Mistletoe and Mayhem: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology, page 50
Her sister pretended she did not hear and went inside the doorway. She returned with a small valise. "Just a few trinkets. To aid with your decorating efforts."
Desmond stowed the bag in the carriage by Lorelei's feet. "I ensured my staff gathered all of the items on the list Lorelei sent round earlier. There is an abundance of greenery, just waiting for our efforts. But I am certain these will be welcome."
"I am certain they will be, too," Beatrice said, grinning.
"We can help decorate," Caroline piped up.
"We are very good helpers," Henry added.
Desmond knelt in front of them. "I appreciate your offer. I promise I will have you come see our efforts, once everything is completed."
"That would be splendid," their mother answered before they could protest. "Now go inside before it gets too cold."
They obeyed, chattering about the time Martin warned them against freezing their noses against the shop window. Desmond chuckled and ensured Lorelei was settled, before getting into the carriage and gathering the reins again.
Lorelei waved to her sister, and then they were off, Desmond's heart racing as fast as the horse carrying them to the next adventure.
Desmond watched as Lorelei carefully festooned the mantle with several strands of ivy.
"An interesting choice," he commented.
She turned and bestowed a dazzling smile on him. "I thought we could include Saturnalia in our celebrations."
"I am all for ancient Roman festivities. But where does the ivy fit in?"
"It is intended to cure overindulgence."
He frowned. "I am not sure I believe that."
"About ivy?"
"No, that there is such a thing as overindulgence."
She laughed. "I can see how you would doubt that. You have probably devoted your life to indulging in indulgence."
"Can you think of a better pursuit?" He added a kiss to her very willing lips.
"I wonder if I could be persuaded to your view."
"I wonder that too. We should at least attempt it."
"I agree." She glanced out the window. "What a surprise. It has started to snow."
Desmond turned his head that direction. "I requested it actually."
"In the hopes we would be snowed in here?"
He waggled his eyebrows, eliciting a rich laugh from her. "It is the perfect opportunity to test our theory about overindulgence."
"I agree." Lorelei reached into the valise Beatrice had insisted she bring along. She lifted out a lacy chemise, and a sheer night-rail. "These are not decorations."
"Oh, I disagree," Desmond said. "Most vehemently. I can only imagine how decorative these will prove to be."
"Your staff might be shocked to see my undergarments draped amongst the ivy and evergreen branches."
"Fortunately, I sent them away to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones. We can have the decorations removed long before they return."
"Giving us plenty of occasions to overindulge."
Desmond chuckled. "I only hope we have enough ivy to counteract all of it."
"Let us find out."
They had found their way upstairs, laughing and kissing, with Desmond answering every one of Lorelei's questions about his home. It gratified her that he did not seem in a hurry to get to his bedchamber, even though she knew he was eagerly anticipating those moments as much as she was.
He closed the door behind them, and Lorelei turned, silently asking Desmond for a kiss. He instantly complied, following the kiss with another, and yet another, until Lorelei was nearly overwhelmed by the ripple of pleasure he produced.
"You are quite good at this," she murmured.
"Can you believe," he said, nibbling at her bottom lip, "I have not had a single lesson."
She chuckled. "Not a one?"
He shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Though if I am in need of instruction—"
She doubted Desmond would ever need guidance where her body was concerned. It seemed he knew it perfectly already, before she had even disrobed. He continued the gentle assault on her senses, eliciting another shudder, or perhaps it was caused by her anticipating what was next.
"You are certain we are quite alone?" she asked with a grin.
He made a big show of surveying the room. "The settee is empty," he reported, "which I can confirm since it is facing me. No chance of anyone surprising us there. And the bed is quite empty, too. At least for the moment. I cannot imagine anyone would try to hide in the wardrobe, but just to be certain—"
He pretended to take a step that direction, but Lorelei halted him, laughing at his antics. "They shall have to see to their own entertainment then."
She pulled his head towards hers and he responded with gentle kisses, trailing across her cheekbones and the shell of her ear. It felt as though he were worshipping her. She nearly pushed him away, warning him not to make more of this than it was. Yet the sensations were too thrilling. Her body responded instantly to each new caress. She craved another kiss as soon as the last one ceased.
How could she continue to resist when every cell of her being wanted just the opposite?
Desmond tilted his head back, studying her expression. She shook her head, smiling, not wanting her fears to spoil this moment. She kissed him, deeply, pouring all of her passion into it. He responded in the same fashion.
"I had envisioned a slow unveiling," she teased, "but you are making that a near impossibility."
"I am glad to hear it, since I am experiencing the same."
She stepped back a pace. "Shall I go first?"
"I can thinking of nothing I desire more."
She laughed and pushed at him gently until he was seated in a nearby chair. "In case you find yourself with knees that go wobbly."
He grinned and put his hand at her nape, drawing her towards him for another delicious kiss. "I appreciate your concern. And I promise to return the favor."
He placed his lips on hers. He took his time, nibbling and caressing, urging her to open to him. She sank onto his lap, not even aware at first that she'd done so, but it was the only choice after a kiss that completely stole her breath. It completely stole her wits, as well. She could not think of anything but kissing him, nearly forgetting the intimate contact was a prelude to even more passion.
