Lovely Deception Page 9

  “All valid questions,” he said, realizing she was thinking about it. Jacob lay down beside her, propped on his side, his head resting on his hand.

  “If it was a man you’d have no risk of meeting again, would that help?” He reached over and gently nudged at her elbow, shifting her hand tucked against her pussy.

  “I suppose,” she said, accepting his hint and moving her hand on her own in a rhythmic pattern.

  “What wouldn’t you want him to do to you?”

  “I don’t know, but I don’t think I’d want him to spank me or to actually fuck me. I rather think I’d like to suck on his cock while you fuck me.”

  “Do you want him to suckle your breasts?”

  “I suppose. I never really thought about this before. I do know I don’t want his cock inside my pussy or anus. I want that privilege reserved for you alone.”

  “And what if it was a woman? Would you want a second woman in bed with us or alone with you?”

  “A woman? It’s bad enough we’re joking about a second man, but a woman…”

  “Why not? People do it all the time. Would you like to try licking another woman’s nipples or to suck her clit or have her suck yours?”

  He noted her hand stroked faster against her skin. Did she realize her heightened sexual awareness? It didn’t matter to him. Either way, he was enjoying the sight of her lying on her hand, masturbating while they talked.

  “I’ve never thought about sucking on a woman, but what about penetrations? I get a lot of enjoyment from you pumping your cock inside me. A woman doesn’t have the right equipment.”

  “Not permanently, but arrangements could be made.” He said it with a laugh and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.” Just for good measure, he spanked her cheeks several times before he slipped from the bed returning with a damp cloth.

  Nina dutifully rolled over and spread her legs wide for him to cleanse her and rolled back when he told her to. She watched as he cleaned his cock and hands before tossing it aside.

  “Now, a woman or a man? Which would you prefer, and do you want to be alone or not?”

  “Definitely not alone with the man. He’d only be there as something to suck while you fuck me. A woman … I don’t think so. I’m enjoying your male body too much.”

  “Your voice is hesitant. What’s on your mind?” Jacob lay beside her, his hand gently following the contours of her back as they talked.

  “Well, it seems strange to say, but I think I’d be jealous of another woman touching you in front of me. I know that must sound crazy, but then this whole conversation is insane.”

  “What if she only pleasured you, and you explored her? Could I watch you, or would you rather be alone with her?”

  “You say it like there’s a woman waiting outside the door.” She laughed and rolled onto her back.

  Jacob loved the size and shape of her breasts, her nipples tight buds waiting for his lips. “You didn’t answer me. Would you want to be alone with a woman?”

  “I don’t think so, no. It still doesn’t seem fair. Besides, even in Southampton, you’re a man of position, and any man or woman you brought into your bed would leave with tales.”

  “Of me, yes. Of you, not necessarily.”

  “How?”

  “Maybe a masquerade mask and no names. I could say you were a guest with a curiosity who wished to remain anonymous.”

  “You make me wonder about things I shouldn’t. I think being in your bed is quite enough for me.”

  “We’ll see, Nina. If you’re not interested, it’s not a problem. But your body betrays your curiosity. Your nipples are hard, your breath is shallow, and I would bet if I ran my finger along your pussy lips, you’d be wet.”

  “Nobody could know who I truly was,” she started, letting her voice drift off. “And no spanking in front of another man.”

  Jacob realized she was setting her rules of engagement whether she acknowledged it or not. It wouldn’t matter to him. He’d watch or participate. Either would get him off.

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  Chapter Fifteen

  Nina woke the next morning to find Elsa hovering with a coffee tray and the need to pack her up, as she was gong to visit Lady Clarice Wright, a friend of Lord Mansley’s family. With little fuss, Nina dressed in privacy, only allowing the maid to help with her lacings and her hair.

  Sitting gingerly before the dressing mirror, she held back a smile, wondering if Jacob had decided to send her on a carriage ride to reinforce his touch to her behind. A warm thrill ran through her as she thought about how he touched her last night, how her body came alive in a way she had never imagined.

