"You really are here." His voice held a wealth of satisfaction.
"I am, and oh Nash you wouldn't believe what I've re… Hmmph." Her lips were covered with his and she lost all coherent thought as he thrust his tongue into her mouth and mimicked just how he thrust his cock into her, mouth or otherwise. Felicity returned his attention with gusto. She fumbled with his breeches, and did her best to move them downward over his cock. It wasn't cooperative, as it stretched the knit to the limit.
Nash pulled his mouth back. "No time, we need to talk." Even so he moved his fingers under the neckline of her bodice and tweaked one hard nipple.
"Not fair." Felicity nipped his ear and let her teeth sink hard enough to show she meant her words. "I want you now."
"Later." He held her hands together in his, and lifted them high into the air. "Later, I promise. But first we must talk."
Felicity had never been one to practice her feminine wiles on a man, indeed she wasn't sure she even had any, but she decided needs must.
Think sad thoughts. How I would feel if the man with the gun had killed Nash? That thought was enough to make her feel moisture gather at the corner of her eyes, and she blinked rapidly. It was silly, and so not the way she normally behaved, Felicity decided she couldn't continue in that vein. She tried to bring her hands down to wipe her eye.
Nash looked down at her. "Oh love, don't cry." He looked over her shoulder toward where the tiny carriage clock sat on the mantle and ticked off the minutes. He grinned so suddenly, and so wickedly that Felicity was startled.
"Well now." He spoke in a long, slow drawl. "Have you heard of the concept of a fast ride?"
She had, the stable lads often bandied it about as an expression for what she had so heard called a fast fuck. "Yes of course, I may be female, but I use my ears, and I'm not one who minces her words, as you well know. Do we have time for that?"
She held her breath, and the ticking of the clock echoed the noise of her heartbeat in her mind.
"We have time," he confirmed.
"Good." Felicity backed toward the bed, and as she hoped, Nash neither let go of her nor lowered her hands but walked pace to pace with her. Once she felt the edge of the bed beneath her knees, Felicity let her body go limp and tumbled back onto the coverlet. As Nash leaned over her to follow, she twisted and tugged. The unexpected movement left him sprawling face down beside her. His hold on her hands loosened, and Felicity giggled as she pulled them away. Before he had time to react, she fished out the scarves she'd hidden earlier and tied his hands behind his back.
"Can you roll over?"
He lifted his head and stared at her over his shoulder. "I can, but why should I?"
"Well, if you want me to be able to reach the parts of you that I want to, you need to give me access."
Nash raised an eyebrow.
Damn him, he knows what that look does to me. Makes me want to lie back and let him take charge.
"If I don't?"
Even though the look in his eye showed Felicity he was teasing, she strove to keep her temper. Damn it if they only had a short time, she wanted to touch him, to do things to him, to make him hot and ready to come.
"Then I’ll leave you to stew and service myself instead." She put her hand over her mouth in shock. Had she really said that?
He winked. "That is almost an incentive not to do as you ask. However, this time, as I am inquisitive to see what ideas you have I'll do as you ask." He rolled over so fast that Felicity hardly saw the move. "I'm all yours."
She licked her lips. Where to start? His cock moved under the material of his breeches, and Felicity decided it needed attention. She lifted Nash's pantaloons from his waist, and drew them carefully over his prick. As it sprung free from its confines, she gave into temptation and licked the head, catching the drops of liquid that gathered there on her tongue and swallowing. Nash groaned. "Let me return the favor, please love, let me taste you.”
"Later. This is for me to do and you to enjoy. Believe me Nash, I'm wet already, just at the thought of how I make you feel. Let me show you what I can do? Please, if we have time?" She bent her head to suck the tip of his cock once more and then sat back on her knees to decide what to do next.
"How to make me come well within our timescale," he said hoarsely. "That feeling is as nigh on perfection as anything I have experienced—since the last time we coupled."
"And how long was that?"
Felicity whipped her head round. The man standing in the doorway from the study had the look of an avenging devil.
