Page 100 of House of Crimson Hearts
She obeys, licking my fingers and dribbling enough saliva that I can drop them to her pussy. I squeeze her clit and then rub slow circles, fast flicks. She bucks against me, again and again we move together like the ebb and flow of waves.
Pulses of pleasure begin in my clit and vibrate all the way to my core.
“I’m so close,” she pants. “Harder. Fuck me harder.”
I pick her up, pulling her off the cock and throw her clear across the room to the bed. She lands on her stomach, and I leap the four metres across the room and onto the bed. I drive the cock into her engorged pussy from behind and reach around, pulling her up onto all fours to massage her clit.
“Fuck, Octavia. Fuck,” she says just as she comes apart for me, her body wringing out every ounce of orgasm it can.
It’s only later as she’s falling asleep nestled in my arms that I say, “I told you you’d move into my room.”
“No,” she says, but her voice is already being carried away by dreams.
“Why?”
“Because there’s only one bed,” she mumbles.
“Yes, and you’ll find it’s the most comfortable in the house.” But she’s already fallen asleep. And I am already smiling.
Chapter26
CORDELIA
One Thousand Years Ago
The sun beats down on the Midnight Market. It’s roasting this summer, far more so than in any summer I can remember past. I’m in a thin dress; I fought Mother hard not to wear the layers of skirts she prefers. It was far too warm for such a plight.
She relented when I pointed out she herself wasn’t wearing them. Her argument was that I was meeting a man for a walk and therefore I needed to be dressed appropriately. I told her a summer dressisappropriate for the weather and for once, Father came to my rescue.
The carriage drops me in the centre of Sangui City. The heat is worse in the market. All the bodies and people milling around in such a small space. There’s no breeze either, and the mist won’t rise off the canals until the coolest part of the night. So I’m to suffer the rest of the day, which makes me even more thankful Father intervened with Mother.
I notice the gentleman I’m supposed to meet perusing a clothing stall full of jackets and hats. I wait patiently for him to notice me so I can wave him over. But a prickling heat rises in my chest. Why should I be the one to wait? To do as I’m told like a proper young lady?
It’s such an unfairness. I hate that Mother won’t allow me to make my own choices. Why should my worth be attached to that of whomever I take as my husband?
I’ve thought myself into such a mess by the time he turns around and catches sight of me that the wave I give is stilted, and my features, I should imagine, are lined with fury.
Indeed, as he comes upon me, he’s hesitant as if I’m the one to fear.
“Good morning, or perhaps I should say afternoon now, Lady St Clair.”
“Good afternoon, Lord Fenwick.”
I try hard to soften my features but it’s difficult. I pick up my picnic basket and nod to indicate I’m ready.
“Would you care to accompany me for a stroll? I was intending to wander around the markets, and your mother said you were free this afternoon. I’d be honoured if you joined me.” He holds out his arm for me.
I slide mine over his, albeit reluctantly. Of course, Mother said I was free. I’m free for anything that involves moving me closer to marriage. Honestly, I’m sick of it. Sick of her, the control she has over me and this ridiculous pursuit of marriage, like my only goal in life is to bear children.
“So, Lord Fenwick. How are you keeping? How is business?” I ask, trying to think of something appropriate to say.
“Delightful. I’m rather successful in my particular line of work, even if I do say so myself.” He smiles and inclines his head at one of the market sellers as we walk past.
Why is it that the wrong sort of arrogance is so unappealing? The right sort though, someone who deserves to be praised and knows their worth, now that is the most arousing thing of all in a person.
“It’s your father’s business, am I correct in my thinking?”
“Indeed, you are, Lady St Clair. I inherited it just this past six months. Father decided to retire.”
