A Gentleman Seduced

A Gentleman Seduced

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (1 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

A GENTLEMAN SEDUCED An Ellora’s Cave Publication, August 2004 Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. PO Box 787 Hudson, OH 44236-0787 ISBN MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-4199-0006-4 Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML A GENTLEMAN SEDUCED © 2004 SHARON PAGE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously. Edited by Heather Osborn. Cover art by Syneca.

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A Gentleman Seduced

Sharon Page

Chapter One London, May 1818 “All I want, dear sister, is to have an adventure for one night.” With a dejected sigh, Diana Tiverton flopped down onto the soft daybed in her sister Ivory’s private study. Her snow-white muslin skirts billowed, then settled about her legs. The dainty white gown trimmed with peach bows made her look every inch a sweet and demure young lady—exactly what Diana was tired of being. “You have made a very advantageous match.” Seated on the pale pink settee, Ivory lifted the teapot from her delicate tea service. “I know. I know,” Diana wailed. “Stephen is fabulously wealthy. I’ll be a countess. And I’ll be ever so comfortable with him. But he’s so dreadfully dull. I don’t feel a bit of passion for him at all.” “And what has that to do with a good marriage?” Ivory poured the tea into two fragile porcelain cups. Her drawing room was simple and elegant—one would never guess that the rest of the house contained Ivory’s successful brothel. “I want to know scandalous excitement before I become an old matron.” Ivory waggled her finger. “You’ve only made this match because no one knows we are sisters, pet. You took a terrible risk even coming to see me.” Diana groaned. Even though Ivory’s words were true. No one in the ton could ever guess young, innocent Miss Diana Tiverton was half-sister to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (3 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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famed madam, Ivory Wilson. Her marriage prospects would disappear if anyone found out. But that risk made her plan all the more thrilling. Diana sat up. “I just want to be you for one night, Ivory. I want one night of passionate adventure.” Of course her sister would not understand her restless yearnings—Ivory could have any handsome gentleman she wished with no fear of scandal. Diana’s wicked plan to find excitement was flawless. Both she and Ivory were tall and blonde and slim. Ivory was older and more curvaceous, but in the right gown and with a mask, who would notice that? Diana could pretend to be Ivory and stroll through her sister’s drawing room—become a part of the thrilling and elegant air of forbidden seduction. Diana’s heart plummeted as Ivory rolled her eyes. “I am a businesswoman, Diana. Very little passionate adventure enters my life these days. Instead, I ensure the needs of my clientele are satisfied, I tutor the girls, and keep Bow Street content. You have a falsely romantic view of my life, dear child.” She placed a cup on a saucer and handed it to Diana. “And when your husband discovers you’re not pure, then where will you be?” “Not that much adventure!” Diana almost dropped her tea. “Just a bit of temptation.” “Men do not come to brothels for temptation, Diana. They come to quench their fires.” “I only want to be you for one night, Ivory. You do not go to bed with your patrons…do you?” “No, Diana, I do not. But my work is not so very exciting. Or particularly tempting.” “You have the chance to see many beautiful men in various states of undress. And I know they vie for your favors and try to tempt you.” A wry smile crept to Ivory’s lips. “Many of the peers are not so very appealing in a state of undress, my dear.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (4 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

“Well, I would choose those that are.” Ivory took a sip of tea, then shook her head. “I will not consider it, Diana.” Diana sat up straight, her cup rattling in her saucer. “I would wear a mask—a disguise. No one would know. Once I’m married I won’t be able to have any intrigues.” Her sister sighed. “That is exactly the time when you can indulge, my dear. As a peeress—once you have provided the heir and the spare—you may have affairs and find pleasure and romance. But you must be discreet.” “I want to have an adventure now!” Diana cried. Ivory spoke of men needing to quench their fires, but Diana too felt an unbearable heat, an unbearable need. So far Stephen had only kissed her hand—not even her lips. She wanted a sinful man, a man who tempted her to indulge in all sorts of naughty things, things she’d heard whispered about at the school she’d attended. Men kissed women’s breasts—even suckled on the nipples! A woman grew wet when a man put his fingers inside her. And a woman could find pleasure just as a man experienced. Ivory gave her a patient smile that made Diana squirm with annoyance. “You, my baby sister, have had a chance that none of the rest of us—your stepsisters—have been offered—a chance to be respectably married and wealthy.” “In a passionless union! At least you have freedom and independence.” “You will have respectability.” “At the price of my happiness.” Ivory rolled her eyes again. “I’m determined to find adventure, Ivory. I am sure other madams might be persuaded to allow me a night of danger for a price.” Ivory dropped her cup to the saucer. “All right. At least in my establishment I can keep an eye on you. I will watch you every file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (5 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

moment—pretend to be one of the girls—and I will not leave your side. These are the rules you will have to follow and I won’t allow you to break any of them.” Diana’s thrill at victory was short-lived. The endless rules Ivory listed were impossible! “I cannot speak to any of the men?” “They will recognize instantly that you are not me.” Diana concentrated for a moment, then mimicked, “—instantly that you are not me. See, I can sound exactly like you.” “Hmm. I suppose you might be able to speak a word or two. But no more. My girls make the arrangements with the gentlemen. There is no need for you to converse with the patrons at all.” “You are taking all the fun away!” “I warned you that you would not find this amusing.” Diana clamped her lips shut. She would let Ivory believe she was the one in charge, but Diana intended to at least flirt with a charming and seductive gentleman. And there would not be a thing Ivory could do about it.

***** Diana surveyed the salon with breathless excitement. She’d overheard snippets of conversations carried out between the patrons and the courtesans. They spoke with the gentle manners of the ballroom, yet conducted business about the most scandalous things. She’d learned much about the charming and handsome gentlemen prowling the drawing room. The Earl of Cambridgeshire, for example, a blond god with a muscular frame and midnight blue eyes, had a penchant for bondage. The Duke of Arndrake enjoyed a good spanking and had an adorable and firm derriere. Mr. Plum had the most versatile tongue and file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (6 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

used it with generous abandon, loving the musky scent of a woman’s sex. Diana felt like an utter innocent. She may not be able to indulge in sexual tussling with any of these men, but they were attractive to behold. The earl’s gorgeous blue eyes could make any maiden’s heart race. “My dear, you are breathtaking as usual.” A deep, rumbling voice sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine. A large hand rested momentarily against her bottom, cupping the curve through her sapphire-blue skirts. Diana spun about to meet Viscount Pembroke’s darkly lashed green eyes, glittering in the soft glow of the wall sconces. He smiled as he withdrew his hand. “Mrs. Wilson.” He kissed her gloved fingertips. Her heart raced at the touch of his warm lips. Was he fooled? She had styled her hair like her sister’s and was wearing one of Ivory’s low-cut gowns. Pads in the bodice plumped up her breasts so they spilled as generously above the square neckline as Ivory’s did. The dark blue fabric made her eyes appear the blue of Ivory’s instead of her own violet. The viscount straightened. “I do not believe I have yet made the acquaintance of the pretty maid in white.” Ivory! He wanted Ivory. Diana trembled. She could never allow that. She would give herself away if she did. “What is her name?” His fingers stroked the inside of her wrist with seductive skill. A fiery shock raced from her wrist to her intimate regions. She took a deep breath, inhaling the viscount’s scent of sandalwood and clean skin. She would have to give him a name. “Angelique,” she murmured. “Virgin?” he queried. “An innocent from the country, my lord,” she parried. “I would be delighted to expand the experience of your new sweet innocent.” It was impossible to think with him stroking her hand. “Perhaps a girl of more skill—” “Ah, but an innocent is such a charming novelty.” He released her hand file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (7 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

and gave her a devilish grin. She quickly gathered her wits. “I am sorry, my lord, but the girl is already spoken for this evening.” “I’ll pay double.” Oh heavens. Would Ivory, as a businesswoman, be upset if she refused the offer? “Name your price, my beautiful lady,” he whispered, holding her gaze intently. “Perhaps I should hold an auction or present her to the gentleman most able to please,” she bantered. He laughed, eyes teasing. “My dear Mrs. Wilson, I am sure my ten magnificent inches are up to the job.” She caught her breath, stunned with the sudden vision of the gorgeous, broad- shouldered viscount naked and rampant. Her lips moved but no sound came out. What should she say? Mr. Wembly, a stocky auburn-haired man, clapped his hand on Pembroke’s shoulder. “Come on, old man. We’re about to play a game of blind man’s bluff.” “Not interested, Wembly.” Diana almost fainted with relief—she now had a way to both distract Pembroke from Ivory and to sneak away from Ivory’s watchful gaze. She smiled sweetly at the viscount. “How entertaining. I should like to watch you play, my lord.” “Then play I shall,” he conceded, gallantly offering his arm.

***** Lucien Northcote, Lord Pembroke removed his clothing with the assistance of a competent valet—a service provided by Ivory for her file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (8 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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patrons’ convenience. Ivory ran a superb establishment, he reflected, as he handed over his shirt. She was different tonight. He’d sensed her awareness of him, noticed her slight shiver as he murmured ten inches. She’d caught her breath, sank her teeth into her lower lip. Normally, Ivory was impervious to her clientele’s charms. He undid the falls of his trousers. Why was she different tonight? Lucien settled on a chair. A boot boy knelt and presented his backside, Lucien planted his foot against the boy’s rear and the boy tugged to remove Lucien’s tall Hessians. Lucien stood to strip naked. He was already hard—intrigued by Ivory. His cock stood straight up and he grinned as the silk blindfold was tied over his eyes by graceful feminine hands. The waiting courtesan, Sophie, giggled and let her fingers toy with his erection before she led him to the curtains separating the changing room from the ballroom. He fumbled with the drapes, the velvet skimming his naked skin. Sophie’s hands rested on his shoulders then slid down to squeeze his buttocks. She drew the curtain aside and pushed him forward. He heard giggles and squeals as he entered. He groped blindly toward the squeals.

***** Diana’s heart pounded, yet she tried to pretend to be bored and jaded and only slightly amused. Eight courtesans formed a ring—each one a beauty. Half were short and lush, the others tall and willowy. Most wore scandalously low-cut dresses, she glimpsed flashes of red that must be nipples. Unusually red nipples. Was it sexual desire that made them so flushed? She glanced down—she could see her nipples if she looked down the top of her dress, but they were still pink. Though they were file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custom...man%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (9 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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hardening as though cold, and pushing against the silk bodice. She gulped as a woman in white joined the circle. Ivory. For one second Ivory frowned at her, then turned toward the velvet curtain. The viscount entered, hands outstretched. Diana forgot to breathe. His long erect member wobbled as he strolled toward the laughing, cooing flock, stumbling into the side of a darkhaired woman. The woman shrieked with delight. “’is prick touched me before ’is ’ands did!” He’d excited her so much she’d forgotten to speak like a lady. The viscount made his “prick” jump and sway and all the ladies applauded. Diana almost did too. He gave a wicked, naughty smile from beneath his blindfold. He fumbled toward the next woman, a voluptuous blonde. She held her hands behind her back, thrusting her cleavage forward. His lordship’s questing hands closed on the plump breasts. He cupped them, lowering his lips to the full, quivering flesh sitting above the woman’s neckline. His tongue traced the contours, dipped into the deep valley between them. Quick as a wink, the woman’s hand shot out and gripped his erection. She slid her hand down to its base, cradled the sack that dangled underneath, then drew her hand up and squeezed the taut head. “That’s cheating!” cried the dark-haired woman. Panic raced through Diana. Was she expected to officiate? And if she did, would they recognize she was not Ivory? Before she could act, the blonde laughed heartily and withdrew her hand. But the lass was still determined to subvert the rules, it seemed, because she gave her bodice a tug downward and her nipples shot up and out of the dress, one landing in his lordship’s mouth. As he suckled the plump, red nipple, Diana’s breasts began to ache. The woman’s nipple grew to half the length of her baby finger. She’d never known they could be shaped in such a way, and she stared in wonderment. When he drew his white teeth along the entire length of it, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (10 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

Diana’s chest tightened around her heart. For seconds, she couldn’t breathe. Sliding slowly away from the blonde’s taut nipple, Lord Pembroke moved on to the next woman. This one, a woman with chestnut brown hair, turned her back to him, surprising Diana. Did the woman not want him? But the woman backed into him, lifting her dark green skirts as she did, revealing a plump and bare bottom. The woman, who was as curvy as the blonde beside her, swayed her hips from side to side, striking his shaft with her cheeks. Suddenly Diana understood the curious nature of the game. The man could chose to explore and sample each woman, but if one took his fancy, he might not be able to find her again. Yet if he stopped before visiting each lady in the circle, he might miss a particular delight—and not have the pleasure of being teased by nine beautiful women. Lord Pembroke had entered the spirit of the game, standing motionless as the woman’s generous bottom lashed his erection. He caught a round cheek in each hand and kneaded the pale flesh. Bending, he planted a kiss on the base of her spine, swatted her rump playfully, and went on to the next delight. As he reached for this woman, she dropped to her knees before him, so his hands gripped thin air and he almost toppled forward. She was a delicate woman, tiny and fair, and she stuck out a little pink tongue. As his lordship took a steadying step, his cock brushed against the woman’s lips. He stopped where he stood. The courtesan ran her tongue along the underside of his shaft, from tip to base and back again. Diana almost fainted with shock. Then she saw Ivory. She was glaring at her and motioning with her head toward the doors as subtly as she could. But she didn’t want to leave. And it was important that she stay. How would she know what might happen in the marriage bed if she ran away now? file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (11 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

