Desperate Measures (Regency Undone) (12 page)

‘Does this feel good, Isabelle?’   His voice was a rumbling vibration against her skin.

‘Yes, oh yes,’ she panted.  ‘Don’t stop.’

‘Not until I see you come, as I have come for you.’

His tongue attacked her with renewed determination and there was no stopping the exquisite sensations that suddenly exploded from her.

‘
Guy.’

She cried out his name, clutching his head tightly between her legs as her orgasm fanned out and consumed her - far longer and stronger than the one she’d experienced
at her own hands.  It left her feeling weak and vulnerable as his mouth gradually ceased its actions, grazing over her for a final kiss before moving slowly back up her body.  She found herself staring up at him in total bemusement, unable to believe what had just occurred.  She hated sex - found it totally abhorrent - and yet …

‘You looked beautiful as you came,’ Guy growled in satisfaction, planting a little kiss on her lips.  ‘I want to see that expression on your face over and over again, every time we make love.’

It was true, he realised, as he lay there looking at her.  He’d been stunned by the affect she’d had on him as she came for
him, and him alone.  It was as he’d dreamt of seeing her - abandoned, wanton - her protective shield stripped away to reveal the vibrant, passionate woman that lay beneath. It gave him a feeling of tremendous satisfaction that he should be the one to introduce such pleasure to her. 

But meanwhile his own pleasures were threatening to get the better of him as he became more and more aware of the urgent need to possess her.  He took hold of her hand and ran the palm of it over his shaft.  ‘Feel what you do to
me,’ he whispered raggedly.  ‘Let me make love to you, show you how it can be.’

He dropped his lips persuasively to her neck, kissing her tenderly. 

‘I can’t,’ she whispered.  ‘Please don’t make me.’

She took a grip of him, her soft hand beginning to run the full length of his shaft whilst her other hand cupped him lower.  He groaned, bucking into her hand involuntarily.

Ye Gods, he was burning with the need to take her.  And though she might start off resisting him, she would surrender.  He could sense it.  All he needed to do was …

But he stopped his thoughts.  He could not.  He’d given his word and he would not break it. 

He shuddered, reaching for her breast as she continued to stroke him exquisitely.

‘Yes,’ he muttered, ‘that’s good.’ 

Somehow his hand found its way down to her sex, slick and wet from when she’d come, and he began to fondle her there again.  Her breathing quickened, her swift gasp of surprise turning to soft little moans as he began to pleasure her.  The look of shock in her cloudy eyes as he brought her to pleasure for a second time was so erotic that it tipped him over the edge - his own release engulfing him with a force that made him thrust groaning into her palm.    

He lay spent on top of her, disconcerted by the intensity of his emotions.  He’d never been so lost in a woman before.  His brow furrowed at this perceived sign of weakness, but it did not stop him from planting a little kiss on the side of her neck before raising his head to look down at her.

The look she gave back was one of blank shock, and he gave a satisfied smile.  It appeared that he was not the only one to be questioning what had just passed between them.

‘Well wife,’ he drawled lazily.  ‘I think this should put paid to any talk of annulment between us, do you not agree?  Something tells me it may not be long before we are truly and irrevocably joined in the marriage stakes.’

A small frown crossed Isabelle’s brow.  Was that all this had been to him?  A way of keeping her tied to him?  When to her it had been … it had been…

She shook her head, trying to keep the reproach from her voice. 

‘You do not need to make love to me Guy, to ensure I will not seek an annulment.  I gave you my word on this marriage and I would not actively seek to betray that.’

‘Is that what you think I am doing?’

She lifted her chin.  ‘Well, aren’t you?’

He tried to drop a kiss onto her lips, but as ever she averted her face so that it landed instead on the side of her mouth.  She felt him take her hand, place it on his still pulsating shaft.  

‘See what you do to me.’  His voice was a sexy growl.  ‘This is why I want to make love to you
- because I can’t keep my hands off you.  It is sex, pure and simple.  And don’t tell me that you don’t feel it too.’

‘Ah.’

Now that she had a label for it, Isabelle felt a little better.  Of course that was what it was - it was just unnerving for someone like her who up to now had always abhorred anything of that nature.