"Am I to take it you are no longer affianced to me? Or is this part of some strange pre-marital ritual I know nothing about?"
Chapter Sixteen
Nash lifted his head and stared his brother in the eyes as he unpicked the knots Felicity had used to bind his hands. He was going to have to teach her how to tie them and apply them correctly. If he hadn't wanted to know what she could do, he'd have freed himself within seconds. As it was, even before Felicity had scrambled to her feet, and moved a step further away from his brother, Nash was free. He stood up, tucked his cock back in his breeches and took hold of Felicity's hand.
"Stop conning it. Perry, you were no more affianced than Harry is. I however am a different matter. Whatever you say Felicity and I are to be wed."
Peregrine moved further into the room. For someone who had just announced his affianced was taking part in some strange sex-ritual and not with him, he seemed mighty cool. Only the tic next to his eye and the way he clenched one fist showed otherwise.
"Do we duel?" Peregrine asked as he walked to the cabinet and poured himself a goblet of brandy. "Pistols at dawn? Or do I bow out gracefully?" He waved the decanter. "For you?"
Nash nodded. "For me and port for my lady. And you bow out, or I shoot you. I am the better shot."
"Your lady? That is a moot point, dear brother." Nash noticed Peregrine didn't mention shooting.
"Balderdash, stop it, both of you. Nash, stop doing your best to antagonize Peregrine. He had a right to be annoyed." Felicity stamped her foot. "Grow up."
"Thank you." Peregrine bowed and handed her a glass.
"Don't bother thanking me." Felicity took the glass and downed the contents without so much a splutter or a blink of the eye.
Nash wondered where she'd got the practice.
"You're as much at fault as Nash, you're baiting him and for no reason. I say you have a right to be annoyed because of my papa’s arrogant assumption that I would accept such a stupid betrothal."
"Stupid?" Peregrine's voice rose.
Nash opened his mouth but Felicity forestalled him. "Stupid," she said again. "He married my mama for love, and knew I would only do the same. Whatever all these ulterior motives were, we need to find out. Him, you, stupid Lord Welland et al. Why is it so important we marry? Are you of Harry's persuasion, and need to be safe from blackmail?"
Peregrine flushed. Nash wondered if Peregrine did prefer men, though there had been no sign up until then.
"No, it's not that," he said—rather stiffly, Nash thought. "But I think certain people thought if we were married, I would tell you things within the throes of passion. And you, as an innocent woman, would repeat them, say to your cousin, who in turn would pass them onto her husband. He could then share them where they did most good, or evil."
"Well, how dare they?" Felicity's eyes sparked and her bosom strained against the tight dress she wore. She paced across the room and poked Peregrine in the chest. He looked more amused than alarmed.
"I'll have you both know I am no tittle-tattle. What's spoken in bed stays in b..." She put her hand over her mouth.
Nash couldn't help it, and he burst out laughing. Even Peregrine's lips twitched.
"I'm pleased to hear it. I am likewise," he replied. "I was only surmising what I thought others might have decided. They are not my thoughts, I assure you."
"Hmm." Felicity tapped one hand on her arm. Nash decided it best to intervene.
; "Love, let's all go into the study and think. I presume Harry and Martin have retired?"
"I assume so." Peregrine led the way into the study, and pulled up a chair next to the settee. "Damn, I forgot the brandy."
"I have it." Nash put the bottle on a side table, along with two glasses.
"I have my port." Felicity sat down, and rubbed her stomach. "I'm hungry; is there any way we can get some food without waking the household up?"
"Under the muslin cloth," Peregrine said. "I brought it up with me. Basic but good. Bread, meat, and cheese. Will that do?"
Felicity nodded, as Nash went to the platter and loaded a plate for her. She tucked in with gusto. He loved how she did everything with so much enthusiasm. Ate, rode, made love. Don't go there. He willed his cock to stay quiescent. It wouldn't do to show how even the thought of Felicity and him could affect him so.
Then let's talk." Nash hoped his impatience didn't show too much. "How much did you hear, love?"
