Читать книгу The Earl's Stowaway - Krystina Daryl - Страница 5

Christopher was caught by surprise, and before he recovered, the kiss ended. "Why did you do that?" he whispered hoarsely, his shaft tightening with desire.

Her face flushed and she shrunk back. "I'm not sure... forgive me..."

Christopher kissed the rest of her words away. He'd watched those supple lips move and restrained himself from tasting. But since she made the first move, he was going to indulge in the unintended invitation.

He moved his lips gently over hers, keen not to frighten her further. Then her body relaxed, and her lips began to move with his. He parted her lips and pushed inside, gently stroking and provoking her tongue to dance with his. She moaned, tightening her hold on his neck.

Her moan stirred the pit of his stomach, sending a rush of heat through him. He buried his arm under her and pressed her tightly against him. In response, she circled her arms around his neck, arching her body up to him.

He groaned. He knew he should stop, but her response to him was making it impossible. He deepened the kiss, running his hand over the side of her body. She shivered and moaned louder, pulling him hard against her.

Stop now! She's an innocent! His mind yelled, but his body urged him forward. He had never ruined a girl, but her moans and movements under him were making it impossible for him to stay in control.

His hand fitted on her breast barely covering it and she let out a sharp gasp, pressing her body into his palm. His thumb stroked her hard nipple and then he squeezed the swell gently, massaging it.

She gasped loudly in his mouth, her body writhing under him. Christopher felt his shaft press tightly against his breeches on her warm thigh, the pained member begging for release. "I have to stop!" he mumbled against her lips.

She moaned again and his other hand released her back and sunk to her thigh, pulling the sheet up so that he could feel her skin. He caressed it, gently at first, and then his hold tightened around it. He pushed her thigh away and settled between her legs. Just a rub! He thought, pressing his aching bulge on the juncture of her thighs. She whimpered, pressing her head back into the bed. She sank her nails into his back spreading her thighs further apart to deepen the rub.

He groaned burying his face in the juncture of her long neck and slender shoulder. He inhaled deeply, grazing his teeth from her neck to her chin. She smelt like pure temptation! He captured her lips in a rougher kiss and she responded by gripping his hair in a vice hold and pressing his head down.

He trembled, pulled away and lowered his lips to her ignored breast. She tasted wonderful!

Just one thrust! He drove hard against her and she shrieked, her hips shooting up and off the bed. His body tightened and the need held him captive. He wanted to be inside her, but went on thrusting and rubbing hard against her, his mouth making love to her breast. She writhed and buckled ferociously, her cries increasing as her head jerked from side to side. Then her body tightened as it shuddered. Her head dug deeper in the bed, a loud cry parting from her lips.

She then collapsed under him and stopped moving except for the heaving of her chest, "What's happening?" The words were barely audible mixed with her heavy breathing.

Christopher froze. What was that? He released her breasts and pushed himself up, separating their bodies. She sighed, turning to her side and pulling her knees up, heaving for breath. The sheet had gathered at her waist, barely covering her ass. Her long hair was spread out behind her, one hand came over her exposed shoulder, and the other was wrapped around his wrist.

She resembled a kitten, her swollen red lower lip sucked into her mouth, her long eyelashes resting on her cheek and her face flushed red. She looked so calm and content, almost exposed under him. If it wasn't for the fight she had put up a few minutes ago, he would have questioned her innocence.

But an experienced woman would have begged him for penetration, Melanie didn't.

He took a breath to calm his heaving chest. "Melanie, have you ever been touched intimately before?" He spoke with ragged breath.

She shook her head, keeping her eyes closed.

"Before me, have you ever felt a man's need pressed between your legs?" She blushed harsher, shaking her head. He chuckled. She had just had her first climax and didn't know it.

He smiled. "Have you ever been kissed?"

Her grip on his wrist tightened. "The man who bought me... he stole my first kiss." She sounded hurt.

He forced himself to stay where he was. If he lowered himself even an inch, she was going to have her first of every bodily experience there and then. He felt a little proud being the first man to touch her and more for the shuttering pleasure she seemed to have enjoyed. But he felt cheated; her buyer had stolen his first kiss.

Her first kiss, he reminded himself.

