The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (20 page)

He reached out and brushed a curl back from her forehead. He rubbed the curl between his fingers. Her hair was soft and silky. Leaning closer, he smelled her fragrance of jasmine and her own special scent.

His body quickened with desire. It took all his willpower not to get into her bed and wrap his body around her and in her. Abruptly, he turned and started to walk toward his room. Then he noticed her untouched tray on her small table.

Not eating couldn’t be good for her. Was she so rebellious she would not eat the food he sent to her, or was she as disturbed as he about the unrest between them? She looked fragile curled up in the big bed.

Damon seldom questioned his decisions, but might he be wrong this time? Thank goodness company would be arriving soon. They would create a diversion until he did know what he wanted to do with this stubborn, infuriating, fascinating woman he had married.

He went to his room and undressed. He didn’t expect to sleep. His mind was too full of questions. Damon was used to being sure of himself, and he liked being in control. Nevertheless, he wrestled with conflicting emotions.

Standing at his window, he watched the sun rising over the tree tops. An early morning ride would help clear his head. He pulled on a white lawn shirt and his leather breeches. Devil, his favorite stallion, needed the exercise, and so did he.

Brisk air, a fragrance of wildflowers, and the noisy chatter of the starlings as they flashed about in the sky helped brighten his mood and drove his muddled thoughts to the back of his mind. He recalled similar spring mornings riding across the estate with his father. Damon pulled on the reins, and Devil slowed down and stopped.

He looked out over his estate. He’d not allowed himself to think about his parents much in his years at sea. When he was sailing and going from port to port, it was easy to stop his thoughts. Since coming home, more and more memories were coming forth. If only he could recall the good and wipe the bad ones out of his head.

Turning Devil, he headed back to the house. It was time to eat breakfast and get busy with the work of the day. He left Devil with one of the young boys working in the stable. Damon’s long strides took him quickly to the front steps and into the foyer.

“Good morning, Buckley. It’s a lovely day for a ride.”

“Good morning, milord. I’m sure Devil is glad to have you home to exercise him. Most of the stable boys are afraid of him.”

Damon chuckled. “True, he doesn’t take up with many people. Has Lady Royston come down yet?”

“Yes, she is in the breakfast room.”

Good, perhaps they’d manage to get past the disaster of yesterday. He stopped at the doorway.

Caroline stood in front of the sideboard. Light coming through the windows lit up her long hair into a golden halo. She wore a light-green gown with lace at the neck and sleeves. For a brief moment, before she became aware of him, he allowed himself the opportunity to enjoy the sight of her selecting her morning meal from the assorted dishes laid out before her.

“My lady.” Damon moved into the room. “You are looking especially lovely today.”

Caroline glanced around startled. “I didn’t see you come in.” She smiled tentatively.

“I’ve been riding. It’s a beautiful morning. Perhaps we might go for a ride together tomorrow morning.”

“I’d like to very much. I’ve been riding the dark-brown mare with the white diamond on her forehead,” Caroline said.

“Sweet Lady, she’s one of my best mares, strong, but gentle, an excellent choice. We will plan on riding early tomorrow.”

Damon walked to the sideboard and helped himself to a good portion of eggs, ham, and biscuits. His appetite had returned.

He strolled toward the table and sat at the end with Caroline to his left. She glanced up and caught him staring at her.

“Have I got butter on my nose?” she asked in a light voice. “My father used to tease me when I was little, and I would open my biscuits to eat them. I usually got butter on my face.”

“I am simply surprised at how naturally pretty you are first thing in the morning.” He’d started to bristle when she spoke of her father, but he didn’t want to spoil the fragile peace between them.

“Thank you,” Caroline said.

“I like the natural look, and the opportunity to see your hair down.”

“I’ll remember. Although, as soon as you leave, I must pull it up under my lace cap and look respectable.”

During the rest of the meal Caroline encouraged him to talk about the estate and his plans for it and the surrounding area. Damon drank his last swallow of coffee and stood to leave. “I’m going to ride two farms over. I’ll have lunch out at one of the farms and return later this afternoon.”

Caroline sat holding her teacup in her hands. She smiled at him as he walked toward the door. They had conversed as many married couples must do each day. Was this a truce? He’d accept it as it appeared.

* * * *

Damon frowned as he entered his study late that afternoon. Several of the farmers’ wives had mentioned a school for their children and appeared quite pleased with the idea. Caroline had been busy during her time alone.

He looked up at the sound of a knock. Caroline peeked around the corner of the door, smiling.

“May I come in?”

“I was just going to send for you. Please enter.” Damon motioned her to the seat across from him. She sat on the edge of the chair.

“I’ve asked the maid to bring tea. Oh, here she is now.”

Caroline directed the maid to set the laden tray on the desk. The maid bowed and went out closing the door.

“Would you like a cucumber sandwich with your tea?” Caroline asked.

“Yes, I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I saw the tea tray.” He reached out, taking several small sandwiches and two scones.

Caroline poured their tea and sat back, eating a scone and sipping her tea. Damon devoured his food.

“Thank you, this was most refreshing.”

“I was hoping you might have time to talk about some plans I’d like to make,” Caroline said as he took his last sip of tea.

“Does part of those plans include a school for the children of my farmers?” Damon asked.

Caroline nodded. “I hate to see any child not given the chance to learn the basics of reading and writing. They may not want to stay on the farm when grown. If so, it will give them some skills for the outside world.”

“And then I’ll have no one to farm for me,” Damon retorted.

“I hardly think they will all choose to leave. I’m aware of several young men who want to learn their numbers to help them in running the farms more efficiently.”