She’d never dreamed a woman might touch a man’s intimate parts with her mouth. What would they taste like? His lordship uttered a throaty growl as the woman strummed up and down the long shaft. It appeared the women were allowed to touch him with any part of their bodies save their hands. The petite woman even licked his bollocks. Then she gave the tip of his erection a wet kiss that left its taut head glistening in the lamplight. “That’s enough,” cried a redhead. “We don’t want his lordship coming yet.” All the ladies laughed. He moved to the next woman—Ivory. Diana fought a wave of jealousy. She wished she stood there, not her sister. She wished she could touch the fascinating cock—stroke it—see if it felt as heavy and hard as it looked. Of course, her sister could have Pembroke if she wished. He had already offered Diana any price to take the “new” girl to bed. Diana put a hand to her pounding heart. She would deny him his wish if he chose Ivory. Pembroke smiled wickedly as he touched the thin fabric covering Ivory’s round breasts. His hands slid over her with such delight, Diana felt it was the most sensuous thing she’d seen all evening. She could see Ivory’s cheeks flush, her lips part, but she did not move to excite the viscount. She stood passively as his hands explored her. He did so slowly, with a sensuous grace. He did nothing more than caress Ivory’s body, yet it was so erotic and intense, Diana had to fight to keep from moaning as her desire flamed. Pembroke moved on to the last woman. A redhead wearing a green gown with a bodice of thin gauze. Her breasts were full and round, larger than Ivory’s. As he touched the thin fabric at the woman’s chest, Pembroke frowned. He let his hands roam exactly as he had with Ivory. He explored the woman’s face—she wore a mask—and her bouncing curls. His hand stroked between her legs and she demurely stepped back, then file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (12 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

dropped to her knees and arranged her generous cleavage around Pembroke’s cock. Her flimsy dress allowed her to move her breasts freely, and she rubbed his shaft into the deep valley between. Pembroke let out a lusty groan. “I have made my choice,” he announced, his voice raspy with passion. Lord Pembroke lifted the blindfold, his smile widening as his gaze slid over the lush redhead he’d selected. The woman strolled—hips swaying seductively—to an upholstered chair, where she chose a gold robe and returned to dress him. Diana shivered with yearning as she saw his erection pushing out the front of the robe, the contours reflecting the softly twinkling candlelight. His green eyes glittered with emerald brightness, fringed with thick black lashes and topped by straight black brows. She longed to run her hands over his beautiful nude body and explore. To touch the springy hair sprinkled across his broad chest and follow the dark line down past his taut stomach to that long, fascinating staff rising from the thick mass of black curls. She wished she could cup his firm buttocks and feel the indentations of his strong flanks. Let her fingers run along his jaw and dip into the little cleft in his chin. She ached to explore this man with a driving need she’d never felt before. But he was leaving with the bosomy redhead, to enjoy unspeakable delights with her. Could she, pretending to be Ivory, command him to attend to her? No. For a start, Ivory would stop her. And she couldn’t go to bed with a man. Was she making a terrible mistake marrying Stephen if she felt such maddening, tempting desire for another man? Pembroke turned and bowed to the remaining ladies. The first one he had approached, the tall one with thick dark curls, appeared to be pouting. To Diana’s shock, he offered his arm and the woman eagerly raced forward to take it. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (13 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

He was going to pleasure both of them! He gave each woman a peck on the cheek, then he looked at her—of course, he thought she was Ivory. Diana almost melted. Thank goodness, she didn’t have to speak. Her throat was parched, her tongue numb. His gaze met hers. He quirked a brow and gave a thoughtful glance. Then he smiled. Such a naughty, tempting smile. She longed to pick up her skirts, race down from her raised dais and kiss him. She longed to demand that he service her. She wanted to feel his teeth on her nipple, his hands on her bottom, his jutting shaft wedged in the triangle between her thighs. Yet she could only stand there helplessly and let him leave. Dimly she heard giggles and laughter. Two other women raced into the ring to take the place of the departing ladybirds. Then the next man walked in. Her gazed strayed to the viscount and his bedmates—they had paused to watch the fun. The redhead stood facing him, her plump breasts squashed against his chest, the other woman embraced him from behind. He was sandwiched between the two buxom, experienced women. Her mind tortured her, remembering with scandalous clarity every naughty act she’d just witnessed. She tore her gaze from the trio. Stared at the new player as he approached the ring. A blond man. Handsome. His penis was erect and thick, but not quite as big as the viscount’s. Still, the ladies encouraged him with ardent enthusiasm. He was muscular, broad-shouldered with slim hips and a flat, rippling stomach. He looked surprisingly familiar, yet she could not remember seeing him in the drawing room. The man laughed as he tried to follow the women’s encouraging cries. With a startled gasp, she recognized his laugh. Diana’s voice pealed throughout the room as she shrieked, “Stephen!” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (14 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

Chapter Two How could he? He was supposed to be marrying her! He’d never even kissed her mouth and yet he did lewd things with other women? Stricken with jealousy, anger, horror, and shock, Diana raced through the ballroom doors, down the corridor, and burst into the entrance foyer. Her curls bounced against her back, falling free of their pins. She caught her hem in her heel and heard it tear. She didn’t care. She just had to get away. Stephen must have recognized her voice. Stephen—she did not want to even speak to Stephen! “My dear Mrs. Wilson, whatever is the matter?” The deep seductive voice stopped her in her tracks. Viscount Pembroke hurried down the curved staircase toward her, concern in his expression. His two ladybirds waited at the landing. Instinct told her to keep up her masquerade. “I just—I must go to my office.” His green gaze seemed to penetrate into her soul. “You’re crying.” “No. No.” She heard racing footsteps and knew that Ivory and Stephen must be pursuing her. She lifted her skirts, raced past the viscount and headed for the door. The servant tending the door eyed her with surprise. “I must leave at once,” she commanded. To her amazement he obeyed. She almost tumbled through the open door and steadied herself at the top file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (15 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

A Gentleman Seduced

of the stone steps. The street was packed with carriages. There were gaming hells on this street as well as other brothels. Gone was her hope of leaping into a hackney and escaping. A hand closed on her arm. A jolt of arousal leapt from the place the fingers touched and raced through her body, shattering between her legs. She turned, shocked, and stared into the beautiful green eyes of the viscount. “I need a hackney,” she pleaded. He stared for a moment, frowning. Then he hustled her down the stairs, one hand on her arm, the other around her waist. He almost carried her down the steps—her feet barely touched the ground. They squeezed between two parked carriages waiting in the street. She understood he was concealing her, but they were now perilously close to the passing traffic. And what would the people in the carriages think—seeing a woman in a low-cut blue dress racing up the street with a man in a dressing gown? “This is my carriage. Let me get dressed and I’ll drive you wherever you wish to go.” Trembling, she whispered, “Thank you, my lord.” He opened the door, and handed her up. After shutting the door behind her, he vanished around the back of the carriage. Diana pulled the drapes across the windows, and settled back against the dark blue velvet squabs. She prayed she’d evaded Stephen and Ivory. But what would happen when Pembroke returned? The longing she’d experienced in the ballroom washed over her, pooling into an aching heat between her thighs. She might kiss him. And touch him. Diana squirmed on the soft seat at the thought. Would she dare touch his prick? Maidenly sense warned her not to. That might give the viscount ideas. He might think her a wanton, eager to let him between her legs. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (16 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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The problem was…she felt wanton. Even the soft light of the carriage lamps caressing the silk of her dress left her breathless. A languorous awareness of her senses washed over her. The feel of silk against her skin, the softness of the velvet tickling the back of her neck, the lingering male scent on her hand and in the carriage. Even the clatter of passing wheels seemed to vibrate in her intimate parts. The well-appointed carriage spoke of fabulous wealth and it suited its owner. Sensuous, exotic, the best money could acquire. She sank further into the padded seat, burning with desire. She had to calm herself before he returned. The door opened. Diana stifled a scream as the viscount leapt up and quickly shut the door. “Did you—?” She drank in the sight of him in his evening clothes, his thick black hair slightly disheveled, his green eyes sparkling. “Not to worry. I told Lord Denonshire that I saw you race out, pleading to go home, and that I followed out of concern and saw you leap into a hackney.” He sat beside her, long longs crossed, and Diana found her eyes riveted on his crotch, remembering the remarkable erection he’d sported in Ivory’s ballroom. She sensed his gaze on her and looked up to see an amused smile—a seductive smile, slightly crooked in the left corner—and she flushed. “So…it appears I have rescued you,” he murmured. His solid thigh brushed against her leg, warm even through her skirts and his trousers. “Who are you, my delightful lady? You are not Ivory, obviously.” His voice was a throaty growl. The carriage suddenly felt very small. Diana gulped. There was nothing for it but the truth. “I am her younger sister. Her half-sister.” “Let me see you without the mask.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (17 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Before she could protest, he reached over with lazy grace and untied the strings. “Ah. I recognize you from the ballrooms, my dear. Miss Tiverton, is it not? And you are Ivory’s half-sister?” “Oh, you won’t tell anyone, will you?” He lifted her hand and kissed her silk-clad fingertips. “I would never betray a lady’s confidence.” To her astonishment, he took one gloved finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. A shiver of longing raced through her. She’d hungered for such wickedness when she’d watched him among the circle of women in the brothel. Her breasts ached just as they had when he’d scraped his teeth along that courtesan’s long, quivering nipple. She gasped as his teeth ran along her finger. He released her, her glove tip soaked through. “And why were you masquerading as your sister, my dear?” “I wanted adventure,” she mumbled. “You intended to take a lover?” His brows rose in surprise. “No! You see, I am supposed to marry Ste—Lord Denonshire. But he is—or I thought he was—so staid and dull and boring that I just wanted to experience some excitement.” His brows rose a notch higher. “And you did not expect to see him at Ivory’s?” “No. I can hardly credit it. The man is being unfaithful to me.” “You presumed Denonshire did not pursue the activities that can be found in brothels?” “I can’t imagine him being like you.” He laughed. “And what I am like, my dear?” “You…you’re…” Her gaze swept helplessly from his glittering eyes to his sensuous mouth then down to his crotch. She could not begin to describe what he was. Skilled? Seductive? Tempting? “I do not think you need worry that your fiancé is like me. But some men, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (18 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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before marriage, are tempted to have one last chance at sensual excitement.” His words made her blush. That was exactly what she had wanted. She had no right to blame Stephen—but did it mean he was bored with her? He thought her passionless? Well, if he’d ever tried to rouse her passion, the dolt, he would have learned exactly how heated she could be. His lordship’s fingers rested on her chin, and he tipped her face up so her gaze met his. The touch sent a ripple of excitement through her. She rubbed against the soft seat, trying to ease the hot tension between her thighs. “Ah, sweeting, if he can have his little adventure, why should you not have one too?” Her heart raced. “What are you suggesting, my lord?” Gripping her firmly about the waist, he lifted her to sit on his lap. The carriage swayed and she instinctively clung to his neck. His lips, smooth, wide and bronze, were mere inches from hers. Long black lashes shrouded his emerald green eyes. He was so darkly handsome—she ached to be kissed by him. His hands slid around her waist and down her back. Suddenly she became aware of something hard jabbing against her bottom, where she sat across his thighs. “Do you feel that?” he whispered, rocking his hips gently. Struck mute with desire, she nodded. “That is for you, sweeting.” She almost melted against his mouth. “Oh, but I cannot, my lord. I am to be married and—” “I won’t take your virginity, sweeting. But there is no reason you cannot know pleasure.” “Pleasure, my lord?” Her voice shook. He kissed her. His lips brushed hers softly as he drew her lower lip into his mouth and gently sucked on it. Trembling, Diana pressed her body file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (19 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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against him, crushing her breasts against his broad chest. He angled his lips and kissed her deep, his tongue sliding into her mouth and touching hers. She tasted brandy and the smoky trace of a cigar. As his hot tongue played with hers, she remembered another little pink tongue tracing along the length of his cock and she lurched against his shaft. He groaned into her mouth. Slipping his hands up her back, he brought them to rest between their bodies. Diana shook with aching need, fearful that he intended to push her away. Instead, his thumbs traced the curve of her breasts up to their peaks, circling over the silk bodice in soft spirals. Her nipples tingled, hardened. She wriggled on his lap, gripping his biceps to steady herself. His muscles were rock-hard beneath her fingers. Diana let her hands run along his strong arms as he cupped and squeezed her breasts. She moved back from his kiss. “I feel dizzy,” she whispered. “But I like it.” “There’s more.” He peeled off his gloves and tossed them to the seat beside him. “Would you like to have an adventure you’ll never forget?” She nodded, curls bobbling. His grin became utterly wicked. “Turn around, darling, and put your feet on the floor.” She did as he bid as he lifted her skirts. The silk spilled over his powerful arms, brushed over her bare thighs above her stockings. She wore no drawers, and she delighted in the wanton thrill of her bare skin against the viscount’s trousers. She could not believe she was displaying her nude bottom. A gentleman was not even supposed to glimpse a lady’s ankles. “Delicious,” he murmured. Settling his arm about her waist, he lifted her up. His arm bumped her naked cheeks as he opened the falls of his trousers, hot breath teasing her neck as he lowered her back onto his lap. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (20 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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His hot staff pressed into her bottom like a red-hot poker. “Oh, my!” “Don’t worry, sweeting.” His hand slipped between her cheeks, pushing them slightly apart. The tug on her derriere was strangely arousing. “I am going to nestle my cock in the valley of your lovely bottom. I won’t go inside you, I promise.” Her face flamed. His thick naked shaft settled between her cheeks and she wriggled excitedly against him, drawing out a deep groan. She felt urgent—hot and wet between her legs—and rocking gently along his hard cock heightened the deliciously needy sensation. Diana remembered the bold courtesan’s bottom slapping his erection and felt a spurt of hot moisture dribble between her legs. She was embarrassed and excited at the same time. “Like two plump satin pillows.” His breath tickled her ear. He kissed along the back of her neck, suckled her earlobe. “Oh, heavens,” she murmured. His hands slid around her, skimming the taut silk of her bodice. As he eased her left breast over the neckline, she gasped. “I want to feel your heart pound,” he whispered. His large hand cupped and gently squeezed her breast, his thumb and forefinger pinching her nipple. Diana let her head drop back as her spine almost turned to water at the sensuous caress. His other hand slid down, burrowed under her crumpled skirts and slowly moved up her thigh. His fingertips brushed her intimate curls. Shock sent her bouncing against his hot, hard cock. His answering moan set her on fire. She expected to feel his fingers invade her—and she wanted it. Instead, he gently stroked the soft lips, pressing two fingers along the top of her sex. The pressure set off a jolt of pure delight. “My lord?” She spoke questioningly, as the circular motions of his fingers left her burning, aching, almost ready to beg him to take her. Hot fluid poured from her and she moved her hips to match his rhythm. Then he file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (21 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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stopped. Diana squealed in protest. “Your move now, sweeting. I’ve shown you what you can feel, now you take it. Exactly as you want it.” Tentatively, she rubbed herself along his fingers. Her legs went weak, her feet tingled. He kissed her neck again, and rolled her hard nipple between his fingers. “Yes, sweeting. Just as you want it.” She rubbed herself harder and faster. The pressure between her legs drove her on, and the fiery feel of his hard pulsating cock wedged against her bottom left her intoxicated with forbidden desire. “I want you to marry Denonshire,” he whispered, his voice strained and erotic, “Marry him and get with his child. Then come to me and I will fuck your sweet tight little cunny until you melt with pleasure.” She rode his hand as hard as she could, feeling as though she were a horse galloping to the finish line. She had no idea why she wanted to go faster and faster, only that she must. “Oh, my lord—” “Lucien.” He licked along the inside of her ear. “Lucien, I think I am…something’s going to happen.” He pinched her nipple and she loved the hard intense pressure of it. “You’re going to climax, my sweet.” “I’m…going to…what?” She spoke in spurts, gasping for breath between her words. “You’re going to come, angel. You’re going to come all over my hand.” She slowed, not understanding, and afraid. “Don’t stop, take yourself there.” Diana obeyed, working faster against his thick fingers. To her delight, he began stroking her as she drove herself against him. She wanted him to say forbidden things into her ear again, wanted him to pinch and squeeze file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (22 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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her throbbing nipple. As though he knew her very thoughts, he strummed the hard peak of her breast with his thumb. And moaned against her ear. “Fuck yourself, darling. Fuck yourself with me.” Everything exploded. The carriage flew off the road, burst into pieces. The world turned upside down. Then she realized she’d exploded, not the carriage. Her entire body bucked madly against Lucien’s hands, her bottom slapping his cock. Dimly, she heard a woman’s cries. Her cries of pleasure. She shut her eyes tight, seeing stars, then nothing at all, as she melted over his body. “God, yes,” Lucien shouted, and she felt him buck underneath her. If she hadn’t just done it herself, she would have thought he was suffering apoplexy, not coming—as he’d called it. His cock jerked wildly in the valley of her bottom. Something hot spurted against the small of her back. Lucien fell back, pulling her with him, his breath coming in great heaves against her ear. She felt her hair tumble over her shoulders, looked down to see her bunched-up skirt, her rosy breast sitting atop her rumpled bodice. How could she go home? Did Lucien even intend to take her home? The carriage seemed to be full of steam and smelled rich and moist—almost swampy. She was sure she carried his rich, erotic scent—and the smell of her own pleasure—on every inch of her body. The carriage slowed. “Where are we?” He ran his fingers up her bare, sensitive inner thighs. She jumped at the tickling sensation of his fingernails scratching her skin. “My home.” “Oh goodness. But what…do you…I mean—?” “I can hardly take you to your home like this, love. I didn’t expect to be accompanied by a lady, but I’ll ensure the discretion of my staff by file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (23 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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sending them to bed. Then I shall give you a bath and repair you as best I can. Perhaps we can concoct a story to explain the state of your gown.” Oh dear. But Diana did not want Lucien to merely clean her up and take her home. She wanted…more. After her climax, when she thought she’d die, she had been ready to drift off into slumber. But now, her heart pounded with the memories of what they’d just done. She wanted to stay with him longer. “My lord,” she whispered softly, “My family believes I am staying with a friend for a few days. I told my friend I was visiting a sister in the country. No one will expect me for a while.” A wicked grin flickered on his delicious mouth. “What are you proposing, my sweet?” “A few days together. To have an adventure.” Pure terror struck her at the prospect of him refusing. But he’d said he wanted her after she married… “And am I expected to preserve your virginity for the entire time?” Embarrassment washed over her. Of course, he no doubt had a mistress and she knew that he entertained courtesans who would let him take them in every way imaginable. Before tonight, she’d had little idea the ways in which a man and woman could join. She wished she could try everything with Lucien. “I know I cannot offer much to pleasure you—” “Sweeting, I haven’t come with that much intensity in years.” He stretched his arms out along the back of the carriage seat, appraising her. “It will be a delicious challenge. It might very well kill me.” His last statement made her feel very powerful and she smiled. A slow smile, as wicked as his. “Welcome to my home, my darling guest.”

