Sexy As Hell Page 9

  She smiled and nodded as though he’d asked perfectly normal questions. Then she dutifully took a sip of brandy as he held a glass to her lips. Lying back against the pillows, she ate as he sat on the edge of the bed and fed her, as if that too was ordinary. As if he was always so unselfishly obliging.

  Up was down and down was up was more the case.

  He fed her Achille’s torte between kisses, playing the gentleman with ease, conversing in banalities, urbanely charming and amusing.

  She answered if somewhat tardily at times-often replying only when Oz lifted his brows and said, “Don’t go to sleep on me, darling. I have plans.”

  “Never fear-not when that awaits me.” And she’d reached out and fondle his upthrust erection.

  It always took a moment afterward to rein in his more prodigal inclinations, but he did because he still could. Then he’d offer his wife another forkful of cake as if his chivalry might translate into an equally bland sexual gallantry.

  Undeterred by any need for restraint, Isolde considered herself exceedingly fortunate to be the recipient of Oz’s splendid sexual expertise. In fact, she was quite willing to overlook any number of her husband’s lovers in order to take advantage of his lovely virility and talents. Which delectable thought encouraged a heated tremor to shimmer up her vagina.

  Heavenly days! Being fed chocolate torte with crиme anglaise by her gorgeous husband while experiencing a rush of desire surely must be counted as one of life’s beautiful moments. Oz was, without doubt, the most irresistible of aphrodisiacs. She glanced at his seemingly indefatigable erection pressed hard against his belly and shivered in pleasure.

  Oz met her gaze and set down the cake plate. “Ready again?” “Always with you,” she answered simply. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. I can’t remember when last I contemplated fucking myself to death.”

  “I never have, yet the notion’s vastly appealing. Do you think marriage does that to one?”

  He laughed so long she had her answer, or at least his answer. “You’re no romantic, I see.”

  Swallowing his last chuckle, he swept the back of his hand across his mouth to stifle his lingering smile. “No, nor is any man of my acquaintance. A fundamental difference between the sexes I’m afraid.”

  “Even while sex itself is always compatible,” Isolde drolly countered.

  “With some women at least. You in particular. Move over a little and I’ll demonstrate our unique compatibility.”

  As she made room for him she was suddenly struck by the randomness of fate that had brought them together. “Do you realize we were thrown together completely by chance? What if I hadn’t stayed at Blackwood’s? What if I’d left with Malmsey?”

  Dropping into a sprawl beside her, Oz said, “I wouldn’t have let you go.”

  Her eyes widened a little. “You don’t say.”

  “I do. I wasn’t finished with you.”

  “I beg your pardon?” That was beyond callous. “Did my feelings come into account at all?”

  “Are you trying to start a fight again?”

  “No, we’re discussing the fact that your wishes superseded mine.”

  “I rather had the impression our wishes were in accord,” he said, soothingly. “Or do you have wild sex with any man who walks into your room?”

  “Of course not.”

  “How do I know?”

  She had the grace to blush. “Well, I don’t.”

  “Excellent because I’m in a possessive mood. God knows why, but there it is.”

  “Unfortunately I don’t care to be possessed.”

  He grinned. “Sometimes you like it a lot.”

  “I don’t happen to at the moment. Maybe I should leave,” she said pettishly, more coolheaded postorgasm.

  “You could try.” He knew the difference between willingness and unwillingness. Not that the latter figured largely or at all in his life.

  “Don’t say that.” But even as she spoke, she felt a powerful surge of prurient craving and a flush of arousal crept up her neck in rosy denial.

  “Then why don’t I say I’m going to fuck you until I can’t fuck anymore.” Sliding upward into a seated position, he flexed his fingers in a gesture of taut restraint. “Or is that in bad taste?” he drawled, looking down at her.

  She turned her head on the pillow and met his gaze. “Arrogant bastard.”

  “Fuck me anyway.”

  “I should refuse.”

