Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
Benedict pulled her back onto his lap wrapping one of his hands in her hair to hold her steady. He lightly traced his fingers over the skin at the back of her neck and felt her shudder. Her eyes held his, and he took a moment to appreciate how truly beautiful she was. He lowered his lips to hers slowly. He wanted to savor her, to taste her, and when her lips parted, he took the opportunity to do just that. His arm had wrapped around her waist, and she shifted her body closer letting her hands rest on his chest. He deepened the kiss, his hand moving slowly up her side.
He broke the kiss long enough to pull down the sleeve of her gown to press kisses along her shoulder and collarbone. When a soft gasp escaped her lips, he shifted quickly pinning her beneath him on the seat of the carriage. He looked down to see her eyes widen, but there was no fear evident, and his lips claimed hers again. He pulled at the bodice of her gown a bit harder, freeing her breasts, and his hands greedily sought their softness. Sophie’s hands just as eagerly explored his body through the soft fabric of his shirt.
Benedict lowered his head and sucked her nipple into his mouth causing her to cry out as his free hand fumbled with her skirts. His hand caressed her slim ankle before moving higher to her knee and finally to where her stocking met the warm smooth skin of her bare thighs. His lips moved back to hers swallowing her cries of pleasure as his fingers slowly traced circles along her skin as they crept higher up her thighs to the juncture between her legs.
Sophie felt as if she were intoxicated by his touch. She had never felt anything like this before and while a part of her felt as if she should be frightened, or at least anxious, she wasn’t. She wanted this. She wanted Benedict. Everywhere he touched her seemed to burn. Her body was warm, and her fingers itched to touch him, so he would feel the same burning heat as her. As his fingers inched higher up her thighs, she opened her legs wider not knowing exactly why, but she felt a need to do so, and as his fingertips grazed lightly across her center, she jumped at the sensation his touch elicited.
Benedict allowed his fingers to touch her, to smooth over her center. His cock was already rock hard, and the desire he had been feeling for this woman was quickly turning into a burning need. He could take her now. He was confident that she would not resist. Her body was incredibly responsive to his touch, and he knew if he kept going it would be impossible to stop. and regardless of the nature of their marriage, Sophie deserved more than this. He refused to take her for the first time in a bloody carriage. He kissed her again, cursing himself inwardly for this new moral character he was developing, removed his hand, and adjusted her skirts. Then after breaking the kiss, he took just a minute to admire her well-rounded and perfectly shaped breasts before pulling the bodice of her gown up over them as well. Now was not the time, but Sophie had sealed her fate, he would have her in his bed, and if he got his way, he would have her often.
Sophie was surprised and more than a little disappointed when Benedict stopped his explorations and moved away from her. At first, she thought she might have done something wrong, but the pained and tortured look on his face, and the smoldering intensity in his eyes, made her think differently.
She sat up to adjust her clothing and tried to put the pins back in her hair before looking across the carriage to where Benedict was seated, still staring at her as if it was taking every bit of restraint not to pounce.
“Are we done with lessons for the day?”
Benedict was still trying desperately to hold onto what little bit of self-control he had left, and seeing her sitting across from him, her lips swollen from his kiss, and her hair all askew with that cheeky grin on her face was making him rethink his recent attempt at sainthood.
“We will be at the posting inn soon.”
Sophie’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the rigidness of his body and wondered about his behavior. She picked up the book that had fallen onto the floor of the carriage during their tryst and opened it. The words swam before her eyes, but the tension between her and Benedict was thick, and she needed some way to take her mind off what had occurred.
