Ella's Pleasure

Ella’s Pleasure

Twelve Dancing Princesses Book Seven

Christine Young

Published by Rogue Phoenix Press, LLP for Smashwords

Copyright © 2018

ISBN: 978-1-62420-393-0

Electronic rights reserved by Rogue Phoenix Press, LLP. The reproduction or other use of any part of this publication without the prior written consent of the rights holder is an infringement of the copyright law. This is a work of fiction. People and locations, even those with real names, have been fictionalized for the purposes of this story.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Chapter One

London 1820

Where have you been? Ella asked wondering why over a week had passed since she’d received an invitation from Drake Montgomerie. By the end of the first week, she’d been sure he didn’t mean to call on her, and she fell into a slow slide to despair.

Drake closed his expression, his eyes shuttering. Business. His curt tone sent a moment’s foreboding Ella’s way and a shiver down her spine.

She didn’t expect accountability from him, they barely knew each other, but she hadn’t thought to be on the wrong end of his dark disposition either. With trepidation she watched the shadow dance across his face. My apologies. I suppose my curiosity bettered my common sense. I have a tendency to do that.

I was away. Just business as usual, didn’t know I needed to keep you informed of my whereabouts. The dark expression lingered while he seemed to remain deep in thought.

Well, this evening had certainly started in a bad way. She hadn’t improved the situation and she’d apologized. Of course you don’t. She turned away from his slanted gaze, wilting inside.

Touching her chin, he turned her face so she looked into steel hard eyes. Rest assured I sent the invitation because I sought your company and to get to know you better.

His touch upon her skin sent a wave of shimmering heat spiraling inside. She cleared her throat, wishing she had a reply. Several tense seconds passed before she said, I fancied your company too. Yet she knew he came because his father wanted him to wed and beget an heir.

The boat sailing across the Thames docked. They’d chosen the water route over the walkway across the river. Drake jumped from the boat before offering her a hand to help her from the vessel.

Vauxhall garden in all its glory stood in front of them. He bent over and whispered close to her ear, sending another shiver of heat through her. Should we wait for my men and The Duchess? he asked, slanting her a quick heart warming smile and an endearing wink.

With those words, Ella’s mood lightened and it seemed the clouds parted and the sun shone brighter. Of course not, she skipped down the pathway, her head turned slightly so she could see behind her. Why make chaperoning easy?

A roar of laughter and a few long strides brought Drake to her side. You, my dear, are a breath of fresh air. Why should we indeed?

An hour remained before dusk, but the gaslights along the walkways lit the grounds. Walking in silence, Ella held onto his arm, thinking about Drake and her rapidly escalating feelings for him. She really did want to know where he’d gone, what kind of business he engaged in. He didn’t seem to talk about his work and made it clear with one foreboding look he didn’t want her to know anything except what he deemed acceptable to share.

Amorica, her sister had fallen in love with a smuggler and had a difficult time convincing herself Damian Andrews had not killed their mother. A smuggler had, but that didn’t mean Damian was the type of man who would murder an innocent woman. Which brought her attention back to Drake’s business.

She didn’t have any qualms that she knew of but Drake’s reactions to her both physically and verbally had her imagination thrumming with possibilities. Drake looked over his shoulder and seemed to sigh.

Did your men catch up to us? I really hoped they wouldn’t, at least not this soon. The Duchess did not mean to give them privacy and she admitted to herself that might be a good thing. She wasn’t like Fayth. Her ruin and no marriage was not what she fancied for herself. No, falling in love and making a home with the man who captured her heart was what she wanted and desired.

They did, he said, as well as The Duchess. We didn’t do a very good job of eluding our chaperones.

While you were away on business, I tried to lose the bodyguards. Ella hated when they followed. Their constant appearance behind her gave her goosebumps and set her nerves on edge.

He let out a bellow of laughter. Were you successful?

When he asked she felt the muscles in his arms flex and his fist tightened. Anger seemed to fill his soul, even though on the surface he laughed. Why would he care if his men went everywhere she did; but she remembered Fayth and the man who attacked her in front of the dress shop. She recalled Abbot Rushley who had threatened her. No, never.

