Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

B elle made her way down to Michael’s study. He had said he wanted her input on some decisions. It sounded like such a silly little thing, but it made her heart sing that he was interested in her opinions.

Michael sat behind his large, mahogany desk, sipping on a glass of barley water. She glimpsed movement out of the corner of her eye as she walked into the room and turned, expecting to see Ash or Patrick, but it wasn’t.

“Isaac!” She flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. His loud hiss reminded her that he was injured. How could she have forgotten, especially with a black eye as an obvious reminder?

She let him go and quickly took a step back. “Oh, no, I’m sorry!”

Belle looked back at Michael. He held up his hands in a placating gesture. “I know, Belle. But to be fair, he did shoot me.”

At least he had the decency to look guilty for the wounds he’d inflicted. What was Isaac doing there in Michael’s study? He looked well, other than the evident injuries on his face. He was clean and shaven, and his hair had been combed, and although the brown suit he wore was a bit too short for his long arms and legs, at least it wasn’t a rumpled, dirty mess. Most notably, his scabbed lips were turned up in a smile that also shone in his eyes.

“Have a seat, Belle,” Michael said.

She did, with an annoyed sigh. The truth was, she had mostly forgiven him, but seeing Isaac’s injuries again, stirred her irritation. With his eyes, Michael instructed Isaac to take the seat next to Belle, which he did.

“As I mentioned earlier, I’d like us to try living in London for a bit. Long-term, I don’t know exactly what that’s going to look like, but if you are going to be living in Raven Row, you will need protection when I’m not around. Assuming we’ll have your approbation, I have offered that position to Isaac.”

“Truly? He’s going with us?” Belle’s heart soared at the prospect and her eyes filled with grateful tears. In her mind, the best-case scenario would have been Michael allowing Isaac to return home without further consequences. Not that she thought he should be punished at all, but presumably, shooting a peer of the realm was typically frowned upon.

Belle hopped out of her chair and scurried around the desk. She threw her arms around Michael’s neck, jarring a grunt from him as she pressed her lips to his.

“Belle,” he said, as he gently pushed her off of him, raising a brow in warning.

She clasped her arms in front of her and fairly skipped back around the desk. Both men’s faces had grown a definite blush at her behavior, but she didn’t care. She quite liked ruffling her husband’s feathers.

Michael cleared his throat. “As I was going to say, don’t get too excited yet, because it may not be quite the arrangement you’re hoping for. The friendship you have between you is going to have to change into something much more professional.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“Well, the biggest changes will be that he will address you by your title, and there will be no physical contact between you, unless required by his job.”

“Alright, but when you say he’s to address me by my title and we’re to have no physical contact, surely you don’t mean in private, as well?”

“That’s just it, Belle. You will never be spending time together privately. If he is with you, he will be on duty, not on a social call.”

“But I don’t want him to be my servant, Michael. He’s my friend. Why can’t you trust me with him?”

“Belle, it’s not about trust.” Isaac turned to look at her. “Your husband is giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, when, by all accounts, he should have just shot me. Why can’t you be grateful for what he’s offering us rather than constantly fighting him?”

“That,” Michael said sharply, “is exactly the kind of thing that cannot happen.” He let out a long sigh. “Although I agree with the sentiment, behavior such as that, directed at my wife by someone in my employ, will not be tolerated.”

“Yes, my lord,” Isaac said, immediately bowing his head.

“Michael.” Belle practically spat his name, irked by his cool, aloof manner. He completely ignored her, his gaze still fixed on Isaac.

“I’d like you to apologize.” Michael spoke with a quiet firmness.

Belle’s body tensed in frustration. Why was he doing this?

“I’m sorry, my lord.”

And why was Isaac just going along with it?

“Not to me,” Michael clarified.

Belle watched Isaac’s throat work as he swallowed his pride. He turned slowly toward her and bowed his head. “Apologies, my lady. It won’t happen again.”

“I won’t have it, Michael.”

He sat forward abruptly. “What would you have me do, Belle? Just move him in with us as your male companion? The two of you can go gallivanting through the streets, hand in hand, and we can all just ignore the rumors of how my countess spends more time with her lover than with her cuckold husband?” His voice was escalating with exasperation. “I offered this option as a kindness to you both, and the terms are not negotiable. You can either make this work, or Isaac will be on the next boat back to America, counting his blessings that I sent him there instead of the gallows. And without a bodyguard, when I go back to work in London, you’ll be staying right here.” He jabbed his finger against the top of his desk. “It’s your choice, Belle.”

Belle stood up, intent on storming out the door when she met Isaac’s eyes.

Why was she even doing this?

If Isaac was content with taking the position, why was she fighting against it? Of course she’d rather have him here than back in America where she’d likely never see him again. She didn’t like the idea of him as her servant, but as Michael had just reminded her, she was a countess. She may not like that society would never see Isaac as her friend or as her equal, but that’s just the way it was. It wasn’t Michael’s fault. He was simply trying to give her the best option he could. Trying to make her happy.

