Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty-Five
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. ChasePart Twenty-Five:
I open to him and allow his tongue to thrust into my mouth. My hands twine into his hair and his arms wrap around my waist to pull me close to him. Rocking against each other, I rub my prick on his. The barrier of our clothes frustrates me.
Pulling away, I start to unbutton his shirt. I want to feel his skin. Soon Greyson’s shirt finds its way to the floor and I’m running my hands over his chest. Rough hair curls around my fingers. I scrap my thumbnail over the hard nipple. Groaning, his grip tightens on my hips and pulls me even closer to him.
I’m not sure what to do. I stare up at him, trying to figure out what I can do to make him moan. My hand hesitates on his chest.
Looking at me, he must sense my confusion because he takes my hand and presses it hard to his chest. “Do you remember what I did to you last night and earlier today?”
I blush, but nod.
“Then do to me what made you feel good. You won’t disgust me, love.” He brushes his lips over mine.
I breathe deep, trying to settle my nerves. I know he won’t laugh at me. I flex my fingers, kneading the muscles under them. He moans and shivers. Cupping my elbow, he leads me to the bed.
“I think we should both be sitting while you explore.” He laughs and winks.
“Yes.” My knees are feeling wobbly and I’m happy for the support of the mattress.
Leaning back against the headboard, he holds his arms out to me. I shake my head and kneel next to him. His hands drop to the blanket.
“I’m all yours. Do what you wish.”
He is laid out before me like a vast frontier I long to explore. My trembling hands trail down the crisp hair on his chest to where it thins to a single line that disappears under his trousers. Shooting a quick glance up at his face, I see his blazing blue eyes are half closed and he is watching me intently. My hand hovers over the bulge covered by fabric.
“Everything or nothing. It’s up to you, Angel.” He isn’t going to force me.
I run my fingers lightly over the length of his shaft. He takes a sharp breathe and a surge of power rushes through me. My hands tremble as I reach out and unbutton his trousers. He’s silent, but raises his hips to help me strip his clothes off. Soon he is naked and I finally have a chance to look at him.
His body is muscled and trim. He doesn’t seem to be sliding into dissipation like many noblemen. I skate my hand over the dark circle of flesh on his chest. It hardens, so I flick it with a fingernail. He jerks and I lean down to lick his nipple with my tongue. He tastes salty from sweat, but his own unique taste still dances in my mouth. His hands entwine in my hair and urges me to move to his other nipple. I give it my undivided attention. Soon it is red and Greyson is moaning.
As much as I am enjoying teasing him with my tongue, I find I’m being distracted by the brush of his hard shaft against my thigh. Pulling back, I glance down at his groin and a groan escapes my throat. His cock isn’t as long as mine, but it’s thicker. The flared head has been revealed in all its red moist glory. I swipe my thumb over the wet tip and bring it to my lips. His seed tastes bitter and salty.
His intake of breath caused me to glance up and I see him staring at me with intense interest. A sudden attack of shyness hits me. I look back down at his shaft. Since I’ve never done anything like this before, I’m not sure what I should do. I know I want to give him as much pleasure as he gave me earlier today. I clasp my hand around him and stroke gently.
“I won’t break, love.” He wraps his hand around mine and shows me how the rhythm he enjoys.
Soon I’m pumping my hand up and down his shaft with a rough and quick motion. His hips move with me, thrusting him into my palm. The seed leaking from the slit in his head helps to ease the way. My other hand never settles in one place. I play with his nipples, then slide down to fondle and squeeze his sac. I feel his muscles start to tense.
“Angel, I’m close.” His voice is hoarse and filled with passion.
I frown, not sure what he means.
“I’m going to spill my seed.” How he manages to explain while breathing so hard is beyond me.
“Oh.” I find I want to have him empty his seed into my mouth like I did to him earlier. “Wait.”
A strangled chuckle comes from his chest. “I don’t think you know what you’re asking me.”
