Authors: Abigail Graves
He lifted and looked down at her. She was glistening and swollen, beckoning his mouth to feast upon her. Alastair breathed deeply hoping to stifle the raging need that surged within him only to drown in the scent and heat of her. He groaned as he lowered his lips to her pouting folds, lapping up the length of her. Giselle’s juices coated his tongue and hunger exploded within Alastair. She was sweet and tart and he became desperate. He covered her with his mouth and devoured her. She bucked against him and fisted her hands in his hair. He traced her folds and suckled at them, learning every delicate crease with his tongue. He teased at her center with his finger before it slid into her tightness. Slick heat bathed his finger, he pulled it from her and licked it clean.
More.
He became ravenous as he set two fingers to her and opened her so his tongue could press into her core, greedily probing for more of her sweetness.
Giselle was delirious, sobbing and twisting on the mattress as he thrust his tongue deeper into her. Her back arched and she shrieked. Alastair felt her thighs tense and knew that she was near her climax. He lapped at her for a moment more before he left her honeyed tightness and sought the sensitive knot of flesh within her folds with his tongue. He flicked it and Giselle gasped. Alastair took it between his lips and suckled gently as he pressed into her with his fingers. He felt her thighs wrap around his head and he was afraid he'd spill himself in his trousers. He squeezed his eyes shut and focused on her breathing and the rhythm of her hips as she bucked against him. As before, Giselle was tense and fighting against her release, afraid to relinquish control and slip away. Alastair increased the pressure of his lips and suckled harder. He heard her clenched moan as she thrashed against the pillows. He pressed his fingers deeper and curved them upward as he swirled his tongue against her. Giselle gasped desperately and bit down on her hand as she twisted away from him.
“Stop fighting.” Alastair managed to make his voice calm, yet forceful. “Let me taste your release, darling.” He whispered against her before he suckled her bud and flicked his fingers within her. Giselle sat up and threw her head back as her body began to shake violently. She gasped for breath and screamed before she fell backward and convulsed upon the bed. Alastair was beyond caring who heard her. He pulled his fingers from her and sucked the nectar that flowed from her as she continued to shudder and moan. His tongue bathed her pouting, sensitive folds, her inner thighs and into the crease of her bottom, seeking every trace of her essence. Giselle yelped now and then as her body jerked in the aftermath and when Alastair brushed against her sensitive nub.
“I can't take any more!” She whispered as she tugged at his collar. Alastair sighed, loath to leave the luscious heaven between her thighs. He crawled up the length of her, pressing kisses to her stomach, breasts, chest and neck until he found her lips. Giselle opened for him and moaned in delight when she tasted herself on his lips and tongue. She clutched his face and kissed him hungrily, deeply. Alastair lifted away from her and swore as his cock throbbed angrily and lust clawed furiously at him. His body demanded release and he clenched his jaw as he willed himself to relax.
“I want you inside of me, Alastair.” Giselle whispered as she gripped his straining erection. He shook his head and rolled off her. He pressed his hands to his face and groaned in agony. He cursed his brother silently as she rose over him and began kissing his neck, making her way up to his ear as her hand slid along the bulge in his trousers. Alastair shifted away from her mouth and slapped her hand.
“No.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I want more than just a few nights with you, I want it to be about more than our bodies.” He knew he was hinting at the truth but he couldn't find the strength to hide what he felt. Giselle became still for a moment and then shrugged. She seemed unwilling to disturb the moment with questions.
Alastair smiled despite the very real physical pain he was experiencing. He could still taste Giselle and he recalled the silken softness of her tender flesh. Loving her with his mouth was simply the very best thing he had ever done. He was excruciatingly aroused yet somehow satisfied. He was certain that she was pleased with his performance and he silently patted himself on the back for executing the task so well his first time. Alastair pushed any thoughts of repeating the act from his mind as he felt his balls ache.
Realizing that Giselle had been still and quiet for several moments, Alastair lifted his head and looked down at her. She was asleep, a lazy smile curved her lips and her hands were fisted in his shirt. He pressed her head against his chest and sighed. He knew he wouldn't sleep any time soon, he just hoped his body would relax enough for him to enjoy holding her until he had to wake her. Alastair let his hand glide down her back until he felt rough puckering just below her ribs. His fingers traced the nearly round shape and he felt cold hatred gnaw at him. His fist clenched and he cursed. Giselle moaned and shifted against him and he closed his eyes, willing his rage away as he forced his hand from the bullet scar.