Perhaps a part of her still struggled to believe that he really did want what was best for her. And perhaps, as Lady Dalinridge, it was also time for her to realize that sometimes there were things bigger than herself to consider. Her actions could have consequences for the entire earldom. The revelation landed on her like a pile of bricks.

Slowly, she sat back down in the chair, feeling quite humbled by her realization. She rested her hands in her lap, staring at them for a long moment, feeling two sets of eyes focused on her.

“My apologies to you both. I’m not entirely sure what came over me, but of course I would like Isaac to act as my bodyguard. I can’t think of anyone who would be a better fit.” A strange feeling settled over her. For the first time since she’d married, she felt as if she actually was Lady Dalinridge. It was somehow both alarming and comforting.

Michael slid his open hand across the desk, and she gladly accepted the invitation, placing her own on top of it. He curled his fingers around and gave a gentle squeeze. It was his way of acknowledging her struggle and offering support rather than judgment. She appreciated it more than he could know and squeezed his hand in return. Perhaps it was time to start trusting him with more than just her body, but for some reason, it was so much harder to trust him with her heart.

“Good, that’s settled then. We’ll work our way through the particulars together as we move along. I understand that it will take some stretching, learning, and adjusting from all of us, and I will try to be mindful of that. But from this moment forward, Belle is to be addressed only by her title, and afforded the respect that is due her position.” He waited for Isaac’s nod before continuing. “If you’d like, I will allow you one final hug, to say goodbye to that old life. Perhaps that way when we arrive in London, you can start afresh.”

Isaac stood and opened his arms wide. Belle wrapped hers gently around his middle, not wanting to hurt him again. He embraced her shoulders and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Thank you, my lady.”

* * *

A creature of habit, Michael had easily fallen right back into his old routine, and it was all just as it should be. He still savored the sounds and smells of The Raven’s Den, the excitement and entertainment of overseeing the patrons, the time spent with his closest friends, and to make it all even better, he got to make love to his beautiful wife every day. Sometimes more than once. Everything was perfect.

So why didn’t it feel perfect?

His duty. It grumbled in the back of his mind, pestering him about all the ways he was neglectful. The only part of his duty he was adequately fulfilling was trying to produce an heir.

Unlike Ash, who hated everything about his title and would gladly let his own earldom crumble, if not for the people who relied upon it for their welfare, Michael felt a responsibility to his. Not that he’d done a very good job of seeing to it. Once he’d made it financially secure with the money from Belle’s father, he’d run off and left it to its own devices, just as he was doing now. He trusted his solicitor and his estate manager to keep things running smoothly, but it still wasn’t the same as having the master in residence. He’d witnessed that firsthand with his servants.

He sighed, his breath visible in the chilly evening air as he made his way home from the Den. They’d just concluded their second weekly meeting since returning from Glenwood. Everything was basically the same as it had always been, except that Giles now joined them at the table. Giles had thrown himself into his role as a partner, voraciously learning everything about everything. He’d taken ownership in all the right ways, never needing to be asked to take care of something without stepping on any toes or showing any sense of entitlement.

When he rounded the corner, he could see Isaac on duty. A sentry, standing guard beside his front door. His loyalty and dependability had been unwavering since they’d arrived.

“Good evening, boss.” He bowed to Michael as he approached. Usually, this exchange happened during the wee hours of the morning after closing up the club, but tonight was Michael’s night off.

“Isaac.” Michael gave him a nod and pulled a coin from his pocket. “Get yourself something warm to drink and take the rest of the night off,” he said as he slipped it into the man’s hand.

Isaac’s lips turned up in a grateful smile and he doffed his hat with a nod. “Goodnight, boss.”

Michael found Belle reading beside a crackling fire in her favorite chair in the drawing room. She closed the book and set it on the side table. “I wondered when you’d be back.” She got up from the chair and sauntered over to greet him with a passionate kiss. He would never tire of that.

Her warm hand wrapped around one of his and she led him from the room and up the stairs. “Where are you taking me, my dear?”

“Well,” she said, starting down the hall to their bedroom. “Your hands are cold, so I assume the rest of you needs to be warmed up, as well.”

“It certainly does.” He tugged her hand, pulling her around to face him. As he claimed her mouth, he walked slowly until her back was pressed against the wall. He moved his mouth over hers, devouring its softness, but then her hands were pushing against his chest. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her.

The smile on her face didn’t harbor a look of distress, but she still held her palm against his chest. “What is it, love?”

Her teeth nibbled nervously on her lower lip. “I thought perhaps tonight I could be in charge.”

“Oh, you did, did you?” He wasn’t sure what she had in mind, but he would no doubt enjoy every minute of it.

She nodded, an impish sparkle in her eyes.

“Very well then.” Michael gave her a flourishing bow. “As you wish, my lady.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her swaying backside as she led him into their bedroom.