“I want to take you in my mouth and give you the same pleasure you gave me.” I wiggle around, stretching out on the bed beside him. My hand keeps stroking him, but I place my mouth round the tip of his shaft. I remember how he swallowed me down, so I open my mouth and suck him in. When the head hits the back of my throat, I gag and pull off him, coughing and embarrassed.
His hand runs over the top of my head. “You’re new at this, love. Don’t try to take it all in at once. In time, you’ll be able to taste all of me, but for now, a little will be fine.”
Nodding, I compose myself. I can do this. I want to do this. Greyson has given me more pleasure than I ever imagined possible. I’d like to return some of it to him. I place my lips around him again and take the tip of his shaft in.
I swirl my tongue around the silky hardness. I tease him with my teeth, not enough to cause pain. I can feel his blood pulsing through the vein on the underside of his shaft. I pull off with a pop and lick to the base. He groans and I have the feeling he’s enjoying my inexperience.
I go back to the tip and take a little more in this time. I apply suction to it, massaging it the best I can with my tongue. He’s panting now and moving his hips in short thrusts, trying hard not to push it all the way into my mouth, I suppose. Silently, I vow to learn how to take all of him in.
“Love, going to spill.” He tugs on my hair.
I know he wants me to pull off and not swallow his seed, but I want to taste him. He did the same for me and I can do no less. I shake my head and increase the licking and suction.
“Oh God,” he cries out as his hands cup my head and his seed fills my mouth in short bursts.
I try hard to swallow it all, but soon it is leaking from the sides of my mouth. When he is finally still, I pull off and rest my head on his hip.
“Angel, come here.” His hands reach out and lift me up to lie on his chest.
Our faces are inches apart and he smiles at me. His eyes are hazy with exhaustion and love. He runs a finger over my chin, cleaning off his seed from my face. He brings our mouths together and moans. I love the mixture of his own unique scent and the salty bitterness of his seed. Our tongues duel as he searches out every inch of my mouth and touches it.
His hands cup my buttocks and rub me against his hip. “Move, love. Take your pleasure now.”
It wouldn’t be long. I could feel my sac tighten and my cock beg for release while I dined on my lover. A few hard thrusts against his body and I’m spilling my seed as well. I cry out and press my face into his shoulder.
When my shudders fade, he climbs out of bed. Greyson undresses me and then cleans us both. By the time he comes back to bed, I’m almost asleep. He settles, his chest to my back and wraps his arms around me. I grasp his hand in mine and lay them over my heart beat.
“I love you, Angel,” his voice whispers in my ear.
I love you too, I want to say, but sleep has captured me and I tumble without saying the words.
Another Happy Hunk Day
Hey everyone. I hope you’re having a good day. Staying cool for all of us stuck in the hot places of the world. 🙂 I think this guy has the right idea. Anyone want to share water with him? lol
On Monday, I got 6331 words done on Angel’s Seduction. Yesterday, probably only around 300.
That brings AS up to 37k for the expanded version. I’m really thinking this story will hit 50k by the time it’s done. 🙂 Woo-hoo! I’m really hoping to get it finished within this next month.
Have a great day.
Angel’s Seduction- Part Twenty-Four
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c)2006 T.A. ChasePart Twenty-Four-
I stare out of Greyson’s bedroom window. He has yet to return from the Home Office. There was a messenger waiting when we arrived back from the tailors. I smile thinking of how the duke had apologized to me for having to leave. As if I am more important than the prime minister or the regent. That was five hours ago.
I pace to the bed and back. A restless urge has taken a hold of me. If I were a different person with friends, I’d go and spend time with them. But I have no friends and so am stuck in this house waiting for Greyson to return. A knock sounds.
“Come in,” I call out, hoping it’s a diversion.
Johnson comes in. “My lord, I’m sorry to disturb you, but there is a gentleman downstairs who wishes to speak to you.”
