Читать книгу The Earl's Wildcat - Krystina Daryl - Страница 7

Lydia strolled in through the service entrance, her hands tightly clutched around her parcel. She felt like she would collapse any minute from the anxiety. How did she get into this mess? She knew how, her selfish witch of a mother, that's how!

She felt her rage temporarily take her over; wishing there had been some other way to fix the mess her family had been drag into.

Ten years had passed without seeing them or receiving their slight concern for her and now she was shouldered with the responsibility to protect her siblings.

What a mess her mother had created!

And now her two siblings she had spent the past week with depended on her to save them from the clutches of a slave trader. All four of them could not suffer the same fate, she would not allow it!

"Lydia Parker!"

She jumped at the booming voice. The large man stalked to her and it took all she could not to retreat. "Are you Lydia Parker?"

Now was not the time to quiver. She needed her wits and survivor's courage now more than ever to stay at the forefront if she was to accomplish her mission and save her siblings.

She allowed her racing heart to settle before she spoke. "Yes, I am," she answered plainly with a steady voice.

He gave her a onceover—an act to try and intimidate her. She'd met bigger and scarier men. His glare did nothing to make her quiver. She returned his glare and tapped her foot to show her impatience and was glad to be rewarded with a shocked then annoyed expression.

"You will work with the Countess's maid to attend to her, do you understand?" He barked.

She felt her chest tighten and her defiance crumbled. She was to tend to the woman she was about to betray. "Yes, sir," she whispered.

Just then, a maid walked towards Lincoln sparing her a smile before she spoke, "Mr. Lincoln, the Master would like to see you."

Lydia looked at her, the smile she had managed a few moments early faltered. The Master... her target! She felt her chest tighten even more. She tried to push her guilt away and concentrate on saving her siblings. She couldn't also care about the Ashworth's emotions.

"Wait here," Lincoln ordered then left.

Lydia paused for a moment before she went after him, careful to stay out of sight. She needed to set her eyes on Ashworth before she received the grand tour.

She hid behind the door and watched Lincoln with a tall dark haired man. His back was to her, but it wasn't hard to sum that he had a face to match his body. His broad shoulders filled his jacket and his breeches looked like second skin on him.

She was glad her mission wouldn't be extremely repulsive. Thank goodness he isn't an old disgusting man! she thought to herself.

She jumped when she heard someone clear her throat behind her. She turned, her face flushed with embarrassment after being caught. "Forgive me... I was just..."

The girl laughed. "No worries. We all ogle at them whenever we can!"

Lydia straightened. "All... them?"

She nodded. "Two Earls and a solicitor. Come with me, I'll show you around."

She wasn't told about the two extra gentlemen in the house. This could cause a complication if the Master was to share his exciting indiscretions with his wife's maid to the other gentlemen. They may also want a turn with her.

Good!

It would serve as punishment for breaking one of her scared rules! A home wrecker, that was what she was about to become!

Lydia followed the chirpy maid. After walking around the lower level pretending to pay attention, the maid, Hanna, began to show her the upper level starting with the guest bedrooms. When she moved to the occupied rooms, Lydia paid more attention.

Hanna stopped and greeted the maid, Annie, with a large smile when she emerged from one of the rooms. Annie returned the smile then placed a finger over her lips. She signalled them to back away from the door.

Once they were at a distance away Annie spoke, "Milady is finally asleep, I don't want her to be disturbed."

Lydia looked at the door she had emerged from. The Master's room is always on the right of the Mistress's. Her employer's voice echoed in her mind. She shivered, she despised his voice!

Hanna placed a hand on her arm. "Lydia, are you all right?"

She forced a smile. "I'm fine. It was just a little chilly outside."

"Oh, forgive me. Lydia, this is Annie, the Countess's maid."

"Nice to meet you, Lydia," Annie offered with a deep grin.

Lydia pulled her lips in the best fake smile she could master. "Likewise. I believe we'll be working together to tend to the Countess." Lydia saw Annie's face crease. She held back a groan. She couldn't afford any obstacles! "Is something the matter?"

"Annie, she'll be taking her instructions from you, that's all," Hanna added quickly.