Michael tried to help her to remove his coat and waistcoat, but Belle tutted at him each time he raised his hands, until she finally stopped and glared at him, her hands firmly on her hips. He held up his hands in surrender and allowed her to continue without his help. Slowly she opened his shirt, one agonizing button at a time. A hungry smile graced her lips as she pushed the garment from his shoulders. Belle fused her gaze with his as she flicked the tip of her tongue over his nipple. Michael’s stomach twitched. His teeth clenched as he watched her tongue glide slowly across his chest, her hot breath warming a path along his skin. His gaze was locked on her tongue with such focus, nothing else existed. When the tip was just about to flick his other nipple, she stopped. His chest heaved with an agonized groan.

Belle smiled wickedly before engulfing his nipple with her heavenly mouth. Passion clouded Michael’s brain. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to be lost in the sensations that swirled through his body. But then suddenly, her mouth was gone, and she was tugging at his boot. He opened his eyes to see her loosening the laces. She patted the back of his calf, and he lifted his foot so she could pull the boot off.

Once both of them were removed, Michael held out a hand to assist her to her feet, but she ignored it. She slowly slid her palm over the aching bulge in his trousers and a growl rumbled in his throat. Even through the layers of fabric, her gentle touch was divine ecstasy. Her fingers continued to send bolts of pleasure through his body as they inevitably brushed against him while working to open the buttons of his trousers.

When his manhood was free of the fabric, Belle simply ignored it and pulled the garments down his legs. He didn’t know whether to be disappointed or relieved. Direct contact of her skin might just send him right over the edge.

She pulled his trousers and drawers over his feet, followed by his socks. This was a change. She was normally naked while he was still fully dressed.

“Now it’s your turn, love.” He held out his hand again, and once more, she ignored it. She pressed her soft lips to the skin just above his knee. Every muscle in his body clenched as she kissed a meandering path slowly up his thigh, her hands following along until they gripped his hips. Ragged breaths rushed in and out of his lungs as her mouth moved toward his groin. His hands balled tightly into fists at his sides.

As he watched, Belle placed her tongue gently against his base and his breath stopped as she slowly traced a seductive path all the way to his aching tip. A groan burst from his lips as a powerful jolt of pleasure shot through him, knocking him off balance, and he had to take a step back. But Belle didn’t let go. Digging her fingers into his hips, she drew him back to her and plunged her lips around him.

“My God, Belle. You can’t— I can’t—” He gasped for breath as she wrapped her hand around his shaft and slowly began to move up and down his length, her tongue rubbing firmly against his most sensitive spot as her mouth took him in and out. He slipped his fingers into her hair, telling himself he should stop her, but instead, he gently encouraged her movements.

Her mouth was inexperienced, but somehow that made it even more incredible. He groaned her name loudly, which seemed to bolster her confidence, and she took him deeper into her mouth. The powerful sensations stole his breath. Each stroke sent pleasure spiraling through him. His entire body vibrated with frenzied bliss as he barreled toward his climax.

“Belle, sweetheart, you have to stop.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed gently until she released him from her mouth.

“What is it? Am I doing it wrong?”

Laughter choked him. “You’re doing it far too right.” He smiled down at her. “I’m so close, love, and I don’t want to… finish in your beautiful mouth. I want to be inside of you.” His voice shook with urgency.

She nodded and got to her feet, immediately fumbling to open her blouse. “I can’t wait for that tonight. Is your body ready for me?”

“Yes,” she said breathlessly. “I’ve been ready since you kissed me in the hall.” Her cheeks tinged lightly with pink at the confession. Still shy, but oh so passionate.

A growl rumbled up from his chest. “Do you like being pinned against the wall, my naughty girl?”

She nodded as he backed her against the door. “Yes, my lord.”

“Get those skirts up,” he demanded.

She quickly grabbed her hem and bunched the fabric around her waist. Michael plunged a hand between her thighs. She hadn’t lied, she was wet and so ready for him. He reached down and lifted one leg to wrap around his hip, opening her wide for him. She gasped as he surged into her. There was no way he’d be able to hold off this time. He’d just have to make it up to her after. He pumped into her, crushing her against the door. Her desperate gasps urged him on. A lightning storm of pleasure raced through him, and then to his amazement, Belle’s whole body stiffened, and she cried out.

As her body contracted around him, pleasure ripped through him and he tumbled over his own peak, swells of sensation bombarding him. Apparently, she’d been closer than he’d realized. Perhaps she’d enjoyed taking him in her mouth.

“That was—” There were no words to describe it, even if his labored breathing hadn’t been making it difficult to speak. He slowly lowered her leg back down and pressed a loving kiss to her forehead. “You, little miss, are unimaginably delicious, and I don’t know how I am lucky enough to have you.”

“You are lucky,” she said, with a teasing smile as her hand stroked down his back and squeezed his backside.

Michael chuckled. “So, my lady, am I allowed to put my clothes back on now?”

“Mmmm, I suppose. If you must.”