“Me?” I’m surprised. “I don’t know anyone who would want to talk to me unless it’s my uncle.”
“No, sir. It’s not your uncle or your father. It’s a gentleman who talks to his Grace once in a while, but he won’t leave any message with me. He says he has to talk to you.” Johnson shrugs.
I tug on my coat, making sure I look neat. If it is one of Greyson’s friends, I don’t want to make a bad impression. “Take me to him, Johnson.”
“Yes, my lord.”
I follow the valet downstairs to Greyson’s study. I open the door and step in, instantly plunged into darkness. No lights had been lit in the room. I stay by the door, worried this is a trap, but no one rushes towards me.
“Are you in here?” I feel foolish, but I need to make sure the stranger hasn’t left.
“Yes. I have a message for Greyson and I need you to deliver it.” The voice comes from the area around the fireplace.
Even though I know where he is, I chose to stay by the door. “Why not leave it with the butler or Johnson?”
“It’s a verbal message. We can’t take a chance at writing it down.” A whisper trails through the room as if he has shifted and his clothes rub together.
“Are you a spy?” Fascination rushes through me. I wonder if Greyson is a spy as well.
“I am what I need to be. Tell Greyson that our small friend is expanding. This friend is eyeing more than his fair share of the pie.”
“Right. Small friend expanding. Eyeing more than his fair share of the pie.” I nod to myself since he can’t see me in the darkness. “Got it. Anything else?”
“I’ll be back in a day or two with more information. Make sure the duke gets the message.”
Before I can think, the stranger is standing in front of me. I still can not see any feature on his face. The darkness impedes my vision. A finger caresses my cheek and lips brush over mine. He’s gone. I can’t tell if he leaves by the door behind me or through the garden door. I press a finger to my lips and laugh.
I find my way to one of the chairs by the fireplace and sit down. Leaning my head back, I shut my eyes. I hate the dark because I never know what lurks in the shadows, but I also love it because it hides my flaws from others. This time it embraces me and I find myself sliding into sleep, wondering what it is about me that possesses strangers to kiss me in the darkness.
“Angel, wake up.”
I open my eyes to see Greyson kneeling beside the chair. His hand rests on my shoulder with a gentle touch. Smiling, I rub my fingertips over his frowning lips. I lean forward and kiss him. His lips mold to mine and we feast on each other. His hand moves from my shoulder to the base of my head and cups me. I angle my head to give him permission to take the kiss deeper. His tongue invades my mouth and strokes behind my upper teeth. I shiver in delight as my shaft stiffens. I push closer to him, gripping his shoulders for support.
He chuckles and pulls away. “I need to wake you up more often, love.” He glances around the room. “Why were you sitting in the dark?”
Blinking, I try to remember anything other the taste of Greyson’s lips. “Oh, Johnson told me there was a gentleman who wanted to talk to me. When I got down here, the room was totally dark. I stayed near the door in case I needed to get away.”
The duke frowns. “What did the gentleman want?”
“He had a message for you that he didn’t trust to anyone but me. Are you a spy?” I don’t expect him to answer.
“I am what I need to be.” He stands and moves towards the garden door that is ajar.
“That’s the same thing he said to me when I asked him if he was a spy.”
He relaxes. “What did he want you to tell me?” Moving back to me, he pulls me up from the chair and sits. I’m now curled up on his lap, which I’m discovering is my favorite place to be.
“He said to tell you your small friend is expanding and has his eye on more than his fair share of the pie.” I press a soft kiss on his chin.
“Damn.” Greyson growls. I can’t tell if it’s caused by my words or my actions.
I untie his cravat and get the first few buttons on his shirt undone before he stops my hands. I give him an innocent stare. He shakes his head and laughs. Lifting me to my feet, he stands. He keeps my hand in his and leads the way out of the room.
“Do you have to go somewhere,” I ask, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.