Benedict leaned his head back against the cushion of the carriage and closed his eyes trying to push out the images of Sophie lying naked beneath him. His cock throbbed painfully, and the smell of her perfume was not making this any easier. He tried to concentrate on the rhythmic rocking of the carriage and the sound of the horses’ hooves, but instead, he heard her soft breathing, the rustle of her dress as she adjusted herself on the seat, and the pages of her book as she turned them. If they didn’t reach the posting inn soon, where he could put some space between them, he wasn’t sure how long he could hold out before he threw his newfound chivalry out the bloody window and took what he wanted. Thank heavens, they would have two rooms at the inn because if he was sharing a bed with her, it would be impossible not to want to take what was beginning to feel more and more like his and his alone.
Posting Inn
“Bloody hell and bollocks! You only reserved one room for us?”
Charles tried but couldn’t stop the smirk that was forming on his face. “My secretary made the arrangements. I assume he thought that as you are newly married, you would want to share a room with your lovely bride.”
Benedict ran a hand through his hair. “You did this on purpose. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bella was behind this.”
Charles rolled his eyes before placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Don’t look so exasperated. You know as well as I do that you will not be able to resist her for much longer. Why not give in and accept marital bliss as the rest of us have?”
“Stop trying to make this more than it is, Avanley. Where is Sophie?”
“She is in the dining room with Isobel.”
Benedict narrowed his eyes wondering how he should deal with this situation. While he did not feel the need to share with his friend that he had already decided to throw away his original plan of keeping out of his wife’s bed, the thought of doing so in a posting inn where the walls tended to be thin, and the accommodations were less than pleasurable, was not something he wished for Sophie’s first time. His newfound sense of chivalry made him want everything to be perfect before he took her to his bed. Now Charles had put him in a most inconvenient situation. He had been expecting his own room where he could be alone, away from her giving his ardor time to cool. Now he would have to share a room with her and endure a night of torment and sleeplessness.
“I’m going out to the stables. Tell Sophie not to wait up for me.”
Bella buttered a slice of fresh bread the innkeeper had brought for them. “So, tell me, dear, how was the carriage ride here?”
The warmth of Sophie’s smile echoed in her voice. “You were correct, my giving into Benedict’s request did make the carriage ride more entertaining.”
Bella chuckled with amusement. “I told you it would. But you must tell me, is Kingston as passionate as he looks like he would be?”
“I’m not certain. One minute he acts as if he can’t get enough, then the next he pushes me away. He is a difficult man to understand.”
Bella took a bite of her bread. “He is simply a man who has not yet come to terms with his destiny.”
Sophie took a sip of the cider the innkeeper had brought to them. “Our arrangement is so different than a true marriage. He has spoken of us parting ways after a period of time, he continuing to work at The Lair, and I doing what I see fit as the Duchess of Kenworth.”
“Hmm, so he truly does wish for the two of you to live separate lives?”
Sophie shrugged her shoulders. “My mother had a dear friend of hers that had a marriage similar to that. Once she produced the heir her husband needed, she moved to the country and eventually traveled the continent with her lover. I would often sneak into my mother’s bedchamber and read the letters her friend would write to her. It was not until I was much older that I fully understood. Her husband lived in London, and while I am unsure if he was aware of his wife’s infidelity, he had no issue with her living apart from him.”
“That’s it!” Bella exclaimed excitedly.
Sophie was so shocked by her fiend’s outburst that she dropped the knife she had been holding. “What are you suggesting? That I take a lover?” Sophie shook her head. “Just the thought is appalling.”
Bella suppressed a giggle. “I’m not suggesting that you take a lover, simply that Benedict becomes aware that is a possibility.”
Sophie tilted her head to the side. “I don’t think I understand.”
Bella’s grin spread wider. “I am simply saying that it might be beneficial for Kingston to know that if he insists on continuing with this ridiculous plan of his to keep your marriage as more of a business arrangement than a true marriage, he must accept that there are other men who would be more than willing to step into the role of being your lover.”
Sophie’s mouth dropped open slightly. “I still don’t understand. You think I should tell him that I wish to have a lover?”
“Certainly not! We will just put the thought into his mind. When he truly thinks about it, he will be mad with jealousy and admit his true feelings.”
