"And do you?"
Casting her eyes downward, she avoided his gaze. She rubbed her face against his palm like a puppy and closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she looked at him and said, "I do."
Alec's heart missed a beat. Was she telling him the truth? Or was she just playing with him?
He rested his forehead against hers, his hands at the nape of her neck, stroking and rubbing her flesh. He was bottled up with emotions--emotions completely unknown to Ruby; confusion mixed with frustration, love, and desire for her. He was frustrated because he didn't know whether she returned his love. He knew he should have walked away now, before the point of no return. But how could he? He was in love with the woman. He wanted her.
His fingers dug deeper into her soft, scented hair as he passionately moved his lips down to her nape, his tongue stroking her sensitive flesh.
Ruby bent her head to one side, allowing him more access. She clung onto him as he kissed her, her body melting in his embrace.
He felt it. Right down to his bones. Aye, this was the point of no return.
He lifted her up in his arms and carried her to bed, all the while kissing her passionately. Ruby wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss, her tongue now wildly playing with his.
A moment later, she landed on the soft bed with Alec's hard body on top of her. It was so weird. Somehow, it felt right that he should be there, resting on top of her, squishing her down deeper into the coziness of the bed.
Finally he stopped the kiss and withdrew. He gazed down at her, his eyes becoming a fiery grey storm.
Ruby caught her breath at the back of her throat, her heart rate increasing. She nibbled her bottom lip, keeping her eyes on his face.
"I'm going to make love to you, my sweet," he whispered softly.
Ruby lifted her head to his and whispered into his ear, "Who gives you the permission, my lord beggar?"
He grinned at her, his eyes twinkling dangerously. "You did, my lady."
Ruby cocked her head to one side. "When did I do that?"
He gently touched his fingers on her soft lips, and stroked the flesh as though she were a delicate rose petal. How beautiful she looked. How precious to him she was. And she didn't even know that.
He gently moved his fingers down from her lips to her throat, stroking, light as a feather, her soft skin.
Ruby felt butterflies in her stomach. Her insides started aching with desire. She softly groaned.
Alec heard it and glanced at her. She caught her bottom lip, trying to hide her deep arousal from his touch.
Ruby was thoroughly embarrassed. She couldn't think. All she could do was feel. That was all she wanted to do. She wanted to close her eyes and let Alec do whatever he wanted with her body. But how could she allow that to happen? He'd probably hurt her, right? She was still sore from the last time. Perhaps, if he didn't go all the way? Perhaps, that'd be all right.
Alec's fingers were now at her shirt collar. He started to expertly undo the buttons.
"Alec?"
"Aye, love?"
"You haven't answered my question."
"What question was that, love?"
Ruby was distracted when he started calling her "love." The word made her feel oddly warm and fuzzy. She cleared her throat and said, "When did I give you permission to, um, you know, make love to me?"
He looked up then and grinned at her. The glint in his eyes and the way he smiled at her really hit Ruby in just the right spot. She felt a pull from deep within her that she couldn't control. She had to grab the bed sheet to resist screaming out loud.
Alec lowered his head to hers, with his warm breath on her skin, sending sensations that thrilled her as he said, "When you kissed me back." The moment he said it, his palm slipped under her shirt and bra as he cupped her breast. Ruby caught her breath and groaned loudly.
Alec wasn't being very nice. He didn't care that she was inexperienced with all this lovemaking business. All he knew was that he intended to make her want him as much as he wanted her. All he longed for was to see her come while he was deep inside her, giving her so much pleasure that words couldn't even describe it. And that was why he didn't go gently or slow as he stroked and played with her breast.
Ruby groaned, and before she could tell him to stop, his lips were on hers, kissing her wildly and passionately.
Ruby was lost in his hot embrace and just didn't care anymore. She responded to his kisses just as wildly and passionately as he was kissing her.
Alec's hands were everywhere on her body, stroking, touching, and exploring. When he moved his head back, Ruby was breathless. She watched him take her shirt off, followed by her bra. Now, with the top half of her naked, Ruby felt a blush rising to her cheeks. She continued to watch him as he gazed at her breasts, marveling at their ample roundness. He lightly stroked her nipple, and Ruby groaned in response.