  “You don’t want to, and I won’t let you in any case. Let me apologize in advance. I’m not in the mood for resistance. Perhaps it was the long afternoon of worthless, vain, and empty conversation. Now, come here,” he said, crossing his legs easily in a yoga pose, knees wide, feet together. “Sit on my lap.”

  She should take offense at his volatile presumption and bluntness, and yet every impressionable nerve in her body was not only in full compliance but shamelessly eager. “On your lap?”

  “A euphemism, darling. I expect you’ll sit where it pleases you best.”

  “What if I said your brazen insolence is wearing?”

  “I’d say come here anyway. I want to feel you around my cock.”

  “Maybe I won’t.”

  He should have coaxed or cajoled; he knew perfectly well how to do both. But the long afternoon of tea and malice had left him thin-skinned and restive and he wasn’t in the mood. “Sure you will.” Leaning over, he smoothly lifted her onto his lap facing him. Ignoring her scowling protests, he wrapped her legs around his hips, quickly slid his hand under her bottom, raised her enough to adjust his cock precisely under her sleek cleft with his other hand, and shifting his grip to her hips, rammed her down his rigid length.

  He knew, she knew, they both knew, protests aside, all was forgiven the moment he was completely submerged and her honeyed sweetness fully engulfed his rampant erection.

  A strumming, mutual enchantment brought the world to a standstill.

  “How do you do this to me?” she finally whispered. “Make me want you and need you-with or without cake,” she finished with a smile. “I’m ravenous for you.”

  “Perfect. Hush, now, don’t move-listen.”

  He spoke to her, softly, softly, explaining how to feel her heartbeat, her pulse, the tingling nerves in her fingers and toes, him inside her, the liquid heat that bathed their sex. His voice was hushed and low, his hands warm on the small of her back, his erection swelling inside her as he sat motionless and held her stationary.

  Then he spoke in a language she didn’t understand, the phrasing and syntax lyrical, melodic, the tenor of his voice seeming to touch her inside-slowly at first and diminuendo. Harder and stronger after a time, each syllable alive, a fingerprint on her senses, eclipsing reality, taking her deeper and deeper into a fathomless pleasure where lust devoured temperate emotions and only boundless, heart-stirring passion held sway.

  When it finally happened, she climaxed with starry-eyed wonder and wanton artlessness and a very soft, breathy cry.

  She lifted her lashes after a time and met Oz’s placid gaze. “How did you like it?” he said.

  “Was that poetry?”

  He nodded.

  “As you already know, I’m sure, considering your many talents, I liked it very much indeed. I’m sorry I can’t return the favor.”

  He raised her up his erection. “You can return the favor just fine,” he whispered and slid her back down his rigid cock. “This won’t take long.”

  It didn’t, but then Isolde wanted more and then he did and so it went through a long and bewitching night.

  It was almost morning when Isolde said, “For something that began as a temporary solution, I seem to have become rather dependent on your stud services.”

  He dropped a kiss on her forehead as she rested on his shoulder. “I’m not complaining. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’m not worried so much as trying to understand what’s happening to me.”

  “We’re enjoying
each other’s company, darling. That’s all.”

  “You’re right. There’s no need to decipher every nuance.”

  “Speaking of nuance-once more before morning?”

  “I’m going to die of pleasure.”

  “I won’t let you. I’ll be gentle. I’ll barely move.”

  He didn’t and he was gentle and she nearly died of pleasure.

  She fell asleep shortly after, and content and gratified, Oz watched over his new bride.

  She was the first woman in a very long time who’d engaged his interest.

  Perhaps naive country girls were a welcome change from the hothouse flowers of the ton. Perhaps her charming artlessness appealed. Or the fact that when roused, she was really quite remarkable. Or maybe it was nothing more than the fact that he was dealing out justice to a cur like Compton.

  He smiled. Or all of the above.

  Whatever the reasons, he found himself contemplating the future with a new degree of pleasure.

  That he even thought beyond the moment was a radical change for a man who’d lived by a carpe diem philosophy since arriving in England.