Sophie chuckled at her friend’s enthusiasm. “I don’t know. It sounds deceitful.”
“Just watch. I will set the wheels in motion.”
They both turned toward the door when Charles walked in and moved toward his wife. “What are the two of you conspiring about?”
Bella gave him a sweet smile. “We were discussing taking lovers.”
Sophie watched as the duke’s eyes widened, and she could almost swear that he stopped breathing for a second or two.
Charles reached for his wife’s hand and placed a kiss on her fingers. “You do realize that I would kill any man that was foolish enough to suggest such a thing, dear wife.”
Bella gave him a wink. “I do, darling. We were not speaking of me taking a lover, we were discussing Sophie’s prospects. Since Kingston insists on not having a true marriage, he must consider the fact that Sophie will one day take a lover. It is only natural, don’t you agree? It is not reasonable to think she will remain chaste her entire life. Has he not even thought of the possibility?” She gave Sophie a wink. “There were so many handsome young men in London this past season. I’m certain you will have many prospects.”
Charles frowned and took a deep breath. “The rooms are ready, and as soon as we have eaten, we can retire for the night. Kingston went out to the stables and told me to tell you not to wait up for him.” He nodded toward Sophie and then looked back to his wife. “We will have no further discussion about taking lovers or the number of handsome young men in London, Isobel.”
Bella laughed softly. “I wouldn’t dream of it, my love. Don’t be jealous. We were only discussing it because of the ridiculous arrangement Kingston has with Sophie. Do you think he would be agreeable to the practice in the future?”
Charles’s brow furrowed as he contemplated his reply. “He is a great businessman, but apparently not as intelligent in other matters. I would be hesitant to speak on his behalf regarding this issue.” He bowed slightly and turned to leave the room.
Once he was gone, Bella grinned at Sophie. “And that is all it will take to put the wicked thought in your husband’s head. There is no doubt that Charles is at this very minute rushing out to the stables to tell Kingston of our conversation.” She laughed. “They are as bad about gossiping as the patronesses of Almacks.”
“He seemed very concerned.”
Bella tilted her head to the side. “There is no doubt he would carry out such a threat if I attempted such a thing. It’s good that I only desire him, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to keep him on his toes.”
Both ladies laughed and continued with their meal.
Benedict was still in the stables when Charles came up beside him looking angry enough to kill a man. “What is it now? Have you found some other way to thrust my wife upon me?”
Charles leveled him with a hard glare. “Do you know what your wife is discussing with my wife at this very moment?”
Benedict was stunned by the harshness in his friend’s voice. “The latest fashions coming out of Paris? Or perhaps the newest love sonnet written by Lord Byron?”
Charles clenched his fist. “Taking lovers! Your wife is discussing this practice with Isobel, my wife….my…. wife, Kingston.”
“What the hell are you rambling about? Are you certain you are not misinterpreting the conversation? Surely you do not believe that Bella would do such a thing.”
Charles raked a hand through his hair and balled his hands into fists. “The thought does make me feel rather murderous. You know how I feel about her, and I would kill the man who tried to bed my wife.”
Benedict shook his head and went back to rubbing down the horse standing before him. “Bella is not going to take a lover, Charles. You are being nonsensical.”
“Bella isn’t the one contemplating the idea. It’s this bloody nonsense you started with this marriage. She is your wife, Kingston. Bed her and make her yours. Stop all this nonsense of living separate lives in the future. Surely you would not condone Sophie taking a lover.”
Benedict turned sharply toward his friend. “Why not? I have had many lovers through the years. Many of which were married, and if I am not mistaken, married ladies were your preferred conquest when you were the biggest rake roaming about London.”
Charles leaned closer to him; his teeth clenched tightly. “Bloody hell! Do you not think I know that? Do you not realize that is the biggest fear I have, that karma will come for me? And now Sophie, because of your insistence on this marriage being a business arrangement, has got Isobel thinking of a list of possible matches for her.”