Annie nodded. "Fine. Come back in a few hours and I'll introduce you."

Lydia froze. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. How could she stomach meeting the woman whose family she was about to destroy?

Annie patted her tightly clutched hands. "She is not a monster. She is extremely wonderful and caring, do not be frightened."

Lydia bit down a sob. How she wished that was the reason!

"I'll go show her where she'll lay her head at night. See you later, Annie," Hanna spoke, dragging Lydia away behind her.

Her quarters were small but warm unlike her home.

Home? She sighed.

How she wished she had not volunteered for this task. But if she did not, who would? Her step-sister had passed a year as a slave some place in England. If she had known what had happened, if she were capable of saving all three of them from this nightmare, she would. Lydia knew she would because it was in Lanie's nature to care and protect.

But Lydia's nature was to watch out for number one, herself. She had no reason to care for anyone else until now.

She collapsed onto her small bed and did one thing she hadn't for years—she cried hard. She thought she would never be able to stop until the moment sleep carried her, still sobbing. When she woke hours later, her head felt as heavy as her heart. She washed and changed into her maid's uniform determined to get the task ahead over and done with as soon as possible.

When she stepped out of the servant's house, it was almost dark. She woke up just in time for dinner.

Blend in, do not stand out! She heard the repulsive voice in her head again and it made her shiver. She would find Annie and see what she needed.

"If it isn't sleeping beauty!"

The bellowing voice made her jump back. Lincoln! Could he not announce himself like every other normal human being!

"Mr. Lincoln, good evening."

He stepped towards her and she fought not to react defensively—as was her nature. "You mean good morning!"

"What?" she asked confused looking around the kitchen. The cooks weren't preparing dinner but breakfast!

"You are here to work, Miss Parker, not sleep the day away. I should fire you for your insolence!"

"I... am... I..." Lydia stammered at the threat. She couldn't lose her job if she was to succeed in saving her siblings. "I apologise. I was extremely tired from the long journey. The mistake will not repeat itself."

Before Lincoln could berate her again Annie rushed in. "Forgive me, Mr. Lincoln, but I need her." Without waiting for a response, Annie dragged Lydia away. She looked back and saw his face crease and redden with rage.

"Pussy cat, do not look behind and taunt him into following us!" Annie whispered pulling Lydia in front of her.

Lydia snorted. From Wildcat she was now referred to as pussy cat? How the mighty had fallen!

Lydia turned and picked up the pace. Once they got upstairs, Annie laughed and broke into a run, Lydia chased after her infected by the laugh. She opened the Mistress' door and closed it behind Lydia and leaned against it still laughing.

"Annie, what's so funny!" A gentle voice filled the room. Lydia turned to watch the woman heavy with child stand from her dresser. Lydia froze, expecting to be scolded for the intrusion but the lady just beamed a smile at her. "Tell me!" She insisted with a chuckle.

"I saved the little pussy cat here from the fire breathing dragon!" Annie answered. She moved around the room and began cleaning up.

She snorted, "Mr. Lincoln? That man is annoying and he hates me."

"Miss Melanie, don't say that!"

Lydia watched the exchange. It was like friends talking and not Mistress and maid. She expected the atmosphere to be stiff but it was so warm and easy, or was she wrong?

"That man only speaks to me because he fears Christopher. If he had his way, he would put me on the next ship back home!"

Annie rolled her eyes. "Everyone is afraid of Lord Ashworth, except you and Lord Townson."

His name is Christopher or Ashworth and his wife is Melanie. Do not forget!

Lydia cursed under her breath. How she wished she could mute that man's voice from her head!

Miss Melanie laughed catching every word of the string of oaths. But Annie was not as amused. "Lydia!" she exclaimed, horrified.

Lydia rolled her eyes and turned to Melanie. "I beg your pardon. I did not mean—"

Melanie waved the apology off. "Finally an American I recognise! Do not fret, I swear as much as you if not worse." She held Lydia's hands in hers. "My husband does not mind it, but I have to be at my best behaviour in public." She rolled her eyes. "Behave like a Countess!"

Lydia smiled at the contact then she felt like she would weep. This woman was extremely nice, how would she stomach betraying her?

