A Firm Hand Read online

  “You trust me not to take your virtue?” He stepped in close to her.

  Licking her lips, she looked up at him. “I trust you. My virtue is yours on our wedding night.” She knew he’d never ruin her until she was his to take. The man had honour and power, and she wanted to taste both. Her aunt and uncle wanted him for Alice. Mariah never dared believe she’d have him for herself…but she’d instantly wanted him. Still Alice had needed protection and a good marriage, so Mariah had fought her desires.

  James leant down and sucked her breast as his strong hand squeezed the other. Arching, Mariah loved the feel of his tongue. Her skin awakened under his touch. Then his teeth captured one nipple as his fingers pinched the other. The pressure increased, and she gasped, growing wetter between her legs while her body struggled to respond.

  She’d walked in on her brothers enough in the barn or in the garden to know the basics. James showed no intent to rush. Mariah wanted more. A little pain stabbed in her breast and she pressed to add to it. She always rode her horses hard when alone. Perhaps she was odd, but in James’ arms, she felt natural. All her life, Mariah had felt out of place in a man’s world, and now all she wanted was to be a fixture in James’ world.

  Suddenly, he shifted, switching to suck her other breast and pinch the one he’d made wet. The loss of his touch made her moan, and his touch returning was like heaven.

  “More, please.” She kissed his hair.

  His head lifted, and he looked at her sternly.

  Had she said something wrong? “I’m sorry, my lord. It feels so good. Please do whatever you want.” She had no idea what he wanted, but she wanted it, too.

  Grabbing her hair, he pulled her closer and kissed her roughly, biting her lips and filling her mouth with his tongue. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as her hips rocked for contact with any part of his body.

  “Do not offer what you do not understand.” He tugged up on her skirt until he had the hem.

  His warm hand brushed her hip, and Mariah buried her face in his shoulder. Would he be upset at her state? She wanted more of his touch no matter what reaction it earned from him.

  James’ fingers slid between her legs and teased deeper. She went limp with the intense sensation he caused, but he held her. Mariah let the strength of him fill her. Those thick fingers teasing her folds and coaxing her legs apart. One finger pushed back against her maidenhead, and he tested it.

  The slight pain made her lift her head. “Don’t stop.”

  He chuckled. “You ride too hard. You’ve nearly worn your innocence away. You’re not delicate lady.”

  “I swear I’m untouched.” Her face burned with the fear that he’d toss her aside.

  “I know. You’re mine. It will hurt a little, but you seem to enjoy the rough rides of nature.” He pinched her outer fold and she arched. The throbbing shot to her limbs, and Mariah moaned.

  “So many brothers left me a high tolerance for pain. I wanted to do what they did, and no one stopped me from trying in the privacy of my father’s estate. You don’t need to be gentle.”

  “That is the purpose of this test. I will be rough. I will demand obedience and test your fear when faced with the unknown. It’s what I like in bed. You will enjoy it, I believe. Your nature called to me, headstrong and intelligent in public…you’ll beg for me in private. I’ll indulge you by day and punish you at night.”

  “Punish?” she asked. “How?”

  “However I choose.” His hand came down on her rear sharply.

  Mariah rocked and let the sting ripple through her body. All her life, she’d never once been punished. Her governesses gave in, and her father couldn’t be hard on his only daughter.

  “I won’t be abused.” Yet her body ached for the next smack.

  “You will never be abused. You will get what you need. What you want. And you will enjoy it.” His fingers massaged her slick folds until she groaned.

  Thrusting, her hips for more, Mariah wondered at such delicious sensations. Yet she craved the slight pain of his rough touch. “Please, my lord.”

  “Please what?” He rubbed the nub between her legs, and her body shook.

  “I need the pain as well.”

  “I’m no abuser?”

  She shook her head. “I trust you. Teach me what I need to please you and to enjoy our marriage bed.”