“Johnson, we’ll have supper up in my room,” Greyson informs the valet as we stroll by.
“It’ll be ready in an hour or two, your Grace.”
I glance back to see Johnson smiling after us. I can’t keep the grin off my face. I don’t think the duke is planning on going anywhere for the rest of the night. Need hits me making my prick hard. Reaching out, I cup one of Greyson’s buttocks and squeeze.
He gets the door to his bedroom open and pushes me through. Before I can say anything, he kisses me.
First Review-Romance Junkies
I was going to post the graphic that said No Going Home got 4.5 ribbons from Romance Junkies, but again Blogger isn’t playing nice first thing this morning. Oh well.Yay! My first review is in and I’m thrilled to say the least. Chrissy Dionne gave NGH 4.5 ribbons and had this to say about my cowboys:
“No Going Home is an awesome gay love story that goes far beyond just the growing relationship between Les and Randy….will touch the heart of readers while installing a sense of awe for everything these men endure.”
Thanks so much, Chrissy. The review won’t go up until around the 7th, but I thought I’d give you all a sneak peek. As soon as it’s live, I’ll post the link for it and you can read the rest of the great review.
I have to admit, I’ve overwhelmed and humbled by the response I’ve gotten from readers about No Going Home. This story wasn’t the first one I finished. That one, Here Be Dragons, will be out at the beginning of Sept. (Keeping my fingers crossed). But NGH is the one I started working on first when I decided to try my hand at writing a ‘real’ book. (not just starting and never finishing any). So this one will be special to me for some many reasons.
I just want to thank everyone-those who are vocal in their support and those of you who support me without saying a word. It means all the world to me. 🙂
Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty-Three
Picture done by Steve Walker..click here to check out the rest of his awesome pics.
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
Part Twenty-Three:
His rough fingers pluck at my nipples and I lift my chest, offering him more of my skin to play with. His mouth trails over my chin to find the spot he had sucked on earlier.
“Please.” I beg for his touch.
His other hand slides down my chest and under the water to cup my prick. My hips rock up, thrusting me through his palm. The firmness of his grip makes me moan. His thumb swipes over the crown of my shaft and pushes into the opening. There’s a little burst of pain and I hiss. Greyson stills.
“Are you okay?” He pulls away from me to check
“Yes.” I nod.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He stands and holds his hands out to me.
Taking a hold of him, I allow him to pull me to my feet. The warm water slides off my skin. His hot gaze burns me as his eyes trace a path from my face down my chest to where my shaft rises from its nest of curls.
“No,” I manage to answer. “You didn’t hurt me.” After the cutting lash of my father’s whip, it would take more than Greyson’s touch to hurt me. I step from the tub and reach for the towel Johnson had left on the chair.
Greyson grabs it before me. He takes his time drying my arms and chest. I want to yank the fabric from him and insist that I can take care of myself, but there is something in his eyes that tells me he wants to do this for me and at the moment, I’m willing to let him. He kneels at my feet and starts to dry my legs. I play with the blonde curls on his head, running my fingers through them. I can’t get over the fact that he allows me to touch him. No one in my life before this would let me touch them. Maybe they were afraid my disease would rub off on them.
He tosses the towel behind him and grins up at me. “You said you felt dirty when the woman tried to put her mouth on you. How would you feel if I did it?”
Shock races through me. I didn’t know men would want to do that. I admit to myself there are a lot of things I don’t know. Greyson must realize that I’m struck speechless because he leans forward and wraps his lips around the head of my prick. Pleasure rushes through me and my knees buckle. His hands take a firm grip on my buttocks and he supports me as he takes my shaft deeper into the moist heat of his mouth.
I grasp his shoulder while entwining my fingers in the curls at the back of his head. My chin rests on my chest as I stare down at him. His sparkling blue eyes meet mine without shame and I understand that he’s getting as much pleasure out of this as I am. He increases the pressure as he slowly pulls back until just the tip rests in his mouth. I jump when his tongue teases the slit in the head, tasting the drops of my seed leaking out. He hums and the vibration causes shivers to trace through my body.
