The Duchess’ Replacement (Unrelenting Lords #2)

Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

C harles took a deep breath to steady his racing heart as he entered his study.

When he saw the dim light shining from the open door to his mother’s study he sprinted to it. He was foolish to think Sarah wouldn’t eventually wonder around the house. The girl had a way of doing the exact opposite of what he wanted her to do.

Why couldn’t she just see the gift their arranged marriage was and just be an obedient wife?

Charles stormed directly to his desk where he left a tumbler of whiskey while he was working on some trade deals earlier.

He threw back the drink, letting the trail of fire settle him. The air in the room shifted when Sarah crossed the threshold into his office. He could feel the anxiety radiating from her. Her quick little breaths called out to him.

His jaw ticked as he turned to face his wife.

“What were you doing in there, Sarah?”

Red flags colored Sarah’s cheeks as her big round eyes dropped to the floor.

Charles swallowed and placed the tumbler carefully back onto his desk. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves. Cracking his neck he took a step towards Sarah.

“What were you doing in there?” He asked again, as if he were speaking to a child. If she took offense, she didn’t show it.

Sarah’s eyes drifted up and met his. “I was just looking-” Her voice was soft and weak. The fearless hellion who stormed into his house all those weeks ago was no where to be found. He felt a strange sinking feeling at the thought but quickly brushed it off, letting his anger take charge of this moment.

“Who gave you permission to look in those rooms?” His words cut her off.

Sarah rose her chin. “You did.”

Charles reared back in confusion. “I did no such thing!” He countered.

Sarah pulled her shoulders back and smiled as she took a step forward, matching his stance.

“You did when you married me.”

Charles’s eyes narrowed. He had to take a breath to remind himself he was angry with her. But that flash of fight in her flipped a switch within him. He knew she was smart. He didn’t know if he wanted to praise or punish her for her sharp tongue.

Sarah’s eyes were now alight with fire.

Ah. There’s the fearless woman I met.

“I am the Duchess now and by the looks of those rooms they are a part of the Duchess’s wing, are they not?” Her bore into his. “Someone told me a Duchess is in charge of her home, therefore I am in charge of those rooms.”

Triumph and victory shone brightly in her eyes making them sparkle.

Admiration warred with stubbornness within Charles. He wasn’t used to being questioned, let alone being questioned by a woman. He couldn’t decide if he liked it or not.

Charles raised an eye brow. “You may be the Duchess but I am the Duke. If you want your own study or library I’m sure we can make arrangements elsewhere.”

Sarah grimaced. “You make it sound as if I am diseased. What is so special about those rooms?”

Charles made it a point to have his eyes rake over his new bride. There was nothing ill about her. Strength and poise pulsed from her. Blonde hair and alabaster skin shone in the streak of sunlight streaming through the window. No. There was definitely nothing diseased about this woman in front of him.

Sarah ignored his prying eyes. “I assure you, Your Grace. I am as healthy as a horse and I will not contaminate your precious rooms with my presence.” Sarah snorted. “You act as if they are a part of a mausoleum. I assume they were your mother’s?”

The world slowed around him at the mention of his mother. His eyes focused on Sarah while everything else melted away from his vision. Her voice became muffled in his head, as if the waves from the ocean were locked inside his mind.

“Do not speak of my mother.” He enunciated each word with cutting precision.

Color drained from Sarah’s face. “What… why…”

Sarah stumbled over her words. The look of terror and confusion mixed in her expression creating anxiety to flow from her once more.

“You are never to speak of my mother or any one of my family members, do you hear me?” Charles could barely get the words out over the lump in throat. He turned his body away from Sarah as a buzzing sound started in his head. The blasted nuisance happened when he became too stressed or angry. Usually his brother Eli caused it, but, luckily enough for Charles, he had to go and marry a woman who elicited this response from his as well.

Wonderful.

His heart began to beat faster and his hands tightened into fists. Normally, focusing on his breathing helped center him. Unfortunately, there was something about finding Sarah in his mother’s rooms followed by Sarah mentioning him that was too much for him.

Images of his mother crying into her paints swirled around in his mind. Those pictures then morphed into people snickering and turning their back on him as he walked the streets when he was younger.

His teeth began to mash together.

A soft touch on one of his arms brought him back to reality.

Looking down, Charles saw Sarah had reached out to him without him noticing. Her soft touch was timid but enough to ground him. She immediately snatched her hand back when he brought his eyes to look into hers.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. I didn’t realize those rooms meant so much to you.”