  “You must be certain. Bed, stable or garden. You’re mine when and where I say. Never defy me. Never deny me. Never turn me out. Or you’ll suffer the consequences.” His hand came down on her tender skin in the same spot.

  “Never.” Why would she ever do that? The pleasure sparked between her legs as his finger flicked her nub and sent her over. “James!” Her hips rocked, and her mouth rubbed against his shoulder as her eyes squeezed shut. The pulsing of pleasure filled her, and she knew she’d picked the right husband.

  Catching her breath, she looked up at James. He stared at her with a fixed expression. “Thank you, my lord. If you want me, I’d have you write express to my father.” She made no move to cover herself.

  “You’re mine.” He tugged her bodice up to hide her breasts and lifted her to sit on the wall.

  Holding onto the wood for balance, she didn’t dare ask what he wanted now. She wanted to be with James and knew she’d never find life dull. “Always yours.”

  Spreading her legs, he licked the natural wetness from her thighs. He moved in closer and sucked on her folds as his darting tongue teased her more. Mariah held tight to keep her balance as he pressed his tongue inside of her, testing her and claiming her.

  “James.” She lost her grip and fell back.

  His quick hands grabbed her and pulled her forward. Helping her to the ground, he did not pull her up but left her kneeling. Still he’d saved her neck. “Thank you.” She looked up and saw the firm shaft outlined in his breeches.

  Unable to resist, her fingers settled on the hard member. It pulsed under her touch, and she couldn’t hide her smile. The power to make him want her as much as she wanted him coursed through her. A title would be nothing to the superior sensation of tempting this earl. She had to be a countess before she could have all of him.

  He grabbed her hand and pulled it away. “My cock is not your toy. You will do as I say, not take as you desire.”

  Mariah looked into his eyes. “I only want to please you. Why do you deny your own needs?” She stood slowly and kissed his mouth.

  “You’re not mine yet.” His hand ran over her rear now covered by her dress. “Soon.”

  “I’m yours now. My father will not object to a man of your wealth and power whom my uncle respects. Let me learn the way you pleased me.” Her hand slid beneath his breeches and curled around his hot flesh. She knew where that was meant to fill her. “So big.”

  James’ hips rocked as he thrust up into her palm. “You’re a naughty, demanding and wilful woman.” His hand landed on her rear again.

  Words could not distract her. She worked him faster, learning what he liked and how to caress him. If she were bolder, she’d pull his clothes away and lick him the way he’d done her. But first she needed to know her touch pleased him. “I’ll be as naughty as you desire, my lord. You seem to enjoy it.”

  Grabbing her and pulling her up, James ground their bodies together as he jerked. Mariah felt the drops on her hand and rubbed the tip of his cock before pulling out her hand. She tasted his wetness and wanted more. “Did I please you?”

  “I should take a leather strap to you.” He pushed her back.

  Smiling, she imagined how that would feel on her bare skin. “Whatever you like, my lord.” Showing no fear, she stood before him ready for his next move. Mariah had always known there was more to life than prim and proper ladylike behaviour. Men always seemed to have more fun. Dancing, sewing, and playing piano was nothing to what James could do to entertain her.

  Shaking his head, James checked his clothing and hers. “Back inside. I need to write those letters, and you must
see to your cousin.”

  She bobbed a curtsy and headed for the house. Longing to stay with him, she knew he was right. To be his wife, she had to endure a few more days without him. It hurt worse than his teasing touch. She needed to be near him and explore him fully.

  Still, her intended had shown her the delights she’d enjoy as his wife. Why Mariah wanted it, she wasn’t sure. But she’d known he was the man for her since they’d met. Her cousin falling for the silly vicar was fortunate, but Mariah belonged with James. Somehow, it had worked out.

  Chapter Two

  Sitting at his desk tucked in the library where he felt most at ease, James sorted through the dull duties of life. The dark wood of the bookcases and the smell of the leather bindings relaxed him. While James was growing up, his grandfather had never come in this room. It became James’ sanctuary. Gazing out at the rolling green grounds as birds bobbed for morning sustenance, he couldn’t imagine his life any other way. It’d been written for him.

