by Lynn Hubbard
Reaching his navel she gently traced it with her fingertip and then moved lower. Her path was covered by a fine trail of hair leading down to his pelvis. She felt her face reddening as she pondered upon what to do next. The answer was taken from her as strong hands grasped her and brought her down on the bed. Deft hands quickly undid her remaining bindings and she was barely aware that she was slipped out of the dress.
She had little time to think about her own nakedness as she was soon covered with his hands and mouth. It was her turn to cry out when his hot mouth closed upon her nipple. His eyes met hers and she looked away in embarrassment. Finishing its twin, he eagerly slid down past her flat stomach and parted her knees. His fingers gently prodded into her red curls and delved into her depths.
Tracing along her crease, he rubbed his fingers together, feeling the slick moistness. Moving her legs further apart his mouth replaced his hands and her back arched off the bed when his tongue found her sweet core. Shocked, her hands fisted in his hair; she had intended to pull him away. However, her mind had shut down and she was reduced to pure essence. She felt a tightening in her stomach and her toes curled. She gasped for breath; her body tensed and then quivered under his expert tutelage. She relaxed completely and was barely aware that he moved above her.
His moist lips leaned down to capture hers and she met them eagerly. Her eyes widened from the new scent and she squirmed away with a blush. She wrinkled her nose at him as he grasped her head between his hands and wiped his mouth on hers. Kissing her deeply she soon relented and returned his kiss with vigor. She felt him shift and opened her legs, offering him entrance.
He filled her with one smooth push and she cried out in relief. Wrapping her legs around him, she eagerly tried to control the motion. Chuckling, he hooked her under her knees with his arms and pulled them up to her waist. This gave him more leverage and deeper access, which he took full advantage of.
Sarah gasped for breath as he pistoned inside of her and ground his pelvis against hers. She was perspiring as her body shuddered again and he peppered kisses over her salty neck, moving over her face and closed eyes. She felt him tense above her and heard him cry out, releasing inside of her warmth. With a groan, he turned to his side and pulled her with him. Sated, they soon fell asleep.
Sarah woke at the knock on the door. “Dinner,” Cecilia called out. She looked over at Tristan, who she was using as a pillow. She kissed his chest trying to shake him awake. He growled at her.
“Come on Tristan. Aren’t you hungry?” she asked when his eyes finally opened.
A wicked grin spread across face. “Famished.”
Sarah cried out as he grabbed her and tossed her onto her back. She tried to push him away half-heartedly, however her hands were gently clasped in his and held above her head.
Moving over her again, he captured her mouth and she stopped resisting. Food could wait.
Chapter 23 The Ball
Sarah sat by the window in her shift, waiting for Cecilia to help her dress. For now the gown lay lifeless on the bed. She could hear tendrils of music floating up the stairway as the quartet began their warm up.
She clasped her hands together nervously; this was it, it was too late now to back out. The plan was set into motion.
The day before Tristan had packed their trunks and had them delivered to the Vixen; preparing in advance for their supposed trip to London. She had gone downstairs earlier and had mixed the powdered rhubarb into the large batch of tapioca pudding.
Hopefully, it would be enough to cause distress to all that ate it. There would be many British elite at the party and it would be difficult for them to bark orders if they were in the loo.
A creak rent the air and she looked down, spotting the first carriage to arrive. She watched as a woman dressed in peach emerged and was helped down by a gaily dressed footman. There was a knock at the door and Cecilia peeked her head in.
“I am sorry for the delay, Miss. The hired staff is not as adept as I would have hoped.”
Sarah let out her breath. “No worries, I am in no hurry to appear.”
“Well, Mister Ryan is outside pacing the hallway. He is sure to wear a hole straight through!” Cecilia said, grasping the heavy blue drapes and pulling them closed.
Sarah smiled at the thought; Ryan always seemed the nervous sort. However, she knew from experience, it was mostly a ruse. Cecilia grabbed a hairbrush and expertly placed Sarah’s hair into a tight bun to fit under the wig. Sarah’s skin was already alabaster, so she only added some juice to her lips and cheeks to brighten them.
“Well, I guess we should get started.” She swept her hand over the mound on the bed. She then pulled Sarah to her feet and appraised her a bit before digging to a pile and pulling out her knee length socks. Sarah went about the task of hopping from leg to leg as she pulled them on and tied them above her knees. Next came her bloomers and her stay, to support her bosom.
With Cecilia’s help she slipped into the quilted petticoat made to match the gown. Next she slipped her arms into the heavy gown and buttoned it into place.
Cecilia placed the wig properly on her head and pinned it in place. She then took a step back. “You look amazing. Master Tristan will be rendered speechless.”
“You mean Ryan?”
“Him too,” she replied with a wink. “Well no more dawdling, off you go.”
Sarah was practically pushed out of the room and stopped in the hallway at Ryan’s incredulous expression. “You look like an angel,” he whispered.
“Thank you, are you ready for this?”
“No,” he grinned.
