Mistress of Merrivale Read online

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I want you to feel free to make changes in the manor. I believe there is more furniture in the attic. Mrs. Green will know.” The shift of subject wasn’t exactly adroit, but recollections of Ursula brought fury and regret for allowing his heart—lust—to rule his mind. One mistake and he was still paying. He wouldn’t make the same errors with this marriage.

  Jocelyn nodded with enthusiasm, dragging his focus back to the present. “I thought I’d give the rooms themes. What do you think of cherubs for the main reception room? Maybe rename it the Greek room.”

  “Cherubs?” Leo barely restrained his shudder of horror. The ones Ursula had placed in her chamber gave him nightmares. “Ah, if that’s what you’d like.”

  Her throaty chuckle brought him to a halt. “I wish I could see your face more clearly. Your voice…” She trailed off, laughing without restraint.

  Leo’s brows rose, and he found himself smiling at the joyful sound. “I can see I’ll have to watch you.”

  “Yes, Leo.”

  With a lighter heart, he guided her past the maze.

  She glanced at the opening between the hedges. “I heard there was a murder.”

  “Yes.” Damn, he should’ve guessed the staff would gossip.

  “I thought the maze was difficult to navigate?”

  “It is. I’d rather not talk about murder. Not tonight.” The challenge of the labyrinth pointed the finger squarely at him. The local authorities had already mentioned this fact. He’d have to be careful or he’d find himself implicated again.

  She heeded his strong suggestion, and they strolled in silence, the bubble of the stream and the croak of a frog providing background music. Leo guided her along the loop path and soon they found themselves back on the terrace. “I find myself longing for privacy.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’ve half a mind to spank you, just to draw a line, you understand. I can’t have you teasing me about cherubs.”

  “No, Leo.”

  “No, you’re agreeing or no to spanking?” Damn, he found he liked the coquette in her manner. A spear of lust struck his loins. He wanted her naked, under him, over him. He cast her a considering glance while wondering if she’d take his cock in her mouth.

  “I’ve heard rumors of men and women who enjoy giving and receiving a spanking.” Moonlight highlighted the mischief dancing in her eyes.

  “And what conclusions have you drawn regarding the reports?”

  “I think I’d like you touching my bottom.” A tiny smile played on her lips, impish in nature and one he found intriguing.

  The more he came to know this woman the better he liked her. It meant he could let his guard down and simply enjoy the evening instead of feeling as if he’d wandered into a Dartmoor quagmire. His strides lengthened, his pace quickening until she was trotting at his side.

  “Leo! Could you slow down?” Her breath came in rushed pants, her chest rising and falling rapidly, drawing attention to the plump curves of her breasts and a cinnamon freckle that sat a scant distance above the fabric of her bodice. “You don’t want to fatigue me this early in the night.”

  Leo ripped his gaze off the freckle, and with a chuckle, slowed to scoop her into his arms. Jocelyn let out a squeak of surprise and clutched his shoulders. “This way is faster.”

  “Why did you suggest a walk, if you were eager for privacy?”

  “I didn’t wish to appear uncouth.” Honesty from him, once again. Hell might freeze over.

  “I’m a good judge of character. It’s a skill I had to learn to survive.” She stroked his cheek, a gesture of tenderness. “Besides, I wouldn’t travel all the way to Dartmoor if I feared you.”

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Another truth. Already Jocelyn’s presence had lightened the tension wrapped around the manor. Cassie would love her, as long as Hannah didn’t try to interfere. Leo set Jocelyn down to close the terrace doors before sweeping her off her feet again and hurrying up the stairs to his chamber. He shouldered the door open and shoved it shut once he’d entered.

  A maid had already turned down the bed and lit several candles. He glanced down at Jocelyn and couldn’t hold back his amusement at her impish grin and pink cheeks. The candlelight illuminated her hair, making it glow like fire.

  “I like it when you smile.” She traced his lips with her fingertips. “You should do it more often.”

  “There hasn’t been much happiness about recently.” Damn, that wasn’t what he wanted to say. Her honesty was having a bad effect on him.

