Taming Saffina Page 7

  At last I mewled in distress. He paused and leaned his face close to my ear.

  “Stop whining. If you behave like an animal, you’ll be treated like one. You want to come?”

  I whimpered, nodding. With a grunt he thrust harder, riding me to his fill. At last he came with a shout, his hot loins slamming into my punished rear. At the same moment he found my tormented, heaving breasts and removed the nipple-bobs.

  As feeling shot back into my nipples in a double blast of spiky pinpricks, I hauled in air, preparing to scream. But at the same moment, his fingers descended all around my thudding little bud and triggered an instant climax.

  My scream never came. Instead pleasure exploded inside me like a thunderbolt. It rippled through me in wave after wave of ecstasy, dying away in stages like the slow swell of the sea.

  Once more my hunger for pleasure had wrecked my vow to cheat him of triumph.

  Once more I’d yielded to rapture.

  He’d mastered me with his superior skills, his intimate knowledge of me and my needs.

  Once more he’d won.

  For a determined female with ideas of her own, I was a sorry specimen.

  Chapter Nine

  We lingered in the Jade Room, fused together over his Seat of Pleasure, while our bodies relaxed and we caught our breath. At last he raised me up, steadying me with an arm around me as I swayed against him.

  “Easy. We’re not done yet.” He led me into his room where servants had left hot water and towels.

  I glanced around, fearing they’d see me. “Your valet is here, sir?”

  Jacquard grinned. “You want him to join us? I’d planned to spend the rest of our evening à deux, but it can be arranged.”

  I laughed, heady now. Pleasure glowed through me like a flush of champagne. “I’ll give it some thought. Shall we wash?”

  He grinned. “Better than that. You wash me and I’ll wash you, then we eat. Does that suit?”

  It suited very well. The washing was intimate and fun. He poured hot water into the bowl and we took turns to dab each other with the sponge. Soon hot kisses and our eager, slippery fingers teased us back to playtime. At last we lay across his silken sheets, languid, damp and freshly clean.

  Then he looped my wrists to pin my hands and tempted me with small tidbits from a platter of savories left by the servants. He dangled tiny canapés, morsels of shrimp and tasty sauces from the kitchens over my face, making me arch to reach. After that, he smeared cream and fondant on my breasts and licked it all off with elaborate care, driving me wild.

  At last he released my arms and I did the same to him, straddling him naked and placing tiny treats in all the crevices I found in his magnificent body. I explored his powerful chest, his taut, muscular shoulders and his narrow waist while I tormented him by licking off traces of sauce and searched for half-hidden olives with my teeth, making him arch.

  He kissed sips of champagne into my mouth and I teased him some more, searching out hidden cherries and wild strawberries with my tongue and kissing them back to him.

  At last he took over with a groan. “This has to stop or I’ll lose my appetite as well as my pride. Now for my feast.”

  With his superior strength he threw me down onto my back, parted my legs and began to taste my quivering body, teasing me all over with nips of his teeth and darting little jabs of his tongue. Soon I was trembling and tearful. Still tingling from his heavy use of the whip, I started to shiver.

  “Keep still, or I’ll whip you again.”

  His low growl kept me still. He made me spread my legs even more widely. With a gleam he fastened his mouth deep between my thighs and began to feast. And I found that everything I thought I knew about pleasure was a sham. This, at last, was the real thing—hot, wet and boundless.

  He used his eager mouth to take full command of my splayed place like it read every flare, every twitch of my arousal. With masterful skill he licked me to a frenzy then repeatedly eased away, teasing my navel, tasting my crevices. He ran his tongue along the outer edges of my folds, tormenting me with its darting tip then surging deep and full, playing my lust like a musician.

  Again and again I verged on climax, only for him to ease away with a laugh and lick some new, untouched part of me, leaving my tormented, throbbing little bud high and dry. Time and again he returned to my pulsing center, his tongue my master, his will my all. When I finally thought I must come or explode with waiting, he pulled away altogether and flopped down next to me with a lazy smile.

