by Dayna Quince
“A better one,” Thea said flatly.
“You don’t sound very enthused by the notion.”
“I—it’s just…”
“You didn’t like it.”
Thea bit her lip. “Not all of it.”
“Which part did you like?”
“Most of it, up until the end when you…put your thing inside me.” She blushed.
He snorted and smothered a laugh.
Thea scowled at him. “It’s not funny. It’s humiliating.”
“For whom? Certainly not for you. I didn’t call a part of your body a thing like it’s a monster.”
“I’m sorry. I just…I’m not explaining things very well.” Thea cringed at using the word thing again.
“Wouldn’t it be better to not talk about things, and just…do?” He turned her head towards his and took her lips.
Thea enjoyed the kiss for a moment, but then she pulled away. “I need to talk about it.”
“All right.” He sighed and pulled back, but she was still tucked against his side. It was comforting.
“I don’t know where to begin,” she admitted.
“Let’s start from the beginning. Do you like when I touch you with my hands.”
“Yes.”
“When I kiss you?” He kissed her nose.
“Yes.” She smiled. She felt less embarrassed now, and tingly.
“When I lick you?” He pulled her tighter too him and licked her ear lobe.
Thea nodded.
“Good. I think this is going very well. Would you agree?”
Thea nodded again. She couldn’t help smiling now.
“Do you like it when I touch your breasts?” As he said the words, he cupped her.
Thea pressed herself into his hand and nodded. His lips caught hers, and Thea boldly thrust her tongue into his mouth. She arched into his hands and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He pulled her into his lap and nimble fingers untied the laces at her back, loosening her bodice. Then he pulled it down and exposed her chest.
“Lovely,” he said as he trailed kisses from her lips to her chin, setting her skin on fire as he made his way lower. He cupped her breast again, pushing it up to his mouth.
Thea let out a throaty moan.
“You definitely like this,” he murmured.
“Yes,” Thea hissed.
He spent some time devoting his attention to each breast before pulling away and looking into her eyes. “What next shall we explore?”
Thea couldn’t answer. Her mind had drifted away and left a pleasant fog in its place. His hand slipped under her dress, and his fingers tickled their way slowly up her calf, to the sensitive spot behind her knee, and on to her thigh. She tossed her head back, sighing as Felton’s lips settled on her neck. Her legs opened as his devilish fingers found her sensitive bud.
Yes. This was everything she liked. His hands, his lips, they brought nothing but pure pleasure. They played her like a harp, strumming her nerves until they sang in perfect harmony.
His mouth drew on her nipple again, and his finger probed her inner heat. She tensed for a moment, but it only felt as wonderful as it always had. She opened her legs wider, and another finger slipped in. She felt fuller now like he was stretching her, but his thumb was doing wicked things against that place that made her insides pop like embers.
“You like this, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she cried. She could feel her body already climbing to the sweet summit.
“There’s more, Thea. So much more. Do you want more?”
She nodded.
“Good. I’ve explored you. I know what you like and what you love. Would you like to explore me?”
Thea opened her eyes. Explore him? Her body fell away from heaven as his fingers left her. “What do you mean?”
“I know you’re afraid of the pain you felt before, and you’re afraid of that part of me. Perhaps if you experienced that part of me in other ways, it would alleviate your fears?”
Her curiosity was peaked. She hadn’t had the opportunity to look at him last night. All she’d felt was the bluntness and the pain as he entered her. “All right.” She sat up and slipped to his side again. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, to begin, touching me will feel just as good for me as it does for you.”
She looked at his lap nervously and then back at him.
He chuckled. “It won’t bite.”
She slapped his thigh and rolled her eyes.
“Do you want me to show you?”
“Yes,” she said with a blush.
He took her hand and placed it over the swollen ridge in his trousers. Thea’s eyes widened at first. Her fingers reflexively curled over him. He squeezed them tighter and closed his eyes. Thea watched in amazement as pleasure swept over his features and his hips thrust against her grip on him. She moved her hand more, following the length of him.
“Yes, Thea,” he groaned softly. “Touch me, explore me.”
“I…I want to see,” she whispered.
He eagerly unbuttoned his trousers, and his shaft sprang free. Timidly, she touched him, marveling at the softness and the warmth of him. He wrapped her hand around him and squeezed, groaning again, moving her hand up and down his shaft before letting go.
Thea aptly took over, reveling in the grunts and groans she could make him utter. Up close, his thing wasn’t as terrifying as she’d thought. She felt a bit silly now for being so afraid. The more she touched him, the more he enjoyed it, and she realized seeing the pleasure she gave him affected her.
“There’s more,” he said abruptly, halting her hand. “But the most important thing right now is that you see how my body was made for yours, made to give you pleasure.”
“I see,” Thea said. Her body wanted that pleasure desperately.
“The pleasure is greater when we share in it together.” He lifted her skirts to her waist, freeing her legs. He adjusted her until she straddled him.
“Wait,” she held herself above him.