His hands teach my hips how to move. Does he really want me to push my shaft in and out of his mouth? I try to resist, but he’s stronger than I am, so I begin to thrust. Now that I’m supported by his shoulder, his hands glide across my body to find places that make my passion build.
“Greyson,” I moan as the fingers of one hand tap my opening. His other hand makes its way between my legs and strokes the skin there. I widen my stance and grip his shoulder tighter.
The finger pushing into my opening forces a gasp out of my mouth. He encourages me to rock between his finger and mouth. Sensations swamp me and pool at the base of my spine. I can no longer think, only move. His tongue bathes the underside of my shaft as he swallows me down until I hit the back of his throat. The muscles in his throat massages me and I am helpless to do anything except move as he insists.
One deep thrust of his finger and he hits the spot that causes my eyesight to cloud and my body to tense. “God” I cry out. Pressure builds and I can tell my soul longs for release.
Another thrust and rub against that spot. I arch my back, shoving my shaft deep into Greyson’s mouth. My seed spills from me and my muscles stiffen. All I can think of is the pleasure rolling through me. My mind blacks out.
When I regain my senses, I find I’m lying on the bed, covered by a sheet. Greyson is slowly stripping his clothes off. I shift and he turns to smile at me. The sudden need to share with him all the joy he brings me hits and I reach for him.
“Please let me give you the same pleasure,” I beg.
He laughs softly and shakes his head. “Tonight, you may do whatever you wish to me, Angel. Right now, I’m fine. I spilled my seed when you did. You’re so beautiful.”
Blushing, I hide my face. I don’t see the beauty in me, but I won’t argue with him. I watch as he washes and then pulls on the bell cord. Climbing in bed, he cradles me close to him. A knock sounds on the door. Johnson pokes his head in.
“Have lunch ready in two hours, Johnson.” Greyson doesn’t look at the valet. He buries his face against my neck.
“Certainly, your Grace.” Johnson nods and shuts the door.
My eyes want to shut and I fight for a few minutes. Sleeping in the middle of the day isn’t something I’ve ever been allowed to do. Greyson’s arms encircle me and his hands stroke my back.
“Relax, love. Sleep and when we get up, we’ll go to my tailors for some more clothes for you.” His voice bathes my ear.
“I don’t want you to be paying for me. I shouldn’t take anything from you when I haven’t earned any of it.” My breathing falls into the same rhythm as his.
“Your uncle is providing you with an allowance like he would with any heir. Maybe he’ll give you a little extra and Roberts can show you how to invest it. You can have your own money without relying on any one, not even me.” He understands and isn’t anger with my refusal.
Money of my own. If I had that, then if there comes a time when I must leave Greyson to save him, I’d be able to survive for a while on my own. A chill wracks my body and he holds me closer to him, throwing one of his legs over my thigh and surrounding me with his warmth. I don’t ever want to leave him. I know I’ll fight as hard as I can to stay with him.
“Sleep, Angel. All our problems will be solved in due time.” He kisses me and sighs.
I close my eyes and settle next to him. He’s right. I can’t solve our problems without facing them and right now, I just want to share his bed and his warmth.
Angel’s Seduction- Part Twenty-Two
Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
Part Twenty-Two:
A discrete cough interrupts our kisses. I start to hide my face in Greyson’s chest. But his finger under my chin stops me. I meet his eyes and he smiles at me.
“No more hiding, love. In this house, you’re safe.” Greyson brushes another kiss over my lips and helps me stand.
We turn to see the butler standing just inside the room. He gestures towards the study. Greyson nods and smile down at me.
“Come with me.” His arm encircles my waist and he escorts me to the other room.
When we enter the study, there is a stranger sitting at Greyson’s desk. The duke laughs and holds out a hand to the man.