“My relationship with Sophie is nothing like your relationship with Bella. The two of you love each other. There isn’t a person within the ton that doubts your love and fidelity. It is obvious every time you look at each other. Sophie and I have more of an agreement.”
Charles seemed to relax his stance but shook his head woefully. “You are right, I love my wife beyond words. But you, my friend, are a fool if you think you will be content with letting Sophie walk out of your life to live one on her own while you spend the remainder of your nights at the Lair. She will be the Duchess of Kenworth for God’s sake. I promise you that if you don’t take her to your bed, there will be scores of others waiting to take her to theirs. But if you are foolish enough to allow it, there will be many rakes and rogues pleased with your decision.”
Benedict watched as Charles walked back toward the inn and while outwardly he was trying to appear as if the thought of Sophie living a life separate from him was not a bother, inside he was fuming at the idea that if she did decide to leave, and live her own life as he had suggested at the beginning of their arrangement, there would be plenty of men waiting to seduce her, that made him furious. The fact that his personal business was now fodder for gossip, even among his friends, was another reason he must come to a decision about how to proceed where his marriage and his wife were concerned. Because as much as he hated to admit it, Charles was right, he would never be content to allow Sophie to take a lover.
But right now, that wasn’t his biggest problem. His lovely wife was upstairs getting ready for bed, and he had to find some way to resist her, at least until they reached Brighton. But once they arrived and were settled into his uncle’s home there, there would be nothing to save her, and that thought alone was the reason he was standing outside in the stables instead of joining her upstairs. He wasn’t certain this noble fa?ade he had adopted would be able to withstand the wickedness inside him that was screaming to be released.
Later that night
Benedict waited until well past midnight to slink back into the inn. There was only one patron still downstairs drinking and the fires in the hearth had burned down low. He made his way up the stairs, careful to make as little noise as possible, to the room that had been reserved for him and Sophie. As he stood outside the door, he closed his eyes and said a little prayer that she would already be asleep and that there would be a sofa or chaise for him to rest on. He was not averse to sleeping on the floor but had to admit that he had grown accustomed to certain comforts.
He opened the door and stepped inside. A small candle was burning beside the bed, and while he expected to see Sophie’s sleeping form lying there, the bed was empty.
“I was beginning to worry.”
He spun around at the soft sound of her voice and his mouth went dry. Sophie was standing beside a chair, her hair long and loose down her back, wearing a thin white lacy cotton nightgown. Normally he would have sent a bonus to Madame LaCroix for such a creation, but tonight it was more of a torment than a treat.
He stood his ground refusing to allow himself to move toward her. “I told Avanley to tell you not to wait up for me.”
Damn it, she was moving closer!
“He did tell me, but after waiting for several hours, I was beginning to think something had happened.” She gave him a small smirk. “Could it be that you are simply avoiding me because you do not wish for us to share a room? I am more than content to take the chair if that is what is causing you distress.”
Benedict looked around the room seeing no other alternative. “I am not distressed.”
Sophie moved toward the bed. “Good, because the chair is terribly uncomfortable.” She went to the other side of the bed and crawled in between the covers. “I can put pillows between us, and I promise that I am not a restless sleeper.”
Benedict blew out the candle plunging the room into darkness. He sat on the bed and removed his boots. He would sleep in his clothes tonight and did not dare move under the covers with her. He already felt as if he were being held together by a string, and if he touched her that string would break. Kissing would not be enough. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop until he took her fully. His thirst would not be quenched until he was buried deep inside her, but damn it all, he would not allow her first time to be in a carriage or a simple posting inn because he couldn’t control himself. He was a grown man, not a randy schoolboy.