“I don’t have to be inside you right now. Just feel me against you. Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she breathed. She slowly lowered until his hardness was cradled against her softness and it felt…good. She relaxed a little. She swayed, and the jostling of the carriage caused her to move against him. He groaned, and his head fell back against the seat. As new sensations startled her, she settled more firmly against him, and he thrust against her, right against her sensitive hood. She rocked against him, her body glorying in this new pleasure. It was different and better. She let go of all her restraint and moved against him, the fire inside her roaring back to life as her body found a new way to enjoy his, and his pleasure fueled hers.
She rocked her hips back and forth, his hands gripping her hips, holding her steady. He buried his head against her neck, kissing and suckling her skin. She moved quicker as she grew bolder, her body pushing her for more, more heat, more friction. She was climbing toward the peak, but it wasn’t enough. She needed something.
She didn’t understand this need, but it coiled tightly inside her. Just when she thought it would never be satisfied, the dam broke and sweet release filled her.
Chapter 19
Felton shuddered as he felt her climax. She moaned and cried his name. She was so hot and wet against him. She continued to rock, riding the waves of her release. The carriage jostled them. He slipped against her entrance and thrust inside. She slumped against him, rigid now, but he couldn’t stop. He tried not to move her. She was so tight, and his desire so strong. He didn’t even have to move. The clasp of her body was so sweet and unexpected that he came immediately. He let out a guttural groan, burying his face against her breast. Guilt mixed with total elation until his body finished it’s blissful decent and he could breathe again. He leaned back against the seat, careful not to move her any more than necessary. He brushed a fallen tendril of hair from her brow.
Her head was bowed. Dread filled him. �
��Thea?”
“I didn’t want that to happen,” she said quietly.
“I know. I’m so sorry,” he pleaded.
“It’s all right.” She put a hand to his lips. She looked up at him. Felton was relieved to see she wasn’t crying or look to be in pain.
“Does it hurt?”
“It...it’s different this time.”
“Different?”
She nodded.
Felton’s heart pounded in anxious anticipation. “Did I hurt you?” he asked carefully.
“You definitely surprised me, and it wasn’t comfortable at first, and then it was just...fine. It was fine.”
The carriage did a slow roll over uneven ground, Felton gritted his teeth as he tried to keep them from moving, but it was impossible. Her eyes widened.
“I’m sorry. Did that hurt?”
“No. It felt rather...nice.”
His heart stuttered. “Nice?” His greatest fear at this moment was that something would happen to hurt her again, and she would be forever turned away from making love with him. But nice? Nice he could work with. Nice was an excellent start.
“What felt nice? Where exactly?”
She frowned. “I don’t know. It just felt nice when we rolled together like this—oh!” She mimicked the motion of the carriage with her hips and Felton had to stop himself from moaning in ecstasy.
Wonder filled her features, and she did the roll again. Felton could feel himself hardening inside her. Should he stop her? His body screamed no as an answer. She experimented, rocking and rolling against him. He kept his hands at his sides, letting her have full control of their movement.
“Oh, Felton this feels...it feels sooo good,” she moaned. Her head dropped to his shoulder.
“Good, Thea. Do whatever feels good for you,” he murmured encouragingly.
“But—What—Oh.” She gasped, moving faster against him. “How does it feel for you?”
“It feels like heaven, Thea. You are heaven in my arms,” he moaned.
Her soft cries grew louder and much to his astonishment, Felton came again, right on the heels of her climax. His body went limp with sated exhaustion. She collapsed against him, and with his last bit of strength, he wrapped his arms around her.
* * *
Felton hadn’t realized he’d fallen asleep. He felt Thea slipping out of his embrace and opened his eyes. She gave him a small smile as she righted her bodice and skirts.
“So much for my planned discussion. I think we have the issue well in hand.”
Felton grinned as he righted his clothing. “I’d have to agree with you. But if all our discussions end in the same manner, I’d like to request frequent daily discussions.”
Her smile grew wider as she settled back against the seat and under his arm. “I’ll consider it. It may warrant a discussion.”
Felton exhaled with relief. Her fear was abated, and now they could move on to other as yet undiscovered delights of marriage. Looking out the window, he could see the sun sitting low in the sky. They would soon reach their destination and could stretch out their cramped limbs.
It was almost mid-day the following day when they finally reached the familiar and welcome sight of the cottage. Thea could hardly wait until they came to a stop before jumping down. The door burst open, and Mrs. Hale was the first to greet them. Thea surprised her with a warm hug.
“So lovely to have you home, Miss Manton—oh! I mean Mrs. Felton.” Mrs. Hale smiled bashfully.
Thea blushed. It was the first time she was addressed by her new name. She hadn’t even thought of it yet herself. “It is wonderful to be back.”
“Was the weather accommodating?”
“Yes, and it looks to have been mild here, as well.”
“Not even a flake. The nights are cold but quiet.”
“That is good.” Thea turned and smiled at Felton. He had paused to stretch his leg beside the carriage. The cramped quarters were not ideal for his injured muscles.
Mr. and Mrs. Hale greeted him warmly.
“Come inside. I’ve got a hot pot of tea waiting for you.”