He chuckled. "You're so sensitive to my touch, my sweet."
Ruby blinked. Yes, that was completely true. And yes, she wanted more.
"I wonder if it would be the same with my mouth."
Ruby widened her eyes, and before she could stop him, his hot mouth latched on to one very aroused nipple. He sucked, licked, and played with her pebble-hard nipple, thoroughly enjoying it.
Ruby felt like a million fireworks were exploding inside her body. She couldn't stifle her groaning and moaning as he proceeded to do the same with her other nipple. Just when she thought it couldn't get much more satisfying than that, one of his hands moved lower, undoing her jeans before slipping them down her legs. Next to drop were her panties.
Now, completely naked, she didn't have time to think about being shy in front of the very hot Scottish man who began making love to her when he started stroking her private spot.
Ruby had to bite her lips to keep from screaming out. She felt her G-spot muscles tightening as he continued to stroke her breast with his tongue while, at the same time, rubbing and playing with her pearl with his other hand.
"Oh God! Alec!"
Alec stopped. "Aye, love?" he replied teasingly.
Ruby saw the twinkle in his eyes. She knew he was having a good time. Oh bloody hell. She was also having a good time. No! That was not true at all. Not one bit. She was not having a good time at all. She was having a great time. A marvelously delightful time.
He grinned when she didn't reply and used his index finger to simply close her mouth before he inserted another finger inside her. He slowly pulled it out before pushing it in again. He watched her face as his finger made sweet love to her. He enjoyed hearing her soft moans, and seeing the way she bit her lip, and restlessly bucked about under him. He loved the beads of sweats forming on her fair skin, glistening in the light. He loved the smell of her sex, the sweet juices flowing from her onto his hand as he persisted with his sweet torture.
When she couldn't control herself any longer, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
"Alec! More! More!"
"Your wish is my command, my love."
He kissed her again, pulling her even closer, his tongue delving deeper and moving wilder. A moment later, he stopped and pulled back. Ruby felt a cold breeze blowing over her. She thought he intended to stop their lovemaking and a wave of disappointment shot through her.
"Alec?" she asked hesitantly.
Grinning, he took off his shirt and threw it to one side. "I'm not going to run away, my lady," he said teasingly. Next came off his trousers, and Ruby looked away. Oh God! He was as naked as she was. The next moment, she felt him on top of her again.
"Now then, where were we?"
Ruby lost all train of thought and could not reply since his engorged, erect manhood was pressing against her. Seeing how much pleasure his finger could give her, surely his manhood would--
She shuddered with delight at the thought, and her G-spot throbbed in anticipation.
Alec seemed to know what she was thinking, and asked, "Would you
like to touch it?"
Ruby nearly stopped breathing. Before she could refuse, however, his hand took hers south, straight to his pride and joy. Her breath hitched at the back of her throat as soon as she felt his unbelievable hardness at the base.
"Stroke him. He likes it," he said softly. "Don't worry. He's a good boy. He won't bite. He will obey your orders, much like this servant of yours," he said, gesturing to himself.
Wrapping her hand firmly around the base, she felt a strange thrill rushing through her. Then she began to stroke it.
Alec groaned. When Ruby stroked faster, moving up and down, he groaned louder.
"You're good," he whispered hoarsely.
"I read up on it," she said huskily. "I'm not that ignorant."
He chuckled. "Good girl. Then would you like to show me what other skills you gained from this reading of yours?"
She cocked her head to one side, looking rather innocent. Then she smiled and squeezed his root.
"Shit!" he croaked.
Ruby continued to stroke his shaft hard and fast until Alec began to pant and couldn't restrain himself any longer. He pulled her hand away, stopping her mid-stroke.
She looked at him, her eyes asking him, why?
"If you keep going like that, my sweet, I'll soon be finished. And I can't let that happen." Then, he pulled her closer and started kissing her breast again. Ruby closed her eyes and lapped up the bliss he stirred in her.