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Chapter Three A sleepy-looking butler swung open the door. Diana stepped in, followed closely by Lucien. She wore his greatcoat to cover her wrinkled gown. Even though the elderly man yawned, she was certain he had noticed her tangled hair. Did they still carry the scent of their sensual adventure? She believed she could still smell it, but wondered if that was only because she would never forget the sound of Lucien’s throaty groans, the earthy smells, the heat, the incredible feeling of release. “This is Miss Temple, Pymm.” Lucien introduced her with perfect ease, as though he had no sin to hide. “She was separated from her servants and set upon by footpads. Fortunately I happened by in time to rescue her.” “And you were unable to take her home, my lord?” “Good point. That is a flaw.” Lucien rubbed his chin, thinking. “I will work on that. Still, the lady requires some time to recover from her shock.” “Yes, my lord. An unfortunate occurrence.” “Miss…er…Temple is in need of a bath, and a robe. Have the violet bedchamber prepared. I shall take her to the library for a restorative sherry.” Diana knew her face was flaming red as she let Lucien lead her through a pair of ornate doors. Once he’d shut them, she asked, “He knows, doesn’t he?” “Who? Pymm?” Lucien strolled over to the sideboard. She’d noticed he walked with predatory grace. He was a thoroughly sensual man. “He’ll suspect, but he’ll be discreet. He’s paid well enough to be. And we’ll keep your name a secret.” He brought her a sherry. “Are you certain you want to be my guest, Miss Tiverton?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (25 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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She felt her cheeks grow pink. “Perhaps you should call me Diana. Oh…would another name be best?” “In private I will be delighted to call you Diana. Though it sounds far more wicked to call you Miss Tiverton. Rather as though I am asking you to dance in a crowded ballroom, when I am really asking you how you want me to make you come.” She shivered at his forbidden words, his naughty promise, and sipped the sherry. “Now where shall we continue with your adventure?” he mused, toyed with the stem of his brandy glass. “You intend on doing more tonight?” she asked, thrilled. “Women are a delight in that they can reach climax many times. I would be remiss if I did not introduce you to that pleasure.” “You are going to do that to me again?” “We shall discuss that during your bath.” “What do you mean ‘during my bath’?” A roguish smile touched Lucien’s wide mouth as a discreet knock sounded on the door. “You shall soon see, sweeting.” Pymm opened the door. “The lady’s room is prepared and the bath is ready.” Diana met Lucien’s emerald green gaze with a slightly guilty flush. “It is far too late to bother the maids to do a bath.” After Pymm withdrew, Lucien uncrossed his legs and stood. “Not to worry, Diana. I will assist you in the bath.”