  She fanned her face with her hand, remembering in vivid detail how she’d all but swallowed his hard cock while letting him penetrate her, everywhere. Pressing her thighs together didn’t relieve the throb. It only made her squirm. Nina laughed aloud at the idea she’d become a wanton woman in mere days at the hand of Lord Mansley.

  Her dreamlike images disappeared with the bellow of Wallace’s voice vibrating through the thick walls. While she couldn’t make out what he was hollering about, the sound brought him to the forefront of her mind. She’d completely forgotten he existed. The rude reminder gave her pause and a slightly sick feeling in her stomach. It struck her that Jacob was sending her away to protect her as he’d sworn last night.

  Downstairs, dressed, and ready to travel, she was both relieved and disappointed to learn that Elsa would accompany her on the journey to Rownhams, Lady Wright’s estate north of Mansley. She didn’t see Jacob before she left, and instead was given a letter to present to Lady Wright upon her arrival.

  While Jacob’s coach was first-class and his driver a master with the horses, it was a long, dull ride. Elsa made no attempt to converse with her, only answered her questions and dozed with her head against the small window. Nina was grateful for the silence and that Jacob hadn’t sent her traveling alone. She wondered what was in the letter she carried from him and tarried between hoping he’d meet her there soon and accepting that he was sending her away for good.

  She’d promised Jacob she would leave without a scene, and she would, although she hadn’t realized the degree of sadness and loneliness that came with holding one’s head high. She would have liked to confront Wallace and tell him in person the wedding contract was off, but accepted it would have most likely been an ugly scene, one she didn’t need to experience.

  The memory of Mimsey mating with Wallace was quite enough of a horrible scene to carry. The idea of almost having been married to him made her skin crawl. His small cock and superior attitude of the act would have made her sex life a misery, and he undoubtedly would blame her for his indiscretions because she was unappreciative. Of course, he’d have gone on living off her father’s money without guilt.

  She felt lighter in this regard, likening her situation to the hand of fate and finally believing there was such a thing. If not, she’d never have met Jacob nor realized the depravity of Wallace Arret’s character before it was too late. Once married, he’d never have let her go, even if only to bolster his position.

  He’d told her she was bland and just a means to an end, but in the last days, she felt different about herself, saw a different edge to the face that reflected in her mirror. Maybe it was just knowledge and relief, or maybe it was Jacob and his hands roaming her skin, stretching her body to his whim, making her weep internally and cry out in the darkness as he loved her.

  She pulled a short breath, reminding herself not to use the word love, not to let it enter her mind where Jacob was concerned. He’d told her up front he would never marry her, and she believed him. While he hadn’t shared his reasons with her, she hadn’t confronted him about them. It was the basic agreement between them—he would enlighten her to the ways of a man’s world, and she would leave when the time came without fuss.

  They stopped halfway to their destination at a small inn, where they snacked o
n an early afternoon tea while the horses were watered and rested. With luck, they would arrive at their destination by nightfall.

  Nina knew nothing about Lady Wright, her home in Rownhams, or her true relationship with Jacob and his family. Was Lacy Clarice an older woman, or was she Jacob’s contemporary? Had they been lovers?

  None of it mattered. Nina was being sent away and would accept her fate.

  The sun was long down when the driver slowed the horses while passing through a lovely town, then turned off the main road several miles later. In the distance, she could see a large building but couldn’t make out many details.

  Upon arriving at the main entrance, she saw it was a lovely old manor home made of stone with beautiful windows, all glowing from the inside. A uniformed footman helped her from the carriage and handed her off to the butler, who took her heavy coat and muffler. She caught sight of Elsa being directed up the curving marble staircase to the right, two young footmen carrying up their cases.