She was floating on air as his kisses moved down to her soft stomach and then--
Ruby flashed her eyes open. She bit her lip, trying to prevent herself from screaming out loud. She managed that, but couldn't stifle the groan of ecstasy when Alec licked her juices down there.
"Alec!" she sighed gruffly, her hands digging deeper into his hair as his mouth devoured her.
Alec moved up to her face again and kissed her lip. Ruby could taste herself on him. When he stopped kissing, he said, "You're so sweet, like strawberries and cream."
It was true. She could taste the strawberries and cream on his mouth. She moved back down and kissed him. He obliged by wildly kissing her. Meanwhile, he gently spread her legs apart and slowly, but firmly inserted his eager manhood inside her hot, slick opening.
Ruby groaned her approval in his mouth. She tightened her arms around him as he drove his turgid member deeper inside her. He found his rhythm and soon afterwards, she followed. Suddenly pulling his mouth away from her, he lifted her hips up, aiming for exactly the right spot. She appreciated the effect straight away, moaning and groaning loudly, singing her pleasure with uninhibited abandon. He pumped faster and harder, penetrating deeper, watching her thrust her aroused, hot body beneath his, climbing higher and higher. He loved the way her body danced, the way she closed her eyes and just released herself, the way her hands fisted the bed sheets in knots, the way her breasts bounced, the way her hips moved, and the way her legs wrapped tightly around him.
"I'm going to come, Alec!" she panted. "Alec! I'm gonna come!"
Alec lowered his body to thrust in harder, deeper, and faster. "Come, sweetheart!"
Ruby arched her back, her hands now braced on Alec's shoulders for support. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut as she felt her G-spot tightening; the muscles all tensing with anticipation. Alec pushed in deeper, pulling her toward him, feeling all of her. She felt tight against him, his root buried deep inside her. He moved his head back to watch her as she came. She looked so beautiful: sweat beading on her forehead, eyes bright, lips red, and cheeks the perfect shade of light rose. She was panting, and her breasts heaved with exertion. Yes, she was so beautiful, he was sure he'd never forget it.
Ruby felt like her whole world had just burst with a riot of bright colors, the likes of which she had never known before. She looked at the man above her, and watched him as he came. Oh God! He looked amazingly sexy when he came. All sweaty and hot.
When Alec opened his eyes and his body relaxed, he immediately kissed her, and again, his hands went everywhere on her.
"Aren't you going to rest?" she asked.
"What for?"
"Aren't you tired?"
He chuckled. "Never.
"Oh," she replied with a grin, closing her eyes as he continued to kiss her again.
*
NINETEEN
Alec watched Ruby open her eyes and stretch her body. She seemed content as she lay there beside him, looking out the window, a pretty smile playing on her lips.
"Good morning," he said.
Ruby turned in surprise. She had momentarily forgotten that he was in bed beside her. The instant she saw him, and the way he was looking at her, the memories of last night rushed back, causing her to blush while her insides shuddered deliciously. She licked her lips and said, "Good morning."
Alec gazed at the glistening lips, and his groin stirred with pleasure. Without thinking, he moved toward her and locked his lips on hers. When he lay his head back, he asked, "I didn't hurt you last night, my lady?"
Ruby's blush intensified as she shook her head. Alec stroked the back of his fingers over her cheek and kissed her forehead.
"Any plans for today?" he asked.
Ruby shook her head. Suddenly feeling shy, she was embarrassed by what happened last night, and quickly moved out of his arms while planting her feet on the floor. She got up before she realized she was naked.
"Shit!" she muttered under her breath while quickly covering herself with the bed sheet.
Alec laughed, grabbing her wrist as he pulled her back.
"No need to be shy, my little nymph," he said.
She wrestled her wrist free. "I think one night with you is enough, Master Hasting."
"Not enough for me," he replied seriously. "Now be a good girl and come back here. Let the master kiss you until he's satisfied."