  “Now me.”

  Had my arms been free, I’d have finished myself on the spot, desperate as I was. Instead I leaned over obediently and fastened on his eager cock. Soon he was writhing too, and I claimed my revenge.

  When his pleas threatened to bring the servants running, I finally took him deep and rode his shaft with my hungry mouth. Choosing my angle with care, I drove myself eagerly along it, letting my flexing muscles do some of the work as my tight, clenching throat clutched at his bulging crown. At last he came in my mouth, flooding my throat with his milky honey.

  I lay between his legs, limp with content, licking gently to clean him. With a fond smile he drew me up to join him and found my lips, kissing me deeply.

  When he finally pulled away, his expression was warm and loving. “You are sensational, Saffina. Your power to please equals your beauty.”

  It had lasted for hours. And for the first time ever, we fell asleep together like true lovers.

  Later, when I awoke, Jacquard was gone. As dawn light crept through the great rooms I roused myself, still bleary with pleasure. I hurried back to my room before the maids came in.

  Fully awake now, I dressed quickly and went to look for him. Drawn downstairs by the sound of voices, I found him in the entrance hall preparing for a journey. His valet was already handing him his gloves and brushing out the capes on his greatcoat.

  As Jacquard’s servants fussed around him, our eyes met and locked. For an instant I saw raw heat in his. I felt an answering throb deep below. Surely he’d kiss me? Murmur some word of parting?

  But his look clouded, dashing my hopes. Was it the presence of his ever-watchful valet, always on the prowl for gossip? Or had I imagined it?

  His tone was distant. “I have business in town for a few days. Meanwhile, you’re invited to Overton House for a short stay. Somers’ aunts want to meet you. The household here will be busy preparing for your ball, so you might as well go. At least you’ll be out of their way.”

  I stared. “You really mean I can go?”

  “Certainly you can go. You’ll doubtless make short work of the feeble Nigel once you have him in your clutches. Pray give my regards to the rose garden.”

  His cynical tone threw my feelings into confusion. After last night, no word of regret? I felt my heart sink, then harden.

  Why should he feel anything special for me? Lord Endale was a roué. For him long nights of pleasure were commonplace. And now that I thought about it, so doubtless were limp, grateful women watching him leave the morning after…

  After such a night, surely by now we’d become friends, at least?

  But standing alone in the pale light of morning, I stood by the door and watched his carriage vanish into the distance.

  I should be pleased. Thanks to his efficient planning I was to visit my intended, bring him to heel and return with my future secured. My guardian even had the grace to stay away while I did it.

  So why did I feel so bereft?

  It was partly frustration. In spite of my vow to resist and remain my own woman, my thirst for pleasure was my undoing. I was falling under his spell. Alternately tormenting him and submitting to his will had become all my delight. But I knew it would take far more than one night of pleasure to touch the jaded heart of my guardian.

  Jade Room? He should call his house Jade Hall.

  * * * *

  Isaac the groom drove me to Overton House in the barouche. I grandly dismissed his offer to fetch me in thr
ee days’ time.

  “I’ll be staying for at least a week. Tell his lordship I’ll come back when I’m ready.”

  “But ’is lordship said—” He broke off with a worried frown.

  “Nonsense, Isaac. When his lordship’s away, I mean to play. I’m my own mistress now.”

  Nigel greeted me warmly and introduced me to his two aunts, the Misses Somers. The old ladies looked faded, both dressed in plain gowns and old-fashioned buckled shoes. They seemed pleased to see me. I let them flutter around me as they admired my new gown and bonnet.

  All at once Nigel called for his valet and ordered his traveling cloak.

  “You are going out?” I stood very still, ignoring his chirruping aunts.

  Nigel cleared his throat. “Of course. I can’t stay under same roof as a lone female guest. It would be most improper. Your invitation was from my aunts, not from me. They hope to get to know you better.”

  I stared at him. “But I want to spend some time with you.”