“And who will do all this teaching, you?”

“Some, but I’d like to hire a teacher. I thought your Aunt Elizabeth might know of someone in a neighboring village who would like the job.”

Damon leaned back in the chair. “Several of the mothers spoke to me today.”

“I should have spoken with you this morning but you seemed in a hurry.” Caroline sat patiently and waited for his reaction.

“I’ve seen what ignorance does to a man. It makes him feel inferior and unhappy with his lot in life.” Damon spoke slowly as though caught up in his thoughts. “More and more factories are being built and there is much unrest in the country. Where did you plan to have this school?”

Caroline took a deep breath. He noted the increased tension in the way she straightened her posture and clenched her small hands.

“I thought initially we would use some of the rooms at Atelstone Hall,” she said quickly.

“No, I don’t want anyone going over there!”

“Atelstone Hall is your home, Damon, in a way this house never can be. Your roots are there. Your ancestors lived there before you. I wish we could live at Atelstone Hall.” Caroline gasped and covered her mouth when she realized what she had said.

Damon pushed his chair back angrily. He stomped across the room to the French windows and stared blindly outside.

Caroline came up behind him and gently touched his shoulder. He stiffened. She mustn’t make him weak.

“Damon, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.” She surprised him when she leaned against his rigid back and wrapped her arms around him. His hands covered hers as her warmth and softness at his back make his heart pound with desire. He turned and held her face in his hands.

Gently he brushed his lips across hers. She opened her mouth and his tongue slipped inside to the warmth and softness. She tasted of sweets and a special flavor all her own. Heat flowed through his body, and he pulled her tighter into his arms.

“I want you.” The words came out low and husky.

Her gray eyes were clear and shining. Her cheeks rosy.

“Go on up to your room ahead of me. I’ll follow in a moment,” Damon whispered. Reluctantly, he pulled himself out of her embrace.

Caroline studied his expression. She nodded and hurriedly left his office.

Being impatient, he soon headed to her bedroom. She had only undone a few buttons when he stepped into her room and locked the door. Damon brushed her hands aside, and he continued to unfasten her gown. When he’d finished with it and her stays, he walked around to face her.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, her lips, and gradually pushed her gown down off her shoulders to her waist. He kissed wherever her soft, sweet skin was exposed. When her gown fell to the floor, he stepped back and admired her, standing naked except for a thin shift. Her porcelain skin had a glow like the luster of pearls.

His cock hardened when he stared at her pink lips and her rosy nipples. Her breasts stood out, firm and full. Quickly he pulled the shift over her head, picked her up, and laid her on the bed.

* * * *

She watched him throw off his clothes until his hard, lean, body was exposed completely. Never had she imagined a man could be so beautiful. Muscles rippled when he moved. His shoulders and chest were wide, tapering to lean hips and long, strong legs. When he stood straight, his large cock jutted up and out.

Damon strolled to the bedside, never taking his eyes off of her. Her breath caught in her throat and heat sparked in her belly. Tenderly, he brushed his hand over her breast. He cupped her breast and ran his tongue around and over her nipple. Moisture flowed from her pussy. When he kissed her peaked nipple, his hand moved across her stomach to her most private part. Her face flushed and she drew slightly back from him.

“Don’t be embarrassed. You are so beautiful. Let me touch you and admire you.” His seductive words flowed over her, and her arms closed around him to pull him closer.

She moved her hands up and down his smooth, warm skin, while he delighted her with the wonderful, magical caresses of his hands. He touched her all over and kissed her body as he went along. When his finger slipped into her wet pussy, her body bowed in pleasure.

Damon scooted along the length of her body and spread her tender folds. His tongue licked across her clit and her whole being trembled with bliss. He licked her lower lips from her clit to her pussy opening, and then he positioned himself between her legs and placed his dick at her entry.

His eyes met hers. “Do you want me to make love to you?”

“Oh, yes, please,” she said in a breathy voice.

He slowly entered her. She felt the pressure as his wide cock stretched her pussy. When he was seated deep, he began a slow in-and-out rhythm. They moved as though in a magical dance.

Caroline’s body was extra sensitive to his every touch. When he leaned forward and lightly bit her nipple, she was certain she’d explode with the pleasure. Then his tongue licked across both nipples.

“I don’t think I can stand much more. My body feels strange.”

“How? Tell me,” Damon said.

“I don’t know what to say, but I’ll try. It’s like a warm bubble expanding, and I’m rolling from side to side with it. I’m so tight and yet I want more. I can’t get enough of you.”

“You mean my cock and your pussy. Say the words.”

“A lady never uses such language.”

“But in the bedroom, a lady can be as free as she wants.” He stared deeply into her eyes. He had an almost hypnotizing effect on her.

Free as I want to be. What an incredible, gratifying thought.

She looked into his eyes. “My pussy feels so tight with you in me, and I can’t get enough of your cock to appease my hunger.” Her face flushed with heat.

“I will work hard to see you aren’t disappointed.” Damon increased the speed of his thrusts and tilted her hips, going deeper in her pussy.

“Yes, yes,” she said as she moved with the rhythm of his strokes. Her pussy walls clenched around him. Then a feeling of euphoria rose from her feet, up her legs, her stomach muscles tightened, and the wave swept her away. In the distance she heard Damon say, “Let go. I have you safely in my arms.”

He plunged a few more times, and they both cried out in release as his cock pulsated against her pussy walls. Damon held her close, and ran his fingers through her hair.

“I’ll come home early every afternoon, if I can expect such a welcome,” Damon drawled as his eyes roamed over her body.