She pulled a face at him. "Not a chance, my good sir. Now this not-so-good girl needs a shower." She wrapped the sheet more securely about her person, turned on her heels, and marched to the bathroom.
Alec watched her go, a sly smile on his face. Not-so-good girl, eh?
Ruby shut the door, leaned her head against it, closed her eyes, and sighed. Oh God! She couldn't believe it! She had sex last night. Her first real sex ever! And with none other than her hot, Scottish captor.
She walked over to the mirror and stared--really examining herself.
Somehow, she looked and felt different. There was a glow about her that she couldn't quite put her finger on. She noticed a bright spark in her eyes that made them shine like they never did before. She gently touched her fingers to her lips, remembering the way Alec kissed her, and tasted her, and how she tasted him, how he smelled and how hot he felt against her skin.
Growing pleasure erupted from inside her. God! She had to stop thinking about it this instant. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to get through the day. She rushed into the shower, trying to forget about it. But as she washed, she couldn't resist thinking about Alec and last night, arousing her body all the more. Once she finished and wrapped herself in a bathrobe, she wondered if she should go back out or wait until Alec left. She nibbled on her lower lip, pondering what to do.
That dilemma was taken out of her hands when she heard Alec say from the other side, "Save some hot water for me, darling." Then she heard him chuckle.
Darling, her backside! She jumped to her feet and headed out the door. Ignoring his intense gaze, she dashed into the wardrobe to find her clothes. Once she had all her stuff, she said, as she walked past him, "Plenty of hot water left, my lord."
Returning to the bathroom, she quickly put on her clothes, added a little makeup to brighten up her face, and went back out again.
"So you finally decided to return, huh?" he teased.
Ruby folded her arms across her chest, and without saying anything, strolled out the door. Alec leaped off the bed and rushed after her. He caught her from behind before she reached the door.
"Alec!" she exclaimed.
With his arms around
her and his face snuggled on her nape, he said, "The master demands a kiss."
Ruby bit her lip and tried not to show how excited she was at the prospect of him kissing her again. She tempered her excitement by giving him a good glare and a grunt. "No."
"Such a meanie," he said. "But this master is going to get it anyway." That said, he kissed her, smack on the cheek.
Ruby shoved him away and slapped his arm. "Stupid lout!" she grumbled under her breath before rushing out the door.
Alec grinned, visibly enjoying the playful courting.
Ruby was still grinning like an idiot when she reached the dining room. She spotted Brian, alone, sipping coffee, and reading the newspaper.
"Good morning," she greeted him as she came through the door.
Brian looked up. "Good morning."
Ruby sat down and helped herself to the toast and tea.
"How did you sleep?" Brian asked.
Ruby looked up and saw Brian searching her face. "Oh, yeah. Pretty good. How about you?"
He folded up the newspaper as he said, "Okay. Would you like to come for a stroll with me after you finish breakfast?"
Ruby nodded. He lapsed into silence as she ate her breakfast. Sometime later, as they were strolling along the bank of the pond, Brian said, "Susan doesn't look happy. I need your help."
Ruby turned her gaze from the beautiful scenery surrounding them to look at Brian. "Oh? What's wrong with her?"
"I don't know, and this may sound a bit odd. Ruby, but I really need your help."
Ruby cocked her head to one side. "My help?"
Brian nodded. "Would you ask her what's going on?"
Ruby licked her lips. "Perhaps it is you, Brian? Perhaps it is you she seems so worried about?" Ruby suggested.
Brian looked at her seriously for a moment. "What do you mean?"
Ruby didn't know how she should go about explaining it. Did he not realize that Susan was doing everything she could imagine to get him back? And that she still loved him? That was why she, Ruby, was here, right? That was why--
She closed her eyes as she pondered that thought. Yes, it was because of Alec and Susan. Because Alec was willing to do whatever his sister wanted. That was the only reason why Ruby was there in the first place. The reality of it all didn't sit well with her, and she felt her stomach churn sickeningly. But what about last night? Was it real? How did it fit in with everything? A tiny seed of doubt started to grow in her mind. Alec said he loved her last night. Was that true? Or--?