She held the hand that had touched him with her other hand, nursing it as if it was burned. “While I would love to one day have the freedom to live in this house as if it were my own, I understand our arrangement is new and time will be needed on both sides to become acclimated to our predicament.”

Her voice was gentle. She was treating him as if he were a cornered animal, which was exactly how he felt.

He was a man who liked control, and by losing his mind to his memories he unwillingly allowed her to step into power. Charles scowled. Letting his guard down around people was something Charles never let happen.

His eyes narrowed. Well, it used to be never. Now he let one person see him unguarded and he couldn’t have that. Charles’s neck began to tingle with tension. He needed to reclaim his control of the situation.

Charles tilted his head as he took in his new wife. She was definitely more adventurous than he would have liked. However, maybe he could use that to his benefit.

Relaxing his shoulders, Charles shifted so he stood over her. Sarah’s eyes tracked the changes in Charles’s demeanor and took a step back.

Good.

Charles rubbed his chin with his hand, letting his finger trace his own mouth.

“You realize you did break another rule of mine and therefore you are in need of another punishment.”

Sarah’s eyes followed the movement of his fingers. A gasp escaped her perfectly plump mouth when she caught herself staring. Her cheeks reddened. “What rule did I break this time? I didn’t bother you. If I remember correctly you sought me out.”

Her hand came up to grasp the neckline of her dress, her fingers played with the lace collar. She looked like she didn’t know if she wanted to tear her dress off or try to keep it on.

Her confusion powered his intentions.

The heavy tension that was just hanging over them was replaced with a new sensually charged atmosphere. Charles took in a deep cleansing breath. He much rather have this environment to work in than the previous one.

Charles tsked. “I caught you not only snooping, but within this very conversation you brought up a family member of mine. I distinctly remember telling you not to inquire about my family.”

Sarah snapped her mouth shut and licked her lips. An action that had him licking his own.

Sarah crossed her arms over her chest in the most delicious display of defiance. “I barely inquired. I asked about one set of rooms, it’s not like I asked what your favorite childhood memory of her was.” Sarah’s lips thinned into a tight line as she grimaced.

“And,” she continued. “I refuse to apologize for looking into rooms that are a part of my household.” She pushed her lips out in a pout.

Charles rolled his lips to stop from smiling. She was gorgeous when she was angry. If he could bottle up her subversiveness into a bottle, he would drink from it daily. It unleashed something within him that he has had locked away for far too long.

“May I remind you that it doesn’t matter if you apologize or not, the truth of the matter is that it was a part of our agreement that you adhere to the list of rules I set forth in the inn and if, and when, you break a rule you are to be punished.’

Sarah took a step towards him so they stood toe to toe.

“And may I remind you that these rules were not established before we were married so I could not enter in any objections or even offer up my own rules for consideration.”

Charles smiled at her cheeky little rant then sauntered to the study door and turned the lock. He faced Sarah with a devilish smirk on his face.

“What in my constitution gives you the idea that I would not only allow my wife to offer her own set of rules, but that I would agree to them?”

Sarah stood speechless. Her mouth opened and closed without a single word coming forth.

He began to walk towards her with slow, purposeful steps. Her breaths came out in fast huffs as he stalked back to stand in front of her.

He lifted a finger and traced her mouth. Sarah’s eyes fluttered shut. A shot of heat exploded from his fingertip up into his arm and straight down to his cock. She was so responsive to him.

Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip.

Charles leaned in and laid a gentle kiss on the corner of her mouth. He moved his lips across her cheek until his warm breath hit her ear, causing her to quiver beneath him.

A smile spread across his lips as he spoke, “You are my wife and you will do as I say. Not the other way around.”

Sarah’s eyes flew open. Lust colored her eyes as she focused on him.

“What in my constitution gives you the idea that I would just give in to you so easily?”

Charles’s eyes darkened. A growl ripped through him as he reached out and crushed himself to her, taking her lips in an all consuming kiss.

Instead of pushing him away Sarah’s arms encircled his neck and pulled him even closer.

The familiarity of their tongues fighting for control was a welcomed feeling that Charles tucked away to examine later.

Soft grunts and moans rumbled into his mouth from hers causing Charles to pull away from Sarah.

“I think I have my answer, my darling.”

Sarah’s buzzing lips quelled the anger bubbling deep within her stomach. She wanted to lash out and fight him and his patriarchal ways. Unfortunately for Sarah’s disposition, there was something deeper, something more urgent, that was guiding her instincts to give into this man.

The bruising kiss did nothing to elicit the anger she needed to stand her ground. Instead, it ignited a firestorm of electricity to course through her veins looking for a way out.