"Call me Melanie," she added.

"Milady in public and Miss Melanie in private," Annie corrected sternly and Melanie responded with another roll of her eyes.

Lydia smiled. "Yes, Miss Melanie. I'm Lydia." Then she turned to Annie, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

*****

The day was spent laughing, joking and entertainment telling stories with Miss Melanie and Annie. Never had Lydia once felt included in a friendship until now. Miss Melanie did not look frail and fragile, very close to breaking as she had been led to believe. She seemed strong and very sure of herself with a tight grip on her sanity. It seemed like nothing could shake the woman, not even her husband's infidelity. She would take it in stride and deal with it accordingly.

Maybe I should confide in her, sort her help. But why would she help the woman attempting to seduce her husband? If I told her my brother and sister were being held captive until the deed is done, surely she would understand? Or have her thrown out.

Not a word or I will sell them to the highest bidder! The voice echoed in her mind.

Lydia wanted to curl up on her bedroom floor and cry again. But she couldn't! The longer her siblings were being held captive, the closer they were to have irreparable damage inflicted on them.

As encouragement she'd spent one week with them in the abhorrent room they were being held captive. That was the first time she met them and by the end of the week she felt like an elder sister, fighting to stay with them as they cried out for her to save them.

How could she consciously risk their safety? Those cries haunted her every night and she couldn't risk them haunting her for the rest of her life if she made a mistake!

Lydia snuck out of the servants' house and into the main house. She quietly made her way into the Master's room and carefully closed the door. She'd seen him walk into the room only two hours before after she'd ensured Miss Melanie was asleep. When the men had arrived, they asked to have their meals sent to their rooms. Hanna said they all looked extremely exhausted and angry.

That didn't matter to her. She was now face to face with her task. The only thing left was to see if she had the nerve to go through with it.

Lydia took several deep breathes to steady her racing heart and then she wiped her sweaty palms on her skirt. If she did cower away, she'd make up the excuse she was there for the dishes.

She rolled her eyes, oh sure, he'll believe that! Picking up dishes at midnight!

She looked around the room. It was smaller than she had expected. Miss Melanie's room was twice its size! She stole a short tour around in search of a hiding place, if—no when—she needed it. There was just the dressing room and the main bedroom. She expected an office resembling Miss Melanie's.

Why would she have an office and he not?

She froze when she heard a loud snort. She took the remaining steps to the foot of the bed, her mouth dried out at the magnificent sight. She couldn't see his face because it was turned away from her and his hair covered his profile, exposing just his clenching jaw. He was on his back, his chiselled hard chest illuminated by the moon. At least she thought it was hard.... soon she would find out.

She wanted to run away at the thought; her guilt of betraying Miss Melanie after she extended her friendship consumed her but so did the cries of her siblings.

Closing her eyes and shutting out farther thought, Lydia stripped until she stood naked. She reached up to her hair and cringed at the voice, he loves long thick black hair, but yours will do!

She pulled the bonnet off and the pins out and felt it cascade down her back, the tip caressing the top of her derriere. She moved to the side of the bed and felt her legs give under her. She grabbed the post for support biting her lips shut to hold the sob in and blinking frequently to keep the tears from spilling.

How could she do this?

She could... she had no other choice.

But she didn't know what she was doing!

It was better to figure it out on her own than taking lessons from that repulsive man. She was glad she said she wasn't a virgin when he asked. The way he stared at her made her feel like he was touching her with refuse!

She took a deep breath and pulled the covers back. She hesitated for a moment...

Lydia, save us!

She shook the fear away, I will... I am...

She crawled in next to him and placed her shaky hand on his warm, hard chest. He stirred then pulled her closer to him, his hand resting on her derriere. She felt a surge at his touch and her breath caught. If it was any other situation she might have enjoyed this.

Ride him! She hissed at the voice. What did that even mean? Maybe she should just touch him. He might think it's his wife and take over the love making.

How you fool! The woman was advancing to her final weeks of pregnancy!

She gently brushed his hair away from his face. He turned giving her his face. She gasped, quickly drawing back her hand.

It couldn't be possible... her Englishman! He was married!

