Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
C harles looked down at a giggling Sarah. Her big owlish eyes held such reverence and obedience when she looked up to him. The power she gave him made him feel he could conquer the world.
He had been a force to be reckoned with in business and amongst the peers, but here, with her, was the only time he truly felt in control. Looking down at her flush and expectant face he realized it was a gift he did not want to squander.
“You’ve definitely made my life more complicated, my darling.” His voice rumbled from deep within his chest. His fingers ached to reach out and touch her soft skin, but he knew going slow would be beneficial for both of them. The ten days were not up yet and he wanted to make sure she would enjoy their coupling as much as him when the time came.
Charles flexed his hands then tightened them into fists. He needed to control himself as much as her when it came to the pleasure he wanted to give her. Unfortunately for him, he’s been hard ever since his lesson in delayed gratification. He spent a week’s worth of cold water in one night, trying to calm his body down after that.
He’s been anxiously waiting for his next chance to pleasure his wife.
Sarah’s face burned a deep red at his words. She nibbled on her bottom lip.
Charles reached out and pulled her bottom lip from her teeth. “No, no. Don’t hurt those succulent lips. Those are mine.”
Sarah’s pupils dilated in response to his candor.
He leaned down to place a healing kiss on her swollen lips. She moved her body forward to lean into him but he pulled away.
“Not yet, my love.” Charles said as he stood back up to his full height. He began to unbutton the rest of his shirt, her eyes tracking each movement. Her eyes became heavy with lust.
Charles threw the shirt to a nearby chair. He walked to his dresser, leaned back on it and folded his arms across his chest, making his muscles bulge. Sarah’s eyes widened at his appearance.
He wasn’t too proud to admit her response to his body turned his blood to molten lava. The need to control his body from taking her right then and there was becoming increasingly difficult to subdue.
“We must take our time to make sure your punishment is one that does its job and teaches you a lesson. Something that is rushed through is usually not done properly.” Charles lowered his eyes. “Oh, no, darling. I want to take my time with you.”
Sarah audibly gasped as her legs began to move underneath her skirts. She needed more friction, she wanted to be touched. And by God he wanted to touch her. But this was a lesson in patience, even if he had to learn it along the way as well.
Charles pursed his lips as he watched his beautiful wife squirm on the bed.
“Look at you.” He kicked off the dresser and walked back to the bed. He place a finger under chin and lifted her face to his. With his other hand he swiped at dirt on her cheek with his thumb. “You’re so dirty.”
Sarah’s eyes flashed before the reddening of her cheeks caused her to try to dip her head.
Charles turned her face to the left and to the right. His eyes narrowed on a spot on her cheek. His rough thumb swiped the dirt away causing Sarah to flinch. The excitement that was building within him evaporated as he looked closer at the reddening cut on her face.
“Eyes on me, darling.” He commanded.
Sarah’s eyes, hungry with need, lifted to meet his.
“We need to clean you up first.” He gripped her chin firmly. “Stay right here and do not move.” He punctuated each word with a small kiss to her lips.
Charles walked to the door and gave a glance back, making sure she was still there, then turned and left the room.
Sarah’s vision swam as Charles left the room. She was curious as to where he was going and was held tempted to follow him to the door. However, if she didn’t regulate her breathing first, she’d pass out the second she tried to stand.
Sarah squealed in delight as she threw her body back onto the bed. She recalled how his eyes traced every curve of her body when he stood at the dresser. Would tonight be the night he finally took her?
No. That wouldn’t be a punishment, would it? A punishment is something you don’t want. Sarah giggled to herself. Although, she was beginning to think there was nothing this man could do to her that she would consider a punishment.
She sighed into the soft pillows as her mind replayed how he removed his shirt. She licked her lips as her fingertips played with the lace at her collar.
She’s never seen a naked man before and watching his deft fingers undo one button at a time was torture. Perhaps if she were more forward she would have leapt off the bed and ripped at his shirt. Sarah rolled onto her side, giggling into her hands.
She was always a romantic, but who knew she had such a salacious side to her?
Sarah heard the heavy footsteps of her husband approaching the door.
She quickly put herself back into the position he left her in. Whatever he had in store she did not want to miss out because she did not listen to him.
Charles entered the room with a basin of water and a few small towels.
A wicked smile widened across his face. “Ah. I see you listened and did not move. Good girl.”
Sarah’s heart almost leaped out of her chest. Exhilaration raced through her veins. The anticipation of what was to come next was almost too much for her to bear.
Charles rounded the bed, placing the basin on the nightstand before he sat down next to her.
“Sit up, love. Let’s get you cleaned up.” His voice coaxed her.
Sarah scooted up and sat next to Charles at the head of the bed. He dipped a corner of a towel into the basin and brought it up to her cheek.
Locking eyes, he began to gently rub the dirt off of her cheeks.
Their closeness and his act of washing her face overwhelmed her senses with the intimacy of it all.
Instinct wanted her to drop her eyes out of propriety but his emerald gaze commanded the connection.
Charles’s eyes drifted to her cheek and narrowed. He moved the cloth just above where he was and Sarah winced.
