So why then did she leave the last waltz open? Why did she allow Sasha to dress her in the burgundy satin? Catherine resisted the urge to yank at the daring décolletage for the umpteenth time. The gown had been an impulse purchase. It was more revealing than anything else she owned, but showed her figure to its full advantage. The orchestra was beginning the strains of a waltz. She was tired of dancing tonight. Catherine turned to take refuge by the punch, but stilled as her body began to tingle.
Merrick came through the back. This was another house he was intimately familiar with, and he wanted to avoid an entrance. It took him only a moment to spot Catherine, and as she had done at each recent encounter, she took his breath away. He had been careful the last few days to give no indication of his intentions. Her father was out of town, and in his profession family could become targets. He wanted to ensure her safety first. Nodding to various acquaintances, Merrick made his way across the room, making sure she did not see him approach.
“I believe this is my dance.”
Despite her body’s early warning, Catherine jumped. Where had he come from? He was now standing before her with his right hand extended in invitation. Despite his attendance at several functions, this was the first time he approached her to dance at one. Her defenses went up. Merrick continued to look at her expectantly, like it was presumed she would do his bidding. She felt her anger surge and opened her mouth to make an excuse.
Just then, she was jostled from behind by the crowd, propelling her forward into his arms. Merrick neatly gathered her up and swept her onto the floor. Catherine was loath to make the type of scene that would ensue should she try to leave at this point, so she resigned herself to the dance. The musicians started in earnest, and Catherine recognized the piece as Swan Lake, one of her favorites. She really did love to dance, and, not surprisingly, he was a superb partner. Catherine relaxed as his strong arms held her in the proper dance position and effortlessly guided her through the moves and the other dancers. They didn’t talk, and she closed her eyes, giving herself over to the glorious sensation of floating across the floor. As they executed a series of turns to navigate the crowded floor, he pulled her closer. Catherine shuddered slightly as she felt his thighs brush hers through the fabric of her dress. She opened her eyes to see him gazing at her with sensuous intensity, and felt her body flame with desire. He continued to hold her closer than was proper, and she would have fallen if he had not been holding her when she felt his breath whisper across her ear.
“Be careful, someone might think you’re enjoying this.”
Catherine’s eyes went wide only to narrow quickly in annoyance. She opened her mouth to retort, but was certain he was quite aware of the effect he had on her, and decided to take another tack. She would tell him about the paper, but wanted to know what resulted from her initial discovery first.
“What have you discovered? I would appreciate at least being informed.”
Merrick knew she was talking about the pamphlet, but chose to deliberately misunderstand her.
“I discovered your father was out of town, but my intentions are the same. I thought I would give you time to adjust to the situation, but will be happy to include you in any preparations. Although I’m sure your mother will also want to be included.” He smiled benignly.
The oaf! He was being deliberately obtuse and difficult.
“You know what I am talking about. And I never agreed to your ridiculous proposal,” Catherine managed to grind out while fixing him with a glare. He looked like he was enjoying this! She recognized the ending refrains of the music and rushed on, “I need to meet you on the balcony.” She would hand over the paper and leave. Let him figure it out on his own. His thumb was caressing her fingers, sending sparks down her arm that spread like fireworks through other parts of her body.
He grinned, “I like your idea, but I’m not sure this is the time or place for that activity. Although I’m sure it would be enjoyable. But the look on your face tells me you are more likely to try and poison me than anything else. I think people would be a little confused.”
Too late Catherine realized her strategic error. Merrick danced at functions occasionally, but always with matrons, and he never waltzed. His singling her out was unusual, and people noticed. For most, it would have been unremarkable, but for Merrick, it was tantamount to making an announcement. As he knew it would be.
It did not come as a surprise to Catherine that he timed his statements perfectly, as the waltz ended with a flourish. Without further opportunity for discussion, Merrick led her off the floor, deposited her with her delighted mother and aunt, and took his leave.
Neither was aware of the figure standing in the shadows, who noticed more than they knew.
Eleven
Merrick had been unable to focus on what was in front of him all morning. The discovery of the book’s purpose had been helpful, but there still was not enough information. The symbols could be some type of code, they were randomly scattered though the text, and with the Greek letters and cuneiform writing from the Assyrian, some could be easily missed. Jack had come by yesterday and retrieved it. He was more of the expert on codes. There was one symbol in particular that Merrick kept returning to, but he was not sure why it seemed familiar. No additional information was forthcoming about the case, but the fire seemed to be a central focus. Merrick mentally shrugged and continued to try to review the estate books his steward had provided. The agency definitely acted on a need to know policy, and Merrick’s involvement was apparently finished for the time being.