The discovery made her heart ache. For a while she had dreamt of him, imagined him to be her knight in shining armour, but this… this was the last she thought could be possible. Her Englishman had a wife and a child on the way... she was no better than her mother!

"Why?" she cried.

He let out another sigh, squeezed her ass and pulled her closer to him.

The memory of their intimacy filled her, making every inch of her skin he had touched with his hands and lips tingle. They could have easily been like this that first night, if he hadn't discovered her secret and she hadn't angered him.

She didn't blame him—even when he shot Tom with his own pistol, she didn't blame him. They both deserved his anger and disregard.

He would be even angrier when he found her out. A man who shoots another like it meant nothing wouldn't be slow to hit a woman, would he?

She slowly traced her finger lightly down his forehead, his slightly turned nose, to his tan lips and ending at his scarred double chin. No, my Englishman would never hit a woman, spank her, yes. He'd proven that with his hard palm that night, but he'd never truly harm her.

Her Englishman…

She pulled her hand from his chin and turned away as she willed the tears to stay at bay.

Was this fate's cruel joke? To deliver her to the bed of the man she had insulted, of the man who had haunted her dreams, of the man who could never be hers right from the start?

Before she was willing but now she was forced. Whether or not she liked it, he was to be her first.

She moved closer to his face and traced his thick lips with her fingers. He groaned sucking them into his mouth and making her giggle. She quickly covered her lips praying she didn't wake him. Instead his lips spread in a smile.

I've missed the taste of his lips. She thought and without realising what she was doing, she pressed hers against his.

She stiffened when he responded, his hand on her scalp pressing her lips hard on his. She tried to pull away but the hand that was previously resting on her ass was around her waist, holding her hostage.

When his tongue intruded her mouth she shivered and her body relaxed. She didn't even refuse when he pulled her atop him. She moaned when his hands began to explore her length leaving a trail of heat on her skin.

Having his hands on her naked skin was much better than feeling him through her corset... so much better.

"Wildcat," he murmured and she stiffened. How did he know it was her? She'd worn the mask!

Before she could think of anything else, a cry parted her lips when his fingers stroked her core making her body tremble with desire. She buried her face in his neck and breathed in his familiar, musky scent. She didn't particularly like it but it was his scent and it was etched in her memory forever.

She found herself under him, and opened her eyes to meet his swirling blue ones. Such beautiful eyes!

"You are not a dream!"

Lydia froze. Her Englishman may not recognize her, but she'd been caught. She should be running for the door but she couldn't, she wanted to be with him!

"Yes, I am." she whispered, her voice laboured.

She gasped when she felt his fingers slide into her delicate folds. When he stroked, she arched her back, digging her nails into his shoulders with a whimper.

All so familiar but this was so much better!

"No you are not!" he growled.

She moved her knee up and came into contact with something long and hard. When he closed his eyes and hissed she knew she'd touched his penis. She shivered, frightened and even more aroused.

"Tonight I am, and in the morning I will go back to being unseen."

He went to move away and Lydia wrapped her hand around his penis. That move stunned him and he ceased moving. He groaned and if Lydia hadn't held him before, she would have been stunned when she felt him grow in her grip.

He growled and circled his large arm around her wrist. "Release me!"

She tightened her grip and pumped. He groaned again, but louder. She felt excited but even more compelled to see it through.

"Please, one night and I'll never return."

His blue eyes shot open and the intensity of desire and anger in them made her shiver.

"One night!" he growled then collapsed his full weight on her small frame.

When he pulled her thighs apart and pushed her hips up, she quickly whispered in his ear, "Be gentle. I may be bold but I am fragile."

When he rose up and their eyes met again, she saw the anger slip away and all that was left was pure desire. He pressed his hungry lips on hers, and as the kiss progressed to one full of need and want. Lydia arched up, separating her legs further.

It had begun as a painful duty, and she saw it hold a promise of pleasure and satisfaction.

She fastened her hands on his thick shoulders when she felt his hands slide under her to cup her bottom cheeks. She tried to breathe through the anxiety as she prepared herself for the pain that she knew would come. She could not cry and allow him discover that she was a virgin; there was no explanation she could give.