He lay back against the pillow, crossed his arms over his chest, and closed his eyes. It was already past midnight, it was only a few hours till dawn, how difficult could it be to keep his hands off her? He felt the bed shift as she moved and heard her soft breathing. He turned his head toward her, and he could see her small form lying beside him, her hair spread out across her pillow. She was facing away from him, so he was safe from her discovering that he was staring at her while she slept. He wanted to touch her, to wrap his arms around her and pull her body to him so she could sleep wrapped in his embrace, but he knew touching her would be his undoing. He turned his head back to stare at the ceiling and prayed that if he could find sleep, he would not dream about the woman beside him.
The next morning
Benedict watched as the first rays of sunshine began to peek through the drapes covering the windows. He had not slept. Sophie was not a restless sleeper and kept to her side of the bed as she had promised, but just knowing she was there, listening to her breathing, wanting to touch her, was enough to keep him wound tight throughout the night. She had turned toward him in her sleep and was resting peacefully with one hand under her head and the other across her body.
He had a sudden realization. This was the first time he had ever awoken beside a woman. Before he had always made a point to leave their bed long before the sun rose. Being here with Sophie and watching her sleep seemed more intimate. He very carefully moved across the room and changed clothes behind the screen as quickly as he could. He would let her sleep while he went downstairs. Charles would more than likely be awake by now and the sooner they could get moving, the sooner he could get to Brighton and the sooner he could make Sophie truly his. There would be nothing to stop him, he would have her.
Sophie had dressed and made her way downstairs to find Bella already there having some tea.
“I’m so sorry. I hope everyone has not been waiting for me.”
Bella grinned over the rim of her teacup. “From the way Benedict looks this morning, I would say that the two of you didn’t get much sleep.”
Sophie took a seat beside her and sighed heavily. “He didn’t come to the room until very late. I think he was upset that he was having to share a room with me. I am beginning to think that he might find me repulsive.”
Bella rolled her eyes. “The man is being nonsensical. I’m sure that is not the reason, Sophie. I think he is fighting his desire for you. I saw the same look in Charles’ eyes when he was doing the same thing.”
“Do you think he is beginning to regret our marriage?”
Bella’s eyes opened a bit wider, but she didn’t have a chance to refute what Sophie said as Charles had come into the room.
“When will you ladies be ready to go? It is beginning to look like rain, and I would like to get ahead of the storm if possible.”
“Sophie hasn’t eaten yet, and I would like to check on the children again before we begin.”
“That’s alright. I would prefer to get moving as quickly as possible,” Sophie replied as she stepped out of the way so the duke could escort Bella.
He lovingly took his wife’s hand. “I have already seen to the children. The nurses have them all nestled snuggly in the carriage. The other carriages are ready to go, and if Sophie doesn’t wish to have breakfast, we can make haste. The sooner we get to Brighton, the better. Kingston is waiting outside for us.”
Sophie didn’t miss the way he smirked when he glanced in her direction, and she wondered if Benedict was purposely trying to avoid her. She followed the duke and duchess out of the inn when she bumped into a rather small man carrying a packet.
“Excuse me, Miss. I am looking for Benedict Kingston. I have a message for him of the utmost importance.”
Sophie had opened her mouth to respond when Benedict’s strong deep voice came from beside her.
“I am Benedict Kingston. What message do you have for me?”
The messenger immediately removed his hat and bowed deeply. “I have ridden through the night to catch up with you. I have a message from Kenworth Park. It’s about your uncle. I am afraid he has passed on.” The man handed a letter to him.
Charles came over to stand beside him, and Bella reached over to hold Sophie’s hand. They all watched as Benedict read the letter waiting anxiously.
Benedict didn’t know how to feel about the news. He and his uncle were veritable strangers and while he knew this was coming, it still did not ease the shock of the new responsibilities that were now wholeheartedly thrust upon him. After finishing the letter sent to him by his uncle’s solicitor, he folded it neatly and slipped it into his inside coat pocket.
“Thank you for bringing me the message. Please go inside and have something to eat and drink. I will arrange for you to have a room so you can get some rest before returning to London.”