However, he still couldn’t concentrate as his mind’s eye also persisted in returning to images of green eyes glittering with desire, and long limbs twining about his naked body. He slammed the book shut, stood, and walked to his window. Merrick had not planned on the dance last night. He had actually given consideration to her position of not marrying. Not because he changed his mind, he had resigned himself to marrying someone. But he knew she would want, and deserved, more than he was willing to give, at least emotionally. He could not recall when he had been this attracted to someone physically. That had to be the answer to his current restlessness. He really needed to focus on finding a mistress because there was no reason for him to be this sexually frustrated. Merrick briefly considered attending the latest ‘theme party,’ word had it that it was planned around some American Cowboy and Indian fantasy, but he could not muster the slightest bit of interest. Perhaps he would try the opera. Actresses and singers had not been for him in the past, but he was willing to try something new.
He was still trying to conjure some enthusiasm for the plan when he heard the doorknocker, followed by muted conversation in the hall. He was not in the mood for company, and planned to tell his butler he was not receiving. The door opened and in sailed Catherine, quickly followed by the butler, stammering his apologies and trying to draw her out. Merrick stopped him with a raised hand. Why did his staff have such trouble keeping people at bay? The question was useless, he knew, once he saw the set of Catherine’s chin. She meant business. Even the thought of a potential argument did not dampen the pleasure he felt at seeing her again, although he conveniently ignored that internal discovery.
Catherine caught her breath at the sight of Merrick. She should have expected it by now, but was still unprepared for her physical response to him. But that’s really why I’m here, said a taunting voice in her head. Ignoring it, she tried to focus on the task at hand.
“I wanted to bring this to you. I found it after you left the house; it must have fallen out of the pamphlet. I did not want to trust it to the post, or to be delivered, since you indicated the pamphlet was important. I had it last night, but was not given the opportunity to pass it to you.” Catherine tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice when delivering the last sentence, but did not succeed.
The thought occurred to her that perhaps the rumors about Merrick were true, and that the translation was important for some planned, decadent, party. And maybe th
at was why he did not want her to be involved. She found she did not like the idea, and felt something that was suspiciously like jealousy.
Catherine had been doing a lot of thinking, and had come to some decisions. She was twenty four and this season her father planned to basically auction her off to the highest bidder. She had been raised for this, and knew she was expected to acquiesce to her role. What else was there for her anyway? She was practical enough to recognize the chances of her marriage being anything but convenient were slim, but that was before she knew what it could be like. But last night she realized that she did have access to one of the most sought after lovers in London. After considering her experiences with him, and her options, she decided she was not going to let this opportunity pass her by. She did need to return the paper, but she also planned to seduce Merrick. Never mind she had no idea how to go about it, but with his reputation, it shouldn’t take much. She still had no intention of marrying him. This was for her, just once. It all seemed so reasonable and logical in her bedroom, but standing before him now, she felt the pangs of trepidation. What if he turned her down? She would be mortified. He was looking at her expectantly. She still had the paper. She could talk about what she had found. That, at least, would be safe. She took a breath and walked toward him, “I looked over the paper and realized some of the symbols seemed familiar, although what they have in common with the pamphlet I have yet to discover.” She licked her already moist lips out of nervousness and continued, “It would be helpful if I could take another look at the pamphlet.” He was looking at her, but his eyes darkened, and she couldn’t really read his expression. She felt a shiver of anticipation down her spine. “I believe these are symbols for alchemy.”
Merrick planned to keep distance between them; he felt the charge between them as soon as their eyes met. But Catherine walked directly toward him and opened the paper on his desk. She was babbling about symbols and alchemy, but he detested chemistry, and all he could focus on was the smell of her hair. This was not a good idea. She stopped talking and looked at him expectantly; her face had the look of a startled doe. Since he had no idea what she had been saying, and did not want to admit it, he kissed her.
It was meant to be both a distraction and a warning, just enough for her to be indignant and storm out. The paper was important, but having her here, this close, was a much more immediate problem as the erection straining in his breeches indicated. So he was completely unprepared when Catherine kissed him back, and proceeded to mold her body to his, knees to chest. His brain couldn’t work fast enough as his body responded with what seemed like little direction or thought. She reached for his pants, and he stopped her,
“If you do that there will be no turning back this time.” Merrick gazed into her eyes, dark green with passion, and held his breath. Her response was to pull his mouth back down onto hers. So be it; he grasped her head at the nape and covered her mouth with his own. His tongue was demanding, driving, in her mouth. Catherine twined her fingers through his hair and arched her body into his. Merrick’s other hand slid around her waist, and then lower, to grasp her backside and more fully grind his erection into her. He initially expected her to pull away, but she continued to meet his demands with more of her own. She slipped one of her hands between their bodies again and traced the outline of his staining erection. When she began undoing his breeches, he knew he needed to take back control. Shifting his hips, he parted her legs so she was riding on his thigh. He grasped her pert bottom, pulling her down his leg, and was rewarded with her gasp of pleasure at the sensations she was experiencing. With an expert tug he sent both of her perfectly sized, rose tipped breasts spilling over the bodice of her dress. Capturing one hardened nipple in his mouth, he allowed his tongue to make lazy circles –teasing, taunting, before finally giving what her thrusting chest demanded.