  But instead of pursuing the opening he’d given her, she nodded. “Are you going to put me down?”

  “I suppose I must.” Her enticing scent made him think of sunshine and lazy summer days. And that single freckle—it was sending him toward madness. He let her slide down his body, his cock reacting in a predictable manner given the friction of clothes and supple limbs. God, he wanted her. He’d desired her from the moment he’d seen her in London. She wasn’t beautiful but her glorious red hair and sparkling blue eyes were mesmerizing. She’d charmed Melburn and hearing his cousin talk about her had raised both his curiosity and a sense of longing. A woman who garnered his cousin’s loyalty was someone he’d wanted to meet. “Do you know what I’d like?”

  She tilted her head to one side and bestowed him with a mysterious feminine smile. For once the sight didn’t send alarm shivering through him. “Should I disrobe?”

  “You read my mind.” Leo kicked off his black shoes and shrugged out of his jacket. With deft fingers, he unbuttoned his vest and set that aside too. He tugged his shirt from his breeches, dispensed with it and settled on his bed. His gaze fastened on his new wife, who’d watched him the entire time. “I’m ready now.”

  “You’ll need to help me with my buttons.”

  Hell, in his hurry he’d forgotten the difficulty of women’s attire. “Come closer.”

  Obvious humor lit her face, and she glided toward him, all feminine elegance and subtle flirtation. A confident woman. And so far, she seemed to have integrity. His former wife had never understood there were times when honesty achieved more than falsehoods.

  Irritation seared him then, and he forced his mind to Jocelyn. She flirted with her eyes, the sinuous sway of her body. Slowly, she lifted her hands, the graceful rise snaring his attention. She plucked a jeweled comb from her hair and started on the concealed pins. Mesmerized, he watched their removal. Then his gaze met hers and held, the heavy pulsation of sensual awareness humming between them. Jocelyn removed the final one and down the heavy mass toppled.

  His breath caught at the sight. Long fiery locks danced around her shoulders and halfway down her back when she moved closer to his four-poster bed. His hands clenched as he imagined winding the curls around his fingers. They’d feel silky to his touch, and if she knelt in front of him, took his shaft into her mouth…

  A shudder racked his frame, his mind shaping the scenario, his hands gripping her hair, controlling her movement while she sucked his cock. Suddenly his breeches were far too tight. He cleared his throat without taking his attention off her. She sashayed up to him and angled her back for him to unfasten her gown. To his chagrin, tremors shook his hand when he reached to deal with her buttons. He tightened it to a fist and, this time, it held steady when he unclenched his fingers.

  Soon the silk gaped away from her body. Her eyes danced with a provocative note when she glanced over her shoulder.

  He drew a sharp breath. His new wife was a bloody witch, captivating him with a look. “Do you intend to tease me all night?”

  “No, it would be difficult not to taunt myself at the same time.”

  “A double-edge sword.”

  “Exactly.” She beamed at him, making him puff up like an innocent receiving praise, except tonight, he sure as hell didn’t feel childlike. To his relief, she stepped away and let the fabric slide over her hips to puddle at her feet. She plucked the green silk from the floor and draped the gown over t
he back of a chair.

  Leo couldn’t take his eyes off her. Beautiful. Graceful. Honest. Melburn hadn’t mentioned her teasing nature, but Leo liked her harmless impudence.

  Jocelyn removed frothy petticoats, stepping closer when she required assistance with the lacing of her stays. In a trice, the task was complete and all she wore was her filmy chemise, the emerald necklace and her footwear.

  “Jocelyn, you’re stunning.”

  “Thank you.” Her throaty tone told him her flirtation had taken a toll of her too.

  She planted her pert backside on a chair and bent to take off her shoes. With a playful glance at him, she untied her garters and made a production of rolling her scarlet stockings down her legs. She started to remove her chemise.

  “No, leave that on for the moment.”

  “Will you kiss me now?”

  “And more,” he promised.

  Jocelyn joined him on his bed, and they stared at each other, potential shimmering between them.

