by Dayna Quince
“You have more control than I right now, so do what pleases you.”
“Really?” Olivia said with glee. She experimented with moving her hips.
She rocked her hips against him, alternating between grinds, and lifting herself to slide up and down on his shaft. All he could do was hold onto her hips and moan in pleasure. She paid attention to what he liked, but then became lost in her own pleasure.
Her body grew tense and she pushed harder against him, riding him roughly. She arched her back and cried out.
Colton quickly covered her mouth with his hand. She tensed, still in the throes of release, and then collapsed against him. He wrapped his arms around her and took over the momentum. She was hot and wet, her muscles still contracting and flexing from climax. He held her tightly, pumping and grinding until he shuddered and found the shattering heaven she had reached. He went weak beneath her, suddenly breathless and exhausted. He could only rest a moment before rousing her. They righted their clothing as the carriage pulled up to the stable.
He kissed her deeply again before pulling back. “I love you, but no more interludes until we’re married. We’ve pushed our luck pretty far already.”
She nodded sleepily. “I love you. Sweet dreams.”
“All my dreams already came true.” He kissed her again, and then they climbed out of the carriage. He escorted her to the side door of the manor and waited until she went inside and locked the door. He climbed back in his carriage and signaled the driver to head home.
Once home, Colton wearily climbed the stairs and was almost to his room when he heard the shatter of glass. He spun around, listening for any more sounds to indicate the direction from whence it came. Guided by instincts, he went to Devon’s room and opened the door.
Devon was leaning against the tallboy in nothing but breeches. Glass covered the floor along with what he could smell as brandy.
“Bloody hell, Devon, you’re not supposed to be drinking,” Colton reprimanded from the doorway.
“Go to hell, Colton. I can do whatever the bloody hell I want.” He stumbled away from the tallboy and fell into a chair.
“You’re a mess,” Colton said as he pulled the bell cord. His servants deserved extra pay for this night.
“Get out. I don’t need you, I don’t need anyone,” Devon slurred.
“You need a whipping.”
Devon lurched to his feet and put up his fists. He walked bare foot right into the glass.
“Oh, for God’s sake.” Colton came forward, but Devon didn’t seem to feel the cuts on his feet and tried to circle him as if they were in a boxing ring.
“You’re bleeding, you fool.”
“Don’t care. Fight me...or are you a coward?”
Colton shook his head and shrugged out of his jacket. “Just remember, you asked for this.” He rolled up his sleeve and put up his fists.
Devon was still staggering through glass, barely able to find balance. He swung wildly at Colton, missing him altogether. Colton swung once, clipping him under the chin and effectively knocking him out. He caught him as he started to fall back and dragged him to the bed.
A footman entered and was startled by the scene.
“I need salve and bandages and this mess cleaned up,” Colton ordered.
“Yes, Mr. Darling.” The footman hurried away.
Colton dragged Devon onto the bed and examined his feet. He had small cuts all over the bottom of his feet, but it didn’t look like any of them had glass stuck in them. Devon came awake slowly. He blinked open his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling.
“Did I knock some sense into you yet?” Colton said dryly.
“No,” Devon said.
“You’ve cut up your feet pretty badly.”
“I can’t feel it. I can’t feel anything.”
The footman returned with the salve and bandages. Colton and Devon said nothing as he cleaned up the glass and left.
It was Devon who finally broke the silence. “Between the two of us, who is the bigger fool?”
Colton sighed. “I beg your pardon?”
“I loved a woman, and she burned me to ash. You’re getting married to my sister, who you have loved for longer than I even know. Who is the bigger fool?”
Colton was silent as he continued to clean the cuts and contemplate the question. Leave it to Devon to be soused, bleeding, and philosophical.
“Last week, it would have been me,” he finally answered.
Devon lifted his head to give him a dubious look. He groaned and put a hand to his jaw.
“I suppose that answers the question about whether or not you can feel.”
“Go fuck a pig, you mangy dog, but first, explain your answer.”
Colton laughed then grew serious as he thought about his answer. “I was determined to carry my love for your sister to the grave. I thought I wasn’t good enough, that a ship captain was not fit to marry her. I assumed your father felt the same way, so I kept my distance, pretended I felt nothing more than a platonic admiration. I was a fool. But Olivia didn’t care for any of my reasons. Once she saw that I did care for her, she made it impossible to ignore it any longer.”
“Did she seduce you?” Devon lifted his head again, slowly this time.
“How can you even ask such a question of me?” Colton shook his head.
“I’d believe it. She is so strong-willed when she wants something. She’d be the only damn virgin in the world to seduce a man into marriage.”
“That’s enough, Devon,” Colton said.
“I think I’m a fool too,” Devon said quietly.
There was a lot of emotion in his tone—pain, sadness, bleakness. Colton couldn’t bear to hear it. This was so unlike the friend he knew for so long. “You’re no fool, Devon. You were braver than I. It’s Lydia who is the fool. You stood before her and told her you loved her, offered her more than she deserved. What was foolish was leaving England. You devastated your family by doing that, but you are not a fool for falling in love.” He finished bandaging his feet and stood.
