For the past one week , Luke had been frustrated beyond measure. Missandrei wouldn't say more than distant polite words to him. When they danced, she looked above his shoulder. During their walks she'd stayed mute and her eyes had been glazed over in whatever thoughts she was thinking. And then suddenly Belmont had appeared and her eyes had sparkled in relief and joy. She'd smiled so wide at him and touched his arm in affection. Which had left him vibrating in anger.
He told himself only civility he wanted between them but he was a big , big liar. He'd bought her jewelry none of which she'd worn. He was still going to bed each night dreaming about her soft skin and bow shaped mouth and obvious curves. The whole situation was making him grumpy. He found that he preferred when Missandrei smiled at both he and Belmont than now when she saw him as the villain.
He noticed Missandrei slipping away through a side door. He automatically sought out Belmont. He was actively involved in a conversation with another gentleman. He followed after her, wondering who she was going to meet. Maybe it was their plan. Belmont would pretend to be occupied and later meet up with her for a tryst. He found her in a small sitting room upstair dancing alone and humming to herself. He couldn't resist. As she spun around , he caught her in one arm and spun her in the other direction. She gasped as their bodies collided ,bit didn't miss a beat. Their bodies moved in unison,their eyes locked in a fierce combat of wills.
They were closer than the dance needed . Slowly , the glaze in Missandrei's eyes waned off replaced by sparking heat. Suddenly they stopped moving , just holding on to each other , breathing hard .
" Missandrei?" he whispered. It was more like a question
she understood "yes"
They moved forward as one , their mouths melding . Luke's palm craddled her head . Heat settled low in Missy's stomach. She had never felt like this before. So this was what all the fuss had been. Luke's tongue ran along the rim of hers. She moaned , his tongue slipped into her mouth and licked her tongue. When she tried to do the same, he sucked lightly at her tongue setting a fire in her. She felt herself go damp between her legs. Her hands roamed over the Duke's chest feeling hard muscle beneath her palm. The duke didn't kiss like a saint. He kissed like a starved man. She revelled in it. Demanded more. Devoured what he gave. His mouth left hers to trail kisses along her jaw then his teeth nipped at the fragile patch of pale skin between her neck and shoulder. She shivered as his tongue licked at the spot , driving her Wilder.
"I want to watch you come undone" he hissed harshly.
"yes" her brain couldn't produce any word more complex than that. His hands tugged at her dress bunching it around her waist. He picked her up in his arms and sat on the chaise , placing her astride him . She was so passion induced that she didn't feel any maidenly need to cover herself from his dark gaze. Her mouth met his again as his hands went to her most private part. She shivered as he touched her.
"So wet" he murmured .
He teased her folds before driving a thick finger inside her. She cried out in pleasure wanting more. His finger rubbed her walls , shooting sparks of pleasure inside of her even as his other hand pulled her bodice down and freed her breasts. His eyes darkened even more as he saw the tight, beady , dusky pink nipples. Another finger joined the first inside her , stretching her . She reflexively began to move her hips . His hand covered her breast , massaging it , pinching her nipples , making her cry out and writhe against him.
"just like that" he ordered "ride me" she began to move faster , his palm brushing against her engorged nub. It was so good. She was so close to the edge , she'd to reach the edge, she was too full , she yearned to burst open .
His mouth came over her other breast then his teeth brushed over her hard nipple " come for me my little hellion"
She exploded , tumbling head first into a sea of sweet release. She collapsed against his chest , a mass of spent bones and flesh.
"- so beautiful. So lovely. My sweet. I've got you" he whispered soothingly as he rubbed her back .
"How can you do this to me?"she asked "one moment you treat me like I disgust you , the next you make me experience things i could never have dreamed of"
"you don't disgust me. You- fascinate me"
She raised her head to look him in the eye. He carefully avoided her eyes righting her clothing . She scrambled away from his lap and turned to the mirror, rearranging her hair as best as she could.
"Don't hate me"he said his eyes meeting hers in the mirror.
"You treated me without regard Luke . Dropped me off at my front door like I didn't matter and went back to the ball like nothing had happened. I just wanted to be held" she looked down .
"I-" he stopped . What could he say ? If he told her he'd been jealous about her relationship with Belmont, she'd have a hold over him. She'd know he cared more than he let on. He couldn't afford that . People could manipulate him only if they believed he cared. He'd avoided caring all his life. What was this woman doing to him?
He squared his shoulders . One callous word and everything would go back to how it'd been. Her , distant and him annoyed and grumpy. And he wanted more of what they had done here. She was a delicacy he didn't think he could ever have his fill of. Especially not after just one taste. "I have a lot of years ahead to hold you Missandrei. I promise"
The joy that filled her eyes was a huge relief. He would keep to his promise. She'd find no complaint if she wanted his body against his constantly. He was glad now of the house party his mother had suggested . Missandrei would be there without Belmont . And he'd have her close by. He'd have her body in his bed. Each and every night .
" What's making you look so damn pleased with yourself?" Missy tilted her head and grinned at him.
"You" he said without thinking and was about to twist his answer when he noticed the blinding smile she bestowed on him.
"that-" footsteps were suddenly heard moving towards the door. She gasped . He took her hand and pulled her through the closest door he could find. They tumbled into a dimly lit corridor. Voices floated up tp them. They exchanged a startled glance then began to race down the corridor , Missandrei's muffled giggling warming his soul.
"I think we are a little lost" she laughed when they came upon a fork in the corridor "left or right?"
"right" he nodded wisely "the right path has to be right"
She threw her head back and laughed .
He winced "That came out sounding horribly"
"so the right path-" she trailed off when a blue dress came into view "Oh God. Another person"
They raced through the opposite corridor and down the servants stairway. Finally they were outside under the clear night sky , Missandrei laughing and the duke looking horror filled "That was fun"
"your definition of fun is running through a near stranger's house to avoid being caught with a man?" he narrowed his eyes at her.
"no. my definition of fun is doing that with you. I would never have imagined you doing that. It's so out of character"
"I will have you know I've never debauched a lady in someone's sitting room"
"I'm not much of a lady "she shrugged
He looked at her for a beat " go on in. I will join you in a minute"She placed a fleeting kiss on his mouth then disappeared around the corner. Luke wondered again what she was doing to him.