Wickeds Scandal by Kathleen Ayers

24

Alexandra approached the man in front of her cautiously. Her hand hovered over the first button on his shirt, grasping it between her fingers. Slowly, she undid the button, enjoying the feel of the fine lawn and the warmth of the skin underneath. The exotic scent of cinnamon that clung to Sutton moved around her. She thought she would faint from sheer delight. She looked up at him.

Sutton’s mouth curled at the corners in amusement, though his eyes spoke of darker things.

“What is so funny?” she demanded. Horrid, adorable, man.

“Not a thing, Badger. Will you not help me out of my shirt, or will you just undo the one button? Should I call for my valet to instruct you? You’ve bred livestock, I assumed undressing your husband would not pose a problem.” He gave a put-upon sigh. “I see I was misled.”

She smacked his chest lightly with her fist. Beast. Her hands made quick work of the remainder of the buttons. Once undone, she took both edges of the fine lawn in her hands and pulled the shirt apart, as if she opened an expensive gift.

My goodness!Alexandra sucked in her breath, as she stared in wonder at the sight of the dragon’s tail. The tail, dark green in color, came from the side of his torso and wound around his navel, seeming to weave in and out through the light dusting of hair on his abdomen. Without thinking, she ran her hand over the end of the tail, pressing her palm against his navel and the smooth planes of his stomach.

The dragon’s tail jumped. Sutton’s eyes, dark and unreadable, never left her face.

Emboldened, she stepped behind him. Her hands ran over his back and shoulders.

Sutton shifted, allowing one side of his shirt to dip down.

Alexandra’s fingers traveled to the edge of the shirt. She pulled the cloth down the length of his back and tried not to gasp in wonder as the dragon slowly revealed itself. The enormity and beauty of the tattoo stunned her. “Good Lord, Sutton.”

The dragon tattoo, exquisite and intricate, rivaled anything in Alexandra’s experience. The exceptional skill of the artist was evident in every brush stroke. The dragon’s almond-shaped red eyes, framed by dark sweeping lashes, looked down towards Sutton’s waist. The head of the beast tilted regally over Sutton’s left shoulder. The body wound down the spine of her husband’s back, each scale drawn in detail, and outlined in ink that shimmered like gold. The dragon’s smaller forearms stretched out, one arm reached for the right side of Sutton’s back, the other clutched his left shoulder blade, giving the appearance that the dragon had crawled up Sutton to nest in his neck. The hind legs disappeared under the animal’s body, only one clawed foot stuck out. The elongated tail wove around the right side of his torso, getting smaller and thinner as it wrapped around his right side and approached his navel. Sutton stretched and the muscles in his back undulated, making it seem as if the dragon came to life. The tattoo was a masterpiece.

“It’s so real looking. I half expect it to pounce upon me.”

“The dragon is not who you need to worry about,” Sutton said lightly.

When he didn’t move, or turn his head, Alexandra took that as a sign she could explore. Just touching Sutton, just letting her fingertips rest against his flesh, filled her with taut expectation. Tracing the dragon and feeling Sutton’s muscles bunch beneath her touch pulled her into a sensual trance.

“It's beautiful, Sutton. Truly a work of art.” She paused in her exploration. The pain he’d endured while this was etched on his skin must have been excruciating. She remembered the comments she’d overheard so long ago at Lady Dobson’s. Sutton must feel like an oddity to have a tattoo, and especially one of this magnitude drawn on his body. A rush of tenderness filled her. The Dowager had been correct. Alexandra was madly, deeply, and forever in love. Not with Satan Reynolds, the man who stalked the ballrooms of the ton, but the man who dwelled within this room strewn with books and papers. The man who still mourned the mother he didn’t remember.

Alexandra’s fingers flowed around his midsection as she walked around to face him. Her hands ran up to his face, palms open against his cheeks. She loved this beautiful, complicated man with all her heart.

He pressed an open-mouthed kiss on her palm. The tip of his tongue darted out against her skin. “Turn around.” His voice was husky. “I feel that since you have examined my back, the least I can do is return the favor.”

Obedient and awkward, she turned, afraid he would find her wanting in some way. “I suppose I shouldn’t ask if you need direction. I’m quite sure you’re an expert.” She cringed, immediately regretting the note of jealously she heard in her voice. Admitting her love for him, if only to herself, made her feel vulnerable. The intensity of the feeling frightened her.

