Jessie's Jewels [Submissive Sirens 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) (2 page)

Jessie gasped. “How did you know that?” She’d been so careful, not even her family knew she’d been at Parris Island.

Liam relaxed once more, crossing his arms again and smiling at her. “I know, dearie, because I work for MI6.”

* * * *

Her life changed during that conversation. Liam had known—heaven knows how—that when Jessie was supposed to have been attending Cambridge getting a degree in something utterly useless, she’d actually been living in the United States training to be a Marine. It was the only thing she’d ever done just for herself, and it was a secret she kept close to her heart that she savored when things were tough. At least, she’d thought grimly to herself, at least I’ll be able to protect myself if my brother’s bookies come knocking.

Liam had revealed himself to be a handler for MI6. Jessie remembered how her mouth had fallen open and she’d goggled at him shamelessly. The perverse thought had crossed her mind that she was in the middle of firing James Bond.

Liam explained that he handled an agent who lived close by, and that his position as butler and groom to the Cumberlands gave him a perfect reason to be in the area without attracting suspicion. He’d informed her—he certainly wasn’t asking her permission—that he was going to stay on in the role of general manservant so he wouldn’t attract attention. And then he’d given her the shock of a lifetime.

Apparently, Liam’s employers had been aware of her activities with the Marines and they’d had an eye on her for some time. Liam offered her the opportunity to work for MI6, explaining that he’d become her handler as well.

Jessie had jumped at the chance, not batting an eye before saying yes. From that perspective, keeping Liam on as her manservant had been the best decision she’d ever made.

Jessie’s breath caught as she entered the small but well-kept stable.
And this is why retaining Liam was the worst decision I’ve ever made
.

He was brushing his horse, crooning softly to the big animal. Jessie could hear his lilting accent as he murmured to the gelding, his deep voice as mesmerizing as his hands that ran the brush over the horse’s chestnut coat.

Jessie practically melted. Liam hadn’t seen her yet, and she stood silently in the shadow of the doorway so she could watch him. Her eyes caressed his big body, taking in the faded T-shirt he wore that clung lovingly to his broad shoulders. The thin material rode up on his back as the muscles beneath bunched and flexed, and Jessie was treated to a delicious inch of skin that appeared above the band of his jeans. The jeans rode low where his broad back tapered to narrow hips, and Jessie almost drooled over his tight butt.

She realized that while he had his back to her now, he’d be moving around the horse in the next couple of moments and she’d be caught staring at him. She took a silent step back out the door and moved forward, this time making enough noise to ensure he heard her approach. He turned when she entered the stable, making her heart skip a beat with his slow smile, his killer dimples on display.

“Good morning, Your Ladyship.”

Jessie sighed. “Liam, we’ve talked about this. It’s totally awkward for you to use my title at this point. We’re equals, and you should treat me as such.”

Liam’s smile grew wider. He loved to tease her. “Ah, yes, but then, dearie, I’d have to pretend I was as civilized as you and eat with the right fork all the time. What a chore for a savage who likes to eat with his hands.”

Unwittingly, Jessie felt her gaze drawn to Liam’s big hands. He toyed with the brush he’d been using on the horse, and Jessie pictured all the things he could do with his hands. She pictured him lifting food to his sexy mouth, smiling at her as he fed her from his hands as well. She watched as he stroked the horse, shivering a little at the thought of those big hands on her own flesh.

With superhuman effort, Jessie shook her head to clear it. She rolled her eyes so he’d know she was teasing him back. “Then perhaps I should start calling you My Lord. That would even the playing field.”

Liam stilled, his eyes like lasers on her. “No, Lady, that title isn’t for me.” His smile returned to his face, and he grinned at her. “Och, lassie,” he said, exaggerating his Scottish accent, “I’m nay more than a Highlander. Dinna worry yerself wi’ such fanciful thoughts.”

Jessie laughed, shaking her head at him. He always cheered her up.

“Were you wanting to go for a ride?” He’d put the brush down, circling back around his horse to stand before her.

“Yes, I think so. I’ve been...restless this morning.” Jessie blushed, thinking about how hard Liam would laugh if he knew about her kicking the pillow in her bedroom. She blushed harder, thinking about what he’d do if he knew what was in the small bag she carried with her.