Chapter 18
Approximately two hours after Alastair woke Giselle and helped her to her room, he was staring at the ceiling when he heard the sounds of a coach in the courtyard. He fought the blankets as he rolled from his bed and ripped his door open and sprinted down the hallway. He jumped down the stairs and threw himself through the front door just as Gilles was stepping into the coach.
“Wait!” Alastair called. Gilles stepped down and turned. His eyes swept over him and he raised a brow. Alastair knew he looked like hell. He was still in his shirt and trousers and they were a wrinkled mess. He brushed a hand through his hair and scowled as Gilles smiled.
“There was quite a bit of noise from your room last night, Alastair.” Gilles said casually as he inspected the windows of the house. “Did you disregard our advice?” His gaze narrowed and he searched Alastair’s eyes. He shook his head.
“I acted in accord with your wishes. At great personal cost, I can assure you.” Alastair grumbled. Gilles smiled and laughed as he gripped his shoulder.
“Trust me in this. I think you'll find it much more gratifying in the end.” He tousled his hair affectionately. “Is there something you needed or did you wish to send me off with a kiss?” He teased.
“Chocolate. I don't care what it costs, send the best and lots of it.” Alastair stated. Gilles threw his head back and laughed.
“I knew you'd find the way to her heart! I find myself encouraged if you've already made this much progress.” He confided as he wrapped an arm around him. “I'll arrange to have plenty of chocolate here by tomorrow evening. Use it wisely!” Gilles warned. Alastair nodded as he embraced his brother.
“Tell everyone I miss them.” Alastair mumbled. Gilles clapped his back and held him tightly for a moment.
“Fais attention.” Be Careful. Gilles whispered before he released him. He saluted as he stepped into the coach and Alastair shut the door behind him. He watched the coach until it disappeared before he strode back into the house.
Chapter 19
It was hard to decide what was more mesmerizing, the music Mirabelle played at the piano or the baby Lucien cradled in his arms as he reclined in the music room. Giselle was equally absorbed. She was almost tempted to ask to hold tiny Charlotte again but she was wary of how the baby made her feel. Her thoughts became so unsettling, all over one tiny person.
Giselle felt a tingling on the back of her neck and turned toward the door. Alastair was leaning against the frame, watching her. When their eyes met, she felt a blush rise up her neck and she looked down until her pulse steadied. He pushed from the wall and settled on the couch next to her. His hand stretched along the back and rested behind her head. She tried to remain still as his fingers brushed her neck. Giselle shivered and felt heat spill down her back. She turned and searched his eyes. They were filled with yearning as they swept down her body. The urge to give him anything, to let him take everything made her weak. Alastair leaned close and his scent washed over her. She closed her eyes and breathed him in. He smelled warm and clean. Pepper, orange, leather and soap blended alchemically to make her knees turn to water.
“Come for a walk with me, Giselle.” His voice was a low rumble that she felt more than she heard. She nodded and allowed him to take her hand and pull her to her feet. As if in a trance, Giselle let him lead her from the room without a word to Lucien and Mirabelle. He guided her through the study, out the French doors and down the terrace steps. Once the rose bushes were tall enough to hide them from view of the house Alastair stopped and placed her hand on his palm. Giselle watched as he carefully intertwined their fingers. His eyes flared and his jaw twitched, he took a deep breath and let their hands relax between them as he turned and she followed him through the garden to where the trees became denser and wisteria created a canopy overhead.
Alastair found a footpath and turned, towing her along. The path became narrow until it opened into a small clearing. In the shade of an ancient tree, hung a swing. Giselle felt tears sting her eyes and her breath caught in her throat. Alastair released her hand and went to the swing. He stood behind it and held the ropes as he waited for her.
“Mademoiselle.” His voice was low and sensual. Giselle felt as if she was being pulled toward him, her feet carried her without any thought as his eyes held hers. She stopped before him and leaned between the ropes and brushed her lips against his. She let her lips cling to his for a moment before she turned and sat. Alastair gripped her waist and pulled her back until she rested against his chest. His arm slid around her and his lips pressed against the hollow beneath her ear. He was so solid behind her, his arm so strong as it wrapped around her, Giselle felt small and delicate. She let her head fall to the side so he could explore her neck with his mouth. His teeth grazed her skin and he laved the spot where her pulse beat. Goosebumps spilled down her arms and she moaned softly.
