined. Placing her hand there she let her finger follow the thin trail of hair beginning at his bellybutton until it disappeared below his pants. Glancing tentatively to him she slowly undid his belt and coyly began to pull at his pants, and was taken off guard when his strong hands took her by the wrist stopping her.
Jordan gently moved her off of him, he prided himself on control but if she kept going on the way she was he would soon lose it and that would have to come much later. Running his hands down her side to her smooth thighs below, he began pushing them apart causing her to tense a little, clasping them together tightly not allowing him to move any further. Kissing her ear once he nipped the top of it with his teeth. “Trust me.” He said willing her to do so with his words and actions.
He felt her loosen a little and went back to prodding her legs apart until there was enough room for him to place one of his legs between them.
“Trust you.” She repeated more to herself than him and tried to follow his simple request. Amelia could feel the harsh material of his trousers rubbing against the inside of her thigh but could barely pay it any mind as his fingers began a searing voyage from the outside of her thigh to the silky skin inside. A divine aching started in the pit of her belly that proceeded to shoot out through every inch of her body. Her hands reached to clench the sheets beneath her at the feeling.
Jordan feared she would have jumped right out of the bed if not for his hand on her stomach holding her securely down. “Amelia.”
Amelia wasn’t even sure if she could speak, or if she had actually heard him call her name. Even if he had, how could he expect her to respond when he was wreaking such havoc on her body and mind?
He could feel her taking in ragged breaths and lowered himself to kiss the inside of her thigh. He heard her whimper his name. “You do trust me don’t you?”
Amelia nodded her head shakily, why was he asking questions at a time like this?
“Say it.” He said slyly. Outlining her most intimate part with his finger before placing his mouth to the spot he just touched.
“Yes I trust you.” She said trying to hold herself still. She wanted to scream but the noise died in her throat and turned into a deep moan. She could bear no more. “Please Jordan.” She begged, not knowing what she was asking for or what she needed, but knowing he had the answers and could give her release.
Jordan knew it was cruel but he could not resist. Moving to her chest once more he used his deft fingers to trace circles around her breast. “Do you want me?” He questioned.
“Yes.” She answered back confused, but not caring
for the aching
was now becoming a deep throbbing within her soul.
“Do you forgive me?” Jordan watched as she looked at him
Amelia closed her eyes at the satisfied look on his face. This wasn’t fair at all, but as he moved from her she didn’t care and told him what he wanted to hear. “Yes, I forgive you.”
Jordan kissed her soundly. And moved from his position above her to the side of her placing his hands to her cheek at the look she gave him.
She almost looked frightened at the prospect of him going. “I’m not leaving.” He assured her; removing his pants he discarded them carelessly to the floor. Then once again moved into his previous position above her, placing his hands along the side of her head to support his weight he kneed her thighs apart with his powerful ones until he could settle down comfortably between them.
Amelia felt the hot heat of him against her and thought she’d surely go mad at the intense and unfamiliar pleasure he was giving her. Impulsively she thrust her hips upward to meet him.
Reaching behind him Jordan wrapped her legs about his waist wanting her to be as close to him as possible when he began to slowly but surely enter. Telling himself to take his time no matter how hard it was.
But when he was inside of her she was so tight and secure around him he was hard pressed not to move. Pressing deeper at last he came to her barrier, the last wall that separated him from her. “I’m sorry.” he whispered and broke through it quickly not wanting to prolong the inevitable. She went still and whimpered beneath him. Feeling as if somehow he had betrayed her he tried to explain himself. “It will only hurt this once.”
Amelia shook her head up and down roughly, hugging him to her. It hurt, true but as quickly as it had come it started to ease away. Lenora had told her this would happen the first time and she understood he didn’t mean to hurt her on purpose and blinked back the salty sting of tears that gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Giving her time to adjust to him Jordan waited until she once more relaxed in his hold before he started to move inside her, withdrawing only a little before pushing back inside. He sent out a silent prayer of thanks as she instinctively moved her hips to match his motions and once again turned to kissing her pouty mouth. More than pleased as she whispered his name at every pause.
Amelia arched her back up desperate to hold on to him, to hold him to her as pleasurable white hot heat spiraled down from her stomach and exploded in every hemisphere of her body leaving her with the most wonderful throbbing coursing through her veins.
Jordan held her tightly to him as he quickened his pace finding his own release not too long after hers. Moaning her name within her hair. Gingerly Jordan lowered himself down to her and rolling onto his back took her with him. Not wanting to crush her with his weight and not yet willing to give her up.
Moving his hands to her hair he gently brushed his fingers through its dark glossy strands threading them through his fingers until it fell from his grasp. He let her place kisses on his chest while she nestled down contentedly in the nook in his arm. He brought her hand to his face and touched the tips of her fingers to his mouth only then noticing the silver band she wore. Reading the emblem written across it, the jolt of jealously he felt was unwelcome to say the least. He pulled the piece from her finger and examined it more closely.
Taking the wide gold band from his hand Jordan looked at the ring his initials emblazed across its edge, it was a gift from his mother. Placing the silver ring on the side drawer he placed his own on her index finger where it hung loosely, moving it to her thumb he pushed it down, there it fit better.
“Why did you do that?” Amelia inquired drowsily.
