by Golden Angel
Besides, hearing her cry out his name in such astonished and ecstatic tones fueled his masculine pride. His wife, who hadn't expected any kind of pleasure in their marriage bed, was rubbing herself against his lips, her fingers tugging at his hair, in the most delectable manner.
Pressing his cock against the bed wasn't the same as burying himself in her wet sheath, but it did relieve some of the aching need that was riding him. There would be plenty of times in the future when his needs would come first; for now he had prioritized hers above them.
The warmth in her buttocks had heated his hands, and he squeezed the soft flesh, knowing he would reignite the sting of the spanking. Cordelia gasped and moaned, her hips moving as if his tongue was his cock, thrusting into her. The intermixing of pain and pleasure was something her body craved to receive as much as he delighted in giving it to her.
Squeezing those tender cheeks again, he sucked her little pleasure bud between his lips, suckling it as she screamed out his name. Tremors of pleasure shook her, rocked her. Her fingers tugged at his hair rhythmically, her cries reaching a sobbing climax as the ecstasy buffeted her about. Philip drank in the sight of her flushed cheeks, her peaked nipples, those dazed, dark eyes, and her silken strands of hair spread across his pillows.
Holding on to the last tendrils of his self-control, he released her swollen clitty and began to kiss his way up her body. She shivered beneath him as his mouth and hands began to slide up her stomach, to her breasts. Suckling a puffy, pink nipple had her mewling, her eyes half-lidded in lazy pleasure. The slow journey was torture for him, but it also allowed her the time to come down from her peak, only to begin to climb the heights again.
The sensitive head of his cock scraped against her inner thigh, and he moaned around his mouthful of breast flesh. Delicate fingers brushed against his shoulders and then his chest, as Cordelia began to do a bit of exploration of her own. When her fingers found the flat discs of his nipples, Philip had reached the delicate flesh of her neck, and he sucked on it almost savagely as her fingers ran over the tiny, erect buds they'd found.
"Oh my!" Cordelia's body bowed beneath his, her breasts rising up to brush against his chest, as he left a vivid red mark on her throat.
Her uninhibited response to being spanked had left him feel more primitive, more carnal than ever, and the firm grip he'd had on his self-control was rapidly slipping away. When the head of his cock nudged against the sopping wet folds of her cunt, it deserted him completely.
Unable to hold back any longer, Philip thrust forward, spearing Cordelia on his cock. Her nails dug into his chest as she writhed underneath him, legs parting further as feminine instinct urged her to submit to the ardent needs of the male poised above her. Molten hot, smooth as silk, and so very welcoming, her body took him in. He only needed two hard thrusts to fill her completely.
Hands slid up his chest and wrapped around his neck, leaving her body completely open to him.
"Oh Cordelia..." He muttered, his lips against her ear, voice husky and raw with sensual need.
She said the only thing he wanted to hear at that exact moment. "Please... more..."
It was permission and salvation all in one simple request.
Moving powerfully atop her, Philip emptied and filled her, over and over again, burying himself in the warm, wet heat of her pussy. He couldn't get enough of her, no matter that her taste filled his mouth, her scent filled his nose, and her body was wrapped around him. He wanted to press further, deeper, to lodge himself in her so inexorably that she would never lose the feeling of him inside of her.
Beneath him, Cordelia was beginning to move, her hips rising to meet his thrusts as her sensitive organs flared back to life. Philip could feel her pussy fluttering around him, the harbinger of an impending orgasm, as he restoked the fires of her passion.
As she made free with her hands on his body, he knew he wouldn't be able to last long enough to ensure her pleasure if she continued to do so. Grabbing her wrists, he pinned them down beside her head. Granted, subduing a woman in such an erotic manner had always inflamed his lusts, but it was better than letting her touch him indiscriminately. He would never be able to hold back his climax if he'd let that continue.
To his amazement, and utter delight, Cordelia practically exploded when he pinned her down. The realization of her helplessness beneath him was quickly followed by a shocking surge of ecstasy. Her cunt clenched around him as she screamed out his name, her voice high and shocked. Although her arms tried to move, to reach up to him again, his firm hold on her wrists kept her held in place as he fucked her harder, faster, riding her through her orgasm as it rolled through her again and again and again...
