Dark Passions

3.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Meredith tried to avoid Derek as much as possible. She berated herself for letting herself get caught up in that kiss in the stable. To be sure, it had been a wonderful kiss, one that kept her awake at nights, tossing and turning. Her breasts would ache, the nipples hard and sensitive; and the throbbing heat in her core was almost unbearable, as her thoughts were consumed of how satiny smooth his skin had felt beneath her fingers. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt for him, and he wasn't making it easy for her to ignore him.

He would stop by the classroom at odd times, to check on the boys, and talk to her, the warm desire in his eyes making her shiver. He would be the perfect gentleman, however, only kissing her fingertips.

Then one day he brought her a rose from the garden, the lush petals still wet with dew. She inhaled the rich fragrance, and touched her lips to the petals. "Thank you, m'lord," she murmured.

"I thought of you, and the pink in your cheeks when I saw it," he said gallantly, crossing his arms, his appearance impeccable in the waistcoat and cravat, his dark hair slightly tousled from the wind. He had found her alone in the solarium, working on some needlepoint as the boys napped. After the kiss in the stable, he found himself unable to stop thinking of her. He was captivated by her sweet charm, and her soft laughter as she played with the twins, and also somewhat intrigued by the fact she was trying to avoid him. Most women did the opposite, eager for his favors.

Meredith rose to her feet, tucking the needlepoint under her arm. "I must go, sir."

"Wait," he asked, putting his hand to her arm. Meredith stopped, feeling the heat from his touch like a brand on her skin.

"Yes, m'lord?"

"You have been avoiding me, Miss Grey," he said, his voice sensuous. "Did I scare you that much by kissing you?"

Meredith sighed, "No, m'lord, you did not scare me. I just feel that it would be best for me not to become involved with you in that way."

Derek moved closer to her, keeping his hand on her arm. Meredith felt her throat go dry, and she kept her eyes on the pristine white cravat at his throat. He tipped her face up to look at him. "Do you deny the attraction you feel then?" he murmured, sending more little shivers down her spine.

"I don't..." she began to say.

"Ah, but I think you do feel the attraction between us, and I can prove it by kissing you again," he said, lowering his lips to hers, taking her breath away. Meredith moaned softly, letting his tongue invade her mouth, to duel erotically with hers. Hot sweet desire bubbled up in her, and she slipped her arms around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair. His hands at her waist pulled her tightly against him, so that she could feel the outline of his hard erection through her skirts. She gave herself up to the moment, letting him move them back towards the settee, where he pulled her down to his lap. He kissed a trail of tiny kisses from her lips, down her throat and to her cleavage, his tongue darting along the lace, searching for her nipples.

Meredith arched her body to meet his mouth, feeling the sharp contraction of desire in her clit. He shifted their positions, so that she was lying beneath him, his mouth on her skin, and his hand pulling up the hem of her skirts. When his hand rested on her knee, she whimpered, closing her eyes. Sweet lord, she was helpless to resist him, all she could think of was having his hands where she was wet and aching.

"Oh...m'lord..." she cried, as his fingers traced the delicate skin of her inner thigh, his lips finally capturing one of her nipples. His tongue teased the sensitive bud into a hard peak, making Meredith oblivious to everything but the way he was making her feel.

Derek let his hands and his mouth explore her soft curves, inhaling her sweet scent, the blood pounding in his veins. Sunlight streamed through the solarium windows, enveloping them in warmth, the heady scents of the potted flowers combining with the scent of her arousal. His fingers brushed against her wet folds, and he longed to put his mouth there, and make her come, but this wasn't the time or the place. He forced himself to stop, raising his head to look at her.

Her head was thrown back, the graceful column of her throat exposed, and he pressed his lips against her there, kissing her softly. With a little moan, she raised her head to stare at him. "Oh, m'lord..." she sighed.

"Do you still deny the attraction?" he laughed, kissing her lips again, unable to resist her.

"No, m'lord, I cannot deny it, but we shouldn't do this," Meredith protested weakly, her body betraying her, wanting his kiss, his touch.

"What would be wrong with enjoying each other's bodies, and giving each other pleasure?" he asked her, tracing small circles on her thighs with his fingers, making it difficult for her to think.

"You are very persuasive, sir," Meredith said, struggling to sit up, and straighten her clothing. Derek helped her smooth her skirts, taking her hands in his, when she wouldn't stop fussing.

"Listen, I have to go away to London for a short time, please think about this while I am gone." He leaned closer, and his breath was warm on her, as he brushed his lips across her temple. "You can give me your answer when I return."

And with that; he got up and walked away, turning at the doorway to smile at her, before disappearing. Meredith sat quietly, regaining her composure, unable to think of anything but him, and how much she wanted him. All of her good intentions were dissolving like sugar in hot tea....

⚜️⚜️⚜️

Meredith stared out the classroom window, idly watching the birds flitting around the rose garden on a sunny summer afternoon, wondering when Lord Derek was due to return. A small smile played on her lips, a slight quiver of desire in her veins at the thought of him.

"Miss Grey?"

Meredith started, pulled out of her reverie at the sound of Lady Kate's voice calling her.

"Yes, m'lady?"

"The boys need to get outside and play, don't you think? It's far too nice to be cooped up inside today." Kate smiled as the twins jumped up and down in agreement. "I think the studies can be put aside for awhile."

"Of course, ma'am," Meredith said. "I'll take them down to the duck pond for awhile."

"Excellent. You probably need a break yourself. Here, take my fan with you," Kate urged, handing over the small lacquered fan. "I will be resting for awhile. You boys behave for Miss Grey." She gave them each a hug and kiss, and Meredith took their hands to lead them outside.

⚜️⚜️⚜️

Meredith wiped the sweat from her forehead, and fanned herself gently with the small fan. Days like this were not meant for ladies with layers of petticoats and skirts, she thought ruefully. A bead of sweat trickled down her throat, and rolled down into her cleavage. The tight corset beneath the gown was digging into her skin, pushing her breasts up high, swelling above the low cut bodice. She envied the boys, splashing around the edge of the pond, chasing each other happily.

A small breeze lifted the tendrils of hair from her face, cooling her slightly, but she fanned herself more vigorously. Thoughts of Lord Derek invaded her mind again, making her hot in a way that had nothing to do with the weather. Damn the man, anyway, she thought. She had done naught but think of him since he'd left a fortnight ago. As he well knew she would, she was sure. Had he thought of her as well, she wondered, or had he indulged in pleasure in some other woman's bed?