‘
Neither of us has made a good start in the marriage stakes,’ Guy continued.  ‘But perhaps we can come to a better arrangement of it second time around?  Especially if the sexual side of our relationship is strong like this, which I believe to be quite unusual.’ 

Isabelle returned his look solemnly for a moment, then nodded, before withdrawing her hand. 

‘We can certainly try,’ she said coolly.  ‘Thank you for showing me the pleasure to be had from the sexual act.  I think-’ she dropped her gaze demurely,  ‘-maybe I could enjoy learning more.’

It was a huge step forward and he could barely conceal his delight. 

‘And I look forward to initiating you,’ he responded warmly.

And it was true.  He had never looked forward to the sexual act with such anticipation before.  His needs had been simple and not that frequent with Charlotte and Angelica, but now he found himself already obsessed with images of Isabelle’s lips around his cock; his shaft plunging into her, bringing her to wild, abandoned release.

He dropped a lingering kiss on her lips and somehow managed to dim the image enough to draw back and let her go.   ‘I will need to go to Mama’s today to sort out some of her business.  Do you still plan to visit Sophia?’

‘Yes.  For I think she would like that.’

‘Then please pass on my best wishes, and we will meet back here this evening for dinner.’

‘
Oh Isi, ’twas such a horrible day yesterday.  When I walked into that room and saw Ralph handing a bundle of money to that minx I was sure it was to support a child, or worse her.’

‘Yet according to Guy that is not the case, so I hope you have been reassured about that?’

‘I am.  But Ralph was not happy that I had followed him - that I had mistrusted him.  Oh, it is all such a mess, but he should have told me.  Although I might have been a little upset initially, I would have come around to seeing that she approached Ralph because she knew he was an honourable man, and she was desperate.  He knows me well enough to know that.  Even if I am with child and can be a little …’ she gave a rueful smile, ‘- histrionic on occasion.’

Her expression became more sober again as she sighed.  ‘Anyway, we have called a truc
e
and I know thiswill pass.  We have both learned a lesson and I have come to realise over time, tha
t
when one has a serious disagreement with one’s husband, horrible though it is at the time, it serves to strengthen the relationship, not weaken it.  I think that is because when you survive the turmoil, it makes you feel a little safer.  We will come through this.

‘I am sure you will.  I do not know a stronger, happier marriage than yours and Ralph’s.’

‘I am very lucky,’ Sophia said.  ‘And there is not a day passes when I am not aware of that.’

She cocked her head to one side and looked at her friend quizzically.  ‘I wish the same could be said for you Isi.  I suppose there are no developments in yours and Guy’s relationship?’

Despite her effort to prevent it, colour warmed Isabelle’s cheeks, giving her away. Sophi
a
clapped her hands.

‘
Ther
e
are,’ she exclaimed.
 ‘
Tell me.  Quickly
.
’

‘No, no.  Not much.  At least -’

Sophia leaned forward conspiratorially.  ‘Tell me, have you…?’

‘No,’ Isabelle expostulated.  ‘At least, not yet … not fully.  And I am quite sure I should not be discussing such things with you!’

‘Pah.  What nonsense.  I am an experienced woman of the world don’t you know?  And your closest friend.  Tell me was it as bad as you feared?’

Isabelle hesitated, then gave up.  ’No.  In fact you were right, what we have done has been very … pleasant.’

‘Oh, that is marvellous!  I have always suspected that Guy could be quite sensuous beneath that grumpy exterior.  You must build on that Isabelle for if the heights of passion are good, they can forge a bond that is impenetrable.’

‘
Yes, well, we will see,’ Isabelle replied uncomfortably.  ‘Guy certainly seems to have developed an appetite for sex since we have become more intimate
. 
And I must own to being very surprised that I seem to be gaining one too.  It is so different to how things were with Richard.  I never could have conceived that I might enjoy the act.’

The door opened and both ladies turned startled, as Ralph strode into the room.

‘Isabelle,’ he acknowledged warmly, coming over to greet her.  ‘A pleasure as always to see you.  I trust you have been teaching some common sense to my suspicious wife that it is not a good idea to be gallivanting around the countryside trying to catch her husband out in some imagined misdemeanour?’