She held her breath when she felt him at her entrance and turned her head into his thick neck. If she did cry, his neck…

"Arrgh!" she cried out, when his fullness drove hard and deep inside her. Her entire body became stiff at the immense pain as he broke through and stretched her wider to accommodate him.

"Damn it to hell!" he cursed loudly in her ear. He stopped and pressed his forehead on hers. She felt him tremble, his laboured hot breath fanning her face and his muscles tightening with each passing second he stayed still inside her.

She tightened her hold on him, willing the pain to end.

He slipped his hands from under her and rested his elbows close to her shoulders. When his head inched up to look at her, she closed her eyes turning her head away. She felt too embarrassed to look him in the eye.

"Why did you not tell me?" he panted. She could hear the anger in his voice.

She stayed silent as warm tears slide down her face. She then felt his lips and nose trace a tingling path along her face, his lips pressed gently down close to her eye.

"The pain will not last."

She shivered when his warm breath touched her cheek. Her hands moved down to his biceps and she moved her head to lie on the back of his hand. The pain was gone, and all that was left, was the wonderful feeling of him possessing her.

His hand turned and his palm cradled her cheek. He stroked her lips with his thumb, seducing a smile from her. She kissed it and rubbed her cheek against his soft palm. She felt him turn her head, and she followed with no resistance.

"Little girl, open your eyes," he ordered in a gentle tone. She did and met his beautiful deep blue eyes that no longer held anger, just gentleness. "Why did you not tell me?"

She moved her hand to his cheek, her other hand shifted to caress his back lightly, "I told you to be gentle," she whispered, keeping her voice sweet and seductive.

"Why me?"

She heard the earnestness in his voice and saw the confusion in his eyes. She felt a slight pang of guilt. This man did not deserve what she was doing to him. Her head told her to apologise and leave, but her body cried for him to finish what he began.

Because right from the start it was always you, she thought with an ache in her heart.

"Better you than an old lustful fool who'll only ruin the fantasy I dreamed up for my first time." She spoke the first truth since she arrived. "We've already begun, do not stop. Let me keep this memory in my mind every time I am forced to lay with that pervert."

He laughed. "Little girl you are bold. But unless you intend on passing the night in my bed, I cannot promise I will be gentle the first... or the second time."

His threat made her shiver but when he kissed her the fear evaded her. "Well then, I hope you don't have any pressing business in the morning, for I intend on holding you to your promise."

He laughed again and the vibrations made her moan with pleasure. She felt his body tighten over her, the laughter coming to an abrupt stop.

"Wrap your legs around my waist," he ordered hoarsely. She saw the dangerous gleam in his eyes and quickly did as instructed. He sank deeper making her gasp.

"Will this make it more pleasurable?" She bit her lower lip, wishing she had done that before the naive question slipped out.

He lowered his head and nibbled on her jaw, and she arched her head back exposing her neck. He took the invitation and pressed his lips against her pulse. "Yes, but most importantly it will make it easier on you."

She swallowed hard as the tickle of his breath on her neck aroused her even more. She nodded but her nature wouldn't let that comment go unchallenged.

"I came to a lord's bed, and seduced him to usher me into womanhood. The easier route would have been to seduce the footman. But I do doubt he possesses the skills I'm sure you have—"

He chuckled, cutting her off. "You do not have to placate my ego; I will see this through! If not for your fantasy, for the need you've stirred inside me!"

She buried her hand in his hair and pulled him down until his lips were a hair width away from hers. "Then do not assume that I need coddling. Easier is not a term I'm familiar with—hard is."

She gasped when he pulled back and thrust deep. She was sure his entire length was inside her. His arm moved under her, circling her and pressing her soft breasts against his hard chest. The other held on tightly to her thigh and pushed her trembling leg up.

"Little girl, hold on..."

She'd barely gotten a hold of his broad shoulders before he began rocking hard, deep and fast inside her. And before long she was sailing in the clouds in pleasure she never thought could surpass their first encounter.

*****

Lydia could barely keep her legs together, excusing her limp as a twisted ankle. Every part of her body hurt and she had bruises in places only riding a horse could inflict.