"But," she started turning her face to him, her red lips spread in a smile, "your kiss was much better. I've even forgotten what that other man's felt like."

Christopher chuckled. Excellent! "I'm honored, and you are very welcome."

She giggled, hiding her face again. He felt his body tighten with need again. She was making it impossible not to ravish her! "You have a beautiful giggle," he said hoarsely.

"Thank you," she answered with a laugh, oblivious of how the sound was stirring him.

"You are very beautiful, Melanie," he whispered lowering himself a few inches.

She turned to him stunned. "No one has ever told me that," she whispered.

"Then I'll say it again. You are very beautiful. Your eyes shine like the sun, showing how lovely your soul is." He sucked in a breath. "And your body, don't be frightened by what I'm about to say, but your body is so tempting, it drives me mad!"

She looked at him, wide eyed. After what felt like hours to Christopher, she blinked. "I'm not sure... what was happening to me?"

That question again halted him. Should he tell her? This was a conversation a mother had with her daughter. But her mother died and her step-mother was a bitch! "Tell me what you felt and I'll explain it."

Her face flushed again. "Well... there was heat in my belly and it spread all over my body... my..." She pointed to her shielded breasts, and continued, "when you... touched it, I craved for more. And your lips on my... it felt... wonderful. And my…" She blushed, pointing down. Christopher didn't have to look to know what she meant. "It's wet and throbbing... and I felt this strong..." She covered her face with her hands. "Please don't make me say more!"

He laughed, lying on the bed and facing her. He supported his head on his hand and looked down at her. "You have nothing to be ashamed about. That was just desire pulsing through your body." And one hell of a climax!

Her hands moved down, only exposing one eye. "Desire... you mean lust?"

He nodded, pulling her hands down. "It's normal to react like that, especially at your age."

She looked up at him confused. "But it didn't feel like that when that man had his hands and lips on me."

Christopher bit down a growl. He felt offended by that man's actions, and yet, he had no right. Melanie was not his but he desired her like she was. "Forget him." He leaned down and kissed her fingers. Her eyes fluttered shut with a sigh.

Damn this woman! One more sigh and his restraint would be shuttered!

"Melanie."

"Hmm?"

"Would you like to remain a virgin until your wedding night?" he asked hoarsely, his voice filled with pent up desire but the threat was there.

Her eyes flew open and she swallowed hard. She licked her lips and nodded. Christopher hissed at the gesture, and her eyes basked with desire, all the pain forgotten. "You must stop sighing like that, or I will forget myself and your innocence!"

That did it. She pulled her hands free of him and pulled the sheet around her. She sat up and tucked her legs under her, shying away under the cover of her long hair. She was the picture of seduction... and that hair!

He groaned, falling on his back.

"Christopher..." she began confused, "there is something... Oh!"

He closed his eyes with another groan. He knew what she was referring to; it was pressed painfully against his breeches.

She went silent for a moment, then spoke, "Is that the need that was pressing on my..."

"Just sit there, do not say another word!" he commanded harshly, cutting her off.

Christopher released a breath, grateful she had obeyed. He felt the pressure on his shaft reduced to a comfortable state. No woman had ever made him feel so unarmed. He felt free enough to share some personal information with her, and his body craved hers like it had no other woman before.

"What are you doing to me?" he muttered under his breath.

"Can I ask one question?" she whispered.

He nodded, covering his eyes with his hands.

"How does that bring me pleasure, and my step-mother so much pain?"

He turned to look at her. She looked so very confused. "Because your father sought to be cruel and give her pain, I wanted to give you pleasure."

She nodded, her face easing with understanding. "That man who bought me... he would have been cruel..."

"You have nothing to worry about. You are under my protection from now hence forth. If he comes looking for you, I will fix the matter." By breaking his neck!

She nodded again, her body relaxing. "Thank you," she said with a smile.

He turned away, with another groan, covering his face once more. He needed to control himself or it would be disastrous.

His body had relaxed again when he felt her small hand over his shaft. He quickly turned, pinning her under him. She squealed and stared up at him frightened.

"What were you doing?" he demanded in a husky voice.

"Forgive me, I was curious!"

He groaned again, burying his head in the bed next to hers. He released her arms and placed his elbows at her sides. "You are making it impossible to control my urge!"