“Roberts, I’m going to send this desk to your office. You use it more than I do.”
Roberts stands and shakes the duke’s hand. Turning, he offers me his hand as well. I stare at it. No one had ever acknowledged me without being forced to.
“Angel, this is Roberts. He’s my solicitor and I had him go over the papers your uncle brought over. Roberts, this is my Angel.” Greyson introduces us.
I shake his hand and hope he doesn’t notice how sweaty my palm is.
“I’ve checked everything and it looks all in order. Your uncle has the right to name any male his heir. It’s now up to you and what you wish to do.” Roberts must see my shock because he taps my hand with a finger. “You don’t have to make a decision at this moment or even in the next week. There is time.”
“Thank you.” It’s the only thing I can think of to say. I never thought I’d been heir to my uncle’s title. To be honest, I didn’t believe I’d live to be my father’s heir. There were moments when I thought my father would kill me but no more. Suddenly I have the chance to become an Earl.
“Your Grace, I have some papers I need to go over with you.” Roberts points to the desk.
“Of course.” Greyson heads to the desk.
I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to listen in on the duke’s private business. I move towards the door. Greyson looks up.
“You don’t have to leave, love. I don’t have any secrets from you.” Greyson gestures for me to come back to him.
I shake my head. “I think I’ll go upstairs and clean up.”
He studies me as if he isn’t sure about letting me go.
“I’m fine. I just need to be alone for a while. Things have changed and I need to think about them.” I smile to reassure him.
“Fine. Come back down when you’re finished.” He looks back down at the papers Roberts sets in front of him.
Johnson is waiting in the hall for me as I leave the room. The valet follows me up the stairs after telling the footmen to bring hot water up for a bath. It’s still morning, but I need to change and clean up. It’s my way of washing away my old life and starting a new one.
Thirty minutes later, I sink into the warm water. In the course of four hours, my life has changed a great deal. Some one loves me enough to give me new opportunities and a new world. He trusts me even though we’ve only just met. I scrub my body and seeing the marks Greyson left on my skin last night makes me blush.
For the first time I’ve felt passion. I’ve enjoyed another person’s touch. I’ve tasted someone else’s lips. I’ve found heaven with a golden god. Our relationship is one Society considers depraved, but it is one I’ve never known before. Greyson accepts me and loves me no matter what I’ve done.
I glance around the room. Dark wood forms the bed and the furniture that speaks to the masculinity of the man who sleeps here. I see the tall muscular blonde man whose golden looks caught my eye in the trappings of the room. In the blue of the silk bed cover, I see his piercing gaze. Yet sitting on the dresser is a small jade statue of an elephant, speaking of a certain whimsy in him.
I rest my head back against a rolled towel and close my eyes. Two nights ago, I was nothing, just a scapegoat for my father to abuse. In the blink of an eye, I am someone’s love. I’m first in line to one of the oldest earldoms in the country.
A hand caresses my chest, teasing my nipples. I gasp and my breath is taken by a mouth pressing against my lips. Opening my eyes, I look up into those blazing blue eyes as his tongue duels with mine. I acknowledge to myself that nothing else means anything to me except the love of this man.
______________________________________________________________
P.S. I’m SExing today…come chat with me. 🙂
On Hold
I’m sorry to everyone who stopped by today for the next installment of Angel’s Seduction. It won’t be up until tomorrow. I left the flash drive it’s on at home. I knew I was going to do it too…lol. I rushed out of the house because I had to take C to work this morning, so I could have his car for the day. To make up for it, I’ll post two installments. One tomorrow and the next one on Saturday. 🙂
Thank you to everyone who commented yesterday on my question about a HIV positive hero. You all had valid points. I guess this will be a story I work on while I’m writing other less complicated stories. I don’t want to rush through the story and gloss over the problems Paul would have in his life because of his illness. It’s a topic that deserves all the research and understanding I can give it. So I’ll keep you updated as I get farther along into the planning of the story.