True to his threat, he wasn't gentle the first or the second time. But the third time, he did try keeping his thrusts slow and gentle adorning her with kisses on every inch of her skin, paying attention to her ecstasy like a man in love would. She enjoyed that, and that her screams sounded more like a woman in pleasure and not that of a woman being tortured to death. But she preferred being ravished; there was no pretence of care in it.

He laughed when she demanded that he take her hard and fast, and warned her of the discomfort she would feel in the morning, but she didn't care. Several times he'd had to drown her cries of pleasure with his hungry mouth. And each time he took her, he changed the positions, promising more until exhaustion took over them both.

He cuddled her against his chest which surprised her. She wasn't expecting an adulterous man to be so tender, and she cried at her betrayal against him and his wife, and the fact he would never be hers. He held her tighter, soothing her like he would his babe until she fell asleep, still in his arms. She woke up an hour later, her back pressed against his chest, fitted comfortably in the arc his body created. She hated leaving him, but she had to remind herself that he did not belong to her and she was only in his arms to fulfil a task.

She went to the barn, seeking a hiding place away from Lincoln to take a nap and ease the pressure on her sore body. She slept on the hay in the stable, covering herself with the horse's blanket. She had slept in worse places than this.

She'd barely slept twenty minutes when she felt the lips on hers. She jumped pressing her hands on the assailant's chest and pushing away.

"Sshh, little girl, it is I."

Lydia felt her heart quicken and her lips dry under the gaze of those swirling blue eyes. "My lord, what are you doing here?"

He smiled, making her catch her breath. "I came in search of you. Why did you not tell me you work on the ranch?"

"I do not. The stable boy lets me visit with the horses once in a while." The lie effortlessly flowed out.

He tucked her hair behind her ear, his tender gaze making her shiver. "I've seen the stable boy and he is not old and disgusting. Do you come here to hide from your betrothed?"

She nodded bidding the words out. "Yes, my lord."

He nodded. "I feel for you." Then his smile deepened. "How do you feel, aside from the exhaustion?"

She cut her eyes at him. "Are you teasing me?"

He laughed, drew her closer and brushed his lips against hers. "I ask only out of concern."

She felt the heat flush through her body. "My body aches."

"I did warn you, and you did ask for it."

She nodded, inching towards his lips. "I know and I do not regret it. The memory will serve me well when I lay with the monster."

He threw his head back and laughed then he pressed his lips hard on hers stealing her breathe. "Come tonight. I'll have a bath ready for you to soothe you... before I make your body ache even more."

She gasped, a shudder running through her at the threat. Why did this man have such power over her body!

"But, my lord, what of your wife?" He laughed again, offending her. "Am I to share the bath with her?" she asked angrily.

Ignoring her temper, he answered, "You may share the bath with me if you like." Kissing her again, he placed her back on the hay and brought the blanket up under her chin, "Rest, for tonight will be another exhausting night."

"I will come only for the bath and nothing more," she called out to him.

He turned stilling her with another breath-taking smile. "We'll see."

She collapsed on the hay, her hands covering her shame filled face, what am I doing?

*****

For the rest of the evening she avoided going to Miss Melanie. Excusing her absence stating she had a bad cough she did not want to pass on to the expectant mother. When night came, she paced her room, debating the morality of what she was doing.

She was sure God would punish her for her actions. But where was He when she needed Him the most? Why does He not save those innocent children and save her soul from the damnation of hell?

No one would save them, just like no one would save her unless she herself did. And mayhap just mayhap she'll board a ship and go to Lanie's rescue. They would help each other raise the young ones. It would be a struggle for survival and healing but they would face the challenge head on and survive it.

Lydia stole out of her room in the middle of the night and skulked her way into the Master's room.

Her Englishman was there seated on the bed, his bare chest out for her to worship, a glass in his hand. He smiled when he saw her, placing the glass down and stalking his way to her like a predator would its prey.

Having him close to her reminded her of how much taller and larger he was than she. He was imposing and dangerous, both in physique and nature. The need to run consumed her most at that moment than it ever did in her entire life.

"Come here," he ordered softly, holding his hand out for hers.