"What can I do to help?" she asked innocently.

Part your legs for me, he thought. "Don't move!"

They stayed there quietly for a few minutes before his body finally relaxed. He never thought he would be able to calm himself, and her naivety only made his want for her grow. He would have propositioned her to be his mistress, but the girl wanted a husband, and probably children. That wasn't what he wanted, yet.

A marriage of convenience was what lay before him. He would get a wife of his social standing he could tolerate, and when children came from that union, he would love them more than his own father did him. He would also make sure his wife loved them more than he did.

And Melanie...

He couldn't have her in his home, not without the risk of ruining her. "How old are you, Melanie?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Nine and ten," she answered softly.

God! She's a child! He thought. "Why aren't you married yet?"

"I lack the dowry." She shrugged. "And anyway, I am no longer in a rush."

He quirked his brow at her. "Why were you in a rush?"

She reached up and stroked his brow. "To take my siblings to my husband's home. I wanted to keep them close, and safe."

The revelation made him smile. "So you wouldn't have married for love either?"

"I would have. For the love of my siblings, but just for his security." She sighed sadly. "Jesse and Jessica come first."

He stroked her hair back. The urge to comfort her consumed him. "And what of your own feelings?"

She smiled weakly. "I haven't paid attention to what I want for years. I wouldn't know how to start."

He swallowed hard. Should he proposition her? He was sure they both would find happiness in each other's arms. They were already completely comfortable with each other, why not?

Christopher opened his mouth to speak, but the knock on the door stopped him. Reluctantly, he moved from on top of her. He picked up the heavy coverlet from the floor and wrapped it around her frame when she sat up. Then he moved to the door.

He heard her laugh when he pushed the chest away from the door, and it instigated his own laugh. "You won't attempt to run again, will you?" he joked.

She shook her head, laughing harder.

God! Her laugh was like music to his ears. He released the latch and opened the door, exposing his company from the previous night.

"Hallo, lover," she cooed, reaching to cup his cheek. He stopped her hand before it could touch him and turned to the bed. Melanie had raised the cover over her face, exposing just her eyes.

"I have gentle company, Kristal," he spoke firmly, turning back to her.

Krystal darted her eyes to the cut on his chest. "Gentle?" She snorted.

Christopher had neither the patience nor the need to explain. Besides, why would a whore be jealous? "Did you bring what I asked for?"

Krystal pulled her hand down, her eyes staring daggers at Melanie. "Yes!" she barked.

"Are they decent?" He raised his voice, drawing her attention. He felt defensive over Melanie, and that glare irked him.

"Of course they are. I bought them this morning and placed the bill on your shipping company account."

She stepped in, ushering in two other women carrying a trunk. They too glared at Melanie making her flinch. Christopher looked them over again, and chuckled. They were also from the brothel, and he had tapped them too. "Did Townson send all three of you?"

"Yes, for your entertainment, but it seems you already have that," Krystal answered bitterly. "So you bought yourself some ass from the auction, after giving your friend such a stern warning!"

Christopher growled, grabbing her arm and pulling her roughly towards him. "She is not a whore! And if you mention that you've seen her here and that I have her, I will sail you on one of my ships to the middle of the ocean and drop you in it!" He turned to the other two, "All of you! Am I clear?"

"Yes, milord!" They bowed rushing out fearfully.

He held onto Krystal. "Don't make the mistake of forgetting who I am again! Do not take my warning lightly. I do not make threats, just promises!"

She nodded, pulling away. Christopher banged the door shut and Melanie jumped. He took a deep breath to relax before he spoke. "Forgive me..."

"It's all right," she said cutting him off. She got off the bed and moved to him. "Thank you for defending me." Melanie placed a hand on his shoulder and reached up. He lowered his head to meet her lips. The kiss was soft, without demand but sensual.

She pulled away and crouched down. "What's in the trunk?"

He smiled at her excited tone. "Clothes fit for a Lady. I ordered them last night for you. I should have never asked Krystal to oversee their purchase, but I don't know many women in the port."

"Just the whores," she remarked casually, shocking Christopher. She looked up at him and giggled. "You shouldn't be shocked; I know the type. My father was a loyal customer."