“It seems you have scratched yourself. I thought you said you were unharmed?” Charles’s voice was low and menacing.
Sarah raised a hand to feel the scratch. “I wasn’t aware I was until you cleaned it. I’m fine, though, just a scratch.”
Charles’s eyes darkened. “Nothing is just anything when it comes to you. Do you understand?”
Sarah swallowed and shook her head up and down ever so slowly. “Yes.”
Charles dipped another corner into the basin and took her hand. He began to massage the warm, wet towel into her hands, removing the dirt.
“Do you remember the night we had dinner and we discussed the town?” His words were light and conversational. However, his line of questioning put Sarah on alert. Charles made no secret about his feelings for the town and she was fearful this turn in conversation would sideline the evening’s presumed activity. She only shook her head in acknowledgment.
“Do you remember when I said that the one thing you can absolutely count on is I will look out for you? If something happens to you it happens to me.” He inspected his work on her hand before picking up her other hand and repeating his actions.
Sarah licked her dry lips. “And I said it sounded like you were only concerned how my actions made you look.” Her voice cracked. Her chest rose with shuttered breaths. She truly had no idea where this was going.
Charles nodded solemnly. “The second thing you must know about me is that I do not blame you for your miscalculation.”
Sarah breathed in and held it for a second, waiting for a ‘however,’ to come. When she realized it wasn’t coming, she pushed out the breath, releasing the tension in her shoulders at the same time.
Charles noted the movement and smiled.
“I know I am a difficult man, Sarah, and I have my reasons. One day you will know all about my family and our secrets, but you must understand, no one, and I mean no one,” he stopped and brought his eyes to hers for emphasis, “has ever entered into my inner circle like you. Not only has no one entered my inner circle, but I have never allowed anyone to get as close to me or my sister as I have you. Not even Samuels.”
Sarah’s wince had both of them looking back down at her hand. Underneath the dirt were several scratches that irritated her when he rubbed over them with the cloth.
Charles’s jaw ticked. “And it is for that reason, that I said what I said. You interpreted it as I was worried about my reputation, and there is some truth to that. However, I take care of what is mine. We may not agree on the manner in which I do it, but I make it my life’s purpose to make sure people have what they need to survive.”
Charles placed the towel next to the basin on the side table and took her scratched hand in his.
He raised it to his lips and kissed each scratch tenderly. “You falling and hurting yourself is you falling and hurting me.” Even though his kisses were compassionate and soft they reached down into her soul and grabbed ahold of her heart.
“I’ve made the mistake of not looking after someone before and I will not make that mistake again. Do you understand?” He whispered against her hand.
Sarah once again could only shake her head. The tenderness in which he spoke, coupled with his gentle action stole her breath.
She felt revered, cared for… loved?
The thought sent chills up down her body. Was this love? Or was this the first time someone paid this much attention to her? Her mind and body were fighting with each other when all she wanted to do was to stay in the moment and be lost to his attention not her thoughts.
His light kiss on her check brought her focus to the man in front of her.
“You can’t hurt yourself, darling, do you understand?”
Her eyes searched his face. He was being sincere and genuine. She shook her head.
“I need to hear you say it, Sarah. Say you will take better care of yourself in the future.”
Sarah cleared her throat. It was hard to get the words out over the lump that had formed in her throat.
“I promise to take better care of myself in the future.”
Charles shook his head. “Good. Now. Let’s take this dress off and let’s see where else you’re hurt.”
Charles stood and walked around to come up behind her on the bed. Kneeling on the bed he began to undo the buttons down her back. The cool summer air tickled her skin.
Her body was overrun with new and exciting emotions. Her mind tripped over itself trying to focus on just one sensation.
His fingers brushed against her back as he made his way down the row of buttons. When the last button was undone he pushed her top off her shoulders, allowing it to pool around her waist.
Charles leaned in closer to work on the buttons at her waist for her skirt. The heat from his body kissed her skin causing goosebumps to race down her body.
He leaned closer still. “Lay down on the bed, my love.” He whispered in her ear.
Sarah complied and laid down on the soft mattress. Instead of being relaxed, Sarah could feel her body stiffen under his gaze.
Seeing him naked from the waist up was fine for her. However, the idea of being naked in front of him was terrifying.
His eyes warmed as he took her body in. “Relax, darling. I’m going to take care of you.”
His words did little to release her tension. Charles pulled the gathered material around her waist and took it off. “Lift your hips, love.”
Sarah followed his instructions while he slipped her skirts off. She was afraid to look at him so she focused on the ceiling above her.
He lifted each of her legs to roll down her stockings and take off her muddy slippers.
Charles tsked. “These poor slippers are ruined.”
A trail of kisses followed the path of his hands up her calves. Sarah’s eyes fluttered shut and the embarrassment of being naked in front of him was no longer a concern of hers.
“You are too precious and beautiful to be harmed, Sarah.” His breath was warm against her thighs.
Sarah shifted underneath him. When his mouth landed on her center in between her thighs she jolted up to a sitting position.
“Charles!” she shouted.
Charles held her thighs in place, not allowing her to further scoot away from him.