  His smile vanished and he took a step closer. Now I noticed movement all around us as several burly servants shuffled into the hallway and stood watching. All at once one of them seized me by the arms.

  Rigid with shock, I stared at Nigel.

  He reached out and touched me gently on the face. “Trust me, Saffina. It’s for the best. I told my aunts all about…those marks.” He glanced round, going a little pink. “And how excitable you’ve become. And all about what that blackguard’s been doing to you. They talked it over with their physician. We’re all agreed. You must be rescued.”

  One aunt chipped in. “Your guardian is corrupting you. He’s aroused unnatural desires. Your wild lusts are not your fault, but they must be tamed.”

  The other nodded. “Our physician recommends cold baths, long walks and prayer. No excitement.”

  They shared a look. “You need complete rest. To make sure you’re undisturbed we’ll lock your door.”

  “And no fine clothes. Good plain homespun.”

  “Good, plain food. Plenty of water.”

  Nigel smiled at them fondly. “You see? They’ll look after you. Meanwhile I’m off to Bath for the waters.” With a half wave, he strode down the steps to his waiting horse.

  I stared after him, dumbstruck.

  Surely this was some joke?

  Now the aunts barked out instructions. “Quickly, take her to the attic chamber. The poor child has endured terrible wickedness at the hands of that dreadful man. Her cure must begin at once.”

  * * * *

  The week that followed was the worst of my life.

  The aunts were as bad as their word. I was locked in a small, plain room with a trestle bed, bare boards, a jug of water and a book of sermons.

  After half an hour, I was frantic.

  After two days, I was desperate.

  They took away my clothes. They left me a hideous, musty gown, worn slippers and a dingy mobcap borrowed from a maid.

  If I raged or screamed, the physician dosed me with laudanum. He diagnosed acute hysteria, my ravings part of the cure.

  At last I grew cunning. I grew meek at table, mild in manner. I counted silks for one aunt, wound wool for the other. The old ladies wept for joy at signs of my recovery.

  And on a lovely warm day of high sun and scudding clouds, we took a long, bracing walk. While they tripped on ahead talking pious nonsense, I slipped into the woodland.

  I ran for what seemed miles. My stout boots, borrowed from a servant, proved an unexpected friend. My worn gown tore on twigs and thorns. Soon I was covered in leaves and scratches. My hair fell about my face, sticky with sweat. I hauled air into my painfully heaving chest.

  At last I reached the road at the far side of the wood and started to walk. I walked for what seemed hours, but no one came. I thought I’d decided I must stop to rest since my legs were continually giving out, when I heard distant hooves.

  I shrank back. Had they sent the physician or a servant out to find me?

  The shouts of my captors had long died away but if they searched for long, they’d easily find me. I was still miles from Endale Hall.

  The hooves grew louder. I hid behind a bush, ready to spring out if the stranger looked friendly. But as he drew near my heart leaped.

  It was Jacquard.

  With a surge of joy I stumbled into the road in front of him and waved my arms. “Jacquard? Help. It’s me, Saffina.”

  The great hunter shied to a halt as its rider hauled on the reins. He peered down at me, his handsome face dark with disbelief.

  “Saffina? What the deuce?” He leaped down, strode toward me and all at once I was in his arms, sobbing and laughing and breathless as he pressed me close, his face deep in my matted hair, his arms squeezing all the remaining breath out of me.

  I nuzzled deep into his neck and drank in his warm, spicy aroma. “They locked me up. They tried to cure me.”

  “Cure you? Cure you of what?”

  “You, sir.” I nuzzled deeper. “Jacquard? Take me home. Please.”

  Chapter Ten

  “What did they do to you? Tell me.” Jacquard sounded husky.

  I leaned against him, weeping and exhausted, and poured out my story. When I’d finished, he scanned my face, his look so anxious I thought he’d kiss me. But to my fury, he threw back his head and laughed.

  “So Somers’ old aunts succeeded where all my nights of pleasure failed? I might have known. Come. We have urgent business.”

  He mounted his horse and hauled me up, holding me firmly round the waist. As we set off again, I leaned back, relishing his warm embrace.