She opened the trunk and gasped. "Christopher, there are so many and so beautiful! You shouldn't have done this! There is no way I can repay you!"

He crouched down next to her and cupped her chin, gently turning her head to him, "A smile... and a kiss is enough."

She leaned forward and pressed her lips gently against his. He kept the kiss short but sweet, he didn't want to risk losing control.

"We only have an hour so prepare yourself quickly. I will ask for another room and get ready there." He stood up and reached for fresh clothing from his trunk. "One hour, angel."

She smiled, waving at him as he closed the door. He stopped a maid when she quickly retreated from him. "Miss, send a bath to this room and another to the one next to it." She nodded, keeping her eyes down. "Is something the matter?"

"You're naked," she whispered.

Christopher looked down at his bare chest and laughed. "Forgive my indecency. And please hurry."

He moved away from her, his mind debating the amount of time they had before Krystal ran her mouth. For some reason he wouldn't allow himself to question, he would never tolerate Melanie being taken from him.

*****

The journey to his home was a lot quieter than she had expected. Christopher was engrossed reading papers that she deduced, from the scowl on his face, were important. So she kept silent, watching the trees, farms and buildings pass by. She had never seen such sophistication around her. It felt like an entirely new world to her.

Once in a while, her mind would drift off to that morning. She had never felt such desire... lust pumped through her body and lit a blazing fire between her legs. She wanted more, she wasn't sure what, but it felt like what her father looked like when he craved opium.

She knew lying naked under him wasn't right, and yet, she'd never felt as wonderful or as minded as she did when she was.

Never once had she confessed the hell her life had been to another human being. She found it easier to put up a pretense of happiness around their neighbors than risk her siblings hearing either words of useless pity or ridicule and snickers behind their backs when they attended church.

But Christopher was not judging her. He had not only listened; he'd shared his own pain.

Mayhap there is a greater purpose to this? She thought, glancing back at him. She watched his face harden and relax in intervals as he read through his documents. It was amazing how he could be gentle at one moment and become tense and unreachable the next.

He had come to her defense against that Krystal, and it made her feel... significant.

She wanted to feel that way always. He would make a great husband, she thought. He was not only kind but wealthy. He would have no problem providing for them, and she would feel comfortable having his children without the guilt of driving him into poverty.

Why not? She got the feeling he hadn't stalled in finding a wife because he wasn't ready, he just hadn't fallen in love. He wanted a wife who would love him without reservation. She could do that. Love him enough to keep him happy.

She would please him in every way she could... well, except in the bedchamber. He would have to take control, for she had no idea how to please a man in that sense.

She blushed again, remembering the cries of her needy body sounding out of her mouth. How could she have gone from a feeling of terror at the thought of any man buying her for their use to a sense of such wanting at this man's touch? He'd made her feel things she'd never imagined and it was all very confusing.

What she wondered the most was if he was pleased by the encounter? She wasn't foolish! She knew the only way for him to be satisfied was if he was inside her. But that would mean spilling her virgin's blood, and possibly his seed within her body.

Would that have been such a bad thing? It could possibly have him agreeing to marriage, especially if he were an honorable man. But then again, she'd been auctioned as a whore and only the fact that she'd escaped had kept her from that fate. Shaking her head, she had to wonder why would anyone marry even an 'almost' whore?

She wrapped her arms around her frame when her body trembled. The thought of being ruined by different men, at their pleasure, with no consideration of her made her stomach turn. She turned and stared back outside, trying to drown the voices of the men eager to simply use her body with no regards to her feelings.

Hours later, once the couch stopped, she turned to Christopher, but he gave no indication he'd realized they weren't moving anymore. She peeked outside and gasped at the sight of the large home. How could one person live here? Suddenly, she wasn't so sure about her offer to be his maid and cook.

The carriage door opened, drawing his attention. "Milord, welcome home," the man spoke softly, bowing his head.

Christopher chuckled, looking at her. "I hadn't realized. Forgive me for ignoring you, there is a lot I had to catch up on."

She shook her head. "I was fine, and you seemed too immersed in what you were doing to bother you."

He alighted the carriage and held his hand out to her. "Thank you for understanding. Other women would have nagged me the entire trip."