“Shush, Badger. I have wanted no woman as I’ve wanted you.”

Warm fingers ran down Alexandra’s spine. The dress fell apart as his fingers did their work. Cool air sliced down her back. Slowly. Each time a new portion of her back became exposed, Sutton’s mouth warmed it. Her legs shook. Her breasts felt heavy, almost painful.

Her wedding dress, a lovely confection of pale blue silk, fell to her hips. The silk hung suspended for a moment before cascading down her legs to form a puddle at her feet.

“Turn around.”

Alexandra stepped out of the pool of blue silk and turned to Sutton. Her nipples puckered as she faced him. She knew he could see her breasts through the sheer fabric of her chemise. She covered her breasts with her hands, suddenly embarrassed to be nearly naked before him.

“Don’t.”

“Would it be possible, my lord-”

“Sutton.”

Alexandra gave him a look under her lashes. Determination was stamped over his handsome face, as if he were a knight about to siege a castle. She supposed that was one way of looking at things.

“Sutton, would it be possible to perhaps turn down the lamps? I-”

“No. That is a distinct impossibility.”

She forced her hands to her sides and tried not to tremble under his regard.

Sutton reached forward and pulled the ribbon that held the top of her chemise together. He pulled the ribbon slowly, purposefully, until the chemise parted. His dark hair fell across his face, his head bent to the task. The chemise loosened, the ends barely clinging to her shoulders.

He reached forward abruptly and wrenched the fabric down with both hands.

Alexandra’s nipples hardened into points as the cooler air of the room caressed her exposed flesh. She turned her head, unwilling to look at him.

“God, you’re beautiful, Alex.” His breath drew in sharply.

Her hands clenched at her sides. She wasn’t sure what was expected of her. The nipples of her breasts hardened into painful points, begging for his mouth. His tongue.

A low primal sound came from deep in his chest. The chemise ripped off her body, fluttering into a wispy heap on the floor.

“Pray be careful, my lord. I only have-”

“I’ll buy you another. Dozens, if that’s what you wish.”

Alexandra was certain her drawers were next. She was not disappointed. One long finger grabbed the tapes of her underclothes. A harsh tug and the sound of fabric tearing met her ears. Naked now, except for her garters and hose, she stood before him. Feeling wicked and wanton, she met his stare as bravely as she could.

The green eyes smoldered as he took in her stance. His breathing quickened.

“Take down your hair.” It was a command.

She stretched her arms up, conscious how the action lifted her breasts.

Sutton watched in rapt silence. His gaze flicked from her face to her breasts.

Alexandra pulled out the pins holding back her mass of hair. Chestnut spirals struck her shoulders and skimmed down her naked body to dance against her waist.

Sutton’s arm shot out. He wound her hair around his wrist and gently but forcibly pulled her to him. His teeth nipped at her ear lobe. His mouth fell upon hers in a fierce kiss, demanding she give herself to him.

Alexandra responded by wrapping her arms around him. Her breasts rubbed against the hair on his chest. She groaned, tortured by the sensation of their bare skin. His arousal, thick and hard pushed against her.

“Wanton.” He whispered. “Wanton for me.”

Alexandra didn’t argue. She nodded eagerly.

Sutton twirled her small form towards the giant bed. He picked her up as if she were no more than a housecat and tossed her on the mattress. Her hair fanned out across the burgundy coverlet and her legs fell open erotically.

“One day I will have you spread before me in nothing but your garters and hose, your very essence open to me.” Alexandra blinked as the words came back to her. She sat up on her elbows to see Sutton watching her.

“You should not doubt me.” He remembered as well.

The sound of boots and breeches hitting the floor met her ears. He would be on the bed in a moment. Her heart raced.

“Sutton?”

“Mmm?” The bed sank down on one end.

“The lamps. Seduction should take place in dim light, don’t you agree?”

On his hands and knees, as naked as she, he approached her. She could clearly see between his legs.

“No, I do not. I wish to see you. Every lovely inch.”

Alexandra stared at the canopy over the bed. She had been raised on a working farm. All male animals were possessed of the same basic equipment. Well, at least pigs and cows.