Cordelia was wild beneath him, as if being restrained had loosened yet another tie of propriety within her. He could only bear it a few moments before he joined her in utter bliss, his balls tight and aching as he flooded her womb with his seed. Spurt after spurt of throbbing ecstasy that emptied his balls, as well as his body.
Exhausted, he collapsed on top of her. He would have moved, for fear of crushing her, but her arms tightened about his neck, holding him in place as she quivered beneath him. They were both panting for breath, but she didn't seem to want to release him, so Philip did his best to adjust his weight so it would at least be evenly distributed.
Dropping small kisses along her forehead, he waited until she loosened her hold enough to prop himself up on his forearms. Dazed, hazel eyes looked up at him, her lips swollen, cheeks flushed, and her expression that of a fully satisfied woman.
"I think I could learn to like being spanked," she said softly, her cheeks turning a little pinker as she made the confession, her tone one of awe.
Philip couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, this was a very nice spanking. I hope you never give me reason to dole out a less pleasant one."
Making a happy, humming sound, Cordelia turned her head to rub it against his arm, very much like a contented, little kitten. In the past, Philip had always made it a habit never to linger too long in a lady's bed once the deed was done. With his wife, however, he found that he truly enjoyed basking in the happy afterglow of their lovemaking.
With his own noises of contentment, much more growly than hers, he got down to the serious business of cuddling his wife.
Chapter 5
The return of Gabrielle to their daily lives was not as bad as Cordelia had originally feared. Having a husband who supported her completely, and didn't allow her stepdaughter to run her down, uplifted her mood and confidence to heights she hadn't known in years. Of course, it put Gabrielle in a terminally bad mood, but as she had little opportunity to vent her temper on Cordelia, she seemed to be finally learning a little self-control and discretion.
It made the short trip to London much more pleasant for everyone involved. Especially as Philip rode in the carriage with them, rather than on his horse, as most gentlemen were wont to do. Cordelia felt his protection quite keenly, and it made her heart melt even more. Although Gabrielle hadn't brought up the topic of being spanked, she was on her best behavior whenever Philip was around.
Another thing Cordelia was keenly grateful for. Now that Philip had spanked her, she liked the idea of Gabrielle being punished by him even less. It was such an intimate thing, and although he had explained the differences in the way she and Gabrielle would be disciplined, and she knew that the pleasurable spankings of their bed play were another thing entirely, she still didn't like the idea of sharing her husband in that manner. Especially because Gabrielle would still occasionally try to garner his attention. She'd learned not to flirt with him, as he'd given her some very firm set downs during her initial attempts, but she was very accomplished at drawing focus to herself and therefore away from Cordelia.
Although she was used to Gabrielle having the center stage, and she was even used to envying her, that didn't come close to the acute jealousy she felt whenever Gabrielle succeeded with Philip.
Her emotions were already more engage
d with her husband than she'd anticipated.
But how could they not be? He was so charming and generous with her, so intent on her pleasure when they were intimate, and so ready to be intimate with her as often as possible... not to mention protective and affectionate, he had already wormed his way into her heart without her even realizing it. During the day, he was so attentive, except the few times Gabrielle succeeded in drawing his focus, and at nights he taught her about lovemaking and passion and pleasure, before wrapping her in his arms to sleep.
The first few days in London were spent becoming acquainted with the household, calling upon Marjorie, Eleanor, and Irene, and a daily promenade in Hyde Park, which Philip escorted them on. While Gabrielle attended all of these outings with Cordelia, she was mostly subdued except for a few comments muttered under her breath now and then. Since she kept them quiet, rather than loudly proclaiming her derogatory opinions, Cordelia opted not to notice them for now. All in all, her stepdaughter was so much better behaved that Cordelia felt a little leniency was permissible as Gabrielle became used to the new standard.
Later, she reflected that Gabrielle's behavior was perhaps the calm before the storm. It wasn't until they went shopping that the real trouble began.