  “What do you mean to do with me, my husband?”

  Pure pleasure struck him at her words. “I intend to touch and learn your shape. Kiss you.” Leo cupped her shoulder, savoring the warmth of her smooth flesh. “I want to kiss your lips again, your breasts. By tomorrow morning there won’t be an inch of your body I haven’t kissed or tasted.”

  She licked her lips. “And then what?”

  “I intend to fuck you until this hunger inside me is sated.”

  “Do I get a turn?”

  Interesting, his bluntness and vulgar language didn’t scare her into blushing silence. “Later,” he said, drawing her against him. He intended to start his seduction. He crushed his lips to hers, loving the way she responded immediately. Her hands curled around his neck, and every idea he’d entertained of taking his time flew out the window. Hell, he needed her, and if he didn’t get these breeches off soon they’d strangle his cock and cut off his circulation.

  “Chemise off,” he demanded, springing off his bed to deal with the fall of his breeches and remaining clothes. When he glanced back at Jocelyn he found her exactly where he’d left her, her eyes big and wide as she watched him disrobe. His hands settled at his sides, and he stood before her naked and aroused.

  Chapter Three

  Jocelyn ached for his touch and, when he stalked toward her and finally drew their naked bodies together, a hard shudder seized her. She gripped his shoulders and strained to get even closer, her quim weeping and ready for his possession. This man—her husband—she scarcely knew him, yet he touched places inside her, made her hunger for his hands on her skin, his smile. Especially his smile.

  Their lips met, communicating urgency on his part. Jocelyn didn’t mind. Their thoughts ran parallel. She didn’t want cautious and easy. Tonight she needed to know she belonged to Leo. She wanted to experience every gut-wrenching emotion she’d missed in the past because she’d chosen—been forced on a different life path.

  This time was for both of them, for pure pleasure and pleasing each other. For once, she experienced no pressure to perform or boost egos. It made a big difference.

  His kisses fueled her need for more until she went dizzy with desire. Finally, desperate for air, she pulled away, her chest heaving. Before he could speak or ask questions, she pressed a quick kiss to his throat. That peck became another kiss, this one long and lingering while she discovered his flavor and drank in his heady scent of bay rum and masculinity. Her new favorite bouquet.

  He gripped her upper arms, gently pushing her away. His eyes glittered with both laughter and triumph as he rolled and covered her trembling body.

  “I can’t wait any longer,” he said. “Let me pleasure you.”

  Amusement simmered and prompted a burst of humor. “You want a clear conscience when you finally pounce on me and lose control.”

  “Of course.” His grin held a hint of rogue, and her heart beat a little faster at his playful manner. “You’ve discovered my evil plan.”

  Jocelyn couldn’t contain her mirth. “Your plan doesn’t sound wicked to me.”

  “I’m pleased to hear I don’t scare you.” One hand smoothed over her collarbone, his calloused fingers creating a sensual drag across her skin. Awareness pulsed in her, his touch shooting sparks through her veins, his blatant regard making her feel feminine and seductive despite her ordinary appearance.

  “I’m not frightened of you.” She’d known fear, and it bore little relation to the feelings coursing through her now. The murder…no, she mustn’t think the worst. “A bit nervous maybe, but I think that is to be expected with a new marriage.” Her smile felt as if it were ragged at the edges.

  “Understandable. You have freckles all over.” His fingers moved in a seductive stroke from one golden spot to the next.

  “The bane of my life.” She clutched his shoulders, her fingernails biting into his flesh, yet he didn’t protest. Instead, he licked a lazy path across the curve of one breast, making it difficult for her to concentrate. “Freckles are not fashionable,” she added.

  “I like them.” His warm breath washed across her skin as he spoke.

  Her nipples beaded to hard points, a silent plea for him to touch her with greater intimacy. Her head dropped back. “Leo, please.”

  Luckily, he didn’t attempt to tease her or draw out the waiting. One big hand covered her breast, his fingers circling then tugging on her nipple and sending desire sizzling across her skin. She gulped in air and gasped when his mouth closed over her other nipple. Oh, this was exactly what she needed. She turned liquid deep inside, moistening for his possession, yearning for him to hasten his pace.