“Alex.”

Sutton sat back on his haunches, a patient smile hovering on his lips.

Alexandra looked lower. A thick swatch of dark hair nested around his manhood.

Alexandra assessed the situation. She had felt his arousal through his breeches but underestimated its actual size. She bit her lip. It was so large. It was much larger than she’d anticipated.

Sutton leered at her. “Don’t lose your bravado now, Badger.”

The inky strands of his hair fell, framing his angelic features. The dragon peeked over Sutton’s shoulder, watching her with the same intensity Sutton did. He got down on all fours and moved towards her. An exotic and beautiful tiger, stalking its prey. He hovered over her, his hair falling around her shoulders. His arousal brushed sensuously against her thigh.

Her eyes never leaving his face, she moved back against the pillows.

Fingers flicked one nipple.

Alexandra gasped, but she didn’t move.

He rubbed the nipple, rolling it between his finger and thumb. The green of his eyes seemed deeper, richer, the flecks of gold lit by fire. Leaning forward, he took the nipple into the wet warmth of his mouth. He grazed the peak with his teeth.

“Oh, dear.” Alexandra pressed her head back into the pillows. A spurt of moisture spread between her legs. The wicked feeling returned.

A finger ran through the soft fur of her womanhood. He gave a gentle tug before slipping his finger into her folds. “Wet already, Alex?”

Alexandra arched against his hand. “Sutton.” His name stammered from her lips.

“Shush, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you.” He pressed feather-light kisses from her breasts to her stomach, nipping the tender flesh as she writhed beneath him. His fingers found the nub of flesh. Stroking it, he softly inserted a finger.

Alexandra moaned.

Another finger was inserted, stretching her carefully. More moisture seeped from between the folds of her sex. She ached for him to bring her to that precipice, as he had the day at the Royal Exhibition. He was preparing her to accept….

“Sutton.” She panted, as he continued his ministrations. Her nerves flamed sensation across her body. “You must stop. We must discuss-” She mewled as his finger flicked her nub. “No matter how well you prepare me, I fear that…that…will not fit!”

Sutton laughed, the sound deep and erotic.

“You mean my cock?” His fingers wiggled inside her. He pushed in a third finger and she groaned.

“Yes.” Alexandra was being slowly tortured. And she enjoyed it. “I realize that this is probably not the best time to tell you that it is too large, but I am sure-”

“Alex, don’t be frightened.” She felt the touch of his tongue on the sensitive nub and she nearly jolted off the mattress. “It will only hurt once, a pinch, sweetheart. It cannot be avoided. But your body will take mine in. I promise.” He moved his mouth again.

Alexandra twisted, seeking to push herself more fully into his mouth. Dear God! She would die from this. She stiffened suddenly, as he slowly sucked the nub into his mouth. Alexandra cried out. The intensity of her response shook through her. She grabbed at the bedclothes and moaned his name.

As tremors shook her body, Sutton moved over her. His chest rubbed against the nipples of her breasts, the tiny hairs lacing her body with tendrils of sensation. He positioned himself above her, the tip of his manhood positioned at her entrance.

Irrational fear lanced through her. She tried to push him away. Her legs clamped shut.

“It’s all right. Be still.” He leaned over her, one hand cupped her face, the other, she felt slide to grasp her bottom firmly, forcing her to part for him. His eyes searched her face, looked into her soul.

She calmed. There was a strange glint in the green gaze, one she didn’t recognize, but it calmed her. His eyelashes fluttered down. He rubbed his nose against hers. She relaxed.

“Alex.” He thrust forward, imbedding himself in her.

Alexandra bucked, shocked at the pain of their joining. A pinch! She felt the wetness of tears in the corner of her eyes.

Sutton’s eyes stayed shut. He didn’t move. He barely took a breath. The muscles in his arms were tight and strained as he held himself back.

Her body stretched bit by bit to accept him. The pain still lingered, but a feeling of fullness slowly replaced it.

“I—I told you it wouldn’t fit. Arrogant, vain, peacock,” she whispered.

His eyes fluttered open and he gave her a pained smile. Then he shifted. Pulled back, and thrust again, sliding deeper.

Alexandra stroked his face and her fingers ran over his lips. “Sutton.” The ache between her legs returned. She lifted her body to try to match his movements.