She rested her forehead against his mouth. "You are fortunate I had the foresight to insist you be seated."
He chuckled, and the rumbling against her skin was comforting, even in the midst of the passion he incited. "Indeed, I am. Is there anything else you recommend I do?"
The wicked gleam in his eyes set her heart fluttering, and the rest of her body became more insistent for his attention. "For now you can remain where you are. I will be sure to ask for your assistance, however, if it is needed."
"I sincerely hope it is. I stand—er, sit—ready for your command."
She gave him another light kiss before leaning back, untying her bodice and letting it fall open. His eyes flickered with obvious interest but he did not reach toward her, as she expected. She tugged at the chemise underneath. "It does not appear to be cooperating."
"I would be glad to offer my assistance," he answered. It took only a moment to remove the offending article, displaying her breasts to him.
Lorelei shivered at the heat in his gaze. He gently cupped his hands around her, smoothing her skin with his touch, watching her expression the entire time. The intensity was too much to bear. She closed her eyes.
In the next instant, his mouth was on her nipple, inciting a riot of passion she had never experienced before now.
It rattled her. This was meant to be an enjoyable diversion, another one to add to previous pleasurable pastimes, yet it seemed Desmond had other ideas in mind.
She did not have the strength to resist these newfound feelings, however. She gave in, telling herself there would be plenty of time at a later date to examine all of it. For now, she wanted to experience everything he was offering.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, ensuring the delicious sensations would not cease. He lifted his head momentarily, to see if she enjoyed his ministrations, and she gave him a brief smile before tilting his head towards the other breast.
She found herself moving about on his lap, recognizing the passion building inside would need a release. She was not ready, though. Desmond did not seem inclined to let her resist. His lips continued their passionate assault while his hand began slowly moving her skirts out of the way. His fingers caressed the bare skin of her leg.
The jolt of excitement nearly undid her. She bit back a moan, but it was followed by another, spurring Desmond to be even bolder. His hand rested for a moment on her thigh. He gave her mouth another deep kiss, drawing her in even deeper, while his fingers began a passionate exploration she had been craving.
"Lorelei," he said almost reverently. His touch was utterly sinful, though. He knew it, too, and he continued the slow caressing while watching her. She wriggled, not entirely sure if she was trying to get away or demanding to have more. She quickly discovered Desmond was not unmoved by their passionate play.
She dropped her hand to his breeches, gliding her touch over the entire length covered by the fabric. She was tempted to make a quip about his unveiling, but his groan of pleasure, followed by another heated kiss, distracted her.
His fingers became more insistent, caressing the knot of pleasure between her thighs until it was nearly unbearable.
"Desmond," she pleaded.
He answered her entreaty with what she craved. His fingers slid inside, slowly at first, and then more insistently. Lorelei opened herself to him, desperate for more of his touch. She moved until she was straddling his legs, her skirts hiked up in the most scandalous fashion, and her head tipped back.
Desmond did not hesitate. He held her tightly around the waist with one arm, and pleasured her until she could not hold back any longer. Her body tightened around his fingers, pulsing and drawing him deeper, and then when she could not bear it any longer, she cried out, shaking with her release.
Desmond held Lorelei tightly, his heart thundering as she came undone. He had anticipated how exciting this moment would be, yet it had still bowled him over.
He dotted kisses on her temple and across her cheeks, easing her back to the present. She blinked slowly, and then she favored him with a low, delighted laugh. His skin tingled hearing it. The sound had always thrilled him, but now it was elicited by a different sort of pleasure, making it even more intimate. He suspected his desire for that delicious sound would never be sated.
He was tempted to take her right there, in the chair, but it did not entirely suit him. "It appears we need more practice at this unveiling thing," he said. "Wrap your arms about my neck." When she did so, he stood, his arms holding her tightly. She circled his waist with her legs.
He moved towards the bed. He would have hurried, but Lorelei kept distracting him with her kisses and squeezing him with her legs. His knees were feeling a bit wobbly from all the passionate attention. Her laugh told him she was well aware of that fact.
Fortunately, the bed was only a few paces away. Desmond set her on the mattress and then followed when she lay back against it. Though she was temptingly displayed, with her skirts above her thighs, and her bodice covering next-to-nothing, he was still fully clothed.
Uncomfortably so.
He stood once more and began tearing at his cravat, and then his waistcoat. Lorelei lifted herself onto her elbows, grinning as she watched him trying to disrobe. His hands wanted to touch her, too.
"Quite the dilemma," she teased.
"An unbearable one. I almost wish I had another pair of hands—"
She raised hers. "Will these do?"
He leaned forward and gave her a pert kiss. "Yes. I just cannot decide which task they should have."
"I could do this," she offered, sliding his waistcoat from his shoulders. "And of course, this is well within my abilities." His linen cravat was quickly dispatched, and then she tugged his shirt from his breeches. He pulled it over his head and tossed it behind him.
