Chapter 5

My breaths come in quick gasps as I cling to William's shoulders, burrowing my face into his coat. His scent calms me, soothes me, and yet I cannot keep my thoughts from straying. In fact, it's his very scent that drives me to distraction.

Though I know he's my husband, there's still this tremor of a thrill, an unknowing. It's not frightening, exactly, but it feels so wrong. Unfortunately, it's what also makes it feel so right.

Somehow, my amazing mate finds a way to switch things up, to keep me guessing. Granted, we're still within a few weeks of our marriage, and I shouldn't even worry about things cooling down between us. However, it's the fact he loves me so much he planned all of this out as an illicit surprise for me.

It makes my heart swell to know my husband not only cares about keeping me satisfied but also continues to show me how fun marriage can be. He's considerate that way. Or, more likely, I haven't even begun to scratch at the surface of his depravity. That thought alone makes my insides quiver with anticipation.

Resting my head against his shoulder, I revel in the heat of his skin as it burns against my cheek. The bond hums between us, surrounding me in a cloud of contentment. In all honesty, the only thing difficult about all of this is keeping to the role I'm supposed to play. Part of me wants to eschew all these pretenses and love my husband as man and wife.

And yet, it's this farce which has slick gathering between my thighs and my body aching for this illicit touch. Am I wrong for this? Does this bode ill for our marriage?

My love, he whispers into my mind as his hand skims up the back of my thigh. I hear your thoughts, and they do not serve you. This is a game between us, one we both willingly play. It's not as if you're seeking out some other company other than my own. Because know this, my little kitten, I will never share you with anyone. The moment you decide to try some other man will be the day I start digging graves in our backyard.

I melt against him, my heart pounding. Though I have no thoughts of other men, it still warms my heart to hear how possessive he is. And I do take him at his word. After seeing what he did to Mr. Beaumont, I don't doubt him capable of dispatching anyone who would dare approach me in a sexual manner.

Digging my fingers into the sides of his shoulders, I close my eyes and listen to the sounds around us. There will never be anyone for me but him. And though we play this game, it's still my husband who brings me pleasure.

That's right, my little minx. And don't you forget it.

The moment he steps inside the small enclosure, a warmth envelops us, driving away the chill from the outside. He sets me down, allowing me to look about, noting the cheery fireplace blazing in the room. It's as if we're wrapped up in our own little cocoon, far away from London, people, and even my horrific memories that threaten to buckle me on a daily basis.

"I thank you for the fire, good sir. Never thought a highwayman would be that considerate."

"You believe the fire to be for you? How na?ve," he teases, removing the coat from my body and laying it on the worn floor. "Unless you feel as if I should freeze as punishment for my crimes against lovely ladies such as yourself?"

At his praise, my cheeks heat, no doubt flushing as I turn my gaze away. "Forgive me. I do not wish for you to be cold."

Though I'm not looking at him, I can feel the heat of his gaze as it roves over my body. Suddenly, I feel oddly naked. He's seen me in less, and yet, this all feels so new. It's as if I'm back at The Rose and Thorne, waiting for him to do his worst.

"Look at me."

Those three little words force me to drag my gaze over to him. He doesn't use an Alpha command. He doesn't have to. I will forever obey him in a heartbeat.

"My, what a lovely lass I procured from the landau. Seems as if I have the best treasure after all. Turn so I may remove your corset. That is," he pauses to pull out my small dagger from his pocket, "unless you'd rather I cut it from you."

My breath comes in haggard gasps as I watch the blade glint in the firelight. "I am your prisoner," I murmur, sinking down into a curtsy. "My body is yours to do with as you will."

The air grows heavy and even warmer as his arousal floods my senses. My thighs tremble as desire and need grow into an inferno that rivals the blazing fire.

I want him.

I need him.

I crave him with every fiber of my being.

"Yes," he murmurs, walking around me. "You are certainly mine. Now, if I remember correctly, I was going to inspect you for any cuts the briars caused, but first, your atonement for your ghastly language. On your knees."

I sink down onto his coat, my mind fuzzing about the edges. It is my submission to his wants and desires which make my body burn. Knees splayed as best as they can within the shift, I rest my hands on the tops of my thighs and look up at him. Desire flares in his eyes, turning them nearly black. I can feel the lust through the bond, and it only makes me crave him even more.

"Such a pretty little kitten. Shall I fetch you some cream?" With slow, methodical movements, he works at the front of his breeches, taunting me with the erection I know is caged behind the buckskin.

Finally, he releases it, allowing the scent of his need to flood the room. My core aches as I watch the bit of precum pearl up at the top. I want to taste him. I need to taste him. But I'm supposed to be innocent, unable to pleasure a man such as him.

"My, you are far bigger than my husband. However shall you punish me with that instrument of torture?"

"Careful, love," he grinds out, his voice taking on a dangerous edge. "Men don't like to be compared. Even if this is a work of fiction."

"My apologies, my good sir," I simper with a wink before placing the back of my hand against my forehead. "Oh my. And here I thought you'd be quite large, when, in fact, it is my husband's phallus which holds the record for girth and length."