Devon said nothing and did not look at him. Colton was afraid to leave him alone when he was in such a state. He looked so miserable. He went to start a fire in the hearth. Once he had a small flame, he looked back at Devon. He had his hand over his eyes, and his chest was jerking in an odd fashion. Colton realized he was crying.
“Devon.” He stood and walked closer. He pulled a chair close and sat down. He took the hand at Devon’s side and simply held it. “You have to let go of her. If she didn’t find you worthy, then she is the one that lost.”
“But she did,” Devon growled. “She said she loved me. She gave herself to me, so she could have that one memory to sustain her.”
“Then I pity her and you should too. Let her go. I know it’s not easy now, but it will get easier.”
Devon clenched his fists in the blanket. It looked as though he was about to erupt in anger but then he calmed.
“Do you love my sister?”
“Yes.”
“Did she say she loves you?”
“Yes.”
“Good. At least someone will be happy.”
“Will you come to the wedding?” Colton asked.
“No. I’d feel like a poison. I’m considerate enough to contain my misery.” Devon pulled his hand from his and rolled over to his side.
Colton pulled the blanket over him and sat back in the chair. They were silent for a while. When Colton stood to peer at Devon’s face, he found that he was sound asleep with a purpling bruise on his jaw. He settled back in the chair and closed his eyes.
Chapter 19
The days passed and finally Olivia woke on the day that was her wedding day. It was planned for late afternoon. They would have a celebratory dinner, and then she would leave her childhood home to join her husband. She couldn’t wait. She woke with the sun. Her excitement buzzed inside like happy bees in a meadow full of flowers. She tried to remain in her room and read until the house awoke, but h
er nerves got the better of her, so she put on her riding habit and headed for the stables.
This mist still hung low in the fields. Birds dove in and out of bushes as she passed, and when she entered the stables, she was met by cheery nickers and a yawn from the stable boy.
“Congratulations, Lady Olivia,” he said sleepily. “It’s a bit early for a ride.”
“I’m too excited to remain indoors this morning. Please saddle Marigold for me.”
“As you wish, m’lady.” The boy cantered off.
Olivia waited in the sunshine until her horse was brought out. Nick helped her mount, and then she trotted down the drive as the sun chased away the final curls of mist. The rooster began to crow.
“You’re late, Reginald!” she sang merrily and nudged her mare into a gallop as she hit the lane and raced toward the coast. Trees and shrubs flew by in blur. The crisp morning air stung her cheeks and turned them a rosy hue, but she didn’t care. She took a small trail off the lane that led down to the beach. Reaching the sand, she pushed Marigold into a gallop again and whooped as they charged the surf. She rode through the wet sand and surf, arcing around groups of boulders and laughing into the wind. She slowed her mare as the groupings drew closer together and more tricky to navigate. Reining to a walk, she approached a jagged area of rock that was dotted with pools. She could see two children hopping along the rocks and peering into the pools of water. She reined Marigold to a stop and slid down from the saddle. When the tide was out, the pools of water left behind held many treasures of shells and interesting creatures.
She bent down to inspect a pool and saw a fish darting around frantically. The water was crystal clear and filled with squishy medusa like plants that when touched, folded in on themselves. She gleefully poked one and quickly pulled back her hand. “Ew, I don’t remember that feeling quite so disgusting.”
“They’re me favorite,” a little boy’s voice said behind her.
Olivia turned and smiled. “They are?”
“They snatch little fish in their arms and pull them in like the Kraken,” he said with relish.
Olivia couldn’t help but laugh. “I was just on a voyage. I didn’t see the Kraken or anything like it.”
“You were lucky then. Many men have gone to the briny deep in the arms of the Kraken.”
Olivia laughed harder. Each time he said it, he grew more dramatic. “I shall be very fearful if I have to take another voyage again. I am betrothed to a sea captain. I will be sure to tell him to be careful then.”
“Aye,” the boy said with all the gusto of a seasoned sailor. “I have to go now, me ma will have breakfast ready.”
Olivia nodded. “I’m glad I ran into you, now I know about the Kraken.”
“Me name’s Gregory. I live just up the hill.” He squinted at her with all the charm of a little boy.
“My name is Olivia. It was a pleasure to meet you, Gregory.”
He smiled and trotted off, and Olivia waved when he turned back to look at her. She couldn’t wait to tell Colton about her little interlude with the precocious Gregory and to beware of the Kraken. She smiled to herself as she used a rock to mount Marigold and turned back toward the lane. She took her time returning home, luxuriating in the warming sunshine and the fresh sea air. She loved living near the sea.
When she arrived, the house was buzzing with activity. She dismounted in the front drive, and her mother was on her before she even stepped inside.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” her mother wrung her hands. “Why in the lord’s name would you go riding the day of your wedding?”
“I needed to burn off some energy. I’ve been cooped up, talking endlessly about flowers and menus. I needed to get out, feel some sun on my face.”
Her mother frowned and inspected her face. “You’re the only bride I know who would risk freckles on her wedding day.”