I’m glad to hear that. He stopped. Look at me. He waited until she turned. You must never be out of their sight unless you’re with me. I don’t want to come back from business and find you’ve vanished like your cousin did.

Feeling like a petulant child, she let out a frustrated breath of air. I understand but I don’t like their constant presence.

We have no choice in this matter. Until Rushley shows his hand, I can’t risk your life. Once again his voice turned hard, his eyes dark and brooding. Rushley was responsible for the death of his cousin, having slept with her until she was with child, only to abandon her when he discovered the truth. His cousin took her life. He despised the man for all the lies he propagated to get what he wanted. Do I make myself clear?

It seemed he meant to put a constant damper on this evening, but she intended to change the melancholy hanging over them. You know I do. Let’s think about more pleasant things.

They stopped in front of a lake; musicians played and a juggling act performed down the trail. Close by it appeared that a troupe of actors was planning a performance as a stage and props were assembled.

Should we sit? Without waiting for a reply, he set the basket down and spread out a blanket before turning to give a nod to his men, who formed a semicircle around him and stood with feet planted firmly apart, staring at them.

Her body shuddered at the site of her bodyguards. Yes, are you hungry? Her stomach rolled with nervous jitters and she didn’t think she could eat a thing, but she could pretend.

Famished, are you? Drake opened the lid and sifted through its contents. We have an assortment of cheese and meat as well as a loaf of bread. And, a bottle of red wine.

No, not very. I’d like a glass of wine though.

Absolutely, what is a picnic without wine? He uncorked the bottle then pulled out two glasses, filling them. Handing her a glass and holding his in the air, To our first outing.

Yes, to our first real outing, she repeated, praying she wouldn’t do something foolish or impetuous that it would make this adventure their last.

Have you ever been here, Vauxhall Garden? Drake asked. One arm rested on a knee as he sipped his wine and popped a morsel of cheese into his mouth. He held one out to her, but she didn’t accept.

No, I haven’t but then you would have guessed that. She felt the gentle warmth of the wine as the liquid pooled in her stomach. With another sip, an easiness surrounded her. Perhaps this adventure would result in a happy ending.

Why? he queried before pouring her another glass, his gaze riveted on her lips, unraveling her one tiny strand at a time. She couldn’t help running her tongue across them.

I believe I told you this is the first invitation I’ve accepted since I’ve been in London, since we went for a ride in Hyde Park. Her cheeks seemed to warm as she felt the gentle slide of his fingers across hers.

I forgot. My mind must have been somewhere else. He picked up her hand, weaving his fingers with hers, the sensation mercuric and evocative.

Ella’s pulse raced and she closed her eyes trying to make sense of the heat his simple gesture sent through her. Wishing to take her mind off Drake, she pointed. Look, they are starting the play. What do you think it’s about?

When she turned to look at him, his grin seemed to fill her heart. We’ll have to watch and see. He brought her hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the back while his thumb lazily circled her wrist.

Good lord, with just that simple touch she nearly swooned.

The play began with ribald gests, which had the audience roaring with laughter. She heard Drake chuckle once in a while then he’d look at her, concern etched in his rugged features. Would you like to move somewhere else?

With her free hand, she rubbed the back of her neck. No, this is fine as long as you are enjoying it.

I want this to be about you, he told her, bending close to her ear. His heated whisper sent a golden warmth to parts of her she’d never known could react to a simple breath of air.

They are funny, it’s just...

Does my touch bother you? He brought his hand to the back of her neck and massaged the muscles there. You’re tense. Is it something I did? I hope not. His strong fingers seemed to touch every nerve.

Not bother but... I have no words. Having never thought about such things, she had no idea a man’s touch could evoke feelings such as the ones she experienced now. Wishing to feel everything to the center of her core, she closed her eyes, absorbing his touch into her.

He chuckled, letting go of her hand and bringing both hands to ease the tenseness in her back and shoulder, his touch mercuric. Working magic, she rotated her neck before leaning into his caress.