  James’ life had been spent mostly alone, away at schools where his family never visited him. People feared and respected him for his title and his money, but his father’s early death left him overprotected in some ways, while neglected in others. His grandfather had sent him to a strict boarding school so he would be tough.

  As his grandfather’s last direct heir, he had to live. Nothing more was required of him but to produce an heir to continue the line. According to society, that was his duty. It was also a dreaded endeavour. Mariah tempted him. The lovely children she’d provide were what he wanted. Yet expectations that would fall on his first son would be cruel. James had borne it alone, the product of duty. He loathed doing that to any child.

  As he stared at the letter from Mariah’s father giving consent and a generous dowry, James knew there was no turning back. He’d lusted after her since the day he’d met her. The woman was frank in her speech and strong in her opinions. Something signalled to him that she could handle his rougher desires. The way she rode a horse and walked every day for her health told him she had the endurance. Still she was innocent and a lady. To do the things he wanted was not the mark of a lady.

  Yet in the barn, she’d asked for more. Mariah didn’t fear him or a little pain. He needed to see her again to be sure it was right. Glancing at his engraved pocket watch, James knew she’d be walking her uncle’s garden this time of the morning. With her cousin now married and at the vicar’s home, Mariah would be alone.

  Striding quickly out into the gardens, he kept an eye out for his wild bride. He spotted her in an amber-coloured dress that highlighted her eyes and pale skin. How had he resisted her for so long? She ran for a bit and caught her breath when she believed no one was looking.

  James snuck up on her from behind. “You enjoy exercise?” he asked.

  She turned with a gasp then smiled brightly. “I do. How are you this morning, my lord?” Mariah curtsied.

  James bowed, almost forgetting his manners with her proximity. But they were more intimate than that now. Grabbing her hand, he kissed and held it. “My Mariah.”

  In return, she squeezed his hand. “Father has replied?”

  He nodded. “Name the day, and we’ll be wed.”

  “Tomorrow?” she suggested.

  Her eagerness aroused him. “Give me three days to get the license and make arrangements. Your aunt has come around?”

  “She still barely speaks to me, but it’s too late now. Alice is married and happy. I doubt my cousin could handle your intense affections.” She smiled up at him.

  “Most women would faint at the notion. You are rare indeed.” He walked them to an area well shielded by shrubs on one side and a stone wall on the other. “Perhaps you have changed your mind?”

  “Certainly not. Do you think my resolve so weak I would go back on my word? I remember every detail of our time in the barn. Do you wish to call it off?” She pressed herself to him in the private area of the garden, offering him her mouth and body in one simple gesture. Her eyes held no fear he could discern.

  “I want to be sure you won’t regret it. Until you take the vows, you can cry off. I’ll not hold it against you, or ever expose you and your wanton nature.” He grabbed her shoulders and tried to put distance between them. Mariah’s strength was nothing to his, but he fought himself. His desire to have her warred with his honour to respect her until she belonged to him.

  Mariah took a half step back. “Would you have preferred Alice? Someone so delicate, she would fear you…quiver at your harsh tone.”

  Laughing, James pinned her to the stone wall and kissed her hard, letting his tongue explore her soft mouth. The sweet noises she made were encouraging as her fingers clung to his upper arms and worked higher. Her firm high breasts crushed to his chest as she held tight to him. No, a delicate and nervous woman was not for him. James knew she was the only one, but he couldn’t do all he wanted. Not yet.

  He pulled back, looking at his flushed bride-to-be who now pouted for more. Indeed, she trembled for him. “Do you think of me at night?” he asked.

  She nodded. “You haunt my dreams. Don’t make me wait.”

  He pinched her nipple through the muslin, and she yelped.

  “You’ll wait until I say. You want to please me?” James asked.

  “Of course, my lord.” Mariah shuddered and pressed into his fingers that still held her flesh.