  And even more surprising, toward dawn, he fell into a restful sleep, something that had long eluded him.

  CHAPTER 7

  ISOLDE WOKE THE next morning to find herself alone in bed.

  But not alone.

  A young servant girl was standing at the foot of the bed, staring at her.

  “Good morning, ma’am. Did you sleep well?” The words were obviously rehearsed, the delivery so conscientious and exacting.

  Isolde smiled. “Thank you, yes.”

  “I’m to tell the baron when you wake.” A pondering frown flitted across the girl’s brow, and then her expression brightened at sudden recall. “He’ll be up directly, ma’am.” She displayed a gap-toothed smile. “That be all he said, ma’am. Now, I’m to go get him right quick.” Spinning around, she dashed from the room.

  How long had the child been standing there watching her sleep? Isolde wondered. Her new husband was remarkably thoughtful of her comfort, and not only in this regard. He’d given her a night of unparalleled pleasure.

  The heavy drapes had been drawn back from one of the large windows-to aid in her surveillance, no doubt. Rain drummed on the glass, the grey sky heavy with scudding clouds. But a fire crackled on the hearth, warming the room, mitigating the dreariness outside. Not that the inauspicious weather impacted Isolde’s unclouded mood. Her honeymoon night-however fanciful the marriage-had been pure rapture.

  She even more fully understood why all Oz’s lovers had glared at her yesterday.

  They hated her for stealing away their favorite playmate. Although, she suspected they knew it was just a matter of time before Oz tired of marriage. Most aristocratic husbands did.

  Before she could long lament the inevitable, the door opened and her favorite playmate strode into the room. He was splendidly attired, his dark frock coat beautifully tailored, his pale grey cravat tied with careless perfection, his ruffled curls restrained by his valet’s attentions. The large sapphire on his watch fob sparkled in the subdued light; his smile was equally dazzling. “You’re up.”

  “You’ve apparently been up for some time.”

  “Business before pleasure. Or so they tell me, and Davey gets up with the sun. How did you sleep?”

  “Like the dead.”

  She had the look of a tomb effigy as well, he humorously thought, her hands crossed over her breast, her pose quiescent. “I hope marriage won’t be too exhausting for you.” Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he covered her hands with his. “If I was too demanding last night, I’m sorry.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of complaining,” she said, smiling.

  “Nor I. No man could have asked for a better bridal night.” His smile was as graceful as his turn of phrase. “However,” he said, drawing his hand away, “events of the day must be addressed.”

  A small trepidation flitted through her senses at his painstakingly deliberate tone.

  “Achille is pacing in the breakfast room, awaiting your arrival. Something about strawberry crepes that are no longer at optimum temperature. I told him I’m sure you wouldn’t care. I’ve already entertained Jess, who couldn’t wait. By the way, you must try Achille’s mango custard or he’ll pout. So, the first question is-would you like your bath first or food?”

  “You first would be nice.”

  “I agree. If only I didn’t have people waiting to see me in my office.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Already abandoned on my honeymoon.”

  “Not for long. We’ll become reacquainted this afternoon.” Leaning forward, he gently kissed her. “In the meantime,” he said, sitting up, a note of restraint evident now in his voice, “I have another question to put to you. Would you mind being introduced to the ton in a more formal way than yesterday? Let me explain,” he added at her instant frown. “It seems that Compton is spreading rumors that our marriage is a farce.” Oz had a well-paid spy network here and abroad; a necessity in the world of banking where competitors often overlooked ethics. “I thought it might be best to have you make your bows at an official reception so the entire ton can see we are not only married but in love. You’ll look adoringly at me, I’ll return the favor, and we’ll foil these mischievous rumors while Compton stews in the corner.”

  “You’d invite him?”

  “Of course. Our most skeptical doubter must have a front-row seat.”

  “Along with Lady Howe, I presume.”

  “That I leave up to you. If you don’t wish to see her, I understand. On the other hand-”

  “She’s your most skeptical doubter.”

  “Yes.”