How do you do that? Ella held her breath for a few seconds, reveling in the heated feelings his strong hands evoked.

Do what? he bent close to her ear once more, and she felt his tongue glide slowly across the pink shell.

Drake. Her voice quivered while she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Do you like this? He bit gently on the lobe while his fingers wove another different type of enchantment.

It’s heaven. I’ve... his thumbs circled and massaged at the base of her neck, leaving nothing untouched.

You’ve... he prompted then placed a soft kiss at the same spot. What is it? Tell me. He seemed to command.

I don’t know if our chaperones will allow something like this, like what you’re doing. She leaned into him, her body begging for more. But don’t stop unless you have to.

I’m sure The Duchess will let us know if we are doing anything not appropriate. He ran his warm tongue along her neck then nibbled his way back down.

A tiny moan slipped from her throat. What are you doing to me? I’m a mindless puddle. I don’t think I can move. She closed her eyes, waiting for him to kiss her again.

His voice was silk and so smooth she knew he seduced her but she also meant to enjoy every enchanting magical touch and each gentle nuance of this massage. Memories she could hold onto while he left on business and while she never knew if he’d send another invitation.

I’m making sure that while I’m away you don’t accept an invitation from anyone else. He continued, kneading her arms then back to her neck and shoulders and back down her arms.

Are you leaving again? So soon? Disappointment at his words ripped through her. Do you have to?

Not tomorrow or the next day, but soon I imagine. I expect a summons in the next couple of days. She started to turn but he held her still. Don’t ask questions I can’t answer. Please, he told her. Once more his lips burned her flesh where they gently touched.

Stop that. The Duchess, beat her cane on Drake’s back. He whirled, grabbing the cane in a swift move.

Auntie?

Duchess, Drake said letting go of the cane, his eyes changing from the slow burn of anger Ella thought she saw to sparkle of something that looked strangely of approval.

You may be the heir apparent, but you take too many liberties, Mr. Montgomerie, The Duchess said. Be forewarned I take my role in Ella’s life seriously. You will not bed my ward unless you put a ring on her finger. Now behave yourself. You know she’s innocent. She’s no worldly ways to speak of.

Yes, ma’am, he said, his tone contrite yet he still grinned. Ella is so beautiful I forgot myself. It won’t happen again.

See that it doesn’t. The Duchess turned and marched to a place behind them, sitting down on a blanket next to Scarlett her companion. As Ella watched she saw her auntie pour herself a glass of wine and sit back with a huge smile plastered on her face as if she watched a show.

What was that all about? Ella turned to Drake, confused at the performance her aunt had just made and the picture of contentedness that replaced the harsh words just uttered.

Drake chuckled softly, If my instincts are correct, I’ve just been chastised as if I was a small child, but by the look on your aunt’s face, she approves of me. Next time I want to seduce you, we must make sure there is more privacy and your aunt is nowhere to be found.

You think she approves of you? I hope so because I like you a lot. Actually, she felt more than like if she were honest with herself, she was already half in love with Drake Montgomerie, notorious rake and womanizer. Fayth had told her the Duke wanted his son to marry. Perhaps that was all she was, a way to appease his father.

Is that all you feel? Like? He settled her against his chest. I’m going to have to do something to change that.

For now, she lied to him, but it was a falsehood meant to protect her heart. She vowed she’d never tell him she loved him until she knew for sure how he felt and she heard the words from him first.

More wine? he asked, pouring her another glass before she could reply.

I’ve probably had too much already. Relaxing into Drake, she let her head fall against his chest. A girl could get used to this.

Just enjoy. I promise I won’t do anything you don’t like, and The Duchess won’t let me do anything she doesn’t deem appropriate.

Even then, his hand found hers. He picked it up, bringing her fingers to his lips, kissing each one then running his tongue between them. After exploring her hand, he turned it over and kissed the palm before gently biting the base.

Ella had closed her eyes, imaging what it would feel like to have him kiss her lips. Another moan slipped from her lips. He was seducing her, she was sure, and she also knew her auntie would not be able to see his actions. He’d artfully placed her in a position where at least that one hand could not be seen.