“Oh, Mother.” Olivia rolled her eyes. “Thank God it’s just a small wedding. I’d hate to see how you would react to a large society wedding.”
“I am a marchioness, Olivia. I react with grace and poise in every situation.”
“Well, thank God I’m only going to be a sea captain’s wife,” Olivia said in mock relief as she pivoted around her mother and headed for the breakfast parlor.
“Is that sand on your hem? Were you at the beach this morning?” her mother asked disdainfully.
“Yes, Mother. I went riding in the surf. It’s very exhilarating,” she said over her shoulder as her mother dogged her heels.
They entered the parlor, and her father was sitting at the table reading the paper.
“George, your daughter thought it reasonable to go riding in the surf on the morning of her wedding. Can you please talk some sense into her?”
“That sounds splendid, Olivia, did you enjoy your ride?” her father asked behind the paper.
“Yes, I did. I stopped at the tide pools and poked a medusa plant, and then a little boy named Gregory told me about the Kraken.”
Her father peeked over the paper. “The Kracken, eh? Beastly devil, that.”
Olivia giggled and took a sip of tea.
“Oh, dear. What shall I do with the two of you?” her mother asked in resignation and took her seat at the table.
“After today, there will only be one,” Olivia reminded her.
Her mother looked at her with surprise and tears brimmed in her eyes. “My little butterfly is getting married.” She started weeping into a napkin.
“There, there, Mother.” Olivia patted her back. She felt loved and a little tearful too.
Her father just shook his head and turned back to his paper. “There will be plenty of grandchildren to console you, Ann. Just wait.”
There was a slap as a butter pat hit the back of his paper, but he just kept on reading.
Colton ate breakfast with Devon. Devon didn’t talk much, but there was a growing comfort in the silence now. Solid food still did not sit well with Devon. When he tried, he was wracked with nausea and horrible stomach pains. He was sustained on broths and bland soups, and there hadn’t been another liquor incident. Devon was better...but not. He was not wallowing in misery like before. Instead, he was angry and ready to argue with anyone about anything.
They played a game of chess, and then Colton went to his room to prepare for his wedding. He was blissfully happy, but he kept it hidden from Devon. It was obvious that Devon was envious and bitter about Colton and Olivia’s nuptials, so he kept his grinning to a minimum when around Devon. He would have to remember to prepare Olivia.
It was after lunch when he bathed and dressed, spoke to the staff about the new mistress of the house returning this evening, and then left to pick up his parents and sisters.
They arrived at the Brentton home hours later, his mother fussing with Emma’s hair and Anna patently refusing to put down a book until the ceremony began. The front door was wreathed with pink roses, and the butler stepped out as they arrived and showed them to the location for the ceremony. Colton was surprised they were directed to the apple orchard. An arched trellis stood by the fountain, and the boy in the middle wore a crown of leaves. The benches had been moved, and a row of cushioned chairs replaced them for their small group of witnesses. Colton was taken aback. It was an unconventional location and yet perfect. This was where their journey had begun. Not where he had begun to love her, but where loving her had become a real possibility. Her mother joined them, along with a few of the upper servants who had known Olivia all her life. They took their seats, and Colton watched them with nervous flutters in his stomach.
He couldn’t believe this was happening .He was marrying Olivia. She would be his wife, his lover, the mother of his children, and the last person he saw when he left this world. He felt more blessed than any man alive ought to. He was afraid he looked terrified. Everyone’s eyes were on him at the moment, and he felt so panicked that he might do something embarrassing, like break into song or faint because he was so ridiculously ha
ppy.
There was movement in the back of the orchard. The trees were thick and brimming with leaves and apples, but he thought he saw Lord Lesley. They came into the row between the trees and his breathing froze. She was wearing a delicate pale pink. A fine lace of the same color covered her from her wrists to the hem. The square bodice emphasized her full breasts that almost overtook her petite frame but somehow balanced out the generous curve of her hips. She was ravishing. She was positively edible in that teasing confection of a dress. He had to fight the urge to carry her off like a mad man. They were coming forward slowly, her eyes sparkling with happy tears, her lips trembling with a smile. They finally stepped forward to the fountain and Lord Lesley handed her hand to him. All Colton could do was look at her, then he pulled her close and kissed her.
There were gasps, laughter, and a loud cough. Then someone was patting him on the back.
“That’s enough, son.”
Colton reluctantly let go of her and looked up, surprised to see the pastor standing right beside them. He looked around and at the faces of his family smiling at him, Anna at the harp—when was there music? He looked at Olivia again, and she was grinning so he grinned back at her.
“Let us begin,” the pastor began.
Anna softly strummed the harp as the pastor spoke, accompanying his words as if they were decrees from heaven. He mumbled on but Colton stopped listening until he said the words that mattered most.
“Do you Jeffrey—”
“I do,” Colton said suddenly.
Olivia stifled a giggle.
“Do you Olivia—”
“I do,” she said emphatically.
More laughter was heard from the guests.
The pastor scowled at all of them. “Well, I won’t waste any more time.”
Colton lost himself in Olivia again until the magic words were said.