  “Then you will enjoy the waiting, the obedience and the punishment. You like a little pain?” He released one nipple and pinched the other.

  “Yes!” she gasped.

  “Then you will learn obedience and patience and enjoy it. Don’t worry, there will be much pleasure.” He wanted to watch her come. Her pleasure fuelled his own. Her begging would do it more.

  “Thank you, my lord. Just tell me what you want.” Her hand reached for his cock.

  She learnt fast, and he admired her for it. James released her nipple and grabbed her hands, pinning them both behind her back. He slapped her rear harder than he intended, but her boldness spurred him on as well. Mariah moaned and bit her lip. “Sorry. You enjoyed it before.”

  James pressed his lips to her delicate ear. “You will keep your actions private. I take liberties where I may, but you must be a lady outside the bedchamber, always. Someone could approach us out here. Understand?”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry. I want…so much. I want to please you. Soon we may be alone and together in private.”

  “You will. Your eagerness pleases me, but you must be mindful of where you are. A man may push the rules, but you must always be a proper lady.” He nipped her earlobe and she arched in his arms.

  “I’ll be good, I promise. Go riding with me?” she asked hopefully.

  James moved his mouth down her neck, nipping to feel her shake. “I have other things to do if you wish to be married quickly. You must wait.” He pinched her rear and listened to her breath catch.

  “I will.”

  “Buy yourself a lovely new dress. Show only the finest in public as my intended. Expensive things should adorn you. Once you’re in my bed, you’ll wear very little for days.” He ran his hand between her buttocks and felt her shiver.

  “I’ll be the most elegant countess in England.” She nodded.

  “Your father was most generous in the dowry. I think a new riding outfit should be first on your list since you are so fond of that activity.” James eased her back against the wall. “I’ll pick out a new mare for you.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I do not need expensive gifts.” She breathed hard enough for her breasts to rise and fall, tempting him. Did she do it on purpose? Mariah did not strike him as coy, simply beautiful and out of breath when they were close.

  His hand slid up her body to cup her breasts through her dress. “Your last chance to run. Do you want to marry me?”

  “Yes. Do you want me to cry off?” Her face scrunched in confusion.

  He shook his head. “Good day, my dear. Begin contemplating how lavish of an a
ffair you want to throw once we’re married. We must introduce you to the neighbourhood properly.” James pressed his lips between the swell of her breasts and released her quickly.

  Turning, he knew if he stayed he’d defile her right there. So willing and eager, she was designed for him. She’d be his very soon. He had arrangements to make.

  * * * *

  Three days later, Mariah stood in her new bedchamber a married woman. The carved furniture was elaborate and the silk sheets the finest she’d ever seen. Her breathtaking view showed off just how extensive James’ grounds were. Her new wardrobe had been put away with care by her new maids.

  As mistress of her own home she’d had decisions to make. She’d gotten a full tour of the huge manor earlier. Every inch of the estate enchanted her and had done so, even when she lived next door as her aunt’s guest. Now, she called it home.

  It amazed her how easily a life change occurred. A few words before her cousin-in-law, Edmund, and she went from a daughter to a countess with all the sudden respect and deference that accompanied the position.

  As she stood there, dressed in a white nightgown, she wondered at her husband. So passionate and yet guarded somehow. Perhaps in time he’d open up. But their natures fit well, and tonight, he’d claim her fully. That thought alone demanded her full attention. Her pulse raced and seemed to beat hardest between her legs.

  A soft knock on the door made her heart beat faster and the soft folds between her legs warm in anticipation. “Come in.”

  James entered shirtless dressed in only his breeches. He closed the door behind him and locked it. “You are very brave, wife.”

  She smiled despite herself. “Eager more than brave, I think.” Mariah studied his muscled form. For all the illicit goings on, she’d never seen him bare. Reaching for his belt, she couldn‘t help herself. “May I help you?”

  “Wanton. You remember what I said about patience?” He caught her wrist.