  Nina was shown to a privy and made the most of the few minutes that were proper to pamper herself. After such a long ride, with each bump and dip reminding her of Jacob’s touch, she would have liked to be left alone to touch herself for relief. She managed to soften her hair and cleanse her face and hands before returning to the waiting butler.

  “This way, ma’am,” he said, directing her with his arm to a large parlor at the front of the home, well lit with a roaring fire inviting her to warm her toes. “Lady Wright will join you shortly,” he added with a nod and left her alone, closing the door behind him.

  It seemed instantaneously that it was opened, and a woman swept into the room. She was lovely in all ways, Nina decided on a quick glance. The woman smiled brightly and had a lovely ivory complexion that was accented by blonde hair tucked under a green snood that matched her lovely gown.

  “My dear, I’m so sorry to keep you waiting,” the lady said, her voice kind and reassuring. “Would you prefer sherry or brandy after your long journey?”

  “A sherry, please,” Nina managed, trying to take in everything about this woman and the room they stood in. Taking the crystal offered her, she stood until the other lady sat, patting the cushion beside her.

  “Come and sit, Nina. I’ll call you Nina, and you’ll call me Clarice, and we’ll become fast friends because we both care about Jacob.”

  Nina stiffened at Lady Wright’s carefully chosen words. “I have a letter to give you,” she managed, retrieving it from the table on which she had placed it when entering the palatial room. Handing over the letter, she felt as if her fate was being dealt as she waited.

  Clarice read the letter with a smile and laughed at something near the end. Folding it, she placed it back in the envelope and tucked it in a side pocket of her sleeve.

  “Well, it seems Jacob won’t join us for at least a day or two. I’m to make you relax and rest. Apparently, you’ve had a long few weeks.”

  “Out of character to say the least,” was all Nina could utter.

  “While you’re here, you’ll tell me all about it, and we’ll figure out how to make it better. When Jacob’s man arrived earlier to tell me of your visit, I figured you’d be tired, so I’ve arranged for a light supper and early to bed.” She stood, reaching a hand towards Nina. “Come, I’ll give you a quick tour of the house so you have your bearings.”

  The tour was of the main rooms, all of which Nina was invited to enjoy during her stay. They ended up at the dining room and ate the superbly prepared meal that awaited them. The watercress soup with fresh bread and mutton slices with cucumber eased her stomach and headache. She had no idea of how late it truly was until she was led from the table and shown her room.

  Bid a good night by Lady Wright, Nina was informed of the house schedule and agreed to meet at breakfast. Than she was scooped against the lady’s body and held tight for several long moments before she was released slightly, a kiss being placed on each of her cheeks.

  “Rest well, Nina. You’re safe here, and nobody will bother you.”

  “Thank you, Lady Wright.”

  “Clarice. Now get some rest. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

  Her room was lovely, decorated in light yellow and blue silks and damasks. Someone had unpacked her cases and the bed covers were drawn back. With a discreet knock, Elsa slipped in and helped her undress, Nina stopping at her shift. “I can manage. You must be tired from the journey. Go to your chamber, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

  The maid left quietly with a nod, leaving Nina in privacy to strip off the rest of her layers and examine her body in the full length looking glass. Already her buttocks were losing their red sheen. They were more of a pink hue, a memory disappearing before her sight.

  Tucked under the layers of covers, she slept quickly, feeling safe even in the strange surroundings and wondering what was in the letter Jacob sent to Clarice.

  Elsa was back early to help her dress and breakfast went by quickly with Clarice telling Nina of the countryside and the estate. They bundled in heavy coats and mufflers and walked along the garden, readying to winter over.

  “May I ask how you know Viscount Mansley?” Nina inquired as she paused to touch one of the last blooms, its color and shape reminding her of a woman’s privates. The flower was a lovely ivory color with strands of pink radiating from the center of each petal. It had little scent, yet she was drawn to it.