“All right.” He looked at her curiously, his lips twitching. “I’ll saddle Aphrodite.” He turned away, walking over to the stall next to the one his horse, Tin Man, occupied. Aphrodite nickered softly, recognizing the big man as he entered her stall. She nosed around him, no doubt looking for treats, and Liam stroked her velvety nose.

Lucky horse, Jessie grumbled to herself. She cheered considerably when Liam led Aphrodite out of her stall, holding her still for Jessie to mount. Jessie had one foot in the stirrup and was about to hoist herself over the mare’s back when she felt Liam’s hands on her hips. He was pressed close behind her, so close she could feel his warmth against her back, and his big hands almost spanned her waist. He picked her up like she weighed nothing, holding her while she settled herself into her saddle.

“Thank you, Liam.” Jessie’s voice sounded breathless, even to her.

“My pleasure, My Lady. What time should I be expecting you back?” His eyes had gone dark, like a stormy sky.

“I’ll be two hours at the most. I have my cell, so call if you need me.” Jessie smiled, touching her heels to the mare’s flanks. Aphrodite was off like a shot, settling into an easy canter as Jessie leaned low over her neck, giving her her head and loosening her grip on the reins. The sweet wind streamed through Jessie’s long hair, whipping it back, and she turned her face to the warmth of the sun. Aphrodite knew where they were going. They went often, and Jessie let her find her way as she reveled in the exhilaration of the ride.

* * * *

Liam watched Jessie ride off, and his easy smile drained from his face. He sighed, watching the mare until she was out of sight, then went back to brushing Tin Man. He snorted to himself. Tin Man. A perfect name for his horse, since that’s what he himself felt like half the time. His heart wasn’t in his chest. It had ridden out with a pint-sized beauty and her mare.

Liam lost himself in the repetitive motion of brushing the horse, and his mind wandered to thoughts of Jessie. Lady Jessamy, he reminded himself. He kept the title like a barrier between them, a constant reminder that they were from different worlds. If he allowed himself to think there was a chance for them, however slight, he knew he might be tempted to try.

He well remembered the day she’d tried to dismiss him, and he smiled to himself as he remembered how distressed she’d been, even though she’d worked hard not to show it. What she hadn’t known was that he wouldn’t leave her side for all the tea in China, even if working for her hadn’t been the perfect cover for his activities for MI6.

Liam knew he’d never be able to leave her. He’d taken one look at her petite frame and sweet curves and fallen head over heels in lust. His cock had swelled, aching to be buried in her sweet pussy, and he’d imagined holding her little body on his lap, bouncing her on his erection, stretching her to fit him like the perfect glove. The love came later, when he’d had a chance to get to know her, to see how strong she was, how funny, sweet, kind...

He’d nearly said something to her when she’d been engaged. The thought of her marrying another man made him sick, but he’d kept his counsel, knowing he’d rather see her happy than himself. He’d been overjoyed when the bastard had jilted her, even though she’d been hurt, and he’d spent time since then encouraging her, watching her bloom into a woman more beautiful and spirited than she’d been before. Her mother’s death had brought a lot of freedom to Jessie, Liam knew, but it was with her brother’s passing that she’d finally felt alive.

Liam sighed, finally setting the brush aside. Tin Man’s coat was gleaming, and if he spent any more time brushing it the horse would likely start glowing in the dark. Besides, he had to call the duke. Liam knew the man would want to know that Jessie had gone for a ride, and if he was honest with himself he was grateful for the duke’s interest. Between them they made sure Jessie was safe, and there wasn’t anyone Liam would rather have for a partner in Jessie’s protection.

Liam dialed the familiar number on his cell, waiting through three rings before an elegant, cultured voice answered. “Your Grace? Lady Jessamy is out on Aphrodite.” He paused to listen as the duke asked a question.

“Yes, I do believe she’s headed to the usual spot. That’s the direction she took.”

Liam listened again, starting to walk back toward the manor. “You’ll be joining us for supper then, Your Grace?” Liam swallowed as the man replied in the affirmative. “Excellent. I will look forward to seeing you then.”