The man bowed deeply once more. “Thank you, your grace.”
Kingston held his breath for a moment at the use of his new title. A title he never wanted nor ever dreamed of possessing.
Charles placed a hand on his shoulder. “My sympathies for the passing of your uncle, my friend.”
“Yes, we are dreadfully sorry,” Bella said as she stepped forward.
Kingston took a deep breath. “I suppose I should feel some sort of remorse that we were not able to know each other better before he left this world. Instead, I feel…I don’t know what I feel.”
“Will you be returning to London?”
Benedict looked up quickly. “No, I can handle everything I need to from Brighton. I have business there to attend to first. The letter from my uncle states that he wishes for no fanfare or mourning after his passing. In fact, his body has already been laid to rest in the family tomb at Kenworth Park. It states that I am to assume the duties and responsibilities of the dukedom immediately and that because of the enormous task set before me, there is no time for mourning.” He nonchalantly wiped at some dust on his coat. “Please see Sophie to the carriage. I will go speak to the innkeeper about arrangements for the messenger and then we can travel on to Brighton. It is more imperative than ever now, that I conclude business there as soon as possible so I return to The Lair.”
Charles nodded and offered his arm to Sophie.
Sophie wasn’t sure what she should do. How do you offer comfort in a situation such as this? When she reached the carriage, Charles assisted her inside and closed the door. The book she had been reading yesterday was lying on the seat and she picked it up simply because she didn’t know what to do with herself.
It was only a few minutes before Benedict joined her and as soon as he was seated, he rapped on the roof of the carriage to signal the driver to start moving. He had not addressed her all morning and now seemed quite content to ignore her existence altogether. Sophie wondered if he grieved more than he wanted the others to know. Since he seemed to want to avoid conversation, she decided it would be best to find other ways to occupy her time, but before she immersed herself in her reading, she reached out and placed her hand on his knee. He jerked back at her touch, but she didn’t withdraw her hand.
“I am sorry about your uncle.”
He turned to her, and for a moment she saw something in his eyes, something that made her feel as if he needed something from her, but just as suddenly, the look of longing was replaced by a deep frown.
“Why? I was not close to my uncle. I only knew of his existence and only met him long enough for him to drop the huge responsibility of being Duke of Kenworth in my lap.” He moved his leg so that her hand fell away. “You will assume your job as duchess sooner rather than later.”
Sophie was surprised at the bitterness in his voice. “I was only offering my sympathy. I know this was not the life you had chosen, nor was it mine.”
Benedict breathed out a deep heavy sigh. “This doesn’t change anything; The Devil’s Lair is still my priority.”
Sophie felt her heart twitch at his words. A part of her knew what she meant to him. She was only a tool, a tool to help him navigate through the complicated world of the ton. But a part of her couldn’t help but long for more.
She sat back and tried not to let her emotions creep into the tone of her voice. “I understand that, and I know what my purpose is. Thankfully, you also have friends that will be there to support you as well as the comradeship of the Prince Regent.”
Benedict watched as she opened her book and began reading. He didn’t know why he had been so harsh with her nor the reason why he felt such rage and bitterness toward his uncle. It wasn’t his fault that both of his sons were killed. It wasn’t his fault that the line fell squarely on his shoulders. But he was angry and bitter. The responsibility of being a duke was never something he wanted and now it was his whether he wished it or not. Hopefully, once they reached Brighton, he could try to better grasp the situation and make plans accordingly.
He wasn’t in the mood for idle conversation, but he couldn’t help but watch Sophie. He wanted her even now after the news he received… he wanted her. Perhaps if he tupped her for a week, it would relieve the stress he was feeling. She moistened her lips with her tongue as she flipped to another page, and he looked away before his cock took over for his brain. It was already a long journey to Brighton, there was no reason to make it that much more uncomfortable with a raging hard cock in his breeches the entire way.