Catherine thought she must be going insane. She could not keep track of the sensations running through her body. Feeling almost drugged, but impatient, she vowed not to allow him to leave her incomplete again. She knew she had to focus, to participate; otherwise he would again make all of the decisions. Summoning what she was sure were the last dregs of her sanity, she began to work on freeing him.
Merrick had been so involved in feasting on her breasts and pulling up her skirt that it was with some surprise that he felt her hand firmly grasp his manhood as it exploded from his pants. It was sweet torture to have her fingers squeezing him, exploring him. When she ran her thumb over the sensitive head, he was consumed by lust. Merrick grasped her wrist and pulled back a little to gaze into her eyes. They were both breathing hard. Catherine met his gaze steadily; there was no doubt about her understanding or about his intentions. He was at a point that he knew he should stop, but wasn’t sure he could. When she pulled back he released her, even though every cell in his body was screaming for satisfaction. It was for the best. But Catherine didn’t go far. She had only removed her hand from his grasp to begin disrobing.
Catherine backed up against the desk for balance, and began slowly raising her skirt. She felt powerful and sensuous as she watched his eyes shift to her rising hemline and gauged the effect this was having on him through her lashes. She felt him hesitate, and knew she had to act. He was completely focused on her, his tight reign on his desire evident in the tenseness of his muscles and harsh, rapid breathing. She should feel scared, but what she felt was empty, knowing she wanted him to fill her, and wanted him to do that now. So she raised the skirt another few inches.
Merrick forgot to breathe as soon as she stopped raising the skirt. His mind could not keep up. He was consumed by the woman in front of him, a virgin with the natural instincts of a courtesan. His courtesan. Merrick’s body had recognized its mate the first time. It had taken a little longer for his brain to catch up. When she raised the skirt more, exposing herself, there was no way he was going to allow her hand to complete what his body demanded.
He reached out and pulled her skirt completely up to her waist with one hand, while scooping her up and setting her bare bottom on the edge of the desk. Hooking his arms under her knees he spread her legs wide as he stepped between them.
Catherine leaned back on her elbows, and trembled with anticipation. She watched his features shift with the effort to control his response as he eased himself into her tight passage. He was large, and it was uncomfortable at first, but he gave her time to adjust. As he entered her more fully, she wriggled in frustration.
“Stay still.” He ground out between clenched teeth.
Catherine’s response was to thrust her hips up to meet him. She wanted him badly, so much so, that she registered very little pain as he plunged into her, taking her virginity. He stretched her, filled her, and immediately sent her into an orgasm that left her gasping. Merrick soon followed, his knees buckling with the power and suddenness of his release.
He regretted being so rough, she had been a virgin, but he consoled himself with the idea that there would be many nights to pleasure her long and properly in a bed. He was amazed at how complete he felt, almost...happy? He withdrew slowly, and after using a handkerchief to clean himself, he offered it to her and turned his back to give her privacy.
“I hope I didn’t hurt you too much. The first time is the worst.”
Catherine had composed herself as best as she could, and gave a little laugh.
“That was the worst? I don’t know if I could survive it getting much better.”
Merrick was basking in the afterglow of his prowess when Catherine suddenly shifted again and became all business.
“Do you have the pamphlet? I’m anxious to see how the symbols are laid out. They may or may not be in the right order.” Catherine suddenly felt shy and nervous. She knew she was babbling, but was at a loss as to how one handled oneself after having sex on a desk. She turned toward the mirror over the fireplace to check her hair, and to hide the blush now staining her cheeks. “I think the symbols may have something to do with alchemy; and the combinatio
ns on the paper seem to be formulas. This paper could be the code for the book or vice-versa.” As she spoke, Catherine became genuinely excited about the subject and her attention to smoothing out her dress became distracted. “See this symbol?” She pointed to what looked like the number three facing down on its side. “I know this is one of the symbols for fire, and I believe this one is for mercury. Why would somebody put these in that pamphlet?” Catherine was now musing more to herself.
Merrick had been gazing at her with fond amusement, but her statements made him focus on the paper she held.
“I’m afraid the pamphlet is no longer in my possession. I will pass this information on, it may be helpful.” He tried to keep an even tone to his voice. Formulas? He definitely needed to get this to Devon. Merrick took the paper, folded it, and put it in his coat pocket. He could not believe he had not even removed his coat; he’d behaved like some randy schoolboy. He reminded himself he would be able to make up for it later. Now, he had business to attend to.
“You will no longer be involved in this Catherine. There are things you don’t understand, and even as my wife, there will be things I will not be able to tell you.”
This was not going as Catherine planned. She thought she was more prepared for his habit of unilateral decision-making, but she felt her temper flare. He would marry her, but she would not be part of his life. She suspected as much, which was what set her original plan of seduction in motion. But hearing it out loud hurt more than she anticipated.
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