She walked close to him, stopping when Christopher paused next to a man dressed in matching black breeches and coat. He had a black cravat neatly tied around his neck, contrasting well with his white shirt.

"My lord, welcome home," he said with a bow.

Melanie arched her brow. He'd given his name and yet she hadn't truly understood that he was evidently a man of some standing as everyone was addressing him as 'my lord'.

Christopher patted the man's shoulder. "It's good to be back, Lawrence. Where is my grandmother?"

"In her room, as always," he answered coolly. If it wasn't for the sound of his voice, Melanie could have sworn he hadn't spoken. His lips were as stiff as the rest of his body.

Christopher's face dropped, and then he turned to Melanie with a weak smile. "This is Miss Melanie Monroe, she will be staying here from now on."

Monroe? She thought confused.

Lawrence bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Monroe. I will endeavor to make your stay with us pleasurable."

"Thank you," she stuttered.

Christopher took her hand and led her into the house. The question that was on her tongue, quickly disappeared at the sight of the grand foyer. There was a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting small rainbows on the white marble floor.

She felt a hand on her waist and knew it was Christopher. After their 'encounter' that morning, she knew his touch like she knew her own. "Go ahead and explore, Lawrence will keep you company," he whispered in her ear, and she bit down on her lower lip to keep from sighing.

His breath on her ear, stirred up the fire in the pit of her stomach again. He pulled away and she blushed hotly realizing she had almost whined.

She watched him ascend the red carpeted stairs. He moved gracefully, his broad shoulders stiff even with the movement. She saw him more and more like a fairytale prince than a man, or lord, whatever that meant.

"Miss?"

Melanie jumped turning around.

"It's rude to stare," Lawrence added.

She felt her face heat and she looked down. "Pardon me."

"It's quite all right. I haven't met a woman who hasn't ogled at the Earl." He grazed her hand for her to look up at him. When she did, he pointed his hand forward. "We'll start with the ballroom, shall we?"

She nodded, walking beside him.

She enjoyed the tour immensely, especially the large ballroom, the court yard and the beautiful garden. The mansion had a large Front room and an even larger Blue room. The dining room was close to the informal dining room and had a table that sat over fifty people on each side. The informal dining room was for fewer people, according to Lawrence, sitting ten people a side and two people at the head and foot of the table. Right beside it was a grand kitchen with eight cooks.

It would have made sense if all fifty-three workers lived in the house with Christopher's grandmother, but their quarters were in the basement for the men and the attic for the women. Lawrence didn't show her those, he was under the impression she was a guest and not a maid.

What confused her the most was his insistence to walk a step behind her. She thought he had his eyes on her rear, but the few times she turned to catch him staring, his eyes were faced forward with purpose. He moved quickly for an elderly man.

Lawrence led her back to the Front room and quietly bowed out with a promise of tea. Melanie sat there nervously, wondering what was taking Christopher so long. And why had he introduced her by her mother's maiden name and not her father's? Is that how they did it here?

"Miss Melanie." Christopher's voice drew her attention. She excitedly stood up and turned to him. Then she froze. He wasn't alone.

An old lady, with silver strands in her hair, clad in black, from the lace on her head to her skirt stood next to him. Her face was pulled and her eyes hung heavily with sadness. Her hands were folded at her front, and even with the mourning clothes, she still looked sophisticated and exuded an air of importance.

Melanie turned to Christopher helplessly. The woman frightened her.

"Why does she look like a lost chit?" the woman spoke sternly, making Melanie flinch.

Christopher moved to Melanie with a smile. He stroked her hand lightly with his fingers then placed his hand on her elbow and nudged her forward. She moved with him, her hand fisted in the loose bottom of his jacket.

"Grandmother, this is Miss Melanie Monroe," he said and then he turned to her. "Melanie this is my grandmother, Lady Nancy Wimberley, Countess of Ashworth." He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "Refer to her as Lady Ashworth, now curtsey."

She did as instructed; lowering her gaze to the ground. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Ashworth."

When her head rose, she came face to face with the woman. The closeness stunned her, and she took a step closer to Christopher.

Lady Ashworth's brow arched up as she shifted her gaze to Christopher. "She's very attached to you."

"Only because you scare her, Gran," he responded, an audible lightness to his voice.