Alastair stepped back, pulling her feet further from the ground and let go. Giselle floated through the air and his hand pushed gently against her bottom when she returned to him. She swung easily back and forth for a few minutes before he caught her against his chest again. This time, his teeth nipped the corner of her shoulder as his hand curved around her ribs and slid to cup her breast. Giselle shut her eyes and gasped as he squeezed. Alastair's tongue traveled up her neck until it found her ear. His fingers closed around her nipple, through her gown and his teeth teased her ear lobe. She shivered and whispered his name as he rolled his fingers around the pebbled peak. She could feel his erection pressing against her bottom and heat exploded between her thighs.
He lifted his head and released her and she glided though the air again. Dizzy and panting, Giselle gripped the ropes and tried to breathe as his hand stroked her back and bottom every time he pushed her forward. Every time she swung back toward him, she held her breath, waiting for him to stop her. Alastair pushed her, teasing her backside as she swung higher and higher. After several minutes, his arms closed around her and she was suspended against him. He was so taut and hard behind her, heat and hunger poured from him. Giselle let her head fall back as his lips fell. She opened for him and his tongue danced against hers. One hand curved around her breast as the other slid around her hip and dipped between her legs. Alastair angled his head and took their kiss deeper. Giselle moaned softly as she parted her thighs. His hand cupped her through her gown before it slid away. She started to protest before she felt the fabric of her skirts sliding up her legs until his hand closed around her thigh and traveled upwards. Anticipation rushed through her as his tongue continued to thrust against hers. Giselle felt his fingers brush against her curls and she leaned back. Alastair groaned as his fingers parted her and slid into her slick entrance. The hand around her breast tightened and his thumb stroked her nipple. She pulled her lips from his and struggled for air as she felt his fingers stroking within her.
“You taste divine. You were still on my lips and tongue this morning. I couldn't come down to breakfast. All I wanted was to lose myself between your thighs, to feast on your sweet juices.” Giselle felt his words against her ear and her nerves began to coil and tighten. She tensed and hung on to the ropes as his fingers pressed deeper and he squeezed her nipple. His thumb stroked the sensitive spot within her folds and she shook her head as the pressure within her built and her body began to shake. “Why do you do that, darling? Why do you fight off your release?” Giselle shut her eyes tight and saw lights and colors and felt lightheaded. “Breathe, my love. Let it happen.” He whispered.
Giselle gasped for air and her nerves exploded. Alastair held her tight against him as she flew apart. He kissed her neck gently as she melted against him. She felt his heart pounding against her back as his erection pressed against her bottom. Giselle turned her face to his and saw that his jaw twitched and his eyes were closed.
“We could go back to your room.” She whispered. Alastair shook his head. “Or I could turn around and you could take me on this swing.” Giselle licked his jaw and he groaned. “All you have to do is open your breeches.” She purred.
“Oh, Jesus!” He gasped and his head fell against her shoulder. His breathing was labored and she felt him quake. After a moment he shook his head and looked up at her. His eyes were tortured. She saw what his control was costing him. “No. Not yet.” His voice was strained. She nodded and slid from the seat and turned.
Giselle cradled his face and pressed her lips to his. Her tongue slid between his lips and she kissed him slowly, gently, trying to sooth him. His arms closed around her and he sighed into her as he pressed her against him. They remained for several minutes until Alastair raised his head.
“It's almost time for lunch, we should go back.” He whispered. Giselle smiled and held out her hand. He stepped around the swing and let her lead him. They held hands and remained close until they were within sight of the house.
“You must be starving, you missed breakfast.” Giselle said softly as she searched his face. His eyes remained on the ground as he shook his head.
“I don't want to eat. I want you.” His voice was low and hard. Heat washed over her and she felt her legs shake. She stopped and he turned. His face was so rigid, his eyes hungry when they met hers.
“You have to eat.” She breathed. He looked over her shoulder and his gaze became unfocused.
“I think I could wait until tonight, until you let me taste you again.” Alastair looked down at her and she felt herself sway toward him. She shook her head and swatted his arm.
“You will not!” She ordered. “You're no good to me if you're too weak.” Giselle teased. He shrugged and turned back toward the house. She followed.
“I like that the last thing I drank was you.” He said softly. He strode up the steps swiftly and she stared at his back. Alastair pulled the door open and looked at her expectantly. Giselle picked up her skirts and hurried up the terrace steps and through the door.
“It will be the last you get until you’ve eaten.” She promised. He frowned as he pulled the door closed. Giselle turned and swept from the room, a wicked smile shaped her lips as she approached the dining room.
She was pleased to see that her threat worked. Alastair cleared his plate and gestured, silently requesting her approval before it was taken away. Giselle smiled and nodded her head. When she looked up she found that Lucien was watching them, his brow was raised and he looked curious. Alastair ignored him and she pretended not to notice.