***** Candles ringed the large porcelain tub in the center of the bathing room, sending wavering shadows over amethyst-colored walls. A rosy scent file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (26 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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swirled up from the hot water and hung luxuriously in the air. A fire warmed the room. Lucien dipped his fingers in the bath water. A slow smile curved his mouth. “Perfect.” He walked around her and she shivered in anticipation as he touched her shoulders. For all that he’d fondled her naked bottom, Diana was not prepared for the scandalous sensations she felt as Lucien stripped away her clothing. He dealt deftly with the tiny blue buttons of her sister’s gown, his lips kissing the back of her neck as he worked. All those delicate kisses sent her inhibitions reeling. She’d made him promise not to take her virginity, but her “cunny” throbbed so insistently, she almost wanted to demand he satisfy her. Oh, how she ached to rub against his hand again, but she knew he did not intend to please her in the same way. She couldn’t begin to imagine what he had in mind. Heart hammering, she let her dress fall to the ground. She wore a low-cut demi-corset over her petticoats and a gossamer-fine shift. He untied the stays with swifter precision than her lady’s maid. “Lucien…” “Yes, pet?” He unhooked her corset and dropped it to the rug. “Do you intend to join me in the bath?” “Yes.” His hands cradled her breasts through her shift. “But not tonight. That is an adventure for tomorrow.” Her petticoats fell to the floor with a rustle. She stepped out of them, kicking them aside. She reached down for her garters. “Shift, first.” He caught her hands. “I like to look at a woman wearing only stockings, garters, and shoes.” She did as he asked. As her shift came free of her hair, she realized she was—for all intents and purposes—naked. He could see her breasts, her bare belly, even the triangle of hair between her thighs. “Beautiful.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (27 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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There was a raw, honest, heartfelt quality in his voice that left her breathless. “Turn around.” She pirouetted, his gaze as intimate as a caress. When her bottom faced him again, he put his hands lightly on her hips. “Stop there. Now bend, my pet, and remove your shoes and stockings.” Diana remembered the feel of his swollen cock between the cheeks of her bottom and she quivered with anticipation as she peeled down her silk stockings, waiting to feel it again. But he made no move toward her. “Do you want privacy for bathing?” She thought of soaping her breasts and more intimate parts in front of his hot gaze and she nodded. Suddenly she felt far too shy to touch herself intimately in front of him. Yet she had let him touch her there. He tied up her curls with a ribbon. “Call me when you are ready, Diana.” He kissed her hand. She waited, unsure whether she should call him back, until he shut the door behind him. With a sigh, Diana stepped into the tub, dipping her bare leg into the soothing heat. A washcloth, a basin for rinsing and a bar of soap sat on a small table beside the tub. She picked up the soap, it smelled of summer roses. Lucien’s scent clung to her skin and she hated washing it away. Diana breathed deeply, intending to remember it forever. She sank into the warm water. Gentle waves lapped at her breasts and she scrubbed with the washcloth. Her body was aroused and humming at her own touch. She stood, wrapping herself in the thick warm towel awaiting her. Skimming the towel over her tingling skin, she dried herself quickly. Barely finished, she padded over to the door and knocked. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (28 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“I am ready, Lucien.” Damp curls clung to her forehead and cheeks. She brushed them back, holding the towel against her as she waited for him. A twinge of disappointment hit her as she saw him in his evening clothes. She’d hoped he would walk in nude so that she could see him as she had at Ivory’s. Lucien wrapped his arms around her, drawing her towel-clad form against him. He kissed her hungrily, then let his forehead rest against hers as he whispered, “Now that you are delightfully clean, are you ready for more adventure?” She nodded, her heart thudding so loud she could barely hear him. He took away her towel, baring her to his appreciative gaze. Twining his hand in hers, he led her to the full-length cheval mirror. A small lamp burned on a dressing table, bathing them in a golden light. She started, seeing her own naked image. Lucien stood behind her, his dark evening dress a stark contrast to her pale, bare skin. He freed her hair, the damp mass tumbled down her back and over her shoulders. He drew it back and nibbled her nape. As his lips feasted, his fingers slid down to the crests of her breasts. Pleasurable agony weakened her legs as he toyed with her nipples. She watched, breathless, as he cupped her flushed beasts, pointing them toward the mirror. Her nipples were now a dark pink and looked enormous. Then he dropped to his knees behind her. His lips grazed her bottom. “Such a delicious fragrance, the scent of a clean woman, unadorned with perfume.” He kissed her derriere. “Ooh.” It tickled. “Do you like that?” He spread the cheeks of her bottom, and the feel of his strong hands parting her flesh sent a spurt of wetness between her legs. He kissed her right on her tailbone. Then trailed his lips down the valley of her rear. Oh! She had no idea men did this to women. As he kissed her backside, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (29 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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his hands slid up her inner thighs and one finger delicately stroked her sex. He kissed the puckered entrance to her bottom. She caught her breath, shocked and aroused. His finger parted her nether curls, releasing a flood of moisture. Diana blushed at the feel of it making his hand slick. One finger slid within her, her passage clamping around it as it penetrated. He suckled gently on the opening to her bottom. Her legs swayed and he quickly moved his free hand to grasp her hip and steady her. In the mirror, she saw him kneeling behind her, saw his hand at the golden curls between her legs. Yet, though the image excited her, it was what couldn’t be seen that was so unbearably erotic. He slid slightly within her bottom, massaging the rim with his tongue. Shockwaves spiraled through her. She caught a glance of her image in the mirror—her mouth slack, her lips full and lush, eyes half-closed. He plunged his tongue into her, filling her with wet heat as his fingers delved deep inside her passage. Her legs almost dissolved beneath her. “I can’t stand up anymore,” she gasped. Lucien broke off his intimate caresses and stood. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. She tumbled gently onto the violet silk counterpane as Lucien kneeled onto the bed beside her. “May I kiss you?” She wondered why he asked, then thought of his intimate kisses to her behind. “Yes,” she murmured, aware of how innocent she truly was. His lips teased hers, pulling away though she hungered for more. He suckled her neck until she cried out his name. Who knew mouths could provide such delight? She’d once thought mouths were only meant for kissing other mouths. Not breasts—he was laving and licking her erect nipples. Not her bottom, certainly. And now he was kissing down her belly, letting his tongue dampen her navel. She trembled as he licked down to her sex. She lifted her hips, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (30 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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instinctively knowing she wanted his mouth on her. Lucien paused, mere inches from placing his warm mouth on her throbbing, eager mound. “Please,” she murmured, eyes averted, still shy. “Anything to please a lady.” He bent and let his warm breath brush against her nether lips. Despite already being hot enough to burst into flame, Diana moaned as his blazing heat ignited her. He let his tongue unfurl within her. Pleasure, lush and voluptuous, sent her hips arching toward his mouth. Her legs rubbed against silk, her heels digging into soft down. Lucien moved up to the top of her sex, to her most sensitive place, and suckled her. Sensuous agony struck, so intense her muscles screamed, and she almost sat bolt upright. Diana reached for his head, her fingers clenching in his thick hair. “No. No.” He did it again. Her hips flailed. She saw explosions of light before her eyes. As he eased, she begged, “It’s too strong, I can’t bear it.” “Softer, then.” He flicked his tongue over her nub with gentle strokes, his finger sliding into her rich wet heat. His finger filled her, tantalized her, excited her. She rocked her hips up to him as he slid in and out, he kept his tongue motionless, pressing into her clit and she rubbed herself against the pressure. He glided two fingers in and spread them apart, pushing against her molten walls. Her fingers tangled into his silky hair as he licked and stroked her, languorously, slowly, torturously. Ooh. He lifted his mouth from her long enough to whisper, “Tell me what you’re feeling.” “The climax.” She rocked desperately toward her orgasm. “Building.” He flicked his tongue over her, sliding his fingers in and out of her wet file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (31 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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eager sex. Paused. “Tell me more, Diana.” “I’m close.” He suckled her nub again, and found the perfect pressure. His hands skimmed around her thighs, cupping her bottom. Squeezing. “Yes, yes. So very close.” His fingertip tickled the sensitive entrance to her derriere. He was arousing her in every possible way between her legs. It was so unbelievably delightful. She shut her eyes tight. Her lips moved but she could no longer speak. Her body felt numb, except for the fiery orgasm that promised to take her. Almost. His tongue rasped her, slightly rough—it was like the trigger of an explosion. She came. Lurched to and fro as lush spasms washed over her. Her hips jerked up and down with it. She made fists and jammed them into the soft bed. She floated—hot, sweaty, and exhausted—on the wide, silk-covered bed, trembling as Lucien’s hands stroked her. He stretched out alongside her, one hand cradling her breast, the other resting on the top of a thigh. She wanted to cry, it had felt so good. “Would you like another?” he whispered, his voice full of mischief. “I would be afraid to try.” But this time he hadn’t come. Was that very disappointing to him? She turned, nestled against him, her damp skin pressing against the fine fabric of his clothes. She fought the sleepiness stealing over her. Opened her eyes and whispered against his ear, “A woman can pleasure a man’s…um…prick with her mouth, too, can’t she?” “How does such a sweet innocent know words like ‘prick’?” She felt a blush cover her entire body. “The courtesan at Ivory’s.” She turned a little more, trying to press her sex against his hard shaft. “Do you file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (32 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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remember the one who touched you with her tongue? That was what she was tempting you with, wasn’t it?” “It is something men enjoy.” “Would you like it?” She felt his body grow tense at her words. “Diana, I think you have had enough adventure for one night. It is time for rest.” “But you didn’t come. And I would like to try.” “You don’t need to worry about my pleasure—” “Well, I would like to have you naked so I can touch you. And—” At least he wasn’t looking at her face and witnessing her stupid blush. “And I would like to know what you taste like. Down there.” He drew in a deep, ragged breath. Lucien couldn’t resist the temptation. He sat up, lifting her hands from him. As he rolled off the bed, he urged Diana to roll to the side. He drew back the violet counterpane for her to slip under the cream silk sheets and not be chilled. Glimpsing her rounded bottom and her high, beautiful breasts, he tore at the buttons on his waistcoat, eager to join her. His waistcoat missed the chair he tossed it to. Diana snuggled under the sheets and watched him with a delighted smile. He struggled with the cuffs of his shirt, opened it, and overshot the chair yet again with his throw. He’d already removed his boots—they took too long to strip off. Lucien kicked off his trousers and linens. Diana gasped at the sight of his ramrod straight erection. She lifted the blankets to welcome him in. She was adorable. He’d never had an innocent in his home, in one of his beds, cuddled in his arms. And Diana was a delight. Her eyes widened with anticipation as file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (33 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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her hands pressed against his naked chest. He propped himself up on his elbow to let her explore. Her fingers stroked the dark curls on his chest before she touched her mouth to them as her fingers tentatively stroked his nipples. She kissed up to the base of his throat, licked him. He clenched and unclenched his fists, fighting the desire to roll her over and make love to her. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, stroked their breadth. “You are more beautiful than a work of art,” she whispered, cheeks pink, letting her hands wrap around his nape, where her fingers played with his hair. Lucien stayed motionless as she ran her hands over his back, splaying her fingers over the muscles, following his spine. As her fingers dipped in the hot hollow just above his buttocks, he groaned in pleasure. “I wanted so much to touch you at Ivory’s,” she whispered. Her fingers pressed into the tight valley between his cheeks. Her words, combined with her tentative touch—her excited cry of delight—almost brought him to orgasm. He’d never come just from a woman’s touch—not even his first woman. Her hands clutched his rump and squeezed. He tightened and relaxed his muscles, turning his butt rock-hard then soft. That made her giggle. With a sudden lurch, she pressed her body right against his, her hands on his rear, her breasts tight against his chest. His cock was pressed against her groin, cradled by the damp curls of her sex. She wiggled her hips. Lucien broke away from her, putting a few safe inches between them. “If you want me to preserve your virginity, you can’t tempt me like that.” Her eyes—a dark violet—gleamed. “Do you want to…make love to me?” “Why are you asking me?” He put the question to her with caution. Was she offering herself because she was so inflamed with passion? As the experienced one, he had to know when to douse that flame. “You’re so…controlled. I wasn’t sure you…want me.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (34 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Damnation, Diana! I want to bury myself in you and fuck you until we both explode.” He watched her luminous violet eyes to see her reaction to his crude words. They lit up with desire as she gave a little gasp and squirmed again. He didn’t want to spare her sensibilities with pretty language. Something about Diana made him believe she wanted as earthy an adventure as she could find. He ran one finger down her body, over her breasts, her belly, down to tickle between her legs. “Everything I did to your sweet cunny with my mouth and my hands, I want to do with my prick. I’m not as controlled as you think I am.” She gave him a naughty smile as she wriggled down the bed until she was at eye level with his erection. At the touch of her hand, he had to exercise incredible restraint. Her fingers closed around him, tugging the skin along the rigid shaft as her hand moved to the head then slid back to the base. The dry pulling sensation was an exquisite blend of pleasure and pain. Her hand gripped the head and squeezed. “Softer.” She opened her hand with a giggle. “Wet and sticky, too.” She bent over him, her full lips a mere inch from his weeping tip. “And your scent is heavenly.” Lucien resisted the urge to lift his hips and touch his cock to her beautiful mouth. But when she kissed him, he arched his back at the pressure and groaned. She ran her warm, wet tongue over the head and down the curve of his shaft, just as the talented courtesan had done earlier that night. For an innocent, she was utterly fearless. Her fingers stroked his balls, cradling him gently. Her glistening lips parted and she took him in her mouth. “Not too far,” he warned as she slid her mouth along him. But she kept going until she gagged and lurched back in shock. Tears glittered in her eyes, a reaction to the sudden pressure of him at the back of her throat. Lucien stroked her hair. “Just take the head in. Let it slide in and out and…and suck on it. I’ll tell you when to stop.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (35 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“But do you not need to go all the way inside?” She brushed at the tears, lying on her side on the bed. “No. Most women can’t do that. Use your hands around the base.” He moaned as she gripped him. “God, yes…stroke me with your hand while you suck me.” Giving her directions was as enticing as having her pleasure him. He watched his thick, swollen cock slide between her pink lips. Her eyes were almost closed, her amber lashes curled against her flushed cheeks. Tangled curls fell over her face and tickled his groin. She sucked harder, drawing him out with a slurpy, popping sound, and quickly taking him back in. He was going to come at any moment. Gripping her head with soft pressure, he stopped her. She looked up, eyes questioning, innocent. Drinking in the abundant curves of her naked breasts veiled by her wild hair, Lucien crooked his finger. “Come here and kiss me.” He wrapped his hand around his erection—to bring himself to ecstasy while devouring Diana’s mouth. “It wasn’t good?” She put her hands on his chest, her body stretched out over his. “It was pure heaven.” “But you didn’t come.” “Not in your mouth, sweeting. You wouldn’t like it.” She kissed his cheek, running her hand over his bare chest. “What are you going to do?” “Do you remember the carriage?” “Yes,” she breathed. He gave a long, slow, tight stroke with his hand, and she gave a moan to answer his. She wrapped her hand around his, following his motion. Sexual agony shot through him, and he grimaced with it. Her gasp of pleasure sent his hand pumping harder and faster. His ragged breaths drew in her sweet, sweaty scent, the rich aroma of her file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (36 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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pleasure. His muscles tightened, as the orgasm built. Just as he reached his peak, Diana leaned over and closed her mouth around the bursting head of his cock. He couldn’t control it, he exploded, his hot come shooting out. Diana didn’t pull back—she swallowed and sucked him gently as the last drops pumped out. She lay her head on his chest and he stroked her hair. “Sweeting.” He kissed the top of her head. Would an innocent woman seeking a naughty adventure do something so intimate? For her to taste him, swallow him, was such a gesture of trust, of love, he worried that she might be seeking more than he could give. How did she view this night of pleasure? Lucien sat up, carefully drawing the covers back. He got a glass of water and brought it back, handing it to Diana. As she drank, he kissed the back of her neck, on her warm satin skin. “You need to sleep, sweeting.” “Will you stay with me?” He hesitated, then murmured, “Yes.” He pulled the covers over them both, coaxing Diana to roll onto her side so he could cuddle up to her back and her plump little bottom. “I want to sleep with you,” she murmured, her voice soft and drowsy. He stroked her hair, skimmed his hand down her shoulders. His soft cock nestled against her curvy derriere. His long legs fit neatly against hers. When she fell asleep, he would go back to his own bedroom and spend the night there. But as she breathed softly, her body relaxed totally in slumber, he couldn’t bear to leave.