Kissing her hair he focused his eyes on the ceiling. Not giving her an answer, simply because he didn’t know why except for the fact he didn’t like her wearing that man’s ring. “You’re sleepy.” He stated.
“No not sleepy, tired.” She said suppressing yet another yawn. “There is a difference, did you know?”
“No I didn’t.”
“And I don’t want to sleep. Not now.”
“What will you have us do then, Princess?” He questioned, and surprised himself by the endearing name he had used.
“I don’t know? What do you usually do after something like this?” She said, a slight tinge lighting up her face.
“Maybe I’ve never done this before.” He said trying to keep a straight look on his face as accusing arrows shot out of her eyes. “Most young women wouldn’t wish to speak of such things.”
“I am not most young women.”
“No, you are not—you’re far more beautiful.”
Amelia stared up at him drowsily and with barely opened eyes. “I thought you already got what you wanted from me, or was I mistaken?” She asked but seeing how he knit his brows together in aggravation she added quietly, “You really think so?”
“I know it.” Tracing the contours of what he was now sure of to be the sweetest softest alluring mouth that God had the good grace to make, Jordan shifted so that she lay completely atop him and once again he felt himself being seduced by the woman. The mere smell of her, just one touch, a look and he was lost. Closing his eyes he tried to absorb the feel of her into his senses.
Amelia tried and failed in her attempt to move to his side, strong arms held her firmly in place. “Jordan let go, I don’t want to crush you.”
“I doubt it.” He answered back holding her tighter. “See, still breathing. Amelia.” Seeing that she wasn’t looking at him he took a hand to bring her chin forward until their eyes met. “Where do you get these ideas?”
“What ideas?”
Placing his hands behind his neck Jordan made himself comfortable giving her another of those looks and waited patiently for her to answer.
“From everyone.”
“Being?” He inquired, truly wanting to know who was responsible for her warped sense of worth.
“What do you mean being? Lorraine and her friends.”
“That’s not everyone.” Reaching up he grasped her face in his palms and brought it to meet his own. “Far from it.” Kissing the side of her neck he rained plenty more kisses down until he came to her ear nipping her lightly.
Lazily she laid her head on his chest finding contentment in just listening to the soft beat of his heart. She wanted to stay like she was for as long as possible. She didn’t want him to ever leave, but that was impossible she knew. Yet she would request one thing. “Jordan?”
“Yes.” He replied quickly fighting the sleep trying to claim him.
“Wait until I fall asleep to leave? I just want to be able to feel your arms around me I know it’s dumb but…”
“Of course Princess.” He said, silencing her. If he had felt low before it paled in comparison to how he felt at that precise moment. Low didn’t do him justice. What he’d done tonight would in no way effect him but for her, though she wasn’t a part of high society everything one did being scrutinized and examined for approval he knew she was subject to her own rules, everyone was in one way or another, and he hurt her in more ways than one.
Letting her eyes fall closed, Amelia wrapped her arms around his waist. “Just one more thing.”
“Hmm.”
“Don’t call me Princess, and you didn’t prove me wrong tonight. You didn’t take what you wanted, it was given to you.”
“Is that right Princess?” He laughed into her hair, raising himself onto his elbows in time for her to grace him with a brilliant smile. Then as she closed her eyes and her breathing slowed and she dozed off, expertly he moved her to the side of him without waking her.
Picking up his clothes he quickly dressed as the sun crept sluggishly up above the horizon. Bending down he pulled the covers over her and stood against the wall near the window watching her sleep. For how long he didn’t know. He just stood and watched. Surprised at the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach. He hated the fact that when she woke he wouldn’t be there to see it. A
thought that now rattled his nerves.
Reluctantly he turned from her deciding against the idea of stealing her away. She would object no doubt. He hadn’t bargained for this. Somehow getting what he wanted was becoming more complicated than usual.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
It was early and Lorraine grumbled at the strong knock on her door. Morgan wouldn’t have arrived already? Amelia was still sleep but she could easily wake her up. Running a hand down her crinkled skirt Lorraine answered. “Why you here so early?”
“Ma’am?”
Lorraine traveled up to the face of the unfamiliar voice. “Mr. Bradford—” She stumbled.
“I’m sorry to intrude on you so early and I know Amelia is scheduled off but I was hoping she could come into work today. Last minute guest arrival and we need her expertise in the kitchen. She will be compensated greatly.”
She did need the money. Lorraine gave the white man a cool look. “Would you like to come in, I’ll fetch her.”
“No Ma’am I’ll wait in the carriage.” Jordan observed the woman frown at him before shutting the door in his face. He had yet to sleep and he was tired but as soon as he had arrived home he was tumbling out of bed again to see Amelia.
He knew he was acting irrationally. When he’d made it in the door Vivian an early riser gave him a disapproving and salacious glower. She was no fool and somehow he felt she knew. Yet he owed excuses or apologies to only one woman and he planned on giving them today.
Inside the house Lorraine had already made her way to her niece’s room and rudely threw it open. “Get up and put something on.”
Amelia was startled but not so much as to not follow her command. “Where are we going?”
“That white man here for you, need you to do some cooking for his folks.” Lorraine tossed a brown cotton frock to Amelia. “Here you can wear that.”
Clamoring out of bed Amelia rounded up her pair of worn black shoes and tried to hide the fact her heart was in her throat. There was no way she was going to let Lorraine catch wind of anything being out of the ordinary.