Charles’s arms became slack around her waist as he pulled away from their embrace. Sarah’s primal instincts kicked in. She was angry, she was excited, she was confused, she was ready to show this man who he was playing with.

Before Charles could claim his victory she tightened her hold on his hair and pulled herself up to him. This time the shocked gasp came from Charles.

Victory roared through her blood and her hands cramped from grasping his hair so tightly. Surely this must hurt him but instead of howling in pain Charles reclaimed his hold on her.

His hands cupped her rear and picked her up. This was no gentle maneuver. His hands grabbed her bottom so roughly Sarah knew that bruises would form. The thought had her stomach swirling with anticipation. She should be shocked, instead, she was motivated.

She relaxed her hands only to grab ahold tighter. With each grasp, Charles’s tongue thrashed in her mouth. Growls ripped from him as he carried her to his desk where he sat her down.

Her legs were tightly wound around him and she could feel his hardened length against her stomach.

She whimpered. She adjusted her body, needing more of him. She needed to feel him everywhere but in one place most particular.

Charles’s mouth trailed down her neck, leaving a line of fire in his wake. Sarah never felt so much passion in her life. She felt as if an inferno was churning within, fire radiated from her fingertips with every touch she placed on his skin.

With one hand still entwined in his hair, her other one reached down to her own collar, and pulled on it.

She could feel his smile against her neck. “So anxious for our punishment, are we?”

“Shut up and kiss me.” Her breathless cry did nothing to motivate Charles to the next step.

He casually stood up and looked down at her.

Sarah opened her eyes. “What are you waiting for? I thought I needed to be punished.”

There was a part of her brain that was calling out for decorum. Unfortunately for her gentle upbringing, this part of her brain was decreasing the longer she was in his presence. She no longer cared who was in control, who had the upper hand, or who made the rules.

Something far older than her was telling her to let this man do what he will with her. This ancient voice told her this man was the secret to getting everything she ever wanted.

A wicked grin widened Charles’s lips.

“Oh, my fearless darling, you will be punished.”

Sarah’s pulse quickened and she had the good sense to be scared. She pulled her hands back and held them to her breast.

Charles noted the change in her demeanor. “Yes, my darling. You should be scared.” His voice dripping in seduction.

His hands reached down and gathered her skirts but he didn’t remove them, only pushed them up so he could reach a hand underneath.

Sarah’s back stiffened. Her cheeks flushed when he touched the most sensitive place on her body. Some of her stories mentioned men touching women there and she’s heard a few racy details from friends of hers, but she was never told about the absolute explosion one tiny touch could wreak on her body.

The tip of his finger touched her and her back arched as her head fell back. Her hands fell to the sides of her.

“You’re so wet for me.” Charles’s voice was like velvet settling over her skin.

He leaned down and covered her neck with hot open-mouthed kisses as his finger began to swirl around her.

A hand of Sarah’s gripped the desk while the other one reached up and grabbed Charles’s hair. Her hips added to the friction under her skirts by rising and falling against his ministrations. Warmth spread over her body.

Sarah mewled. Her collar was too tight, her clothing too restrictive, she needed more freedom to move against him. Blasted clothing!

She shifted her body to expel some of the growing tension deep within her core but it only added to the growing inferno within her.

She squeezed her eyes tighter, focusing all her attention to the circular motion of Charles’s finger. With each swirl, the fire grew and grew to the point Sarah was sure she was going to explode into tiny pieces.

Something was coming, her breath quickened. Moans escaped in between gasps for air.

“Yes!” She screamed. Whatever was coming she wanted it.

Charles removed his hand and the building sensation immediately stopped. Sarah to open her eyes in confusion.

“What…” she panted. “Why… why did you… stop?”

Charles brought his hand out from underneath her skirts. Slowly he brought his finger up to her mouth and coated her lips with her own wetness.

Horrified, Sarah leaned back. “What are you-”

Her question was stopped by his mouth. Instead of the attacking kiss she was used to, he was gentle. His tongue carefully licked hers, tasting her. He pulled away just enough to slip his tongue out from their mouths and lick her swollen lips.

“Mmmm.” His growl called to that ancient voice in her head. “You taste delicious.”

Sarah was enraptured in his movements. Everything this man did surprised her, for good or bad. Only, Sarah was so lost in her emotions she didn’t know which one this particular moment fell under.

Charles moved his hand back under her skirts and found her spot again.

Before Sarah could question what he was doing the familiar and intoxicating warmth started to build within her.

She looked up to find Charles watching her intently. She felt completely exposed under his stare.

“Don’t be embarrassed, darling. Chase that feeling again. Let it happen.”