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He lay stretched out on his stomach, one muscular arm flung over his head. Propped up on her elbow, Diana listened quietly. She heard soft and steady breathing. Lucien was still asleep. Swallowing a naughty giggle, she drew the silky sheets down to the very foot of the massive bed. Scrambling up on her knees, she knelt beside him, in awe of his beauty. His nude body was a work of art. Her hand hovered an inch from his skin, but she didn’t touch the warm, wide planes of his back. She ached to caress him, but didn’t want to wake him yet. What if her scandalous adventure dissolved in the light of day? What if he wanted to send her home, after all? What could she do to convince him to let her stay? Morning light crept around the dark curtains. Unguarded in sleep, Lucien no longer looked devilish. He was still strong, beautiful, virile, and tempting—but she saw him now as real man, not a fantasy come to life, the way he’d seemed last night. And a real man might not do exactly as she wished. A real man had a mind of his own. Diana bent over to study his contented expression. A faint smile curved his wide lips. His dark lashes lay along his cheeks. He certainly appeared happy. And heart-wrenchingly sweet. It was thrilling to have a naked man to explore—at least she could devour him with her eyes. His back bewitched her with its broad planes of muscle that narrowed severely down to his waist. The deep curve at the small of his back was just the right size for her lips to fit into. His skin was golden against the pale cream sheets. One of his legs twitched. Holding her breath, Diana tensed, waiting for more movement. He uttered a deep, soft growl and settled back into sleep, long limbs relaxing. The lusty scent of their pleasure still lingered in the room. Licking her file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (38 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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lips, she could still taste his dewy skin and remember the feel of the head of his cock on her tongue—like silk stretched to the limit. She shivered, drew in a deep, quiet breath and let her gaze go lower. The sight of his naked derriere had her fighting not to drool. Firm, smooth, curvy. Muscles that seemed designed for the purpose of pumping his shaft deep into her. Iron-hard muscles. Oh, blast society and its stupid rule that unmarried women must be virgins! Her fingertips hovered over his spine, eager to trace the line down to his perfect bottom. She never dreamed a man’s naked rear end would be so cuddly and adorable, so sexually suggestive. She’d certainly never contemplated squeezing a male bottom in a ballroom! But now she thought she’d explode with impatience if she didn’t take the risk of waking him by groping his rear. One little kiss on a cheek couldn’t hurt. She pressed warm soft lips to his firm behind. “Good morning.” With a gasp, Diana looked up. Lucien levered himself up on his rigid, sinewy arms, meeting her wide-eyed gaze with a smile as he rolled over to face her. His midnight-black hair tumbled over his brow. A shadow of dark stubble covered his cheeks and chin. Diana choked on a swallowed breath. She’d never seen a man roused—or rather aroused—from sleep. Her gaze riveted on his splendid erection. “Good morning.” Trying to be saucy, she coasted her hand along his hard, quivering cock. Her fingers closed around the throbbing head and squeezed. Lucien dropped his head back and grunted with pleasure. “Sweeting! Don’t make me burst yet.” She gripped his shaft hard enough to feel it pulse against her palm. “Why not?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (39 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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He laughed and drew her down on top of him, then rolled her over so she tumbled onto the silken sheets underneath him. “You are the most beautiful sight I have ever woken to.” He bent over her and suckled each of her nipples in turn. Flattered, Diana traced the curve of his back and whimpered in surprise as he ran his teeth along her hard nipple. She danced her fingers along his spine, trailing her fingers down, down until she could grasp his tightly clenched buttocks. Fiery desire lanced through her as his cock brushed her inner thigh. She was wet, soaking wet. If she pulled his bottom down, he would sink into her. Deep, deep into her. No. No. No. But lust sparked bravery and Diana skimmed her fingertips over his rockhard bottom. She dipped her finger in the hot crevice, wiggled until she found his tight entrance. “Dear lord.” A flash of delicious agony deepened the emerald of his eyes. He sucked her breast so hard she feared he’d pull her nipple off. Releasing her tender nipple, he rested his head beside hers. “Do you know how much it can excite a man to be touched like that on his arse?” His hoarse voice created a shiver that tingled between her legs. “Truly?” she whispered. “Truly. There is a little place inside so sensitive, if you just touched it, I would ejaculate in an instant.” Curious, eager, she urged, “Show me where it is. Teach me.” “I think that lesson should be left for another day, Diana.” “I do wish unmarried women did not have to be virginal,” she complained, squirming with frustrated desire. His hips rocked forward, provocatively stroking his long rigid cock along her nether curls, agonizingly close to touching the place that ached to have him inside. “I can hardly wait for you to be wed,” he agreed. He pressed down against her, clamping his erection between their file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (40 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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stomachs, his mouth searching for hers. But as his fluid dampened the curve of her belly, he lifted up. “I dare not risk being close enough to make you pregnant.” That scared her. She wiggled a few inches away. “We’ll be careful, angel. Don’t worry.” His intense green eyes searched hers. “So, Miss Tiverton, did you awaken sexually aroused?” “Yes, my Lord Pembroke.” She blushed, lowered her lashes. “I think so.” “What would you have done, sweeting, if I wasn’t in bed with you?” he asked, his tone gentle and teasing. “What do you mean?” Suffer! “Do you pleasure yourself?” His finger parted her curls, entered her wet heat and stirred. “Heavens, no! Even men are not supposed to do that.” “You watched me do it last night.” Lucien kissed her forehead. “And in the carriage, you were, in essence, pleasuring yourself—masturbating—against my hand. It is a good way to release desire when it becomes too intense.” Diana’s heart sunk. He was teaching her how to survive without him. He must be planning to send her home. But then, in the dim morning light, she saw the anticipation glinting in his eyes. Watching her pleasure her own body must be another erotic game to him. Lucien stroked the burning nub at the peak of her sex, melting her resistance. “It is a shame that proper young ladies are not encouraged to play with themselves.” At the naughty idea, Diana bit back a nervous giggle. Hot heady desire rushed over her but, for the first time, she felt scared. Women did not do such things. “Would I use my fingers?” His cock bucked upward at her question. “Yes. That will be a start.” That surprised her. What else would she use? She could hardly use her own tongue. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (41 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Lucien guided her fingers to the top of her sex. “Most women love to touch their sensitive clit. Stroke it. Let your fingers circle and tease it. Try capturing it between two fingers.” Now completely embarrassed, she shook her head. “I cannot!” she wailed. “Not in front of you. It would be just…too bad.” How could an innocent be so deliciously uninhibited in some ways but not others? Lucien jerked an errant lock of hair from his eyes in order to enjoy the spectacle of Diana blushing underneath him, both her hand and his buried in her golden curls. Yet, she’d been daring enough to play with his rear, which was a sensual trick he’d always enjoyed. It surprised him that she’d wanted to do it. Recently, he’d found that he required double stimulation to reach climax. He’d grown too jaded, too old, too sated with most types of sex. Ivory’s girls could invent any number of tricks to make him come—with their fingers or various toys—but he made them work at it. With Diana, his delicate maiden, he was the exact opposite—on the edge of orgasm at her slightest touch. “Would you like to come together, pet?” He kissed her warm, pink cheek. She hesitated, then nodded, her mussed hair rippling over the rumpled pillow. He rolled off her, pulling her with him so she sprawled across him, golden hair tumbling all over. “Sit on my face, pet.” “Sit where?” she gasped. He gave her rump a playful swat. “Let me devour you. Let me taste your delectable honey.” With a giggle, she did as he asked. Her pretty blush heightened her peaches-and-cream complexion. Daylight turned the wild strands of her hair into a veil of gold. Her breasts hung over him as she positioned herself, the nipples erect and silhouetted by the silvery light. Her slick, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (42 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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sweet opening stared him right in the face, her primal fragrance goading his baser instincts. His prick was built to make her scream with pleasure and his body demanded he use it. He mastered the urge, groaning in quiet pain. His prediction just might prove correct. Preserving Miss Tiverton’s maidenhead for the next few days could end up killing him. He was, after all, only a man. “Turn around, Diana, and put your lovely cunny right on my mouth.” She obeyed. And giggled. “Ooh. In the mirror. I can see us.” He lifted her bottom and bent his neck, but couldn’t quite see. “Describe it for me.” “I’m sitting on your face!” “Delightful. But perhaps something a bit more poetic, sweeting? Are your pert, full breasts flushed with pleasure? Are your nipples hard and red and pointing at the mirror?” She squirmed on him, her steamy mound dancing over his hungry mouth. He sucked the dangling lips, ripe with her alluring juices, his tongue prying them apart and flicking over her velvety walls. He lifted her slightly again. “Stroke your breasts while I eat you. Play with your nipples. Watch while you please yourself.” She moaned. His cock jumped as he imagined her fingers squeezing delicate pink tips. Miss Tiverton had delectably dainty nipples. “I can see just your chin,” she gasped, dutifully reporting to him what she saw. “The rest of your face is buried in my—” Her words dissolved into a cry as his finger teased her clit. Once again, he held her up. “Take my cock. Play with it.” He pulled her back down, clamping his hands on her smooth thighs. His mouth sealed over her tight, hot trigger, torturing her. “I could take you in my mouth,” she suggested in strangled tones. “Pleasure you with my tongue while you do the same to me.” His cock swelled to bursting at her words. Yes, please, darling. Without explanation, she’d understood. He marveled at her innate sexual file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (43 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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sense, her uninhibited nature. No wonder he almost shot off like a streaking firework at her enthusiastic touch. His body intuitively appreciated a woman who truly enjoyed sex. Lucien steeled himself as her fingers wrapped around his erection. He fought for control as the back of her hand grazed his wet and sticky stomach and wrapped around his distended shaft. Diana lifted his cock and the sensation of being pulled toward her mouth sent him moaning into her molten quim. Her warm lips closed around him. In the midst of orgasm, he found that his mouth hungered for wet, sticky, lush contact as much as his prick craved it. He needed to claim a woman’s mouth, suckle her nipple, nip and lick at her arched neck as he climaxed. Burying his face into Diana’s dripping cunny as he came would be a pure delight. Her soft breasts skimmed his stomach as she slid along his body and took his cock in deep. Teeth grazed his shaft, sending a bolt of pleasure through his body. Gripping her plump bottom, Lucien rocked her against his mouth. Her sucking stopped as she gasped and moaned around the big, blunt head of his rigid pole. He gave her a little pat on her rear, reminding her to please him as he was pleasing her. “Yes, my lord.” She tightened the grip of her lips, swirling her tongue around his cock. Then she pushed her tongue gently into the eye at the tip. Almost detonating him. Lord above, the woman was a natural. Lucien snaked his tongue deep into her as his fingers rasped her clit, urging her toward another fervent climax, knowing he’d go up in a fiery explosion of his own in an instant. Diana’s teeth raked him as she arched her head back and cried out in ecstasy around him. Her body thrashed uncontrollably. She was so tight file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (44 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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her cunny tugged at his tongue. As she exploded, so did he. Jerked by the powerful climax tearing through him, Lucien bolted up, burying his face into her. Diana collapsed forward, sprawling over him, drawing in anguished breaths. He did the same, sucking in her intoxicating aroma of pleasure with every gasp. His hands rested on her back, stroking the dewy line of her spine. Dazed. Exhausted. Content. Anticipating their next bout. Tutoring a lovely innocent was proving to be a lesson for him as well. A lesson in how responsive, eager and orgasmic he still could be.

***** “It is time to feed you, sweeting. Keep your strength up.” Diana lifted her head with a start. She’d been floating in a dream, stretched alongside Lucien on the damp and disordered bed. As he sat up, she rolled onto her back. Gently, tenderly, he brushed her hair from her eyes. A fallen angel grin played on his lips as he slid off the bed, and continued, “But it is torture to leave you alone in this bed.” “I am hungry, Lucien.” She touched her rumbling belly. She saw marks on her flushed skin from the wrinkled sheets, dappled red stains on her nipples from his suckling lips. He bent and placed a quick kiss on her damp tummy, just below her fingers. “Whereas I believe I could live on sex. With you.” He laughed. “A look of sheer panic just came to your face. Is that in case you do not get food? Or at the thought of more sex with me?” It had been the word sex. She hadn’t exactly thought of their games as being sex. Without actual penetration and loss of virginity, their fun had seemed harmless—not as dire as having sex with a man before marriage. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (45 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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With a man who was not one’s betrothed. But she had in fact had sex. And lusted for more. But more immediate concerns took precedence. Her stomach growled loudly. “Food first, then. More sex, later. After breakfast?” He fixed her with a hopeful and appealing expression. She giggled. “Are we to stay in bed all day?” “I’ve only a few days with you, and there is so much to show you. We can’t afford to waste time.” Bending again, he kissed her ear and whispered, “We will eat, bathe, and fuck. In that order, repeating as often as you wish.” Was that possible? Guilt niggled. Diana remembered an appointment at the modiste scheduled for the day after tomorrow. She hadn’t intended to have an adventure that lasted more than a night. How she wished she had ensured her disappearance for a week. Forever, murmured a naughty internal voice. Lucien leaned over and picked up his trousers. He balled them up, squashing them into a crumpled mess with his hands. Mystified, she asked, “What are you doing?” “Making it appear as though I slept in my clothes.” Cold shock leapt through her heart. His servants would know he’d slept in her bed, not his own. Servants talked. Even with her false name, was she in danger? He smiled at her. “Panic again? Don’t worry, sweeting. Your secrets are safe. No one will ever know who you really are.” She’d never watched a man dress. It was more endearing than watching him undress. Watching Lucien strip off his clothes had been potent sexual magic. She sat up as he drew on his linens, enjoying the view of his backside and file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (46 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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his softly swaying balls shadowed between his legs. On went his trousers, horribly creased. Then his shirt, the fine fabric in a heart-breaking state. Completely covered, he stood before her, turning in a circle. “Do I look like I fell asleep in a chair in the library?” She pulled a sheet over her, finding the bed chilly. “Yes.” She frowned, not convinced. “But the servants will know it’s not true. You weren’t there when they lit the fires.” “Why is everyone a critic of my stories?” “You asked for my opinion.” “True.” He made a show of considering. “I am the lord and master. It is my prerogative to wake early and wander about in my crumpled clothes. Perhaps I strolled out in the back garden while the servants were up.” Diana giggled. Then laughed. And laughed. She wiped at mirthful tears. “You are a wonderful lover, Lucien, but a poor liar. Pymm would find holes in your story in an instant.” “A wonderful lover?” His genuine grin took her breath away. He suddenly looked more boyish than rakish. “You don’t need me to tell you that.” He gently kissed the top of her head, his dark lashes shrouding his green eyes. “Yes, I do.” “You must hear the same words from all the women at Ivory’s.” “It matters coming from you.” He spoke with an intensity that left her breathless. He left her then, through the door to the small connecting parlor that adjoined his bedchamber. Why did he have to say such things? And make her heart race? Stephen’s compliments were always so bland. He never implied it mattered at all to him what she really felt. He expected her to be demure and sweet and trot about in a pretty white dress and do as she was told. Stephen had never acted as though his entire happiness hung on a single file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (47 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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word from her. Stephen— Ivory— Ivory would think she was at her friend Clarissa’s, given Lucien’s story about the hackney—one of his best so far—and that would have sufficed for the night. But Stephen might try to call on her. Ivory could not, but she might send a note to their father if she was worried enough. Surely Ivory had not known of Stephen’s proclivities—he must have never visited her brothel before. Diana was certain her half-sister would not have hidden Stephen’s infidelities. Perhaps he’d visited every brothel in London in turn. Still, at this moment, that was not her first worry. She chewed her thumbnail. By the end of this morning, her entire family—and Stephen—might be combing London for her. What if they found her? And she could not truly enjoy herself with Lucien if she thought her family feared she’d been abducted or killed. How could she ease everyone’s worries, yet stay with Lucien? And would he want to throttle her once he knew how truly precarious her few days of freedom were?

***** Lucien found Diana sitting in bed, bundled in the sheets and nibbling on her fingernails when he returned. He still wore his crumpled clothes. Feeding her was more important than sartorial concerns. “Breakfast,” he announced, placing the tray on the wide empty expanse of bed beside her. He quickly transferred his coffee and a pot of chocolate to the bedside table. “Oh heavens,” she moaned, “What will they think now that you’ve brought me a tray?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (48 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Pymm has told Cook of your unfortunate story—that you suffered a sprained ankle during the attack by footpads and cannot leave the room. She did give me a thorough lecture about propriety and scolded me for wanting to bring this to you but she’s an old dear who still thinks of me as a sweet young boy.” He’d hoped to make her laugh, yet she looked frightened and dejected. He sat beside her and hugged her. “Do you want to leave?” he asked. He kept his voice neutral, despite his hammering heart. He wanted her to stay, but he wouldn’t force her. She jerked in his arms. He cupped her breast, felt her heart racing along. In a soft, tentative voice, she whispered, “Do you want me to?” “You don’t look happy.” She gulped. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay.” “Are you not enjoying yourself?” Then he understood. “Your family will miss you after all.” She twisted her hands. “My story about staying with a friend was one I used with my family and Ivory. She might try to find out if I returned there. Heaven only knows if Stephen will track me down too.” She buried her face in the crook of his neck. “I suppose you want me to leave before scandal erupts.” He stroked her loose mass of silky hair. “Why not contact the charming Mrs. Wilson and assure her you are perfectly safe and sound? Unless, of course—” Her stomach rumbled again and he got off the bed. He poured her a cup of chocolate from a large white china pot. “Unless you want a reason to leave.” Diana’s thoughts whirled. Was he disappointed, or did he already want her gone? “How would I assure Ivory I’m safe without telling her where I am?” “She won’t fear the worst if she receives a letter.” Lucien returned to the bed with the dainty cup, yet he did not offer it to her. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (49 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“I want to stay. With all my heart, I want to stay.” She regretted the words the instant they’d slipped out. It was truly due to her heart—not her head or her intimate regions—that she wanted to be with him. Remember reality, Diana. You’re supposed to marry Stephen. Lucien wants you as his mistress, not his wife. With a lightning-quick change of subject, Lucian stated, “Women are very fond of chocolate, but I’ve never seen the appeal.” To her astonishment, he dipped his finger into the cup. It emerged dripping with dark, liquid chocolate. He put his finger to her lips. She guessed that he wished her to part them and suck the rich concoction from his skin. “You should write to Denonshire, too,” he suggested as his finger slid into her mouth. “He’ll be desperate to speak to you.” The bittersweet tang of the chocolate mingled with the tempting heat of Lucien’s skin. Diana released his finger and licked her lips in slow seductive strokes. “But how do I explain why I was there?” His finger returned to the chocolate, stirred it. He smiled. “Don’t.” Opening her mouth, she waited but instead he painted her nipples. Despite the warmth on them, they puckered. She glimpsed them in the mirror, startled to see them so dark and large and pronounced. He bent his head, flicked his tongue out and strummed her left nipple. Then cleaned the other. Diana arched back. She gasped. “I have chocolate every morning…” Lucien moved his mouth from her breast. He gave her the cup with a sweetly apologetic glance. “You’re hungry. I shouldn’t make you wait.” “I may never be able to drink chocolate at my parents’ table again.” Diana gulped down the rich drink. “I would like you to, because every morning you would be thinking of me.” The last swallow caught in her throat and she sputtered. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (50 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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He buttered a roll and handed it to her on a small plate, taking the empty cup from her fingers. “Would you prefer to put on your robe and sit at the table?” She nibbled the soft, fresh bread, biting into the creamy butter. “No! I want to enjoy every scandalous moment.” “Eating breakfast is scandalous?” “On a bed with a naked man, it is. I never dreamed of doing such naughty things in broad daylight.” Lucien’s hand wrapped around her wrist. He took a bite of her bun. His eyes narrowed as he swallowed. “There is one very important lesson you need to learn in order to truly appreciate this adventure.” “What?” He moved to sit behind her and she half-turned with a giggle. “What?” she repeated. Strong arms wrapped around her as he cradled her in his open legs. She leaned back against his chest. He cupped her breasts and kissed her neck as she finished every last crumb. “Tell me what?” she mumbled, not caring her mouth was full. “Propriety has no place in the bedroom.”