You are very clever, she told him. Would you like it if I touched you in the same way?

He stiffened against her back. She heard the masculine groan and smiled inwardly, sure she had her answer. Be careful what you do. I’m not sure, chaperone or no chaperone, I could resist your touch.

What is that supposed to mean? Her hand still held within his strong embrace, his teeth nibbled the tip of each finger. With her other hand, she waved a cooling breeze across her face.

The time will come when you will discover just what your touch does to my body. He set her hand upon his cheek. The stubble of a day’s growth sent another salvo of warmth inside, and her body clenched and unclenched, pulsing with a need she didn’t understand.

I would like to learn about your body, she murmured, letting her fantasies runaway with her thoughts.

The players had turned more ribald than before, catching her attention. Drake put his hands on her ears. I’m not sure you should hear what they are saying. Do they embarrass you?

Glad for the slight respite from his attention and not understanding what he wanted from her in return, she laughed. I’ve heard those words before.

Where? he asked, turning her to face him.

She looked into his beautiful eyes and the concern so clearly etched in his features. Men use that language all of the time. You know we work in the stables and around men. We tend to the sick in the village and even bring meals to the needy. One does not live without hearing men speak their natural language.

So, he ran his finger from her earlobe to her chin, you have not led a sheltered life.

In some ways yes and other ways no. She remembered when Guy, Hunter’s half-brother, visited the McLellan castle. They all used foul language. They were disgusting and made her skin crawl.

It was Drake’s turn to look a bit perplexed. I’m not sure I expected that answer. You were supposed to be sheltered and innocent.

Fuck, she said in a whisper, is truly an ugly word. I don’t like it, but it doesn’t mean I haven’t heard it used."

What makes it ugly? he brushed his lips on hers. I hope The Duchess didn’t see that.

Before she could reply or form the words into the right phrases to explain her feelings, one actor made lewd gestures to another then in a loud voice he said, She was a really good fuck.

For a moment, her heart fluttered and she knew what she would say. Fuck, she told him, is meaningless to anyone but a man. The word has no feelings and no emotions tied to it. Fuck is an act. I’m not saying only men can have a good fuck. I’m sure there are women who can say the same, but I wouldn’t know. In that way I was protected and perhaps remained an innocent.

He let out a roar of laughter. Very astute.

I’m not done, she told him with a smug smile, needing to prove to him she wasn’t totally naive. I’ve heard other words or phrases used by men to describe relationships.

Have you now.

She wasn’t sure if that was question or a statement. Yes, I’ve listened to my father’s men. Sometimes they didn’t know I was close by.

You are far too curious. He picked up a piece of her hair that had fallen lose. So soft, silken fire, he murmured. What have you heard? Tell me, I’m intrigued and curious.

Many not quite so rude have said they’ve had sex with a woman.

And what do you think about that phrase, my petite?

Well, ‘have sex’ denotes some feelings maybe an emotion or two. I think the pair might know and like each other. Perhaps a phrase used between a mistress and her keeper. At least a certain fondness might exist between the couple.

I agree when a man and a woman have sex they like each other, and they might even reach a point of love. He seemed to study her, and she wondered what he was thinking because his eyes appeared to sparkle with humor.

So, you’ve had sex, it seems. Covering her mouth, she wished she’d not said that knowing his lovers were none of her business, but her curiosity seemed to speak for her.

His smile told her everything she needed to know. I will try to be honest with you in everything possible even though my past is none of your concern, only the present and perhaps the future.

You don’t have to answer, truly. I was just curious. But she wanted to know everything about him. She couldn’t say why, but she suddenly found herself jealous because she knew his answer would be yes.

Ella, I’m twenty-six years. I haven’t been celibate since my father took me to a sweet lady who was paid to teach me about sex, and she was very good. So, yes, I can truly say I’ve had sex.

Her face heated. You didn’t have to tell me. I believe I’m a bit jealous.

He laughed again, his laughter emanating from deep inside. Only a bit jealous? I’d hoped for more.

The breath she held caught in her throat. I dinna fathom why you’d want me to be jealous of your lovers.