Jacquie D’Alessandro - Touch Me

He slipped a third finger inside her, deliciously stretching her. With his tongue stroking inside her mouth in unison to his thrusting fingers, her climax thundered through her. With a cry, she ground herself against him, saturated in sensation, adrift in pleasure. When the spasms tapered off to mere ripples, she melted like warmed wax, her rapid, shallow breaths pelting the side of his neck.

Still dazed, she felt his fingers slip from her body and her boneless leg slid from his hip. If not for his strong arm wrapped around her waist she would have slithered beneath the water.

He gently brushed his fingertips across her overheated cheek. “I wish it wasn’t so bloody dark. I want to see you.”

His words snapped her from the sated, languorous stupor into which she’d fallen, reminding her that it was only because of the darkness that this interlude had occurred. Only because of the darkness that she’d allowed herself to…

She squeezed her eyes shut. Dear God, she’d simply come apart in his arms, no inhibitions, no hesitation and utterly no control-indisputable proof of how desperately she missed being touched. If her ten years as Richard’s mistress had taught her anything, it was how to seduce. Yet she’d been seduced by a single sentence. Tell me it’s not just me who feels this. With one caress. By a man she barely knew. A man she’d selfishly taken pleasure from while offering him none-something she’d never done before. Something a mistress would never do.

You’re not a mistress anymore, her inner voice whispered.

No. And she never would be, even if her hands were perfect. No man would ever own her again.

Still, guilt-along with a healthy dose of embarrassment-slapped her for so wantonly grabbing everything he offered, even demanding more, and giving nothing in return. She pulled in a fortifying breath, then lifted her head. In spite of the shadows, there was enough moonlight that she could see his eyes glittering. They appeared to devour her.

“I…I’m sorry, Mr. Cooper. I-”

He touched his fingers against her lips, cutting off her words. “Simon. Surely we’re on a first-name basis now.” There was no missing the hint of amusement in his voice. “Genevieve.”

A tingle ran through her at the intimate timbre in his voice. “Very well, Simon. I’m sorry I was so…carried away.”

“Are you?” He studied her and for a brief instant she wished for a flash of light so she could better see his expression. “You shouldn’t be. I’m certainly not. You were…are…exquisite. Enchanting. Incredible.” He leaned in and lightly scraped his teeth over her earlobe. “And absolutely delicious.”

With her arms still loosely looped around his neck, Genevieve sighed with pleasure and tilted her head to afford him easier access to that neglected bit of skin she’d forgotten was so sensitive. “I’m not sorry for what happened between us-”

“I’m delighted to hear it. The pleasure was all mine.”

“But that’s just my point. And why I’m sorry. The pleasure was all mine .”

His warm lips traveled across her jaw. “I assure you it wasn’t. The pleasure was mutual.”

Genevieve leaned back in the circle of his arms. “It was?” Had she been so lost in her own release that she’d missed his?

He rolled his hips against her and she realized that the bulge pressing against her stomach, while still impressive, had indeed softened. “It was. I’ve been alone for…a while, and well, you are, as I said, exquisite. Hearing, seeing, feeling you climax was an impossible combination to resist.”

There was no denying the feminine satisfaction that rippled through her. “So you decided to join me.”

He huffed out a laugh. “I’m afraid there was nothing I could do to stop it. You are…” His hand came forward to cup her face. “Potent.” Then his teeth flashed white in the darkness. “And besides, my breeches were already wet.”

His smile faded and his expression turned serious. “As much as I wanted to be inside you, it’s perhaps better that I wasn’t. Contrary to my actions this evening, I am a cautious man. I don’t normally allow my passions to rule me, and my mastery over myself is usually much more…”

“Masterful?” she suggested when he seemed at a loss.

“Yes.”

“Then I can only say I am glad you weren’t left unsatisfied and flattered to have undone you so.”

His gaze searched hers and he frowned. “Undone me. Yes, that’s exactly what you did. And without any effort. Rather frightening to think what might happen if you actually put your wealth of feminine wiles into the effort.”

“ Frightening isn’t the word I would use. I think fascinating would be a far better description.” Feeling deliciously wicked, she rubbed her breasts against his chest, inwardly smiling at his swift intake of air.

“Indeed,” he murmured, running his hands slowly up and down her bare back. “Especially now that the edge is off my ardor. I’ll last longer next time.”

“Next time? That sounds-”

“Presumptuous?” Before she could tell him that she was going to say lovely, he continued, “Yes, I know.” He settled her more firmly against him. Oh, my. It seemed as if next time could happen very soon indeed. “But I’ve wanted you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. Make no mistake, Genevieve. I want to make love to you. But I have nothing to offer you beyond the fortnight I’ll be in Little Longstone, which is something you must consider.”

His gaze searched hers for several seconds. “Tonight we were both caught up in the moment. As much as I enjoy spontaneity, I don’t act without considering the consequences of my actions. With any affair there can be repercussions. Even with discretion there can be scandal. I’ll be gone, but you’ll remain here and could face censure. And there’s always the possibility of pregnancy. As much as I want you, I don’t want you to make a decision in the heat of the moment that you’ll regret. Think about it. There can be no doubt as to what I want, but it has to be right for you as well.”

Genevieve stilled at the realization he was offering her not only himself, but a choice as well-a choice he wanted her to make with a clear mind. He was concerned enough to consider her position in Little Longstone as well as the possibility of pregnancy. And he was honest enough to let her know that should they enter into a liaison, it would only be of a temporary nature. She was very well aware that many men would neither have been so considerate nor given the situation any thought. They would have simply taken what was offered and damn the consequences, which for him would be minimal, but for her could be very costly.

There was no doubt he wanted her-the irrefutable proof was nestled against her belly. Yet he hadn’t taken her, and God knows he could have-irrefutable proof he was a decent, honorable man. She’d only been with one other man in her life, and although she’d come to love Richard, she’d become his mistress out of necessity. And desperation. Because she hadn’t had a choice, at least not one she was willing to contemplate. Now she had a choice, one she could make without her judgment being clouded by clawing, aching need.

There was a great deal to consider. She’d been able to hide her hands during this brief interlude, but the chances of her being able to do so over a fortnight were slim. Of course, as soon as he saw them, he’d no doubt reject her, which was a pain she didn’t think she could bear. Not again.

“I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Simon. And your forbearance. I shall think on the matter.” Indeed, she doubted she’d be able to think of anything else. “But now it’s time for me to return home.” She released him, slipped her hands under the water, then stepped back. His hands fell away from her and she immediately missed the feel of them on her skin. Turning her back to him, she lowered herself in the water up to her neck and quickly slipped her arms back into her chemise. After adjusting the garment, she moved onto the stone seat then stepped from the spring.