With a playfully, ferocious growl, he leaps forward, taking me backward, splaying me out underneath him. "I'll show you how large I am," he teases, wrenching my legs open.

I resist the urge to groan as his large head prods at my entrance. This is what I've needed since the moment he appeared next to the landau. Instead of thrusting in, he hovers there, so achingly close.

"On second thought, I will still punish that wayward mouth of yours." Reaching down to curl his hand around the back of my neck, he urges me back into a kneeling position. "You will worship my cock with your lips and tongue. You will show me just how repentant you are in your cruel words about my size."

"And the penance for the awful language I used?" I blink up at him, the picture of innocence.

His eyes narrow, and though I cannot see his mouth, I can imagine the wicked grin that slashes across his face. "I have something far more potent in mind."

At that, my insides quiver. Not from fear. Never from fear. But from an arousal so intense, it steals my breath. As he comes closer, I open my mouth wide, prepared to take him inside. However, he doesn't move.

He just stands there, cock jutting out, tempting me. Normally, he grabs my head and uses me to find his pleasure, but this time, he doesn't. He keeps his arms crossed as he looks down at me.

"Well? Are you going to worship me? Or should I cast you out into the chilly air in naught but your rail and corset to conceal you? Though, to be honest, it doesn't hide much."

I know they're idle words, but they cause slick to gather and the incessant ache to resume. Until meeting William, I never knew I was such a wanton. Leaning forward, I run the tip of my nose up and down his length, taking in his musky, masculine scent.

God, but it makes everything in me clench with need. I long to reach down between my thighs and touch myself, but William, or rather, this highwayman, hasn't given me permission. Groaning, I reach forward and cup his balls, giving my hands something else to do.

They're weighty and full, drawing up as I caress them. With a sigh, I run my nail over the wrinkled skin, smiling as his cock jerks. Though he means to punish me by forcing me to indulge in my love for his cock, it will truly be he that suffers.

I plan to take my time, touching, kissing, and licking every inch. It's something I've never been able to do before now. Our coupling is always so frantic, so fierce. For once, I can enjoy myself and learn my husband. Cupping both balls in one hand, I squeeze, watching his face to see if it's causing him any discomfort.

Though I was his courtesan first and his wife second, there's still so much I do not know about how a man works. And so I explore, squeezing even tighter until he gives a small grunt and pulls back. But now, I know what pressure he likes.

"Do you prefer my fingers elsewhere? Or are they fine cupping you like this?"

"God," he moans through clenched teeth. "Your hands feel like heaven on my body. But now, I wish to feel your tongue and lips."

"All in good time, my good sir. It was your command for me to worship, and true, heartfelt worship takes time."

Bringing up my other hand, I explore his length, running my fingers over his large member. I'm unable to even circle all the way around with one hand. I know my husband is large, but actually taking the time to gather his length and width reminds me of just how well he stretches me out.

A soft moan slips from my lips and whispers over his delicate skin. He's so warm, vibrant, and soft…like velvet wrapped around the hardest metal. Rigid yet yielding as I explore him.

Taking my finger, I run it down the thick veins that surround him, following them down to his knot, which already begins to swell. "Damnation, Kitty," he groans, jutting his hips up. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"How can you tell, my good sir?" My voice is breathy and soft as I look up at him.

"Because," he growls, "I can smell your arousal. With each pass of your fingertips, it grows stronger. I'm sure you're soaking by now, aren't you?"

"That I am, my good sir. But please, allow me to continue my penance. I must atone for my words."

He stands there, rigid as precum continues to well up and bead at his slit. Once there's enough, it drips down his length. Unable to resist, I lap at him, dragging my tongue from his balls to his tip, savoring him as if he's a sweet treat. Like melted chocolate, his bitter, earthy flavor explodes on my tongue, driving up my lust.

Now, his arms are no longer crossed. They dangle at his side as he clenches and releases his fingers. He wants to grab me to force his cock down my throat. I can tell by the rigid lines of his body as he holds himself still.

Taking my time, I drag the tip of my tongue around his head, coming close to the slit, which is now sticky with his essence. Coming around underneath, I tease that bit of skin that connects down with the shaft, growing wetter as oaths fly from his lips. Unable to tease him any longer, I swallow his fat head into my mouth, groaning at the feel of it on my tongue.

William finally runs his fingers through my hair, gripping the strands as he leads me down his shaft. He's not rough this time, but urgent, insistent. Widening my lips as far as I can, I continue down his shaft, running my tongue along the underside as he feeds me his cock inch by maddening inch.

Once his head hits the back of my throat, I place my palms against his muscular thighs, grounding myself as I force my mind to calm. I know I can breathe, and yet, when I'm so stuffed with him, it's sometimes hard to imagine. Giving in, I allow him to take over.

Gently, he pulls out and rocks back in, easing his tip down into my throat one stroke at a time. We stay like this for what feels like an eternity until his knot finally grazes against my lips. He holds me there, his cock pulsing in my mouth as sinful groans fill the air.

I no longer care if I can breathe or not because every inch of me is consumed with my husband and the pleasure his body brings me. My eyes flutter closed as he pulls out once more, allowing me precious air. Each time he eases inside, he holds me close, almost as if he's caressing me, before reluctantly pulling away.