But here’s a cowboy for you today. (Though I don’t know many cowboys who would wear that belt. 😉 ) Enjoy him. Again I’m sorry about the delay on getting Part Twenty-Two up for you.
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” —J.R.R. Tolkien
Happy Hunk Day.
Hey everyone. How’s things? lol
Don’t have much to talk about. Did a little writing last night. Mostly on Angel’s Seduction, but I’m formulating another story in the back of my mind. (There’s a big shock, huh?) lol
I have a question though. Everyone feel free to answer it. If one of the heroes in a story of mine were to be HIV postive, would that be a turn-off for you? There would still be sex (though always w/ a condom). Would it be too depressing or still in the back of your mind while you read?
People are living longer than before because of medication and a few of those people actually have good/loving relationships with their partners.
That’s the question I’m posing to all of you. I haven’t started the story or anything, just began to think about it, so it’s not written in stone (or on the computer) yet. lol It can always be changed. 🙂
Hope everyone has a great day.
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”
Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty-One
Sorry no picture today. Blogger won’t let me upload it, but here’s the next scene for AS.Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase
Part Twenty-One:
Greyson is home when I return from my ride. I hand the butler my hat and gloves. Without taking my eyes off the golden god walking towards me, I allow the butler to help me off with my coat. As soon as I’m free, I move to meet Greyson in the hallway.
He brushes a finger over my cheek and smiles. “Enjoy your ride, love?”
“Yes, I did. I’m surprised Jack managed to get my gelding out of the stable without Father knowing about it.” I reach out and touch his arm, convincing myself he’s real and with me.
“Well, if he hadn’t, I would have bought you a mount. I remember how happy you look riding in the Park.” He takes my hand and leads me down the hall to the study where we met my uncle last night. “I thought I’d find you still asleep. You aren’t too sore from last night?”
Heat blossoms in my face and I duck my head, embarrassed by his frankness. My prick hardens as well, merely from the touch of his hand and his scent filling my nose.
“You blush just like a maiden.” His hands cups my face and lifts my gaze to meet his. “I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Angel. I’m a little unsure how to treat you. I’m not used to dealing with one so innocent.”
I see the worry and concern in his eyes. He is worried about scaring me or embarrassing me. I don’t think he’s been nervous or unsure of himself in decades. I place my hands over his and press them closer to my skin.
“Don’t treat me like a fragile creature about to break. As you’ve said yourself, I’m stronger than I look. I just need time to adjust. I’ve never been in any kind of relationship-friendship or whatever it is we have here. All my life, I’ve heard that everything we did last night was wrong and depraved. Though I’ll admit I had no idea men could do that. My father never went into details about those acts he called perversions.” I kiss the palms of each hand and hold one to my chest over the spot where my heart beats.
“I’m sure your father wouldn’t know exactly what we do either. He’s one of many who would claim any sort of passion and love to be wrong.” He mimics my action and my hand rests over his heart.
The beat is strong and true. I have the feeling that his heart beats for me now and were I to leave, it would stop. I stare up at him, not understanding how I got to be so lucky? What god is smiling at me to make this man fall in love with me? We step closer to each other.
“Why?” It’s the question repeating over and over in my mind, though I’m less concerned about the answer now.
“I’ll tell you, but come and sit with me.”
I follow him to the chair I sat in last night. He sits down and tugs me down on to his lap. I curl up, resting my head on his shoulder. His arms wrap around me. I’m safe and warm. Love swells through me. Nothing must happen to the man because of me. Fear tries to raise its ugly head. I know my father won’t give up. He’ll try to tear us apart. Are the chains we are forging between each other going to be strong enough to withstand his assault?
Greyson’s hand trails over my arm and rests on my hip. “Do you know when I saw you for the first time?”
“Was it the ball where you kissed me?” That was when I truly noticed him.