Isabelle noticed the quick flash of ire in Sophia’s eyes and spoke quickly to diffuse the situation. 

‘I have spoken with her sternly, Ralph, and I think certainly she has acknowledged the damage that secrets can cause in a relationship.’

Sophia stifled a chuckle and Ralph’s lips twitched.  ‘Touché, Isabelle.  You are as always perfectly correct.  We have both had a lesson to learn.  I came to pass my condolences onto you and Guy over the death of my Aunt.  Please tell Guy I will visit him soon?’

‘Of course.  He will appreciate that I know.’

‘Now, I am also here to tell you ladies that luncheon is served, if you would care to join me in the dining room?’

He offered an arm to them both, and Isi was quick to observe his swift expression of relief as his wife accepted his escort and they walked all together from the room.

It was four o’clock when her carriage pulled up outside her home, and as she climbed out she looked up at it in awe, as she always did.  It was a magnificent old house and never would she have imagined herself a Duchess and the proud Mistress of such a place. 

She watched as Guy appeared at the top of the steps waiting to greet her.  He too looked magnificent standing there, master of his domain - and something stirred in the pit of her stomach at the sight of him.  She was shocked at how quickly that feeling in her stomach turned to desire.  She had been thinking about him all the way back from Sophia’s despite her best efforts not to - and now she was confronted by him, all she could think was that she was possessed of an overwhelming desire to bed him again.  She could not understand this complete change of heart.  Was it because she was grateful to him for showing her that she was as normal as any other woman - perfectly capable of enjoying sexual favours in a way she could not have previously imagined?

As he hurried down the steps to greet her however, she was aware of an urgency to his expression that gave her cause for alarm.

‘Is something amiss?’ she asked, taking his arm as he helped her to alight.

His voice was grim.  ‘It is Charles.  He is not well.  We think he has the flu.  I am going myself to seek the doctor’s advice and ask him to call on us.’

Isabelle’s face paled.  Both Claudia’s children had suffered with the flu and it was a particularly severe strain.  The thought of poor Charles contracting such a horrid illness filled her with dread.

‘I must go to him,’ she said swiftly.  ‘Be as quick as you can?’

She sat by her little step-son
’s bed all afternoon as she wiped his fevered brow and struggled desperately to keep his temperature down.

‘
How is he faring?’  Guy’s low voice came from behind her making her jump as she wiped the sweat from his brow yet again with a cool damp muslin.

‘
Oh, you are back.  He is very hot, running a fever as you can see.  He does not seem to know who I am even. I know very little about nursing sick children.’

‘
Dr. Porter will come as soon as he can.  He is apparently delivering a baby as we speak.’

Guy sat down on the edge of the bed and stared at his son.  Isabelle was quick to see the worry in his eyes.  And the love. 

‘He will be fine, Guy.  I am sure of it.  He is strong, like his father.’

‘
Except that we do not know who his father is.’ He uttered the words in a bitter, low voice that she alone could hear.

She looked at him shocked. 
‘What can you mean?  You are his father - that is plain for anyone with a pair of eyes to see.’

‘
Is it?’

The anguish on his face increased as he studied his son
’s pale features intently.  ‘When my wife left, she cast doubt on Charles’s paternity.  I own it shook me, the thought that he might not be mine.  I had loved him so unreservedly.  I still do.  Of course I do - but it was as if something in me died that day she told me.  It created a barrier every time I looked at him.  Now this is God punishing me for it.’

‘
Of course it is not,’ Isabelle said firmly.  ‘Charles has contracted the flu from his cousins, not by some random act of God.  And soon he will be better and running around the house again amusing us with his chatter.  He loves you, and he is yours.  You know that is true.’

‘
And I love him, Isabelle.  Stupid that it takes an illness like this to make me realise how much.  Whether or not he is my true son, if I were to lose him …’

‘
Really Guy, I beg pardon.  I do not mean to be rude, but I cannot believe that you can be such a simpleton as to doubt his paternity and not see your first wife for the mischief maker she was.  One only has to look at him to see his likeness to you.  Look at his features - the shape of his face, his smile, the colour of his eyes - even his hairline - are all identical to yours.  See it and believe it - do not let Charlotte’s spite get the better of you and make you doubt something you know to be true.’ 