Sutton moved, circling his hips, putting pressure on her mound and the tiny nub that gave her so much pleasure. Every time he thrust their bodies caught at that sensitive spot until Alexandra could feel the pleasure inside her mount again to an unbearable pitch

Her breath came in short bursts. She arched against him.

Sutton thrust harder. He nipped her neck. Licked at the nipples of her breasts. He whispered dark, seductive words against her neck as he rocked his hips against her.

“Wrap your legs around me.”

Alexandra complied and felt Sutton’s flesh sink deeper into her own. Her entire body was on fire, every nerve standing at attention, begging for release.

“Lift your hips, Badger.” He pressed against the most sensitive spot. “I want to feel you come while I’m inside you.” Sutton’s voice was rough, his breath ragged.

An agonizing ache built within her. She felt herself stretch, like the taut string of a violin just before it breaks. The dragon moved beneath the palms of her hands, breathing fire on her fingers, as Sutton coaxed her into a rhythm to match his own. She grasped, hanging onto his shoulders as if she were going over a precipice, clinging to him as her body broke into a million pleasurable pieces. His name escaped her lips in a seductive moan as her body clutched tightly around his.

Sutton thrust once more, his breath stopping. He groaned as his body shook with the force of his own orgasm. His lips pressed a kiss to her neck. “Alex.”

Alexandra lay still as the tremors left her body, her fingers threading through the ebony locks of Sutton’s hair. Never would she have guessed it to be so…amazing. Why did women refer to this act as a duty? It was certainly no hardship. Maybe she didn’t see it as such because she was in love with her husband.

The dragon’s tail wrapped around her, holding her tightly to him. Binding her to him.

Sutton rolled to the side and lay next to her, careful to keep their bodies joined. “I told you it would fit.” An angelic smile crossed his face. The green gaze, intense. “It fits perfectly.”

* * *

The tiny bundlenext to him stirred. Masses of dark chestnut curls rioted over their bodies like vines spilling down a wall. He adored her hair. He absently twirled a dark strand around his fingers as he watched Alex doze. Impulsively, he hugged her to him tightly, against his heart.

Alex grunted and fussed. Prickly little thing. Even in sleep, she was determined to argue with him. Sutton sank into the pillows, enveloped in the warmth of the bed. For the first time since leaving Macao for England, he was blissfully and comfortably warm. All the way to his toes. He glanced sleepily to the fire, then the mantle above. His parents stared back at him, seemingly in approval. He felt certain Madeline would have liked Alex.

Alex shook her head, trying to dislodge a curl that tickled her nose. She tried to move and let out a cry when the curls of her hair remained trapped beneath his arm.

“Be still, Badger, let me untangle you.” He laughed lightly. “Medusa.”

Alexandra frowned and opened her eyes. Her nose scrunched in pretended offense. “Now I am compared to a woman with snakes in her hair? I think I prefer the small, irritable rodent.”

He kissed the tip of her nose and carefully freed the trapped curls.

She placed her hand on his chest tentatively and traced the tail of the dragon.

Sutton hardened immediately. He wanted her again, but he needed to restrain himself. Alex would be lucky if she could sit a horse at any point during the next week. He squeezed her fingers.

“I’ll ring for another bath.” He nodded towards the brass tub. Sutton dimly remembered a knock earlier at the door and he’d growled them away. “You should soak.” He looked at her with meaning. “It will help.”

Alex shot him a confused glance. Her brow wrinkled as if she were working out a mathematical problem. Her eyes widened. “Oh!” Understanding spread over her lovely face. “Yes, a good soak will be most welcome.”

Sutton turned his head quickly before he laughed outright.

“Please, Sutton. I know you are laughing at me. You must realize that Aunt Eloise’s education was woefully lacking. She told me to lie still in the marriage bed and to think of books until it was over.”

“And what book were you thinking of earlier, Alex?” He turned back to her, not bothering to hide the smirk on his lips. Alex perched in the middle of the enormous bed with her riot of curls covering her naked body. She gave him a mischievous look.

“Animal husbandry.” Her lips twitched, determined not to spoil the solemnness of her answer.