Her eyes lit up with appreciation. Then her gaze dropped lower, and a slow smile appeared on her lips. "If you are in need of additional assistance—"
He removed the breeches in record time. "I have a task in mind, actually."
"It cannot be deemed a task," she said, "not when it brings such pleasure."
Simply hearing her utter the word "pleasure" caused his body to respond in a riotous fashion. She watched his reactions, all while peeling away the rest of her clothing and throwing it aside without any concern for where it landed. He was her sole focus. It was exhilarating.
Desmond raced to her, tumbling them both onto the silk counterpane, his senses reeling from her bare skin melded to his. He moved against her, relishing the feel of touching her everywhere, without any constraints. She pulled his head down for another kiss. This one lasted for an eternity and still was over too quickly.
Yet he needed more than just kisses. Her quickened breaths told him she needed more, too. He lavished his attention everywhere—her lips, her eyelids, her elegant neck. His hands explored every bare inch exposed to his gaze. Her curves enticed him. Her responses incited him.
He moved until his mouth was hovering over the spot that had created such pleasure for her earlier. He lowered his head, while she gently raised toward him. The meeting was a perfect one. He gripped her lush bottom, intent on pleasuring her while trying to keep his own need at bay. It became even more of a challenge with her every moan of delight.
He could feel his need increasing, and did not know how long he could hold off. In the next instant, she broke apart, wailing his name.
He reveled in every moment of her release, his heart pounding, his senses ready to explode. Lorelei reached her hands toward him.
He did not hesitate. He entered her slowly, nearly light-headed from the exquisite pleasure of her heat surrounding him. She circled her arms and legs around him. He rocked against her, pushing deeper, and she tightened, squeezing him and then releasing. Desmond caught his breath. This temptress would be the end of him. He was unable to resist her, though. In truth, he would never try to resist.
It was now his goal to ensure she could not resist him.
He spun them until he was laying on the mattress, and Lorelei was atop him. She continued to rock against him. He increased the pace, thrilled to see the pink flush across her chest, her nipples tightening, too. Her movements became more frenzied, matching his emotions. He rubbed the spot between her thighs while she rode him. She placed her hands on his chest, pressing her bottom harder against him.
He could hold back no longer. He grabbed her nape and held her tightly while he plunged deeper inside. She matched his every move. When she cried out, Desmond did, too, embracing her while swamped with a passionate release like nothing he had ever known.
One he never wanted to know with anyone but Lorelei.
Desmond watched as Lorelei opened her eyes. They were bright, filled with happiness. The self-satisfied smile she added convinced him of that, as well.
She gave him a kiss. "You have definitely persuaded me."
His heart did a hopeful dance. "Really?"
"I am glad you insisted I exclude ivy from this room. I cannot wait to overindulge again."
He brushed aside the flicker of disappointment. "I can definitely agree with that. I shall need a moment's respite, however. To my surprise, and utter delight, it is quite exhausting having a temptress in my bed."
"Do you need sustenance?" When he leaned towards her, she laughed. "I meant food. And perhaps wine."
"I suppose those will suffice for now. But we will have to find them ourselves. It seemed a good idea to send everyone off, but now, with the snow, they cannot easily return."
"I hope they left us something behind. It would be a shame for you to waste away, unable to satisfy our desires."
Desmond laughed. "I would not worry about that just yet. Come. Let us see what the kitchens have, so we can fortify ourselves for future overindulgences."
Lorelei scooted down from the bed. She grabbed his shirt from its perch on the arm of a nearby chair and slipped it over her head.
"Quite fetching," he said. "Though now I shall have to find something else for myself."
"Your breeches should be sufficient. After all, we are quite alone, so there is no need to worry about causing a scandal."
He pulled her close. "I like causing a scandal, especially with you."
"We shall add it to the list."
"What list is that?"
"Things to do when the mistletoe runs out."
He laughed. "I hope it never does."
She tilted her head, and it seemed that her smile dimmed slightly. "It is bound to. It always does."
Before he could quiz her further, she tossed his breeches at him, pretending to tap her foot impatiently.
"I would hope to see that particular gesture when I am slow at removing them, not donning them."
"I will repeat it when we return, after I have sated my appetite." She laughed at his exaggerated eyebrow wiggling. "For food."
He pulled the breeches on, giving her a mock scowl. "Let us see what sort of food might sate you, Lorelei the temptress. I cannot wait to find out."
Lorelei sat on the settee, facing the roaring fire, yet her attention was split between the tray Desmond placed on a nearby table, and the sight of a near-blizzard outside the parlor's French doors.
"Hopefully there is enough food to see us through this storm," she commented. "I did not expect it to continue this long."
"I believe we shall be fine. This is just a portion of what I found in the kitchens." He had filled the tray with cheeses, and cold meats, and rolls, along with an array of desserts. "Though I am not certain I can utilize the stove, so we may have to content ourselves with this for now."
"I am perfectly content." The words brought a smile to his face, and she worried he might misinterpret the meaning. She was perfectly content, but it did not mean it could be sustained well into the future. She brushed aside the thoughts, sitting forward so she could survey the food. "I shall fill a plate for you if you would find some wine."