While Cordelia had been outfitted with a trousseau for her wedding and Gabrielle had quite a few gowns that were perfectly acceptable for at-homes and teas, they were both in need of ball gowns and additions to their current wardrobe now that they were in London. Eleanor had recommended a modiste on Bruton Street, Madame Liriene, as being the most suited to Cordelia and Gabrielle's needs. They would, of course, also need gloves, stockings, more hats, and a whole host of other accessories once they'd ordered their dresses.
Gabrielle's snide remarks made a reappearance as Madame Liriene and Cordelia looked over the fashion plates and Cordelia attempted to choose the designs for her ball gowns. Although she did her best not to let Gabrielle fluster her, she found herself second-guessing her choices, despite Madame's assurances that she would look splendid. When it was Gabrielle's turn, she chose the most expensive styles, with flounces, ribbons and beading on every one.
Drawing her aside, thankful that another customer had come into the shop and distracted Liriene for a moment, Cordelia tried to impress upon Gabrielle the need for moderation.
"Oh piffle," Gabrielle said, with an elegant sneer. She looked disdainfully at Cordelia. "Dunbury gave us plenty to spend, and if we exceed that a bit, it doesn't matter. Unless, of course, you're worried that he doesn't care about you as much as you think." The mocking expression on her face said Gabrielle certainly didn't believe Philip truly cared.
"It is disrespectful to outpace his generosity," Cordelia explained gently, telling herself to ignore Gabrielle's words.
"Father never cared if I overspent my limit." Gabrielle said haughtily. She smirked at Cordelia, well aware that Cordelia had never even made the attempt to reach her own limit, which had been smaller than Gabrielle's. "Then again, Father loved me."
Her obvious insinuation being that, if Philip loved Cordelia, then he wouldn't care about the expense. Admittedly, Cordelia was worried Philip's feelings would not extend to indifference over her bills, but she also didn't want to brush aside his directive on the matter. The generous allowance he'd given her for her and Gabrielle's wardrobes was not something she took for granted, especially after the stinginess of her late husband. Unfortunately, Gabrielle did not have the same feelings.
Seeing Madame returning to them, Gabrielle brushed Cordelia aside and made a beeline for the modiste.
Having lost control of the situation, when they placed the final order, Cordelia dropped two of the dresses and a new riding habit she was going to purchase from the list. She had to, otherwise they would have no funds for the other fripperies they needed.
It was with a slightly heavy heart that she led Gabrielle to the milliner's shop nearby, which Marjorie had recommended. She could make do with her current habits, but she'd truly wanted both dresses, one a frothy peach confection and the other a stunning emerald silk... perhaps next month she would have sufficient funds to return. Philip had indicated that during the Season he'd open his pockets on a more regular basis, so they could clothe themselves as necessary. With all of the balls and soirees, they would need a much larger wardrobe in London than they would for the rest of the year.
Feeling a bit uplifted, Cordelia didn't try to argue with Gabrielle as the young woman purchased, naturally the two most expensive bonnets in the shop. For herself, Cordelia only bought a new hat that would look well with her bronze riding habit. At least she would have something new to wear when Philip took them out to the park, even if it wasn't a new habit.
Fans, gloves, ribbons, reticules... their groom was kept quite busy ferrying their packages from the shops to the carriage. It was exhausting; more than usual, because Cordelia had never been responsible for Gabrielle's purchases before. The Baron had given them separate funds, and if Gabrielle went over her limit, the Baron always paid it without a quibble. Guilt money, or, at least, money to make up for the fact that he paid no attention to his daughter otherwise and gave her none of his time.
Now, Cordelia had been given charge of one sum, which was to provide for both her and Gabrielle. Being quite good at accounts, she had no trouble adding up each additional purchase in her head, as she had decided on a budget for each shop before coming out. Of course, Gabrielle was pushing those budgets to the limit, but Cordelia had managed to keep them from going over the limit Philip had given her - mostly by setting aside some of the items she desired. She didn't notice Bonnie, the maid that had accompanied them, was keeping a sharp eye on things as well, having been given very specific orders by his lordship before the ladies left for their shopping trip that morning.