Sutton’s heart thudded in his chest. The opinionated, argumentative little tempest before him filled his heart and his mind, as nothing ever had. He saw nothing but Alex. Other women became nameless and faceless. Unimportant. His eyes ran to the miniature of his mother. Madeline smiled at him.

He padded over to the bell-pull. “The water will be here in a moment.” He walked around the bed, releasing the curtains to create a cocoon for him and Alex before joining her on the bed.

She snuggled against him in the dark. He could hear her breathing, deep and contented, as she waited. A discreet knock came at the door.

Sutton poked his head out of the bed curtains. “Come.”

A parade of maids entered, each lugging a pail of steaming water. The tub was soon filled to the brim and a pleasant lavender smell invaded the room. As soon as the maids left, Sutton held out his hand to Alex. “Come, Badger.” Sutton pulled back the curtain and stood.

“Turn your back,” she said from the depths of the bed.

Alex’s show of modesty, considering the time they had just spent in bed, was oddly amusing. The words tugged at his heart.

“Turn, please.” Prim like a governess.

He turned his back, grinning to himself.

She came out the other side, pulling bedclothes with her as she approached the tub.

“Do not turn around.” He heard the sound of her hand swish through the water, testing the heat. This was followed by curious grunting noises.

“Bloody hell.”

Sutton wasn’t the least bit shocked. The tub belonged to him and as such, the sides were taller than average. The maids neglected to bring a stool. Alex couldn’t get her much shorter legs over the side.

“Is there a problem, Badger?”

“You know there is.”

He turned to her. She had pulled his discarded shirt on in an attempt to cover her nakedness. The sheer lawn of his shirt clung to the curves of her breasts, billowing around her hips. The sight of her in his clothes, her nipples shadowed and pointed under the shirt, aroused him more than mere nakedness.

“Will you help me into the tub?” She clutched the shirt. “I’ll take it off once I get in.”

“You’re being ridiculous. I’ve seen—”

Alex turned bright red. “I realize that. But I am still not completely comfortable with…” She waved her arms towards the lower half of his body. “…all of this just yet.”

Sutton traced a finger down her cheek. “As you wish.” He picked her up and laid her gently in the tub.

She immediately sank down and gave a groan of satisfaction. Her eyes closed as the water came up to her chin. She slipped her head under the water with a sigh of satisfaction, sputtering out the warm water as she came back up. A cake of soap made its way into her hands. Lather foamed between her fingers as she rubbed the soap.

“The shirt.” The sight of her lathering the bar of soap was giving Sutton all kinds of ideas.

Reluctantly she pulled the shirt off, struggling to use one arm to keep her breasts covered. Every time she moved, a bit of flesh popped out. The entire display made him mad with lust.

Sutton took the shirt and flung it at the wall, where it made a loud, wet plop. His finger twirled through the water in the tub, inching ever closer to her breasts. The water of the tub rose and fell over the mounds of flesh. Fascinated he watched as her nipples played hide and seek. He flicked the tip of one pert nipple with his nail.

“Mmmm.” Alexandra looked as if she dozed, but he suspected she watched the progress of his fingers through the soapy water. “I have a question,” she murmured. “Please do not laugh. You must consider my inexperience. I have no one else to ask and you appear to be highly educated in these matters.”

“Indeed.” He pressed her nipple between thumb and forefinger.

“Is it possible for,” she stammered, and a reddish tint rose from her breasts to her face, “for me to,” she bit her lip, “do what you did with your mouth to you?”

It took a moment for Sutton to understand exactly what she referred to, as her breasts held his immediate attention. Alex never failed to surprise him. Or, to arouse him.

She gestured to his manhood, which swelled rapidly under her studious intent. Sutton coughed. “Yes.” He stepped into the tub. He was afraid he would explode if she touched him, let alone if she-

Inquiring fingers, slick with soap and water, ran down the length of his manhood. Testing, touching. She placed her hand around the base and gave a tentative squeeze.

Sutton moaned.

“Am I hurting you?” The small hand fled away into the depths of the tub.

“No,” his voice rasped. “No, it just feels…good.” He tried to keep his voice even.

She touched him again. “This is not at all the way I thought it would feel. I was given the impression from Aunt Eloise-”

“We must establish Alex, that your aunt gave you the worst possible information in regards to relations between a man and woman. Can we agree to discard her advice?”

