Page 38 of Their Brazen Countess
“Was it all terrible?” Linc asked, pain seeping into his voice as though the thought of her misery hurt him physically.
Jo shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. “No, not all of it. My marriage allowed my sister, Rebecca, to marry for love. She has been happily wrapped in marital bliss for the last four years.”
“But what of you?” Arthur asked, concern causing his brow to furrow.
“Honestly, Whitestone was not a bad husband, he was just—”not you two, hung on her lips, but she didn’t wish to push. “Well, he was just a typical English husband. He had a mistress and other than getting an heir on me, left me be. He was never intentionally cruel, and he was even kind at times.” Her lips tipped up on one side in a wry twist. “His family, on the other hand, was awful to me. Are awful to me. If they weren’t cutting down my decorating or fashion choices, they were ignoring me as though I didn’t exist. When I became pregnant, they turned particularly nasty. But now I am a widow, I am no longer forced to tolerate them as often as when my husband was alive.”
“Bloody hell,” Arthur said as he set his tea down with a clatter. “Had we known…”
Jo smiled softly, the warmth of his concern wrapping around her chest. “Had you known, you could have done nothing to aid me that would not have made things worse.” She took a bite of a cake and moaned at the delicious lemony flavor that burst over her tongue.
The men grew still as their gazes riveted to her. Jo opened her eyes and realized they were staring. Her cheeks grew warm. “My apologies. The cake is divine.”
Arthur licked his lips, and all but growled, “Not a problem.”
Linc almost choked, ending up in a coughing fit. Arthur rose and slapped him on the back.
Jo took another bite, suppressing the moan this time. The pair of them were still devastatingly handsome and had her senses reeling. She had merely come to see them to renew their friendship but as she sat there, watching them interact, the memories came flooding back. How it felt to be pressed between them. To have them filling her, pleasuring her together.
Heat infused her face, spreading down Jo’s neck as the memories continued to come unbidden. She had to set her plate down before she dropped it and tried to calm herself.
A chuckle from the direction of the pair drew her attention.
“Arthur, I do believe our Wood Sprite has begun having wayward thoughts again.” Linc’s sparkling eyes belied the desire she could sense rolling off him.
“My apologies. I was just remembering old times. I would not presume to expect things to be as they once were.” Jo fanned her face, wishing the floor would open and swallow her whole.
“Why not?” Arthur asked, his low voice more gravelly than she remembered.
“I have no idea if either or both of you might be engaged elsewhere, though I shall admit to watching for banns or marriage announcements.” She looked at her fingers, knotted in her lap.
“Jo, look at me,” Arthur demanded, drawing her gaze from her lap. The power of his voice rolled through her, shaking her to her core. “Neither of us is spoken for. In fact, we are, but perhaps not in the way you would expect. We are committed to each other, despite the limitations of society.”
A small gasp escaped her. “You are together? And people know this?”
“Our closest friends do, but we are not trying to flaunt our unusual relationship before the Ton. I can’t imagine the shock if Arthur swept me into a waltz in the middle of Almack’s.” Linc laughed heartily.
She joined him in the laughter, imagining the whole scene. “Yes, that would be a sensational bit of gossip. I suspect it would travel the Ton in record time.”
“Yes, and to the magistrates as well, I would imagine,” Arthur said. “But more importantly, what were you imagining just now, Jo?”
Could she tell them? Could she not?“I- I was remembering how it felt to be pressed between you both.” The words escaped her in a near whisper.
“Where has our bold little Wood Sprite gone?” Linc asked as he rose from his chair. “I remember the woman who read naughty books and demanded what she wanted from us.”
Jo’s gaze tracked him as he prowled over to where she sat. With Linc as a distraction, she hadn’t noticed that Arthur had done the same on her other side. Suddenly she found herself hauled up off the settee and into Arthur’s arms.
“If you do not want this Jo—do not wantus—speak up. Because we never forgot about you, and I am tired of pretending my cock hasn’t been hard and throbbing with desire for you since you walked through the door.”
“Yes,” she said on an exhale of breath. “Oh, kiss me, Arthur.”
“Linc, lock the door.” Arthur demanded before his lips crashed down on hers.
His tongue swept in and explored her mouth as his hands roamed over her back and down to her bottom. Behind her, she felt the heat of Linc pressing against her as Arthur moaned into her mouth.This was what she remembered. Being surrounded by masculine heat and firm bodies made her feel protected. It was wonderful.
Arthur broke their kiss and turned her to face Linc, who captured her mouth. He pushed past her lips and allowed his tongue to explore.
Kissing him was different from kissing Arthur. His exploration was gentler, more searching and less a storming of her defenses. Jo enjoyed both. Letting his care and concern sweep through her as their tongues dueled, she melted into Linc. Then she felt fingers on her buttons, unfastening the smart jacket of her walking gown. Once it had been peeled off they started on her blouse and skirt, each of them taking one of the garments.