  She pulled a face. “Must we?”

  “Since you won’t let me put a bullet through Compton, yes we must. The man’s a scoundrel to the bone,” he said with a touch of impatience.

  “I’d just prefer a less public way of dealing with him.” She frowned. “I’d have to be polite to him in front of everyone. I was hoping never to see him again.”

  “You’ve led too sheltered a life, darling. Between marriage to me and your denouement in the broadsheets you’ve stepped into the glare of notoriety. There is no less public way,” he said with composure. “Especially since Compton’s spent considerable effort denouncing our marriage as a fabrication. Let me take care of this for you. Agree to this reception.”

  “You’re sure there’s no other way?” Reluctance in every syllable.

  “Nothing so conclusive as the public spotlight. You were excellent in your role at tea yesterday. You can do it again. I’ll be beside you to give you your cues.”

  “You make it all sound so reasonable.”

  He gave her one of his lavish smiles. “It is. A few hours and it’s over.”

  She softly sighed. “I suppose if we must.”

  “Excellent.” Oz smiled. The invitations had already been sent out.

  “When exactly are you planning this reception? I want to return home soon.”

  “Tonight.”

  Her eyes flared wide. “Tonight! Surely no one will come on such short notice.”

  His lips twitched. “Of course they will. I have a reputation for being unmanageable. They’ll want to see if you can manage me.”

  “I can’t, of course.”

  “Tonight you can.”

  “In that case,” she said with a sudden smile, “I must plan my strategy. The thought of you as a tractable husband quite boggles the mind.”

  “Be gentle.” His gaze was angelic.

  Pushing up into a sitting position, she playfully said, “Mock me if you dare. I’ll be holding the whip hand over you in public.”

  The covers had fallen away as she sat up, exposing her sumptuous breasts, their soft ripeness and rosy warmth close enough to touch. Oz’s libido reacted instantly. Fully capable of controlling his impulses, however, his voice was well ordered when he spoke. “Consider, my pet, once everyone is gone, I
might be interested in whips as well.”

  “I’m not sure that’s all bad,” she said with wink.

  He laughed. “I should have met you before and saved myself from a good deal of boredom.”

  “And I as well,” she airily replied when short days ago she wouldn’t have thought herself capable of sexual familiarity with a man she barely knew. “Do you really have people waiting in your office?”

  He almost said no, the plaintiveness in her voice clear. If Sam wasn’t waiting for instructions, if Davey wasn’t impatient to have him reply to the morning’s telegrams, if he wasn’t routinely engaged in banking business at this time of day, he might have. “I do, I’m sorry,” he gently said. “But you have an appointment as well after breakfast. A modiste is coming to fit you for a new gown.”

  She frowned. “What if I’d said no to your reception?”

  “Then you simply would have had a new gown. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”

  “You’d better. I suppose my entire day’s scheduled?” she fretfully said, irritated with his apparently inexhaustible authority.

  He put up a calming hand. “Feel free to do as you please.” “Except for the modiste.”

  He smiled. “If you don’t mind. She’ll be here at eleven. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” There was no point in useless argument when his plans were fully en train. He came to his feet. “Davey’s waiting.”

  CHAPTER 8

  MRS. AUBIGNY, THE most sought-after modiste in London, a woman fully aware of her consequence, was brought into what Josef referred to as the sewing room, precisely at eleven. Introductions were made, the door closed on Josef, and the fair, stylishly dressed Frenchwoman surveyed Isolde with a keen, assessing gaze.

  Then she smiled warmly.

  “Allow me to offer you my congratulations on bringing Lennox to heel,” she pleasantly said, an undercurrent of French in her pronunciation.

  “Do I say thank you to such frankness?”

  “But of course, my dear. It’s a compliment. When Lennox’s man came to me I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I see now”-the modiste’s gaze narrowed in a considering way-“you’re quite out of the ordinary. Your pale, blushing beauty bespeaks a sans peur et sans reproche-what do the English say-purity, virtue? A change for his lordship.”