  “Leo.” This time her voice held approval as he palmed her left breast and stimulated her nipple with deft fingers. His mouth worked harder, spreading a prickling trail of pleasure. She stirred restlessly, desperately craving more, yet contrarily wanting to draw out his attentions and commit them to memory so she could recall every perfect detail when she was alone again.

  “I like the way you smell,” he said when he lifted her head. “But you taste even better. All sugary and sweet with a hint of spice.”

  “My mother makes lotions and special rinses in the still room. I use them to wash my hair and to keep my skin smooth.”

  “I must commend her.”

  She’d ask her mother to make something for Leo. Her mother would enjoy working on a special project. Then thoughts of her mother faded because Leo moved down her body. He parted her legs and placed a kiss directly on the heart of her quim. She gasped at the skill and purpose in his touch. Soon her entire body hummed under his seductive plundering. A lap of his tongue. A faint nibble and an open-mouthed kiss. Her hips moved restlessly as she sought deeper contact.

  “You like that.”

  “Yes. More please, Leo.” Her hips canted in silent encouragement. She felt…empty. She craved his touch, his cock filling her. A soft moan escaped when he teased her nub, his stroke a tug deep in her core. Her stomach hollowed, and she trembled, unraveling with each of his caresses.

  Laughing softly, he licked downward to her entrance, the stubble on his jaw abrading the tender skin of her inner thighs. This man…her husband. He knew how to pleasure a woman. Part of her wondered at his experience, about the other women in his life. They both came to this marriage with history. No! She needed to concentrate on their future.

  “Leo.” Her pelvis rocked. She pressed her needy flesh against his mouth in silent demand.

  “I know what you want.” This time he answered her plea. He pushed a finger inside her and her breathing went shallow. She squirmed when he closed his mouth over her and applied steady suction. A sharp breath filled her lungs, and she released it in a low moan. His touch was too much. It wasn’t enough. Flames swarmed over her entire body. Her pulse spiked sharply, then the molten force inside her exploded. The fire banked high and gradually reduced to languorous waves that seemed to go on forever. Finally, she sighed, a heartfelt sound of satisfaction.

 
Leo removed his finger and slid up her body. His lips settled over hers, urgent and inflammatory. He tasted wild and sweet, his eyes feral with passion as he gripped fistfuls of her hair and surged into her, filling her with one powerful thrust.

  Fully embedded, he paused and lifted his head, his fingers toying with a springy red curl. “This surpasses my imagination.”

  “I’m sure we can do even better yet.” This flirtatious nature was new to her, but she found she enjoyed the way her words teased humor from him, a bright smile.

  Leo nuzzled her neck, and she gripped him in a possessive hold, running one hand down his back and coming to a rest on his rump. He began to move in decisive strokes that fueled a renewed surge of desire.

  “Hell,” he muttered.

  His hoarsely voiced curse brought a rush of amusement, an awareness of her feminine power. Determined to propel him into pleasure, she caressed his neck with a trail of kisses. At the place where his shoulder and neck met, she deepened her attention with hot suction and used her teeth to introduce a hint of pain. He groaned and, if anything, his cock grew harder, filling her to capacity. With a convulsive heave of muscles, he quickened his strokes, shoving her into the feather mattress.

  Jocelyn gasped, a shimmer of sensation overtaking her. Her channel pulsed around his cock and another harsh cry escaped him. He invaded her body and stilled, throwing his head back and letting out a harsh cry of enjoyment. Jocelyn watched his stark visage, eyes screwed tight while he rode out the carnal stimulation. Gradually, he relaxed, his eyes popping open.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, emotion welling in her, clogging her throat and preventing further discourse.

  He might have thought she was thanking him for the satisfaction that came with their bed-sport, but it was for so much more. He’d shown her tonight how their marriage could be—the promise of a happy future. They suited each other. Instinctively she’d known that, but his behavior and care proved her instincts correct. They were a good match.