At the end of the day, Gabrielle was perfectly satisfied and a bit smug, knowing she had gotten everything she desired while Cordelia had had to do without in every single store, in order to keep from overspending. Strangely, Cordelia didn't begrudge her stepdaughter the expensive fans and such; of course she wished she could have more new things, but she could make do until another opportunity arose. Besides, Gabrielle was the debutante, so she needed to make a better showing than Cordelia.
That's what Cordelia told herself.
It wasn't until the footmen were unloading the carriage that she noticed a third package from Fotherby's, their last stop of the day.
"Wait, Henry, that's not ours," she said, frowning. The footman came to an immediate halt, looking down in consternation at the burden in his hands. They'd left the store with two packages; a smaller one with two pairs of gloves, a fan and some lace for her, and a larger package with several different gloves, three fans, lace and ribbons for Gabrielle. The size of the third package was somewhere in between the two.
Gabrielle, who had started to ascend the stairs, turned around. "It's mine," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I picked out a few more items while you were speaking with Lady Featherstone."
For a moment, Cordelia stood there frozen. How had Gabrielle managed such a thing?! She'd only spoken with the lady for a few minutes. They'd met at Eleanor's at-home and immediately taken to each other; Lady Featherstone had invited Cordelia and Gabrielle to a luncheon on the morrow when they'd run into her at the store today. Cordelia had noticed when Gabrielle stepped away, but she hadn't expected her stepdaughter to be so brazen as to add to their purchases behind her back!
"You'll have to take them back," she said immediately, her mind going a mile a minute as she tried to guess how much Gabrielle's additions had put them over the limit Philip had given her.
"What?! I will not! Henry, take it upstairs!" Gabrielle put her hands on her hips, glaring at Cordelia from the first stair. The footman looked back and forth between the two ladies, obviously not wanting to encourage Gabrielle's ire, but also not wanting to discommode her ladyship.
"No, no," Cordelia shook her head. She knew her voice wasn't as firm as it perha
ps should be, but she was so used to placating Gabrielle, not standing against her. "Gabrielle, you knew we were at our limit, what else could you have possibly needed?"
"Some lace caught my eye while I was waiting for you," Gabrielle said coolly, crossing her arms under her bosom, for all the world as if she was the lady of the house and Cordelia was in the wrong. The staff present all stood frozen, unsure of what to do, as interfering was not their place. Not one of them moved, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. "And two beaded reticules that will go perfectly with the lilac gown and the pink gown that we purchased from Madame Liriene's. If you're so concerned, you take something back."
"We already bought you a cream reticule that will go nicely with both of those dresses," Cordelia argued, the words out of her mouth before she could bite them back. She absolutely did not want a scene in the foyer, in front of the staff, but it had already begun. Neither she nor Gabrielle noticed that Bonnie, the maid that had accompanied them on their trip, had slipped away.
"I wanted matching ones," Gabrielle said, sniffing haughtily. "I daresay you would be perfectly satisfied with just the cream." Her tone made it another insult, as if to say Cordelia would be satisfied with a reticule that didn't match perfectly, because Cordelia had no fashion sense. It was the kind of comment she'd been making all day, and it stung now more than ever, because of course Cordelia had wanted some of those things. She just hadn't bought them because of the large pile of purchases Gabrielle had insisted on for herself.
"Henry, put the package by the door for now," Cordelia said, bringing her fingers to her head. She felt an oncoming headache, anticipating the conversation that was to come and the utter uselessness of it. "Gabrielle, I need to speak with you in the parlor, please."
Rolling her eyes, Gabrielle flounced down the step she was standing on. "If you insist."
"Actually, Gabrielle, I would like you to go up to your room until I send a maid for you." The staff all relaxed as the Master's deep voice filled the foyer. Philip appeared in entrance to the hallway, Bonnie just a step behind him. "Cordelia, sweetheart, if you would come with me, I'd like to speak with you."