Guy stared at his son for a long moment, his face as pale as the white sheet covering Charles
’ small body; then without a word, he rose from the bed and left the room.

When he returned some fifteen minutes later, Isabelle was sitting on the bed softly stroking Charles
’ hand.  She felt Guy’s warm clasp on her shoulder and she looked up at him.

‘
Thank you Isabelle,’ was all he said.  ‘I think I can relieve you for a while, if you don’t mind?  I would like some time with my son.’

‘
Of course.’ 

For a moment she was forgetting that Charles was not hers.  Unbelievable though it may seem, she had come to think of herself as his mama these few short weeks of her marriage.  But of course she was not.  She had no real right to be here.

‘I will join you in fifteen minutes for dinner.  Then maybe we can both return here to keep vigil over our son,’ Guy told her, as if reading her mind.  ‘He has need of us both at this time I feel.’

They sat with him until midnight and it was as if in the quiet, dim light of the room, Guy was able to shed some of the protective cloak he wore around him as for the first time he talked of his first marriage. 

‘
At first I put things down to Charlotte’s age and immaturity.  She was an only child and had been much indulged; but as time wore on I came to see that hers was a shallow nature intent on   little else than pleasure seeking.   That I could have borne for the sake of my family name, and even her constant infidelities that I felt made me look a fool; but when she showed no feelings even for her son - when she started using him as a pawn - I knew then I could not spend the rest of my life with such a woman, no matter the shame that would bring.’

‘
I cannot understand any mother who could leave their child,’ Isabelle whispered, her eyes drifting to Charles’ face that looked more peaceful now in repose.  The worst of the fever seemed to be passing as the doctor had predicted it would, but he looked so small and vulnerable as he lay in the enormous bed.

‘
I cannot see you doing that Isabelle.  But you too had problems - more serious than mine I am thinking - in your marriage?’

Isabelle hesitated.  She had never talked to anyone about what had gone on.  She felt such shame.  As if it were her fault.

‘My husband could be violent.  Especially after he had partaken of some drink.  He also, as I believe you are already aware, led something of a debauched lifestyle.  It was … difficult for me.’  The customary diffidence had crept back into her voice, a sign of her self-protection Guy was beginning to recognise.  He had a strong desire to peel those layers away; to reach the woman beneath.

‘
Come,’ he said, rising from his chair.  ‘I think we can leave Charles safely in the hands of his nanny for the rest of the night.  She will call us in the unlikely event he takes a turn for the worse.’

Outside Isabelle
’s door, Guy surprised her by following her into her room.  ‘Do you have any objection if I join you tonight, Isabelle?  I think we might both appreciate some company?’

’
N…no, of course not.’  She was exhausted, but her heart began to pump in anticipation.

‘
I will leave you to the administrations of your maid but join you in a little while, after I have partaken of a brandy.  Loosen your hair for me, will you?’

After he had gone, Isabelle went through her nightly ritual but her mind was teeming.
She was remembering the throaty  rumble of his voice as he’d brought her to pleasure, the way his thick shaft pulsated in her hand as she stroked it; the almost pained expression on his handsome face as he came.  It was all very unsettling and as she climbed into her bed she found herself eagerly anticipating his arrival.  She gave a huge yawn as she settled down into her pillows and waited.  It had been a long day.

Returning to her room refreshed and ready for the night to come, Guy frowned at the sight of his wife’s sleeping head on the pillow.  Dammit, she had surely not fallen asleep on him when he was already hard as houses at the thought of what might be to come?  It was more than a man’s pride could take.  He strode swiftly over to her bed and got in beside her. 

But on the verge of waking her, he stopped.  She looked so peaceful lying there with her hand tucked under her chin in that way.  And this time he could tell she truly was asleep.  He found himself settling in next to her, enjoying looking at her as she lay there.  She had stunned him earlier on, and he found himself looking forward with great pleasure to all the other nights that lay ahead.  He was a lucky man.  She ran his home like clockwork and was able to satisfy his sexual appetite better than any woman he
’d known.  What more could a man ask from his marriage?