Chapter Five “I want to play Blind Man’s Bluff.” Propped up by pillows, Diana settled her cup onto the saucer. A wicked smile followed her surprising request. Sprawled across the bed, Lucien cradled her slender white foot in his hand and gently massaged the arch, careful not to tickle. “You want me to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (51 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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round up eight naked men?” He took her big toe into his mouth. Diana wiggled her foot and squealed, “Lucien! No…I just want to play with you. I want you to wear the blindfold and—” Her fetching crimson cheeks gave him an instant erection. “You enjoyed the game at Ivory’s?” “The moment I saw you walk in…naked…I wanted to be able to touch you. And then I wished you could explore me the way you did those women.” “You can explore my body any way you wish right now.” He ran his fingers along the sensitive sole of her foot. She almost shot of the bed and just managed to rescue her cup before it toppled onto the sheets. “I would like to play the game. I might never have the chance again.” He bowed. “I am here to service your every wish, dear lady.” Lucien slid off the bed to search for a blindfold, far more excited than he had been in Mrs. Wilson’s ballroom. He picked up his cravat, folding it over. Sitting back on the bed, he handed it to Diana. “Blindfold me.” She took the strip of white fabric from him. On her knees, she moved behind him, draping the cravat over his eyes. In seconds, he would be at her mercy, unable to see. The idea was highly erotic. A discrete knock sounded at the door connecting to the parlor. Diana, occupied with pulling the makeshift blindfold snug around him, paused. “Blast. We weren’t to be disturbed.” Lucien slid the cravat up over his head and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. “I’ll tell Pymm to go to the devil.” He heard slithering silk and the bed creaking behind him, and turned to see Diana tossing the sheets up over her head. Suppressing a laugh at her hopeless attempt to hide herself, Lucien crossed to the door and opened it a crack. He arched a haughty, dismissive brow. “Yes?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (52 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Lucien almost pummeled a fist through the plaster wall when Pymm quietly informed him that the Viscountess Pembroke awaited him in the drawing room. “Viscountess Pembroke?” Diana gasped from under the jumble of sheets and the corner of the silk counterpane—the rest had slid off the bed to the floor. Returning to the bed, he located her curves under the mountain of cloth, caressing her. “My mother. The woman always visits early. Thinks it great sport to haul me out of bed at ungodly hours.” Diana pulled the sheets down just below her chin and giggled. “It is nearly noon.” “No one except Mother visits before noon.” Lucien shuddered. “My friends know never to call before four.” “You should not keep your mother waiting.” Devilish delight and her teasing tone made him suggest, “Would you care to come with me?” Horror-struck, she gasped, “I couldn’t!” He stretched out on the bed beside her, cupped the curve of her breast through the sheets. “I’ll have Pymm tell her I’m indisposed.” Diana slipped a hand out and nudged his shoulder. “Go and talk to her, Lucien. I will still be here. While you are gone I can write a letter to Ivory.” He kissed her, then reluctantly sat up. “There’s paper, pens and ink in the secretary. Write quickly, I promise I won’t be gone long.”

***** “Dragged you from your bed, I see.” The Viscountess perched on the settee and lifted a haughty brow. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (53 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Good morning to you too, Mother.” Lucien settled his hastily robed body into an armchair with relaxed grace. “And yes, you did drag me out of bed.” “I will not waste too much of your oh, so valuable time, Lucien.” His mother’s voice was sharp, but a slight smile played at her lips. His mother, at her warmest, hid any hint of maternal affection behind sarcastic teasing. At her coldest, she lectured. “You never do, mater dear.” “I suspect you do not plan to attend the Middlestone ball tonight?” “True.” “Well, you will. It is high time you selected a bride. You’ve avoided that particular responsibility long enough.” “You expect me to unearth one at Middlestone’s?” He frowned. “I expect you to squire the eligibles onto the dance floor and begin to do a proper job of finding one!” “There’s no hurry.” “You have passed thirty.” “And men can sire children at any age. Father was proof of that.” His father’s last bastard had been sired just before the randy viscount’s sixtieth birthday. His mother drummed her fingers on the arm of the settee. He shouldn’t irritate her so, he always intended not to, but they fell into the same pattern each time they spoke. She must know he loved her, but he wished they could be in the same room for five minutes without provoking each other. “I refuse to allow you to defer your vows until you are sixty.” He admired her ability to recover and the attempt to put herself in charge again. “Short of prodding me to the altar with a pistol, I don’t see how you can, Mother.” “You are without purpose,” she snapped. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (54 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Rutting with a wife is a purpose?” His mother threw a brocade pillow at him. It smacked into the side of his face and sent him into gales of laughter. “I endure the House, vote, and make a few tedious speeches. The estate is in fine form. Charities receive my patronage. Between that and my sinful activities, I’ve a full calendar. My life is filled with purpose.” Unexpectedly, his mother said the most remarkable thing. “Lucien, have you not considered the prospect of taking a wife you might love? I can assure you, love in the marriage bed is much more pleasurable than…sleeping…with the common trollops you associate with.” His mother knew of love in the marriage bed? Lucien stared at her in amazement, reading the hint of girlish shyness in her eyes at her admission. Had his father’s affairs hurt her then? He’d always assumed their marriage was a logical, functional society match. If theirs was a love match, why then, had his father strayed? Seeking novelty? He already knew how hard it was to find novelty. He stared down at his hands, unwilling to discuss love—or novelty in bed—with his sharp-tongued mother. Instead, he teased, “Not every woman I enjoy is a common trollop. Why just last night I met the most irresistible innocent.” She rolled her pale blue eyes. “I would have credited you with enough sense not to play with fire, Lucien, or you will find yourself paying for a by-blow who isn’t your own.” Exasperation crackled in her sharp voice. “If you wish to bed an innocent, take a bride.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry, mother, I intend to wed…eventually. But don’t expect to see me at Middlestone’s.” The viscountess stood, seething with irritation. “You will attend that ball tonight if I have to find you in a revolting London hellhole and drag you there myself.”

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***** Diana tapped the end of the quill to her lips. How to convince Ivory she was safe and sound without revealing her whereabouts? And Stephen. Was he searching London for her this very instant? He need not bother. She had no desire to listen to his explanation. Guilt hit with surprising force. The quill dropped to the linen, leaving a large blot. How could she still be angry with Stephen when she had just done the very same thing? Her own adventure. Evening the score. Yet she felt no more kindly to Stephen. No less irked by his behavior. Was she clinging to anger over his infidelity as an excuse? Lucien had told her to marry, and then come to his bed for her pleasures. Would that be enough if she actually fell in love with Lucien? And what about when Lucien married? Her first horrified thought upon hearing the title Viscountess Pembroke was that the woman was Lucien’s wife. She’d been shocked and horribly jealous. Foolish, since their adventure together was based on her desire to be unfaithful to boring old unfaithful Stephen. But she felt something in her heart—a blend of pain and joy—and feared the worst. She was falling in love with her rakish tutor. Diana picked up the quill, selected a fresh page and wrote quickly to Ivory. But when she began to write a note for Stephen, she stared helplessly at the blank page. Finally, she set down a few lines, telling him that she wished to have time before seeing him again. Which was the truth. If she saw him now, with her body so aroused by Lucien, she just might break her engagement and send Stephen packing. She carefully did not mention her own transgressions—masquerading as a madam and sleeping with Lucien. Already she was mired in a web of lies. Rather than create more, Diana took Lucien’s advice and did not even try to explain her presence at Ivory’s. Diana signed her name and put the page aside to let the ink dry. So intent file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (56 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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was she on her task, she heard nothing but the slightest whisper of movement to indicate Lucien’s return. He’d changed into a robe—a dark green one that darkened his eyes to the lush green of a shadowy forest. “Your bath is ready, sweeting,” he announced. He must have read her mind. She jumped off the bed with delight. “Another bath? Heavenly.” And after that, another attempt at Blind Man’s Bluff! But it was not what she expected. The tub—already filled with steaming water—was in his bedroom. He wrapped her robe around her and led her to it through the connecting parlor after summoning Pymm to have her letters put in the post. Diana gazed around his intimate lair. Her opulent and feminine bedroom had pale amethyst colored walls, a white bed hung with violet velvet hangings, and a dainty escritoire. His room was most definitely male. Dark green walls, bronze and green bed hangings on the elegantly carved bed. Simple yet beautifully crafted furnishings. She’d expected some testament to his rakish ways—nudes on the walls or some such thing, but landscapes hung there instead. A splash of color on one painting caught her eye and she smiled. Painted discretely amidst the tall grass and shrubs surrounding a lake was an amorous couple—the lady fair and the man dark. Lucien unbelted his robe, tossed it to the bed. “Would you like to share your bath with me? It’s much more pleasant than having two separate baths.” After last night—and this morning—bathing together actually seemed tame. She let him draw her robe from her naked body. The day had brightened, but the dark colors of the room lent it a shadowy, intimate feel. A few candles gave off a warm glow and a fire burned low in the grate. “Did you have a pleasant visit with your mother?” she asked. And immediately regretted her words. Chatting about Lucien’s mother as she file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (57 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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climbed naked into a bathtub with him! “Hardly.” “Why not? Don’t you get along well together?” “No. She plans to have me dragged bodily to the Middlestone ball tonight.” Diana gulped. “So I shall have to go home?” He smiled as he lowered himself into the bathwater. “I hope not. Tonight I plan to do all sorts of naughty things to you.” She thought she might cry, watching his perfect body sink beneath the rippling surface. Little waves lapped up, soaking the hair on his chest, plastering it to his skin. He brushed his hair back with wet hands, letting droplets spray over his face. He looked so utterly sensuous. And she would have to go tonight! “But the ball—” “I rarely attend balls. Now come up here and let me help you in.” He offered his hand to help her. “But won’t your mother come to drag you there?” Diana stepped up on the stool, locking her hand in his. “Don’t worry yourself, sweeting.” His hands settled on her hips to guide her into the tub. It was far more difficult than she expected to avoid his legs when putting her feet down. She slipped, but Lucien’s strong grip stopped her fall and lowered her gently to rest between his naked legs. Sighing in pure rapture as the hot water engulfed her, Diana leaned back against Lucien’s damp chest, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder and neck, her breasts and loose hair floating in front of her. Lucien wrapped his powerful bare arms around her and picked up a cake of soap. Diana traced the line of veins in his forearm, felt the solid muscles beneath hot, wet skin. The combination of the languorous sensuality of the steamy water and the urgent lust evoked by his naked body, his touch, had her panting in desire. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (58 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Until she detected the lush perfume of roses. “Rose-scented soap?” She’d noticed that last night but had been distracted by her own anticipation. Now she realized he kept many items for women in his house. “My mother and sisters do visit me occasionally, pet.” He lathered his hands. “But you also know what I am.” “A rake?” She quivered as his frothy hands circled her breasts. “A man who appreciates women.” “Are you disappointed that I took you away from those two women at Ivory’s?” His soap-covered hands roamed over her curves, his chin resting against her hair. “Diana, I would not trade this adventure with you for any woman in England. For a thousand women, for that matter.” She cuddled back against his big body. “Besides, I’ve done that before.” He tweaked her nipples until they pebbled. Shock made her hand twitch, sloshing water over the side of the bath. “You’ve made love to two women at once? How?” “I’ve a prick, a tongue and two hands,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head. “Ooh.” Her nipples radiated mind-numbing pleasure at his touch. She thought of the two courtesans—the large-breasted redhead and the eager dark-haired one. Of mouths and breasts and his prick. Although embarrassed, she was also fascinated by the imagined scenes. “I thought they might take turns,” she admitted. That night, she’d been far too innocent to imagine the tangling of bodies she could easily conjure in her heated mind now. “The more enticing pleasure,” he whispered against her damp ear, “is in having two women in the bed at once.” “And they have four hands and four breasts and two…intimate areas…for you to enjoy.” Her heart tightened. Did he find pleasuring her far more dull than making love to two women at once? file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (59 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“All the same, I find your breasts and your hands utterly delightful.” One of his hands slid down her tummy. “And your sweet cunny.” Curiosity pricked her. “I would like to hear more of what you do with two women in your bed.” “Sometimes I lie on the bed as their captive, theirs to control and enjoy. One on my cock and one on my face.” Despite a flush of shyness and embarrassment, Diana grew hot at his words, as his fingers toyed in her wet nether curls. “And sometimes—” His finger teased her. “—the women pleasure each other.” “Each other! Do you mean they—they touch and kiss—?” “Some women are not averse to experimenting in sensual pleasures involving their own sex. Though I often suspect, when I am paying, that they are enacting enticing poses to please me.” His hands caressed her thighs. “Lift your leg and let me wash it.” “What do they do?” “The two women together?” His slippery hands massaged her thigh. “Can you imagine?” “Tell me,” she breathed. “They suck each other’s breasts. Kiss each other. Lick and tease their quims and bury their fingers in each other.” He gently bent her leg and soaped her foot. “Perhaps only a woman truly knows how to please another woman.” “You know how to please me.” Lucien attentively washed her other leg. “Stand up and let me wash your bottom, love.” He steadied her as she stood, water running down her naked body. His soapy hands cradled her derriere then his fingers dipped between her cheeks and caressed her. His lips pressed into the small of her back as he generously soaped her intimate regions. With care, he lowered her back into the water. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (60 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“And, of course, two men can pleasure a woman, sweeting.” She hadn’t expected that! Shock turned her cheeks pink, but she did not want to appear such a trembling innocent. She teased, “Mmm. Two Luciens.” He laughed. “There’s only one of me, Diana. You’ll have to select another man.” Another man! “Who would it be?” he asked. “But I can’t—” “It’s a fantasy, love. You can invite any man into your bed that you wish. And we can do anything that you ask for. In fantasies you needn’t worry about your virginity, your reputation, or pregnancy.” He began soaping his arms. Her wide-eyed gaze followed the movement of his hand over sinewy muscle. Even in her wildest, most forbidden imaginings, she could not envision two strong, seductive men like Lucien making love to her. The naughtiness of it had her speechless, but the spurt of lust the thought induced astonished her. Lucien flexed his muscles as he washed his long legs, lifting them up in the tub to do so. “I would like to know your deepest, darkest desires, sweeting. What other man would you put in our bed? What would he be like?” “I can’t imagine anyone I would want as much as you.” Heart thudding, she gave him the simple truth. He caught his breath. She heard it. “Then he will be just like me.” His hands slid against her back as he washed his chest and his stomach. “What would you do with two big, hard cocks, angel? Would you like us to bury them deep inside you?” She splashed some water onto her burning cheeks. “How?” His cock swelled hot and wet and hard, wedged between the cheeks of file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (61 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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her bottom. “Imagine one buried to the hilt in your slick eager little quim.” Trembling, she asked, “And the other?” He rocked his hips. “Against my bottom?” “If you wish.” She giggled, keeping her flaming hot face hidden from him. She felt terribly self-conscious and flustered. “I shouldn’t even think about such a thing.” “Sorry, pet,” Lucien whispered. “If you don’t enjoy the game, we’ll stop. But it is my duty to ensure that you experience every wicked fantasy you wish to explore.” Her most wicked dream was having actual sex with Lucien—in this luxuriously warm bath, for example. And that they could not do. But she was so terribly curious to know what scandalous things Lucien had done. “Have you ever shared a woman with another man?” He lifted her wet mass of hair and kissed the nape of her neck, “I would not want to share you with anyone, sweeting.” If he could not share her, what was he suggesting? That he would not wish to be her lover in the future? Her mind raced to the other possibility—becoming Lucien’s wife. Was he thinking of marriage? Was she mad to contemplate such a thing with a rake? But she couldn’t ignore the tightness around her heart, the flip-flop of her stomach at the thought. “Not even Stephen?” she asked, and waited for his reaction. Was Lucien going to tell her he wanted her for all time? Diana chewed her lip waiting for his answer. Lucien rested his elbow on the tub, his hand lazily skimming the hazy water. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (62 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Contemplating having us in the same bed at once, darling?” he asked in his jaded, seductive drawl. Diana gasped at the scandalous vision that filled her head—her in bed with both Lucien and her betrothed at the same time! Lucien wasn’t thinking of marriage at all. But she wished, wished desperately that she could take his large, beautiful cock inside and ease the ache deep within.