“Where is Jonathan?” Thea asked. She had expected to see him at the cottage but wondered if perhaps he had not wanted to see them upon their return.
“He’s out exercising Lord Winchester’s horse.”
“Oh.” Thea followed them inside. Once in the parlor, she circled the room slowly and stretched her own legs. It felt good to walk after so many hours in a carriage. She didn’t want to see the inside of a carriage for some time, though. However, now that she thought of it, she had some very pleasant memories. She blushed just thinking about it. Felton entered, his gait slower than usual, and raised a brow at her.
“Nothing,” she said with a coy smile.
He gave her an answering smile that said he knew her thoughts far too well. They both reluctantly sat when Mrs. Hale brought the tea in. They feasted on sandwiches and tea until full, then Thea decided she wanted to wash away the last vestiges of travel.
She climbed up to her room, and Felton followed, also intending to change. Thea found it odd that after only two nights of sharing a room, it was strange to see Felton enter one separate from hers. They would have to choose which room to remain in together.
Felton found Rigsby in the stables. By the looks of the pile of bent pieces of straw in front of him, he’d been there for a while. He sat on a bale of hay, elbows resting on his knees, head bent. Felton hesitated as he entered. He was probably the last person Rigsby wanted to see, but for Thea’s sake, things needed to be neutral between them. Felton didn’t want to dislike him. It was a natural symptom of his possessiveness over Thea, but Felton also owed Rigsby his thanks.
Rigsby had been instrumental in seeing them off to Gretna. He’d stepped aside when Thea made her choice clear. Felton couldn’t imagine how the man felt. He knew if they were in different places, Felton would be far from here and as incoherently drunk as possible.
“I know you’re there,” Rigsby said quietly.
“I wasn’t trying to hide. I will give you your space if you require it, but I must speak with you.”
At that, Rigsby looked up, his eyes speculative. “What happened? Did you not make it to Gretna?”
“We did.” Felton nodded.
Rigsby looked away from him. His shoulders tense.
“I wanted to thank you for your help.”
“Don’t thank me,” Rigsby growled.
Felton clenched his teeth. “Very well, I won’t thank you.”
Rigsby glared at him. “Thea is well?”
“Yes.”
“The marriage took place?”
“Yes.”
“Then she’s safe. I should go.” He turned away.
“Won’t you at least say goodbye to her?” Felton asked.
“No.”
“That will hurt her. Is that your intention? She didn’t pick you, and now you will punish her? I thought you were her family, Rigsby. I thought you cared about her.”
“I do!” Rigsby spun around, and they stood toe to toe. “I was going to marry her. I could have loved her.”
“But you don’t. Not the way a husband loves a wife. Not the way I love her. Face it. You’ve had more than enough time—years, in fact, to sweep her off her feet and you didn’t. Why?”
Felton expected him to swing at any moment, but again, Rigsby surprised him. He backed away. There was not a trace of cowardice at the moment. Something flashed in his eyes. Felton would liken it to watching someone lock something away inside them. Rigsby collected himself and then faced him with a steely gaze.
“We all do things we regret,” he said. “Of course, I’ll say goodbye to Thea.” And then he turned away. This time, Felton didn’t say anything to stop him. What was done was done. He wasn’t about to lose sleep over any of it. Felton decided to stay in the stable for a bit. The cottage felt far too small for the three of them now, and he’d let Rigsby say his goodbye privately. He deserved that much.
Chapter 20
Thea woke with a start. She hadn’t realized she’d dozed off after her bath. Looking at the clock, it was only a quarter after three. She dressed in a comfortable day dress and headed down stairs, looking for the familiar faces of Rigsby or Felton. She still hadn’t seen Rigsby since their return earlier, and surely, he had returned by now. Her stomach rumbled with hunger. She was about to slip into the kitchen for something to eat when she saw movement in the parlor. It was definitely man shaped with brown hair. She sailed into the room, cheerful, though a bit nervous to face Jonathan after the way things had been left between them.
“Good afternoon,” she said timidly. Jonathan was bent toward the fire but stood and turned sharply.
Thea’s heart skidded to a halt. It wasn’t Jonathan.
“How did you get in here, Richard?”
“Ah, dear cousin. I walked in. Through the unlocked door, of course. Not very safe if you ask me. Any rabble can walk right in and make themselves at home. Much like you did.”
“Get out. You are not welcome here.”
“Now, Dorothea, that isn’t a very nice way to welcome family. Though, since this isn’t your home, I don’t give a damn about your feelings regarding me being here. You see, I’ve done a bit of digging, and I know this house belongs to Lord Winchester, who is on his honeymoon with that tramp you befriended.”
Thea kept the sofa between them. She was doing everything in her power to look stronger than she felt. Her hands shook behind her back. “Well, Winchester is also my friend, and I have it on good authority that you are not welcome here. If you want to ask him yourself, you can come back when he has returned if you’re brave enough.”
Richard chuckled. “Cheeky wench. That won’t be necessary. I’ve already got what I came here for. Be a good girl and fetch your cloak without making a scene.”
Thea scoffed. “I won’t be going anywhere with you.” She turned on her heel to run.