“Well too bad, cause if we don’t hurry Cecilia will probably toss us down the stairs.”
“That I will!” Cecilia hollered over her shoulder as she headed down to the kitchen.
He offered her his arm and she curtsied before taking it. Her wig wobbled and she sighed, grabbing to straighten it. Taking his arm, she leaned over and whispered in his ear, “Don’t eat the tapioca.”
He raised an eyebrow but did not respond. It was a risk mentioning it to him. However, he did save her life, she owed him that.
She was thankful he was holding her arm as he guided her down the main stairway. She was a bit wobbly in her new shoes and she could just imagine herself tumbling down and landing in a heap of petticoats and bloomers. She kept her eyes on the steps and her other hand tightly clenched to the railing. She was sure she would have been dismissed from debutante school; however, she made it to the bottom safe and sound.
Raising her head for the first time, she was surprised to see the bevy of men watching her. It was disconcerting to say the least. To be surrounded by these men, these soldiers who were responsible for the death of her family was too much. Them with their fancy red waistcoats and polished shoes and buttons. Perhaps she should have used belladonna instead of rhubarb. She grasped Ryan’s arm tighter, pasting a smile on her face. Ryan nodded to the men before guiding her to the ballroom.
Sarah looked around at the colorful decorations and drapery. She had seen the room before but had preferred the library to keep her company. She eyed the back doors leading to the gardens and silently plotted her escape.
“Thirsty?” Ryan asked.
She turned her attention to him and was glad to see he felt as out of place as she did. “Yes.”
The tittering of laughter caught her attention and she looked over to see several young women congregating in a corner. She met their eyes and they quickly looked away. Holding her head up higher she accepted the glass that was slipped into her hand.
“Do you go to a lot of these?”
He shook his head. “No, the Colonel enjoys these functions, not I. I would prefer to be in my room.”
A wicked smile crossed her face. “Maybe we can head up later. Wouldn’t that be scandalous?”
“You are a magnet for trouble,” he chuckled.
Sarah let out a gale of laughter as she pushed at Ryan’s chest for attention. All heads in th
e room turned toward them, and she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, letting her lips remain a second too long.
“Guess we’ll have to make our own entertainment,” she whispered back as he laughed.
Blue eyes watched them with a frown. Even though Tristan knew it was an act, he still hated to not be with her. He thought his need for her would vanish once sated. However, it seemed to grow more and more each day. Now it was as if he was not complete any longer. He needed her.
“They make a fine pair do they not?” the Colonel commented at his side.
“Humph!” Tristan grunted, sipping on his brandy as he watched them escape outside.
“So you two are sneaking off early?”
A gleam entered his eyes, thinking of their plan. “Yes, I want to set sail at first light. I am sure my mother will be delighted,” he added sarcastically.
“Well good luck prying her away from Ryan.” The Colonel slapped his back and Tristan struggled to keep his brandy from sloshing out of his glass. He would need every drop tonight.
***
Sarah and Ryan found an empty bench to set on. She was not used to wearing the heavy dress and wig; it was becoming quite a workout just to stay vertical.
She growled. “I wish I could just rip these damn clothes off.”
“Well, that would cause a stir wouldn’t it?”
“Why are you here?” she asked suddenly turning to him.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Why are you in the army? Not to offend you, however, you don’t really seem the soldier type.”
He looked down at his clasped hands. “My father was a soldier, my mother was quite in love with him; she chose to follow him to the army. Of course my siblings and I were dragged along as well. When I turned 14 I was given the option of joining the army or leaving camp. We were on foreign soil; I had no place else to go. My family was with the army. So I signed up…for life.”
“For life! I had no idea.”
“Humph, the hierarchy can buy their way up the ladder with coin. However, foot soldiers are lifers. Not much is considered for their existence. This is a treasonous conversation I’m sure,” he said a bit warily.
She smirked, “Well at least Major Johnson isn’t sneaking around.”
“At least,” he agreed, pulling her to her feet and leading her inside. He escorted her to the punch and offered her a cup before taking one for himself. The music started up and they sipped their drinks while watching the colorful couples twirling in front of them.
A dark shadow passed over her and she looked up to see a dark-headed man staring down at her intently. “A dance madam?”
She glanced at Ryan who grabbed her glass and nodded to her in acceptance. She nodded to him looking up and meeting his dark eyes. Nerves set in as he placed one hand on her back and the other grasped her hand in his. She had never danced before such as this and was glad to let him lead her around the room, keeping an eye on her feet.
“Is this your first ball?” he asked the flustered girl.
“Yes, is it that obvious?” she replied in embarrassment.
“Not at all. I just wanted to make sure I was not losing my eye sight, since I have not noticed you before.”
Sarah smiled in return for the compliment. She wasn’t comfortable spilling out her cover story in a room full of strangers. Looking around, she noticed there were many more men than women. A stark fact in any town under military control.
The tune ended and she begged off another. Her eyes sought out any sign of Tristan. She had not seen him since he visited her bed last night. She spotted a blue waistcoat and strained to see the owner’s face.