Sarah relaxed under his touch.

His finger picked up where it left off, gently massaging her, except this time he added tiny flicks and tugs that caused her breath to catch in her throat each time he did them. The juxtaposition between the gentle massage and aggressive flicks were becoming too much for her to bear.

The fire within her was sufficiently restored and gaining momentum.

“That’s it,” his voice cooed in her ear.

The hand that was in his hair tightened and pulled his face into her neck, holding him there.

His hand moved faster, and she could feel the puffs of hot air he breathed against her neck. He seemed just as excited as she was.

She was afraid to move, she didn’t want the building sensation to cease. She was so close, to what, she wasn’t sure, but the voice in her head implored her to go further, for him to go faster, to reach whatever apex he was hurtling her towards.

Her hips began to move again, her moans returned. Charles kissed her neck, his tongue lapping up the sweat that began to roll down her face and neck.

She pushed her hips up into his hand, only his hand wasn’t there.

A scream ripped from her throat. “NO!”

If it wasn’t for the arm that he was leaning on she would’ve fallen back onto his desk.

“Why must you stop?”

Her legs were shaking from the release that never came. It felt as if her body was thrown from a moving carriage. She couldn’t catch her breath and felt as if she had lost something sacred.

Charles removed his hand and this time sucked his finger slowly into his mouth.

Sarah’s head buzzed and her vision blurred.

“I stopped because this is your punishment.” Charles offered easily.

“What?’ Sarah’s own voice sounded miles away from her.

“Oh, my darling, Sarah. Don’t you know, you have to earn your pleasure?”

His fingers returned to her sensitive sex causing her to jerk in his arms. His finger made lazy trails around her center, onto her thighs, and back. Each time causing her muscles to spasm when he finally hit her most sensitive spot.

His fingers continued their aimless wandering around her. Her body slumped against his, unable to hold herself up anymore. Her body was too focused on finding that peak again to worry itself on how to keep her upright.

Her face nuzzled into his neck as she whimpered. “Please, Charles.”

She felt him smile.

His finger trailed back to her sweet spot causing her to moan against him. She sucked in a breath as he began to move his finger in the most delicious way.

There was a small part of her mind that was cautioning her to go slowly, that he might pull away again, but her body wouldn’t hear of it.

Heat pulled at her, her hips began to piston against his hand. Moans and pleas fell from her lips. She reached a hand around her body to grab ahold of his neck as she screamed into him.

So close, she was so close.

“Faster,” she begged.

Her body prepared to launch itself over the edge when his finger disappeared.

She froze. Her eyes opened as the realization began to sink in that he once again stopped her from experiencing what she so desperately needed.

Sarah blinked and lifted her eyes to meet Charles, who was currently looking quite pleased with himself.

He pulled her up to a standing position and smoothed out her skirts. Charles slipped her arm in his and with unsteady steps she allowed him to walk her to the door.

Her mind was desperately trying to catch up to the abrupt change. She turned her head to look back to his desk. That actually happened, didn’t it?

Papers were crinkled and ripped, there was evidence of her sitting there.

She looked back to him for some clarity.

“What is happening?” Her voice was breathy and puzzled.

“You are going to retire to your room to think about your actions and your resulting punishment while I am going to get back to work.”

Sarah blinked, her vision clearing a bit. She looked up to him, back to his desk, then to the door. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m confused. We were,” she gestured to the desk. “That is to say, I was about to…”

“Come.” Charles said matter-of-factly causing a slight blush to creep onto her cheeks.

“Um, well, yes.” Sarah knew it was ridiculous to be embarrassed by their conversation after everything she just allowed him to do to her.

“Exactly my point, darling. Your punishment is that you weren’t allowed to finish. It is called delaying gratification. If I were you, I would remember this punishment, it is one of my favorites. Although, looking at the abject horror and confusion on your face, I can tell it is not yours.” He let out a small chuckle. “Which delights me even more.”

Sarah was at a loss for words.

He opened the door and politely ushered her over the threshold. “Do you need help getting upstairs, darling?”

Sarah’s eyes snapped up to his. The anger that she sought out earlier came roaring back into her.

“I do not,” She snapped at him. “I am perfectly capable of retreating to my rooms on my own.”

Charles nodded and closed the door between them.

Sarah stood there staring at the darkened door. The anger fortified her weakened legs. With a huff she grabbed her skirts and marched upstairs.

If that man thought he had finally found a way to best her, he was in for a shock. Didn’t he know there was no one more terrifying than a woman scorned? If not, she will happily teach him the lesson.