"Not enough," Felicity muttered around two slices of bread full of beef and horseradish. She swallowed. "I was detained for a short while, and then only you have perfect diction." She turned to Peregrine. "I never realized what a low voice you had, My Lord."
To Nash's amusement, a flood of color spread over his brother's face. "I cultivate it," he said stiffly. "It can be advantageous to speak in a low voice so you are not overheard."
"Not when I'm in the cupboard trying to eavesdrop," Felicity said. "Anyway, I heard something about a fire and a woman, that is it."
"That is almost it," Nash told her. "Harry and Martin were ambushed. Martin got free and found Perry. Harry escaped but not before he set the old cottage on fire. Their attackers are looking for a package, which we don't have, and we think that the man who is behind it all—"
"Is a woman," Felicity finished his sentence once more. "I realized that as well, it was the way he, er she, held him, her, it, oh damn, themself. The worst thing is both Judith and I am sure we should know who she is. There is something familiar but neither of us can put a finger on it."
"Harry thinks she comes from Derbyshire if that is any help," Nash told her. "He says he should have it narrowed to a small mileage once he has time to think."
Peregrine snorted. "With his brain not his …I beg your pardon Felicity, I had forgot you were not my sister."
"Then I take that as a compliment. I have had heard about Cecilia and to be thought of like her is one of the greatest compliments I can imagine. And I am of a like mind."
"Since when have you spoken about such things to Cecy?" Nash asked. He was intrigued. He'd never have believed his stuffy brother could think like that, let alone voice those thoughts.
Peregrine tugged his ear. That gesture Nash hadn't seen since Peregrine was a schoolboy. "Since she ... oh no, it is not mine to tell. She will visit soon, and she says she will explain all."
Nash hoped so. "Therefore, what happens next? I'm telling you Perry, there will be no thought of you and Felicity wed. She is mine, in every way imaginable. We had thought to elope to Gretna."
"And take Harry and Martin as witnesses? I believe that has to be their next address. Well, Scotland anyway. Life is too hot for them here, and I don't mean setting your cottage on fire. That ruin will be no loss I assure you." Peregrine turned his attention to a large piece of Melton Pork Pie. "This is good. I thought Andre was lovesick and unable or unwilling to produce edible food?"
Felicity giggled and Nash laughed. "He is. I have an arrangement with the landlord of the inn."
Perry grunted. "Thank the lord. I almost left you all to suffer when I remembered what happened last time." He put his plate down and brushed crumbs from his jacket. "Now let's sort this mess out as best we can."
"Can we?" Felicity leaned forward, and put her hand on Nash's thigh. The warmth that tiny touch created gave him strength. His stomach churned. He didn't think it was the curd tart he'd eaten. That came from the inn as well.
"I should hope so," Perry said. "I don't want any nephew of mine born on the wrong side of the blanket. I judge by your faces now, and what I almost saw before, I can only assume that is a distinct possibility?"
So did Nash. He rolled one shoulder. "Unless my musket has no shot in it."
"Well," Felicity giggled again. "If what I feel is anything to go by, you have plenty of shot. Goodness, now you have me being indiscrete."
"It's a family trait," Perry replied in a solemn voice. "Welcome to the family."
"But not as your wife."
"No," Peregrine agreed. "Not that."
Nash decided it was time he had his say once more. "Now you have both sorted our future out, do you have any idea how we achieve it?"
"I do believe I may." Perry looked toward the truckle of cheese set out on the sideboard. "I think I might need to try the cheese."
Nash growled as best a human could. Perry raised both eyebrows this time.
"You spoke?"
"No, I growled. What are we to do?"
"Well, get married of course." Peregrine spoke as if he was surprised Nash had needed to ask.
Chapter Seventeen
Felicity took one look at Nash, decided he was about to commit bodily harm on his brother, and rushed into speech. "Yes, but where and how? Do you really think Gretna is the place to go?"