Liam hung up after the duke, his stomach doing strange flips. The duke had said he’d meet Lady Jessamy on her ride and escort her back to the manor.

Liam swallowed again, this time harder. He was head over heels for Lady Jessamy, and he wondered what she’d say if she knew his secret. Because as crazy as he was about her, he was just as crazy about the duke.

Jessie reined in as she neared her destination, slowing Aphrodite to a walk. She gazed around the small clearing they’d reached, satisfied that there was no one else around, and dismounted. She walked Aphrodite to a tree with low-hanging branches and emerald-green grass, tying the horse’s reins loosely to a branch so that she’d be able to walk around a bit. Aphrodite whinnied, wanting a reward for delivering her mistress safely, and Jessie was happy to oblige. With a laugh, she drew an apple out of her pocket and offered it to the horse. Chomping happily, Aphrodite loftily ignored her mistress and took a couple of steps so that she could nibble the grass.

Jessie chuckled and shook her head, grabbing her bag from where she’d tied it to the pommel. She walked to the small pond in the centre of the clearing and shook out the blanket she’d brought with her, then sat down to remove her riding boots. Her shirt was next and was quickly followed by her leggings. Down to her bra and panties, Jessie looked around once more to reassure herself that she wouldn’t be interrupted. She shook her head at herself, wondering who, exactly, she was expecting to interrupt her. Liam was at home, and the only other human—and she used that term loosely—who was within any sort of reasonable distance was Gabriel, and with any luck he was out of the country.

Quickly, Jessie stripped out of her lacy bra and thong, loving the secret indulgence of her expensive lingerie. No matter how far her family had fallen, there were some levels to which she would absolutely not stoop—and buying undergarments made of polyester was one of them.

Once naked, Jessie ran to the water, knowing if she didn’t go in immediately she’d talk herself out of it. She shrieked as she splashed her way in, laughing like a maniac the whole time before diving under the water. Jessie figured that swimming was perfectly acceptable in late July, particularly because the weather that week had been positively balmy. Unaccustomed to such warm weather in the north of England, Jessie wanted to do everything to take advantage of it. And since, she reasoned, she’d had to sell her family’s summer house at the seashore, she had to make do with what she had.

Floating on her back, Jessie allowed herself to relax. Her mind wandered to Liam, wondering what he would be making for supper. They’d agreed long ago when they’d first decided to make a go of it together that Liam would do most of the cooking. Jessie snorted as she thought about that conversation—which hadn’t been so much a conversation as a reckoning. She’d made breakfast once in those early days, hoping it would be a gesture of thanks for everything Liam was doing for her. Liam had taken one look at the blackened eggs, burnt toast, and watery coffee she’d prepared and had announced then and there that he’d be doing the cooking. Her face had flamed as they’d scraped the burnt food off the plates, and then Liam made omelets. He’d laughed off her apologies, pouring them juice that they’d used to toast the future.

Jessie’s mouth watered as she thought about the meals they’d shared. Liam was a hell of a cook, and she kind of couldn’t wait to introduce him to Remy.

Jessie closed her eyes and groaned, that thought bringing her crashing back to reality.

Remy—Remington Park—was Jessie’s best friend. They’d met during their training on Parris Island, the pair also becoming fast friends with three other women who shared their own goals and ambitions.

In a recent vacation with her girlfriends, an annual vacation they all lived for, the teasing had been merciless. Remy had been ribbed about the gorgeous men she lived with, triplets with whom she’d formed an elite team, and if Jessie was honest with herself she’d done a lot of that ribbing. Just before parting company with Remy she’d suggested to her friend that she try to seduce the sexy brothers by putting on some sexy lingerie and a butt plug, and now she wondered what would happen if she followed her own advice.

The girls had also asked about Liam, since her friend Cleo had met him once and practically drooled. Jessie had been ready to smack Cleo, but was thrilled when Liam had shown absolutely no interest in the New Orleans belle. She hadn’t been thrilled when her friends had ridden her about her handsome manservant, asking her why she hadn’t found her way into his bed yet. She’d been asking herself the same question for a while now. She shrugged mentally, turning onto her stomach and starting to paddle leisurely through the water. It wasn’t like she hadn’t tried, especially with all the flirting they seemed to do together, but it never went further than that.