Chapter Six “Can you see?” Plunged into darkness, the blindfold tied tight around his eyes, Lucien took a tentative step forward. His shin collided with the edge of a chair. “Not a bloody thing.” Diana giggled delightedly. He turned, following the sound. He should know his own bedchamber well enough to avoid crashing into the blasted furniture. “I do love the way your cock wobbles,” she cooed. Another clue to finding her. She’d moved nearer the bed, he guessed. For her entertainment, he tensed his muscles, jerking his cock up and down, and was rewarded with Diana’s excited clapping. “Can you do that inside a woman?” This time his cock jerked up entirely on its own accord as his aching loins tightened. “Yes, sweeting.” “And a woman can feel it?” Being a tutor was a damnably painful job. Each of her questions notched file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (63 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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his sexual hunger up a degree. “Yes. Most women delight in the sensation.” “Oh, how I do wish I could experience it.” God, it made him ache when she dangled temptation before him. He should qualify for sainthood when they finished this adventure with her virginity intact. He reached out with his hands. “Oh no,” she cried teasingly. “Not your hands.” “How then, sweeting?” “You must find me with your prick.” Find me with your prick? How did she invent such wild suggestions? How could she know just how to cripple him with desire? He staggered on his next step. “Your wish is my command, angel,” he croaked, throat tight, heart hammering. He moved his cock from side to side, searching for her. “Two more steps,” she encouraged. Obligingly, he took them. The head of his cock hit something soft. Her stomach? Her hand? Warmth and wetness caressed the swollen head. Her cunny? Lucien prayed it wasn’t. He might not be able to back off if he’d wedged himself in her hot triangle. Reaching ahead, he felt nothing. What the—? Her low throaty growl told him everything he needed to know. She was on her knees before him. His maiden was in a supplicating position, ready to suck him. His hands groped for her as she grasped the shaft and circled the head of his cock teasingly over her lips. He touched her silky hair, stroking her, his grip tightening instinctively when her tongue laved him. He released her immediately—he could not roughly direct Diana, no matter how excited he became. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (64 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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She ran the tip of her tongue down his shaft, tracing a throbbing vein, heightening his excitement to the boiling point. Lucien reached to tug his blindfold off. To watch her take him into her mouth even though he knew his tenuous control might snap if he did. “No. Please leave it on,” she implored. Groaning, he did so. He had to fight to distance himself from the maddening pleasure of Diana’s exploring mouth. She worked avidly, trying different pressures, different speeds, all the while, making the most erotic sounds in her throat. Seductive feminine moans partly smothered by his cock. With his eyes covered, his other senses heightened. He drank in the scents of her bare skin and the rich aroma of their arousal. Her whimpers and slurps and sighs tempted him to take her, to make love to her and make her scream. He had to admit it was enticing not to know what she was going to do until he felt her touch him. Far too enticing. She moved down to his balls. His entire body stiffened as she kissed, licked, and even gently sucked them, one at a time. Her hands clamped on the cheeks of his arse, kneading them. She released his balls with a sexy little “pop” and he groaned in frustration. With a laugh, she moved away. “Now you have to find me again.” He turned, following her giggles. Once again his painfully hard cock hit something delightfully soft. Suddenly her plump curves swung from side to side against him. She was beating his prick with her ass. Now he understood. She planned to perform every act on him that the eight—or was it nine—women in Ivory’s ballroom had done. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (65 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Sainthood. Definitely sainthood. Diana stopped bumping her rear against his eager member. What the hell else had he done last night? Everything prior to his carriage ride with Diana was a blur, a distant memory. Lucien knew he had to remember. To know what to expect so he could gather his strength and resist the instinctive urge racing through him—the urge to grip Diana’s hips, hold her in place, and shove his cock inside her. Nipples. He’d sucked one of the women’s nipples. And the last woman had rubbed her breasts along his— His cock slid into a warm, soft valley. Diana’s breasts or her ass? Her wet tongue dallied with the taut knob at the head of his cock. Breasts. Damnation, he wanted to see this. “In Ivory’s ballroom, when I saw you naked, I longed to explore you,” she admitted, squeezing her soft mounds tight against his shaft. “From the very first moment I saw you, I’ve thought of such sinful things.” Lucien tore off the blindfold. For a fleeting moment, as he looked down into Diana’s large violet eyes and drank in the erotic vision she made on her knees, he thought of the cravat dangling from his hand, and wanted to get very playful. He was thinking of some seriously sinful things. But he shouldn’t tie up an innocent. Not yet, anyway. He let his gaze drop lower. All he could see of his cock was the darkened engorged head—the rest was buried in her bosom. He wished he could lift her and drag her to the bed and take her in every way his dirty mind could invent. And he was beginning to suspect Diana would be able to invent a few he hadn’t thought of. “Do you like this?” she asked breathlessly as she rubbed her breasts along his length. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (66 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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“Every sinful minute.” “You had the strangest expression on your face. As though you weren’t having fun.” She bestowed a wicked smile upon him—and he knew she understood exactly why he looked so pained. This was definitely more temptation than any sane man should subject himself to. Any more foreplay and he’d go up in flames on the spot. “I do wish—” Lucien interrupted her wishes by lifting her to her feet. Mistake. She reached up on tiptoes to put her arms around his neck and her damp nether curls teased his cock as she snuggled close. He took her mouth hungrily, plunging his tongue in, trying to satisfy himself with that as he backed his groin away from her. Putting a safe distance between them. The devilish woman followed. He broke the kiss to remind her, “You wanted me to explore you.” “Ooh, yes.” Entwining his fingers with hers, he led her to the bed. Diana gasped in bliss as Lucien massaged her shoulders. Lying on her stomach, with her head resting on her folded arms, she purred as his hands—slick and warm with scented oil—rubbed firmly into her skin. She hadn’t expected his exploration to feel both calming and arousing. With each circular caress of his hands, she wriggled her hot cunny into his mattress, but felt too content with his stroking to roll over and beg him to pleasure her. She could lie here forever and just enjoy this heavenly experience. He certainly knew how to delight a woman’s body, in ways she hadn’t expected. By tracing the line of her spine and massaging her neck. By sliding his hands around her rib cage to caress her breasts from the side. Her bottom was slick with oil—he’d spent a long time fondling her cheeks, parting them to give a maddeningly delightful tug on her rear file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (67 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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entrance. And the attentions he’d shown to her legs and her feet had made her squirm like a playful kitten. Now, feeling like a pampered queen, she watched him in the mirror. He’d moved it to the end of the bed so she could see. She adored the way he was so intent on her body. His dark, tousled hair hung over his eyes as he worked. His thick black lashes were lowered. He was quite simply the most handsome man she’d ever seen. And, of course, the first nude man she’d ever seen. Lucien straightened, meeting her gaze in the mirror. “Roll over, sweeting.” She obeyed with a sigh, stretching her arms above her head, delighting in the way his green eyes narrowed as she did so. He started massaging her wrists, sending shudders of desire through her. His hands skimmed her arms, cupped her breasts. His every caress was magic. She shivered, anticipating his magical fingers rubbing oil into her aching sex. By the time he reached her mound, she was trembling and moaning. One touch of his slick finger on her nub and she burst, crying out his name. As she settled back to earth and slowly regained her senses, Diana smiled. Thank heavens she was too old to play Blind Man’s Bluff at outdoor fetes and parties. Memories of this delicious afternoon might have her moaning and coming on the spot—and that would be terribly hard to explain. She opened her eyes to find Lucien smiling wickedly at her. He placed the folded cravat over her palm. “Would you like to have a turn?” “May I?” He laughed at her enthusiastic question. Even wearing a piece of his clothing was exciting, she thought, as she held the cravat up over her eyes. He captured her mouth in a long, sensuous kiss as he tied it in place. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (68 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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She knelt on the bed, waiting for the creaking sound that meant he had left the bed and was finding a place to stand. Silence. “I’m ready,” she hinted. She heard his heavy breathing. Jokingly, Diana put her hands on her hips. “Lucien, do get up so I can try to find you.” Instead he grasped her wrists tightly and she gasped as he pulled her hands from her sides. “But—” A dollop of the heated oil landed in her palms. “Stroke me, Diana,” he urged. He closed her hands around his hard cock. She took hold, her greased hands gliding easily along him. Perhaps this was more fun than stumbling around, trying to find him. His breathing grew harsh, telling her just how much he wanted this. She let him control her motions, remembering the night before, learning even more. He began slowly, sliding her hand from the base to the tip where he massaged her palm firmly over the head. “Grip me hard,” he urged. “As tight as you can.” “Take off my blindfold,” she begged, just as he had done earlier. For a moment she was certain he would refuse, but then he slowed their motions and she felt him pull gently at the cravat. It tugged at strands of her hair and she stayed still until he worked it up over her eyes. He tossed it away and quickly clamped his hand back over hers. Her eyes widened at the size of his engorged cock. Her hands looked so small around it as he worked them up and down the length. He soon sped up her motions, his hips lifting in the rhythm of their pumping hands. “It is very exciting to watch you…er…us masturbate,” she admitted shyly. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (69 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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Lucien’s eyes glazed. “But why would you ever need to do it? You can indulge in any pleasure you desire.” Except with her, of course, she realized with frustration. “It’s a skill I perfected as a boy.” “Goodness. When did you first start?” “I’ve no idea, Diana, please—” His eyes closed, his grip tightening on her hands as he jerked them wildly. Realizing he was nearing his explosion, she bent and gave him a hard kiss on his mouth, sucking and biting his lower lip. She took advantage of his surprise to move her hands away, hoping he would let her do a little more exploring. To her astonishment, his hands continued on without her, though his gaze never let her face. She had never seen Lucien so completely lose his control. A distinct sense of power thrummed through her. Well, she’d just touch him at the same time, she decided. She cradled his sack, stroked with her thumb, but stopped in surprise. “Lucien, what happened to your ballocks?” His voice was hoarse. “As I get closer to climax, they tighten up.” Fascinated, she knew exactly what she wanted to try next. Taking a deep breath, she slid her slick finger down to the entrance of his bottom. She was going to pleasure his ass. Despite the building orgasm that demanded release, Lucien slowed his frantic rhythm. Her fingernail tickled, then her finger pressed in. “Ooh, you are so very tight, Lucien. I can’t seem to wiggle my finger inside.” His cock went as rigid as the barrel of a pistol at her words and at the intense sensations as she worked to enter him. “Was I as snug and hot around your tongue?” she inquired innocently, as file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (70 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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she pushed further. Barely able to speak, he managed a gruff, “Yes.” “Am I hurting you?” “No.” He battled for enough control over his ragged breathing to talk—to give her some guidance—but before he could tell her what to do, she shoved in hard. “There,” she said triumphantly as his muscles clenched and pain shot through him. “Slide it out a little, sweeting,” he begged. “I am hurting you. Oh Lucien, I am sorry.” She pulled her finger right out. “Please, Diana—” “Do you want me to try again?” “Yesss,” he hissed. He clutched his cock as she slid her finger back inside. “You’re scorching hot,” she marveled. Her commentary was driving him wild. He fought his nearing release, fought to last just a little longer. “I can barely move my finger in you, you’ve gripped it so hard.” He wasn’t even jerking off anymore. Didn’t need it. He was going to shoot off like the Vauxhall fireworks at any second. “Now, where is your sensitive spot?” she asked. “The one that would make you come in an instant?” Her questing finger hit the trigger at the exact moment she asked her question. A blinding, searing bolt of lightning shot through him, from his arse, through his balls, up the throbbing shaft of his prick. He shouted so loud he heard something crash out in the hallway. Apparently he’d startled a maid.