“Looking for someone?” a deep voice asked.
She spun so quickly she lost her balance on her narrow heels. She would have fallen except for Tristan grasping her arms and steadying her.
“Yes, I was looking for Ryan.”
Tristan smiled at her fib. “Well, he is otherwise occupied right now. I’m sure he won’t mind if I keep you company.”
“That is so gallant of you.”
“Yes, it is, especially since I had to force my way through your crowd of admirers.”
“Gallant and brave,” she replied. He pulled her into the fray of dancers as the next waltz started.
She was much more aware of his hands touching her than her previous dance partner. Warmth spread from his fingers and she felt the familiar ache inside. Wishing they weren’t in a crowd, she gave him an apologetic smile.
In reply, he leaned forward and whispered, “Soon.”
Her heart thumped faster in her chest and she was not sure if it was from his closeness or the thought of escape. Picturing the men trapped in the bowels of the death ship made her stomach clench. Soon, her mind repeated his promise.
Barely aware when the song ended, Sarah found herself led to the table laden with food. Her stomach grumbled and she forced herself to eat, even though she had no appetite.
Her hand went to her forehead and not all of it was a ruse. All the cigar smoke and perfume was giving her a headache. Ryan appeared at her side and once again led her to the sanctity of the garden.
“Having fun?” she asked.
“As much as you are,” he quipped. “Listen I know we aren’t on the same page about certain aspects, however, I wish you well on your…journey.”
Sarah met his eyes and nodded. “Thank you, Ryan; you I will miss.”
Leading her to the servant’s entrance, he guided her up to her room, “Be safe,” he warned, and then he was gone.
Sarah, all bundled with nerves, sat on the bed awaiting Tristan. She wanted to change into something more comfortable, but it would have to wait until they reached the ship. She didn’t want the party-goers thinking her and Tristan were doing anything except going for a leisurely carriage ride.
Her tension mounted as the shadows lengthened in her room. Her head once again filled with doubts and what-ifs. Just when she could not stand it any longer, she heard the doorknob rattle and hurried to the door.
“Who is it?” she asked, surprised how steady her voice sounded.
“Mr. Radcliff, Milady.”
With her heart filled with happiness, she unlocked the door and pulled it open. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at Robert. He reached out for her and spoke her name…Sarah…Sarah.
“Sarah?” Tristan called, shaking her shoulder.
She sat up with a gasp, her eyes glancing around the room in confusion.
“Sarah? Are you okay?” Blue eyes stared down at her in concern.
She nodded, “Yes, just had a weird dream.”
“Sorry I took so long, I got caught up in a conversation with some of the men. Apparently, the pudding wasn’t sitting well with them, and several left early.”
Sarah smiled at the news. “Well we should get going. It’s almost too late.”
“It’ll be fine,” he said, offering her his arm. With one last glance around the room, she took it and they were off. He guided her down the back stairs and they nodded to the few people in the garden willing to battle the bugs that came out at night.
The carriage was waiting at the corral and Sarah gave a final pat to Molly’s nose; silently telling her goodbye. Tristan had assured her she would be safe after they left, and she trusted him.
Grasping his hand, she awkwardly wrestled with her encumbering gown, trying to step inside. With a grin, he grabbed her by her waist instead and easily lifted her, petticoats and all. Once seated, he sat next to her in the rear seat, allowing a driver to guide the carriage.
Sarah relaxed a bit, enjoying the lovely night. The clouds were scarce and the full moon shined above them. As if the heavens were helping them on their quest. Her dream tugged at the back of her mind and she pushed it away, she needed it clear this evening.
Not wanting to talk, she reached for his hand and held it tightly in her own and his thumb traced an unseen pattern on the back. She leaned her head back to look at him
and received a soft kiss for her effort.
“Soon,” he whispered in her ear.
The smell of the sea reached her and she was anxious to get underway. The carriage rattled to a stop at the end of the pier. Tristan hopped down and instructed the driver to return the carriage and retire for the evening. A nice tip offered even more allegiance.
Sarah was lifted down and he helped her straighten out her heavy skirt. Once again proper, she took his arm and he guided her down the pier to the Vixen.
Chapter 24 Escape!
Unlike their previous visits, the Vixen was a bevy of activity. Men scurried about on the deck readying for the trip. Darkness was closing in, however tonight it would be an asset.
Sarah stopped at the gangplank and hesitated. She glanced down at the narrow board. Normally, it was not a problem, but with her billowing dress covering her feet, it was quite a challenge. Tristan, sensing her anxiety, scooped her up in his arms and crossed with the grace of a cat.
She clung to his arm as she caught her balance once returned to her feet. Half a dozen men approached them and Tristan greeted them by name.
“Zachariah, I didn’t think you were a rebel sympathizer.”
“I go where the action is. I see you have changed allegiance as well?” he stated as his dark eyes roamed freely over Sarah.
“I have learned there is more important things than money.”