“No. That was the night I finally saw my interest returned. Which is why I followed you out into the garden and kissed you.” He laughed softly. “I must be better at sulking and spying than I thought.”
“I’m sure you’re marvelous at spying, but I wouldn’t have noticed you before then. I was too caught up in my own misery. That night was the first night I wasn’t in pain from Father’s abuse.” I gasp as his arms tighten around me.
“I would call him out if I could.” Anger causes his voice to become a growl.
I stroke my hand over his arm. “I know, but he isn’t worth the chance of you getting injured in some way. I’m free of him now. So when was the first time you saw me?” I want to distract him away from his anger at my father.
“It was at the first ball of the Season. I planned on just making an appearance and then leaving. I don’t spend a great deal of time in Society. The people try my patience. I went because my friend’s wife was giving the ball and it would make her happy if the Duke of Northamptonshire showed.” Greyson sounds annoyed.
“I went to that one because my father made me. He forced me out of bed and dressed me. He told me I needed to make an appearance because he was going to arrange a marriage for me. I thought about protesting. I wanted to yell at him that I didn’t want to get married, but my back still wore the marks from my last beating. So I went.” I remember that night. I had been in such a haze of pain, I wouldn’t have noticed the Regent if he’d been standing in front of me.
“That explains why you were so pale and your eyes so sad. I walked in and there you were. It was as if a light shone down on you and a voice spoke in my ear as clearly as you are talking to me.” Awe fills his voice.
“What did it say?”
“You were the one. The one I’d been searching for all of my life.” Greyson sighs and nods towards the portrait of his wife on the wall above the mantel. “I married my wife when I was twenty-two. Our fathers arranged our marriage. I knew I needed to have an heir. I also knew that I could never love her. I didn’t have the strength to say no.”
“Were you faithful to her?” I’m not sure why I want to know.
“Yes, I was.” He hugs me closer to him. “I never shared anyone’s bed, not even hers after our second son was born. I was celibate for twelve years and then she died. I found myself free from the constraints of my marriage and Society. I had my heir and the title now. Yet I wasn’t happy. I came to Town looking for something, but I didn’t know what until the night I saw you. I never believed in love at first sight, yet when I saw you, I knew I would love you.”
The honesty in his voice tells me he believes what he is saying. How anyone could know they would love me just from seeing me once confuses me. I don’t think of myself as lovable.
“No one I asked knew who you were. I kept my inquiries contained to my closest friends. None of the gossipmongers needed to know I was interested in you. Finally one of them told me you were Williamson’s heir. By then I knew you were my Angel and all the rest of it was just nonsense. I held my breath in anticipation whenever I went to a ball. Would you be there? Would I get a chance to talk to you? Your eyes brought tears to mine. You were so sad. So lonely. Then I followed you into the garden and lost my heart completely.”
He lifts my chin and presses a gentle kiss to my lips. I let him in, wrapping my arms around his neck and moving as close as I could to him. The first kiss we shared, the one he said caused him to lose his heart was the one to hand me the key to my freedom. I want to explain how our kiss made me begin to understand I was worth something more than just being a whipping boy. But I don’t want to stop kissing him long enough to tell him. It can wait.
Monday..Monday
Sorry I didn’t post yesterday. I thought maybe I’d try and stay away from the internet and see if that helped with getting some writing done. Did it? Nope, not really. lol. Oh well. I had good intentions this weekend, but didn’t really get much of anything accomplished.
I did get the news that instead of the end of Sept…it looks like Here Be Dragons will be out at the beginning of that month. Woo-hoo! Can’t wait for that. Kael and Hugh are a great couple, but I have to say-even as the writer-I’m more intrigued by the relationship between Mordred and St. George. 🙂 Now there’s an interesting pair.
Well, I have to start working now at my ‘real’ job. Hope you all have a good Monday.
“A friend stands beside you and under you and lifts you up.”–Maya Angelou