  Within minutes I jerked to attention. “But…the milestone for Endale points behind us. Surely we’re heading the wrong way?”

  His grip tightened. Twisting around, I saw his jaw clench.

  “I’m taking you back.”

  I stiffened. “What? But I told you, they’re monsters. They—”

  “Quiet. Control yourself. I’m in no mood for your temper.”

  I glared at him. “Set me down at once, sir. You’re worse than they are.” I writhed in his grasp, but he held me tighter.

  He kept up a stony silence until his horse started to whinny, nervous at my sudden change of mood.

  All at once he lost patience. “Very well. You were warned.” With an angry twitch on the reins, he halted his mount, leaped down and dragged me off its back.

  I followed, stumbling after him as he strode a little way off the road, pulling me after him. Before I could protest, he leaned against a log and threw me over his knee, hauling up my gown and baring my backside to the open woodland.

  I heard him give a grunt of satisfaction as his hand started to land, stinging, sure and hot. For long, furious minutes I writhed and bucked under the most ferocious spanking he’d given me yet. Soon I grew calmer, but the blows went on and on.

  His rhythm and the glorious heat of his hands had their usual effect. At long last he soothed my quivering rump with a slow, sensual caress that made me sob.

  “Deuce take it, I’ve missed you, child. Come, back on the road. And this time try for some dignity.” Stern now, he remounted and hauled me up onto his restless horse.

  As I regained my place, my heart sank. His jaw was rigid, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

  “You would make me stay there, sir?”

  “Be quiet.”

  He really means it. For the rest of our short, dreadful journey, I hung my head and fought to keep the tears at bay. And for once my mouth stayed firmly shut.

  * * * *

  We found Overton House in uproar, servants running about, visitors clattering in at the gate. The physician’s carriage stood abandoned with its door flung open, almost blocking the driveway.

  Jacquard gave his name to a startled footman and within minutes the house fell silent.

  The footman reappeared, pale and frightened. “Forgive me, my lord. I’m to say no one’s at home. That is—”

  “Out of my way, damn
it. I have business with your employers.”

  Every inch the aristocrat, his lordship the Earl of Endale strode into the hallway, dragging me after him. We burst into the morning room where a small, frightened crowd had gathered. They cowered and shrank back. The aunts, white and shocked, dropped shaky curtseys. The men in the room, including the physician, bowed stiffly.

  “Who is responsible for this outrage?” At Jacquard’s bellow everyone jumped. “I’ll see the pack of you in the prison hulks for this. Where is Somers?”

  The physician stepped forward, clearing his throat. “Forgive me, my lord. We had no word of your coming. Sir Nigel is staying in Bath. But if you wish to—”

  “He’ll answer for this in the courts, as will you all. And you can tell him from me that in future, all invitations issued in his name will be shunned by society. And as for you, ma’am, and you”—his voice dripped acid as he glared at the aunts, who were clutching each other in terror—“you may pack your belongings and leave. As of his moment, you are evicted from my ward’s property.”

  There was a shocked silence. He looked at each one in turn and lowered his voice to a growl. “You were not aware that this property forms part of my ward’s estate? Or was that your intention, to force her into submission and break her will so she would be induced to accept your nephew’s hand and forfeit her fortune to you?”

  One of the aunts gave a strangled bleat and clapped her hand to her mouth. Her sister turned red and prodded her into silence.

  “As I thought.” Jacquard turned on his heel. “My bailiffs will ride over in the morning to see my wishes carried out. I expect you and your household to be gone by then. And warn Somers to expect arrest on his return.”

  He glanced down at me, his look all concern. “Come, child. It’s time you were home.”

  My homecoming was all joy. It took far longer than it should, given the short distance. My guardian kept slowing the horse so he could pull me close or stop completely in the deserted highway. His patient mount nosed idly for grass, surrounded by birdsong and the hum of bees, while Jacquard took me in his arms and kissed me deeply. And once indoors, our reunion was joyful and long.