"Of course not. Sadly, nor do I think Gretton Court or here is, either. I suggest you head to Devon, and see Randall and Cecy. No one will think to follow you there, and Cecy has a tame vicar she can call on." The look on his face dared either of them to argue. "I've taken the liberty of sending Jessop ahead to request Cecy set the ball rolling. Before you ask, he left a few hours ago, once I realized that Felicity and I would not suit."
"No chance," Nash muttered. "Whether you thought that or otherwise, Felicity was never for you."
"Devon is safest," Peregrine said, as if Nash had never interrupted him. "Dartmoor. Go and see Cecy's new abode. It's remote and will be perfect for you to hide out in. She'll enjoy the company. And with you there, it will give me time to try and sort all this mess that Harry has brought with him."
To Felicity it made sense apart from the number of days it would take to get there. However, if it meant time alone with Nash, she was all for it. She looked at Nash. His face was thunderous. Did that mean all his words of love were empty? A lead weight filled her stomach, and shivers of a nasty type ran over her skin.
"Then…" she said, and was interrupted by Nash.
"Preposterous. I have a kennel to run, and a hunting season to oversee. A quick trip north would fit in far better." Nash began to pace. "I want to marry now, to make Felicity mine, before anyone else tries to interfere. And well, perhaps before any little Brigstocks make an appearance. Don't we have a tame vicar around here you can exert a little pressure on?"
He does want me.
"Not if we want the ceremony to proceed without a hitch." Peregrine ran his fingers over his chin. "There are too many opportunities for foul play. Devon it must be."
"Well then." Nash turned and looked at Felicity. The smoldering glance curled her toes and sent a hot wave of anticipation through her. She hardly noticed Peregrine standing to one side with an expression of what she decided was envy on his face. Then she forgot Peregrine altogether as Nash stopped pacing in front of her.
"I never asked," he said. "I just assumed. I should know better. Lord knows, I have railed long and loud about people behaving in such a manner toward me." To Felicity's amazement—and secret delight—Nash went down on one knee. "Felicity, love, I have to ask, don't I? Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?"
The sound of the door closing made her look up to see Peregrine leave the room. It seemed he felt they needed this precious moment together, alone, with no onlookers.
Felicity tucked her head to one side and stared at him until his ears went red. Then she relented and grinned, as she also went down on one knee, so she could kiss him and hug him tightly. His lips met hers and his tongue thrust i
nto her mouth. It wasn't easy but Felicity managed to pull back enough to speak.
"It will be my pleasure," she said and then squealed. "Yes. Oh, yes. When?"
Nash laughed, and kissed her again. "According to the acting head of our household, when we get to Devon."
"Acting?" she asked him. "You mean Peregrine? But surely your papa is alive, so why does Perry need to act so?" Felicity wondered at the flash of pain that crossed Nash's face. Had his papa died and no one knew for some reason? Or was so incapacitated he was no longer able to function? It was a rather indelicate question to ask.
"It's a long story, perhaps one to be told to pass the hours on our journey south. Now, sad though I am to say it, perhaps you should sleep? If we are to make that hellish journey, then we need to set off as soon as we can. Before your papa turns up, or whoever it was who tried to do Harry and Martin an injury decides that as they are no longer about, we are the next targets."
"But they are about, surely? They can't have left yet?" Even with stealth, a journey caused some disruption, and Felicity had seen or heard nothing out of the ordinary for the middle of the night.
"No, but very soon, and then things will heat up. I want you well away from here then, in case the cottage isn't the only thing they try to destroy."
The snakes of fear she'd held at bay began to slither over her once more. Felicity shivered as her skin felt too tight for her frame. It was a horrible feeling, and it left her mouth dry. "Is that likely?
Nash shrugged. "It could be, who knows? Peregrine is worried about something that might affect the security of our country. It is so complicated, I don't know where to start."
"I do." Perry had entered unheard, carrying a basket and a cloak.
"For the lord’s sake Perry, stop creeping up like that," Nash said in an indignant voice. "We could have been doing anything."
"I checked," Perry said.
Felicity hid her head in her hands. These brothers seemed determined to mortify her. Although, she admitted to herself, it was rather fun to feel part of such an unusual family.
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