Alex moved her wet, lathered hand up and down his length and nodded. “Agreed. I doubt she would have approved of this.” Her finger ran back and forth over the tip, circling round and round.

Dear God, was she trying to torture him? Her nail rasped the sensitive underside of his hardened flesh. Sutton panted and gripped the edge of the tub.

Alex moved until she positioned herself beneath his legs. His arousal was mere inches from her willing mouth. Her free hand ran up his thigh, swirling against the hair of his leg towards the sac that hung beneath.

“Is this right?” She squeezed.

Sutton held his breath. His arousal twitched, as if desperately trying to get between Alex’s lips.

Suddenly, she let go.

Sutton shuddered with disappointment then shock, as he felt her tongue flick against him. Alex mimicked Sutton’s actions earlier, sucking and running her tongue and lips along the tip of his length.

Sutton wound her hair around his wrist. He pushed her head closer. He was going to spill his seed here in the tub, or rather in Alex’s virginal mouth, if she didn’t stop.

“Alex-”

Her mouth stopped torturing him. “Am I not doing it right?” Disappointment etched her features.

“No. I mean yes. If you do it any more correctly, I will stand here and spill myself into your mouth.” He pulled her up against him. Water ran from the curling mass of her hair and down her back in rivulets. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. She smelled of lavender.

He laid her face down on the bed. His hand ran over the globes of her buttocks. “Sutton?” She twisted her head to look at him.

He ran a finger down her spine, watching as she trembled at his touch. He pushed her left leg up and knelt behind her. He pushed two fingers inside the warm cavern of her sex. His fingers slid in easily. She was already wet, ready for him. He thrust his fingers in again.

Alex made a mewling sound. Her body twisted on the bed. “Oh God,” she said into the coverlet.

“God has nothing to do with this.” He nipped her on the smooth skin of her bottom.

Alex wiggled and moaned.

He was so engorged, so hard, he feared he would come the minute his flesh entered hers. Sutton took a deep breath. He wanted to hear and feel her pleasure first. He caressed the sensitive nub, massaging it while his fingers moved in and out.

Alex bucked, her hips pushing up in the air.

He pressed kisses down her back, nibbling the pale flesh as he made his way to her plump derriere.

She pushed herself against his hand, rubbing herself frantically. Her muscles tightened around his embedded fingers. She would climax any second. He pushed her down, effectively ending the movement giving her so much pleasure. Sutton removed his fingers.

She pounded her fist into the pillow. “Beast.” He heard her whimper. “Peacock.”

Sutton leaned over and kissed her neck. “Not yet, love. Patience is a virtue. So I’ve been told.”

She groaned in frustration. “Patience is not a virtue for me.”

He pulled her back against him. His hands cupped her breasts, pulling at her nipples.

“What are you doing to me?” she murmured. “Please. I can’t take anymore.”

He pressed his arousal, hard and firm against her. One hand traveled leisurely down her body, fingers dancing through the down of her womanhood. He moved his hand over every part of her but did not directly touch the delicate flesh begging for his attention.

Alex tried to grind her body against his hand. She thrust ineffectually, pleading for him to touch her.

He pulled her face against his mouth, kissing her hard, and pushed her down on the mattress. Grabbing several pillows, he positioned them under her writhing hips.

Placing himself behind her, he thrust into her, burying himself deep within the slick folds.

Alex cried out and clawed at the coverlet.

He moved in and out with slow, deep strokes, careful not to hurt her. He reached down and worked his fingers against her nub.

She pushed back with her hips. “Harder. Please.”

“God, Alex, what are you doing to me?” He pulled back and gripped her firmly about her hips. He should go slow, but he couldn’t. He pounded into her.

Alex moaned his name. She exploded into an intense orgasm, the contractions of her body gripping him so tightly that they brought him to his own fierce climax. Her body milked him, wringing him dry. Panting, careful not to crush her with his weight, Sutton kissed the back of her neck. He pulled out, gasping as her body clung to his.

Alex flipped over, her breathing as heavy as his own.

“Is it always like this?” Her innocent question sparked some deep emotion in Sutton, causing it to flame to life. He pulled her to him, kissing her ear, then her lips.

“No. But it will always be for us.” He hugged her close to his chest and wondered exactly when it was that he had fallen in love with her.