  “We are kissing cousins,” Clarice said, apparently waiting for Nina’s reaction. When she didn’t get what she hoped for, she elaborated. “Jacob’s father and my mother had an … affection for each other after his wife—” She broke off before continuing. “My mother was their housekeeper, and I grew up in the manor. Jacob was like a brother once removed.”

  “How old was he when his mother passed?”

  “She didn’t pass away, Nina. I see Jacob has left me to relate the details.”

  “It’s not my business. I apologize for asking.” She was suddenly flustered.

  “Not to worry, dear. Jacob and I have become confidants over the years. We trust and respect each other, and he has sent you to me for safekeeping for a few days. While you’re here, feel free to ask anything you’d like.”

  “His mother?”

  “She left Lord Mansley when Jacob was five. She had an affair with the local rector, and they left Southampton when she could no longer hide the child she carried. Jacob’s father knew she wasn’t faithful, but she was so beautiful and she was his wife and the mother of his son, so he turned a blind eye to the affair. She never returned, never contacted Jacob that I’m aware of. She simply left for a new life.”

  “My goodness. That certainly explains a lot about Jacob.” Nina caught her slip. “I mean, Lord Mansley’s feelings about marriage.”

  Clarice’s laughter wasn’t what Nina expected.

  “When we’re alone, there’s no need to pretend, my dear. It’s quite evident you’re in love with him, and he’s very protective of you. I find it all quite interesting.”

  “Lord Mansley has been nothing but kind to me since my arrival at Dartmoor. My fiancé apparently had been a problem at the manor for months. I was brought to take him home, but there was a situation … actually, several that made me realize I couldn’t marry Wallace.”

  “You’ll tell me about them in your own time. Come, let’s head inside for a hot cup of tea before the fire and thaw our toes.”

  Nina spent a lovely afternoon with Clarice, hearing bits of Jacob’s childhood and the antics he managed to survive, some of them with Clarice as his partner. Nina retired to rest before supper and was relieved to hear the meal would be just for the two of them. She wasn’t up to meeting new people and having to watch every word.

  Supper went quickly with wine and laughter between them. It had been a long time since Nina spent time with a woman. After her marriage contract was signed and her father cut off most of her social activities, she no longer saw her friends. Female companionship was very different from t
he gruff and terse words of her father and the few friends he socialized with.

  “You look tired, Nina. Perhaps a hot bath and brandy before bed.” Clarice rang for the butler, and in a remarkably short time, Nina found herself ensconced in steamy hot water, her hair freshly washed before Elsa left.

  When the door opened she assumed it would be her maid but was surprised to find Lady Wright entering her privy, her blonde hair brushed down her back and her day dress exchanged for a lovely black silk robe. Nina still had no real idea of how old she was, but it didn’t matter. Already, Clarice had become a dear friend.

  “I hope you don’t mind. I’ve brought us a brandy to share.” With little fuss, she closed the door behind her and handed Nina the glass. “Sip it,” she said, taking a seat at the dressing table, talking calmly about Jacob, pausing to share the brandy. “We were lovers once, when we were very young. Of course, it was very inappropriate. I was not of his class.”

  “But if he loved you—” Nina started.

  “Young love is blinding, Nina. It was wonderful to experiment, but I always knew Jacob wouldn’t marry until he had no choice but to produce an heir. We never had false hopes between us.”

  Nina heard the small sigh Clarice allowed herself to expel.

  “The bath is cooling. We should get you warm and before the fire to dry your hair. I’ll meet you inside.”

  Nina reluctantly left the soothing water and toweled herself dry, realizing her nightgown was laid out on the bed. When she opened the door, Clarice was staring into the flames, roused by the noise Nina made.

  “Off you go before the fire,” she directed as Nina entered the bedchamber. “Would you like another brandy?”

  “No, thank you.” Nina blotted the moisture from her hair. She watched as Clarice chose a hairbrush from the table, turning it over in her palm several times. Nina swallowed hard at the image of the same brush in Jacob’s hand.