“What are you doing down there?” Sarah tried to pry her legs from his hold.
“I’m making you feel better, my love.” His eyes were mischievous and wicked. “Now be a good girl and lie back.” His tone left no room for argument.
Sarah hesitated. Charles lifted an eye brow that had her lying back.
Charles’s warm tongue swirled around her center and Sarah’s back arched. Her eyes flew shut as colors bursted behind her eyelids.
Electricity rocketed through her body taking her consciousness to another level. She moved against his tongue and that now familiar ancient voice came back to her.
More! More! More!
The chant in her head fell from her lips as her hips bucked against his mouth. Beads of sweat gathered on her brow as her eyes clenched and her fingers grasped the duvet cover.
He stoked her fire with every flick and lick of his tongue. She had no idea her body could move and feel like this.
The tension began to build within but this time it felt different than the other night. The tension began to tighten to the point where it almost began to hurt from her clenching all of her muscles.
Charles lightened his pressure. “Relax, love. Let your body go. Remember, I will always have you. I will always take care of you.”
Sarah looked down and froze. She saw a sight that was now forever seared into not only her memory but her very soul.
Charles was looking at her, his green eyes shining back with adoration, his dark hair was disheveled and sticking up, giving him that rakish charm she’d come to love. In that moment she knew no harm would ever come her way if she just gave into him, if she gave into the moment.
If she wanted control, she needed to let go.
She watched as he dipped his head back between her thighs and began kissing her. He spread her legs further and once again her back arched. She dug her heels into the mattress for purchase as the tension once again began its journey through her body.
Only this time, she breathed through it. His soft kisses turned into gentle tugs then sucking. She began to whimper with each change.
He whispered words of encouragement against her. “That’s it. Let your body go, Sarah. I’ve got you.”
Charles’s tongue swiped over her before he began sucking. Each suck pulled her closer to her peak.
The chanting began in her head again as her hips matched his rhythm.
“Yes, Sarah. Feel everything, my darling.”
Darling.
Sarah squeezed her eyes shut as a tidal wave of ecstasy washed over her. Her body was carried away in a rush of euphoria she had never experienced before. She felt as if she was soaring above the clouds and she never wanted to return to earth.
The wave of pleasure began to recede and her body, unfortunately, returned to the room in which they were in.
She opened her eyes to see Charles sitting next to her with a wet towel in his hand.
“The water has gone cold, but it’s the best I have. Just lay still.”
Sarah couldn’t move if the house was on fire. Her muscles were heavy and languid. Laying still was the only thing she could do now.
That is until a cold towel touched her between her thighs where the inferno began. The jump from searing hot flames, to cool water caused her to yelp and jump.
Charles chuckled. “Sorry, my love, you are quite responsive, which I love, but we’ve made quite a mess, so I want to clean you up.”
Sarah licked her dry lips and nodded.
Charles reached behind the basin and brought out a glass of water. “Here, drink this.”
Sarah sighed as the cool liquid replenished her dry throat. She handed him the glass back.
She had a question but she didn’t know how to ask him. Embarrassment colored her cheeks.
Charles dipped his chin. “What is it?”
Sarah grimaced. “It’s just… well, that didn’t feel much of a punishment.”
Charles’ laugh echoed across his room. “Will it make you feel better if I tell you it was a punishment for me?”
Sarah cocked her head in confusion.
He brushed a tendril of hair off of her face. “You have been through a lot these past few days. Once I saw the scratches on your skin, my focus became taking care of you.”
“But… you’re so…” Her hands fluttered in front of her, trying to grasp the right word without offending him. “Dominant.” She flinched. She hoped that wasn’t an insult. Most men want to be considered that, right?
Charles licked his bottom lip as he continued to shake his head in agreement. He stood up and gathered her ruined dress. He bundled it into a ball and placed it by the door.
“That I am, and I never hid that about me. It’s no secret I like control, we’ve discussed this before. But to be dominant in an intimate situation,” he looked back to her and waved a finger between them, “means that you need to trust and take care of each other.”
He walked to his closet and pulled out a house coat. “You were hurt. It is my job to take care of you. So I took care of you.” He handed her the robe.
The realization that she was sitting there fully naked dawned her and she snatched the robe from Charles.
“No need to rush, darling. I’m enjoying the view.” Charles said with a wicked grin.
Heat rushed to her cheeks, and further down, but she ignored it as she put the robe on and fastened it.
“Was everything all right with what I did?” Charles questioned.
Sarah looked up and met his eyes. He didn’t seem overly concerned, more like he was on a fact-finding mission to understand her.
Perhaps they are not so different after all.
Sarah shook her head. “It was… the most wonderful thing I ever experienced. Just not a punishment.” She shrugged.
Charles helped her stand and took her in his arms. “You shouldn’t worry about that, my darling. I have not forgotten the danger you put you or my sister in. So I will take the, what is it,” Charles looked up and squinted his eyes in thought, “two days to come up with the most delectable punishment I can think of for you.”
Sarah’s breath rushed out of her as her eyes widened. She didn’t know if she should frightened or excited.
For once her mind and body agreed on something. She was excited.