She grunted, looking back at Melanie. "Is that all?"

"Gran, I already explained this to you. She is not my mistress." His voice was harsher than before.

Melanie sucked in her lower lip and looked down. Being called a mistress was better than being referred to as a whore. But this woman made the title as shameful, and did she know the truth?

What she must think of me! Melanie agonized.

Melanie felt small smooth fingers touch her chin and push her head up. She followed with no resistance. Lady Wimberley had a gentler look on her face that made Melanie relax.

"My grandson has told me about your situation. I am saddened that we were involved."

At her words, Melanie's question was answered. Christopher had obviously told her everything. She shook her head. "Oh no, Miss. My situation is not your fault. I should be thanking you. Christopher was kind enough to protect and shelter me."

"Christopher?" she said with a raised brow. "You first name him and he first name's you?" She gave her grandson a suspicious glare before settling it back on Melanie. "Tell me, dove, did you allow him to ravish you as payment for his protection?"

"Grandmother!" Christopher bellowed.

Melanie's eyes widened with shock. She was about to protest when she remembered how close she was to being ravished, and how much she wanted it.

She took a breath to keep the heat from rising to her cheeks. "It would be a complete lack of respect for me to speak of such matters with you. But because I am grateful, and wouldn't want to tarnish your generosity with lies, no he did not ravish me. He left me as he found me, a virgin."

Christopher chuckled next to her and his grandmother eyes narrowed threateningly at him. "A touched virgin?" she shot out, silencing Christopher.

Melanie couldn't keep the heat out of her face. She didn't dare look up at Christopher in case Lady Ashworth read her desperate look as a plea for help.

"Answer me, dove. Did he ask for a kiss in return, or a feel on your..."

Melanie couldn't allow her to keep going. Not at the expense of embarrassing both she and Christopher. "He did nothing that I did not permit. He is the only gentleman I've known in my nine and ten years!" she said firmly, hoping her answer would end the bullying.

Lady Ashworth raised an eyebrow. "Known?"

"Yes." she reaffirmed strongly. His grandmother's other brow went up.

"Oh God," Christopher muttered. "Not the known you are thinking of, Gran!" he whispered harshly.

Melanie looked up at him confused. "What else would I mean?"

He squeezed her elbow, and looked intensely at her. "She means in the biblical sense."

Melanie gasped, her hand flying to her lips. "I didn't mean that!"

Lady Ashworth laughed, taking a seat on the long cream couch. "You are right, Christopher. She is completely innocent in both mind and body... well, not that innocent, thanks to you."

Christopher huffed, leading Melanie to a seat opposite his grandmother. The woman was enjoying herself at their expense. He moved to Lady Ashworth and kissed her cheek, "Take care of her, Gran, I'm heading home."

Melanie jumped up off the chair. "You are leaving?"

"Ah, me thinks the lady doth protests! Are you sure she is just a girl you wish to protect from the clutches of a wicked man…" her voice shrunk to a menacing tone, "or are you protecting her for yourself, Christopher?"

He sighed, taking Melanie's elbow in his and leading her a few feet away. "You can't leave me with her. She'll swallow me whole!" Melanie whispered in a panic.

Christopher shook his head, pulling her closer. "I cannot take you to my home, Melanie." He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "not if you want to stay innocent."

Melanie felt a shiver rush through her. She turned her head, and his lips lightly brushed hers making her heart leap.

"My grandmother may be blunt, but she does make a very good point. You will remain here as her lady in waiting."

"What's that?" she muttered, her eyes stuck on his moving lips.

"She will explain it." He raised their laced hands to his lips and planted a long warm kiss on her knuckles. Melanie's eyes fluttered shut for a moment as she swallowed, hard. "I will do as we discussed. Cross your fingers, Melanie."

She nodded, getting her senses back and understanding he meant her siblings. "Thank you, Christopher."

He nodded, brushing his lips against her knuckles once more and turning away from her. Every fiber in her body urged her to follow, but she knew she shouldn't. He wouldn't have left her with his grandmother if he did not trust her.

"Dove, come here. There are a few things I need to teach you."

Melanie took a deep breath, summoning courage and walked back to the lounge. "Yes, Miss."