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***** “I hope you have an appetite.” Lucien stood as she entered the parlor for their private dinner. Yes. I long to start with dessert. But Diana did not say that. She couldn’t say a word. The sumptuous scene awaiting her left her breathless. Lucien wore his robe and slippers. Warm candlelight gleamed on his dark hair, still tousled from their late afternoon massage session. Underneath the robe he was probably naked. Silver dishes gleamed, delicate crystal glittered, and blood-red roses were scattered over the table. Lucien picked up one of the roses and held it out to her. Before he let her take it, he put his lips to the soft, fresh petals. “Thank you.” It was inadequate but all she could manage. She put the delicate bloom to her face, inhaling the scent that reminded her of their bath. Walking in and seeing him like this, amidst the splendor, made her feel as though she’d requested an audience with Lucifer. The Devil stood and pulled out her chair. She tried for breezy confidence. “I’m starving!” She sat and let him guide her chair in place, turning to him with an exaggerated look of innocence. “But are you disappointed that I am keeping your from the Middlestone’s ball?” Her robe parted slightly as she sat, giving him a glimpse of her thighs. She wore just her robe—as he had requested—and her hair was loose. Beneath the whispering silk, her skin felt supple and sensuous from being anointed with hot fragrant oil, lovingly rubbed into her skin by Lucien’s hands. “Not if you promise to reserve me a dance tonight, Miss Tiverton.” He poured two glasses of red wine, handing her one. Delicately holding the stem, Diana remembered his teasing, seductive words from the night before. It sounds far more wicked to call you Miss Tiverton. As though I am asking you to dance when I really will be asking you file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (72 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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how you want me to make you come. What did she dare ask of him tonight? He raised his glass in a toast. “To adventures.” “To games of Blind Man’s Bluff,” she added saucily, and took a sip. “A delightful way to spend an afternoon.” He laughed and sipped too, leaning back with his characteristic lazy grace. “I wish I’d been so inventive when playing the game as a child.” “It was a grand idea for me to wear the blindfold, too. It was tremendous fun to explore you.” And wonderful fun to find that special spot he’d told her about. He’d erupted in an orgasm that had left him almost unable to move. He raised his wineglass to toast her. “You are a delight, Diana. I am the luckiest man alive to be in your company tonight.” Settling his glass back on the table, he turned his attention to the food. “But you told me you were starving. I am not being a good host.” Lucien pointed out the menu for the evening as he lifted the lids of the dishes, and he ladled everything she asked for onto her plate. The feast seemed intended for a dozen guests. Roast lamb. Glazed quails. Lobsters stuffed with a concoction of shrimp. Salmon stuffed with lobster. They hadn’t bothered with a midday meal, and Diana could not resist the delicious smells, nor the sensuality of the food spread out before them. By the time she and Lucien shared a syllabub from a huge stemmed dish, she was fit to burst. Lucien lifted the very last spoonful, smiled, and put it against her lips. She parted them to suck the spoon clean. Green eyes sparkled at her. He took her hand, helped her from her chair, and led her to his massive bed. Walking with hands clasped lent an air of sweet innocence to their night. Diana’s heart tripped along. Their afternoon adventures had only increased her hunger to be filled by him. To make love to him. To go all the way. As she glanced up and saw his naughty smile, she longed to seduce him into making love to her. But she couldn’t. For a start, he was file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (73 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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determined not to take her virginity. He was a rake, but a noble one. And she had no idea how to seduce an expert at the art of seduction. How could she assault his practiced control? How did a woman tempt a man accustomed to having several women in his bed at one time? The prostitute he had chosen at Ivory’s had rubbed his erection between her massive breasts before taking him all the way into her mouth. Diana was willing to try both, but remembered he’d invited another woman to join them even after all that temptation! It wouldn’t be fair. It wouldn’t be right. If he went inside her, she’d be ruined. And she suspected that if it happened, if she did lose her virginity in his bed, he’d be a true gentleman and offer for her. She didn’t want to trap Lucien. But oh, how she longed for the most forbidden pleasure of all. “I want to do everything you can think of,” she whispered. “I want to try everything…” His smile vanished, replaced by a look of predatory hunger. “I can think of quite a lot.” Not certain what to do, she let her robe slide down her arms and slither to the floor. Before his approving gaze, she stretched out on the counterpane, completely naked, hand dangling casually over her hip. She wanted to look delectable and tempting. He stripped off his silk robe and joined her, nude but not yet completely erect. He began with kisses on her lips, then on her cheeks, her nose, her chin, even her eyelids. As though determined to taste every inch of her, he kissed her from her forehead down to her chest. By the time he drew a nipple into his mouth, her skin was on fire. The anticipation was driving her mad. He kissed the crooks of her elbows, he pressed his lips into her wrists, let his tongue glide over her palms. He skipped over her crotch, but explored the length of her legs with his mouth. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (74 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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She shrieked as he kissed the soles of her feet. As he worked his way back up, she rolled over. He paused, obviously not expecting it. Then put his soft lips to the backs of her knees. Heavens. Who knew the backs of knees were so sensitive? His touch sent a fiery pulse right to her sex. She squirmed as he ran his tongue up the back of her thighs. The embroidered silk cover rubbed the entire length of her warm body, teasing sensitive nipples and her aching quim. Remembering the feel of Lucien’s tongue in her bottom, Diana knew she had to experience that again. She lifted her rear and wiggled it around to tempt him. His large hand rested on the junction of buttock and thigh. “What would you like, angel?” She ached for his hot tongue in her, but couldn’t bring herself to say it. And what she truly wanted was his cock. Inside her wet quim. She whispered, “I want…I wish…I’d love to take you inside me.” His hands stroked the curve of her bottom, but he stayed silent. Dejected, she closed her eyes, face buried in the cover. She was a fool to tempt him, to remind him of the one thing they couldn’t have. Surely, if he were tempted he would say something? The quiet was agony. Then he bent and placed a little kiss on the entrance of her bottom. “If you were willing to try—I could pleasure you here.” Her heart sped up. Now she understood what he’d implied in the bathtub. “You mean, you would go inside my…my…there?” “Yes.” He lay down alongside her, his hand stroking the valley between her cheeks. “I would be very gentle. I would go slowly and not too deep.” “But my vir—” “You would not lose your virginity. Nor would you become pregnant.” She lifted her head off the bed, arching her back to look at him. “I could have you inside me and not have a baby or lose my innocence?” A fleeting smile touched his beautiful mouth. “Oh, you would lose your file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (75 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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innocence, pet, but not your actual virginity. Your barrier would be intact.” She reached down, behind her, closing her hand around his hard, long cock. “Do it, Lucien. I want to try.” At her words, he took a deep shuddering breath. “I have to get some oil.” He moved away from her, the bed rippling as his weight moved across it. She waited for him to return, almost as frightened as she was excited. This was truly sex, truly a momentous step. One she ached to take—she felt she might burst into flame on his bed if she didn’t. He lay alongside her again, kissing her spine. “What do I do?” she whispered. “I want you just to lie down on your stomach. I won’t go in as deep if you are lying down.” “There is another way?” “Several. The usual is for the woman to be on her knees.” He kissed the back of her neck. She felt the caress of his tongue all the way to her toes. “This way will be easier for you.” The warmed oil struck her anus and sprayed onto her cheeks. Her body almost seemed to open of its own accord, to prepare itself for his penetration. Something slid around in the oil, brushing her entrance, then sliding away. His cock, directed by his hand. She heard his soft, ragged breathing as he used the head of his shaft to massage the oil into her skin. She was so wet, but not in the right place. He placed one hand between her legs, lifting her just a bit and pressing into her most sensitive place. He rubbed slowly, with agonizingly deliberate motions. “Pressure there will ease the pain,” he whispered. “There’s pain?” “There can be if we aren’t careful and if we don’t go slowly. Let me guide you, Diana. I will ensure you feel nothing but pleasure.” “Oh!” He’d nudged himself forward a little and she felt as though she’d file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (76 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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been cleaved apart. She pushed her hips into the bed to escape the sensation. Then it eased as quickly as it had struck and she lifted her bottom back toward him. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice soft and raspy near her ear. “Yes, Lucien.” He slid in again and this time there was no pain, but instead delicious pressure. Eager for more, she lifted her bottom, but stopped when the twinge returned. Lucian stayed motionless until she accommodated him. The hurt subsided again, leaving only exquisitely strong and enjoyable sensations. “Let yourself just relax against the bed,” he murmured. He eased in a little more. His fingers pressed harder on her vulva, rubbed a little more intently. And it did ease the powerful sensations in her bottom. She felt utterly filled by Lucien and loved the feeling, the unbelievable intimacy of having him inside her. Lucien knew he had to move slowly, though he wanted to sink right into her lush and tempting bottom. She gripped him tighter than a fist. He knew he’d never be able to go in to the hilt, but the pleasure was so intense with only a part of himself inside, he knew he would climax the instant he relinquished his control. The delight of knowing she trusted him so much was more erotic than any gymnastic sexual game he’d ever tried. The slickness of her sex against his hand encouraged him to pump slowly and delicately, drawing himself right to her rim, sliding back in a slow few inches. “Oh, Lord.” She groaned. He stopped, thinking he’d hurt her. “More, more.” She half-turned her head, pushing back her hair to reveal her face, flushed with desire. “Go deeper.” Her husky voice—her lusty words—almost shattered him. He withdrew right to his throbbing tip, and plunged in, controlling with file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (77 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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infinite care the depth of his penetration. Diana squealed his name. She arched her back, lifting her ass up to meet him. He rubbed her clit harder and she rocked against him, sandwiched between his burning cock and his hand. He thrust harder and faster, and she moved up eagerly to meet him, each time taking him further and further. Moaning over and over, she pounded her bottom against him, the full luscious curves slapping his groin. She thumped herself against him, her rear pumping so fast he thought he’d burst. Her fingers closed around his and she changed the speed of his rubbing, moving him faster. “Yes,” he urged her, licking along the rim of her ear. “Show me what you want.” She worked herself madly, rubbing and rocking so hard he was astounded. Her back glistened with sweat, her hair dampened—turning into a mass of wild curls. He’d expected her to let him give her pleasure—not take it—not seek her own release and take him along for the ride. He loved it. “Lucien—” His name was a strained cry. “Dear heaven, yes!” Her head arched back, hair spilling like a river of molten gold down her back. She rocked and writhed against him, her hips and rear moving so wildly he could barely control his thrusts. She screamed, and he stopped, horrified at how he must have hurt her. But her screams died away into cries of delight and his control slipped away. Just before he came, he felt her sex pulse as she climaxed, the muscles drawing his hand tight against her. Yanking his hand from her hot, drenched, throbbing mound, he slammed it onto the bed. Then he exploded. Bracing his arms rigid, he tightened every muscle to keep his prick from tearing into her as he came. Instinct told his body to drop onto her, to file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (78 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:29 PM]

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thrust as deep and hard as possible, but he overpowered the urge, hovering over her as his spine dissolved and joined the thick molten come pouring out of him. To his embarrassment, he collapsed onto her, unable to move. His legs straddled her and he quickly supported his weight on his arms and bent knees. He kissed her hot back, damp with her salty dew. Slowly he withdrew his exhausted cock, and despite the leaden feeling of his arms, he reached for a silk handkerchief and cleaned her plump, flushed curves. “That felt so…forbidden,” Diana whispered, turning her face so her cheek pressed into the soft bed. “Was it pleasurable?” “Ooh, yes. But now I understand what you meant.” “About what, sweeting?” “About propriety having no place in the bedroom.” She giggled, lashes demurely screening her eyes. “I mean—society would be horrified if I even kissed a man outside of marriage, and I have let you put your prick in my bottom.” How did she find the exact words to make him ache with lust? “Do you think the patronesses of Almack’s do things like this in their bedrooms?” she continued, innocently. “I think everyone does things like this in their bedrooms, sweeting. However, I will never look at the patronesses of Almack’s in quite the same way again.” Diana tried to roll over and he shifted his weight to let her move to her back. She brushed wild curls from her face. Strands of pure gold lay across her lips and she tugged those away. Her violet eyes shone with delight, her cheeks stained a lovely pink. “Do you think Stephen does things like this?” Ah, the question he’d hoped to avoid. Denonshire’s nickname was “Demon”. He and Demon were the same age—he knew him by reputation. A hell-born babe—a skilled rake, a notorious lover. He and file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (79 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Demon had probably fucked many of the same experienced courtesans in their wild youth. He could assure Diana that her future husband would delight her in bed, but with a surprising and jealous possessiveness, he didn’t want to. Better that she think Demon was boring. Bloody hell, what would Denonshire think when she asked him to fuck her delightful arse? Lucien almost laughed at the image he conjured up in his mind—of the astonishment and growing shock on Demon’s face as his sweet little wife presented her naked rump to him and begged him to stick it to her. Except he felt a painful tightness about his heart as he did so. And a nagging sense of guilt. He’d been more concerned about preserving Diana’s virginity than her innocence, but now he understood his mistake. Diana reached out and stroked his forearm softly. “Should I not have asked you that?” He reached out to cradle her and brushed her forehead with his lips. “Diana, you have to understand that you cannot let Denonshire know—or suspect—you have ever done these things before.” “You mean—” “I mean he would be quite surprised if an innocent woman suggested he do such a thing.” “So I must wait for him to think of these things.” She frowned, puzzling over that. “But what if he does not?” “Then you will have to rely on me.”

Chapter Seven Their very last day together. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (80 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Diana nibbled at her enormous breakfast without much appetite. Fantasizing about marrying Lucien was madness but she’d indulged in it all morning. Could she really go back to Stephen and marry him now? Was it fair to Stephen to wed him—to join him in his bed—when she hungered for Lucien? Of course, Stephen might actually have the nerve to withdraw his suit because she had been in a brothel. Perhaps she need not marry anyone at all! Her parents would never accept that—they hoped she would support them and not the other way about. The door to Lucien’s bedroom opened and Diana looked up from her barely touched plate. Lucien had sent breakfast to her in the parlor while he prepared a “surprise”. As he stepped in, totally nude, her lusty appetites growled. He looked as luscious as ever. Lucien had the body of a Greek athlete, with long, lean limbs built of powerful muscle. His face was heart-stoppingly handsome, his cock magnificent. Exactly as he’d described it the first time they met. He was exquisite. Lucien beckoned her to follow him. Sliding off her robe, she did so, amazed at how calm she was about walking nude through a gentleman’s bedroom. Normally Lucien would kiss and cuddle and caress her. This morning, he took her hand and drew her directly to the bed. The drapes were drawn, rendering the room as dark as night. A row of candles at the foot of the bed sent a soft warm light throughout. The low fire in the grate made the room comfortable for bare skin. “Would you indulge me in a fantasy, love?” His emerald eyes shone in anticipation and he appeared so hopeful and yet so uncertain that her heart melted. “Yes, my lord.” Lucien reached over to the nightstand and took something from it, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (81 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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holding it up to the dim light. She could not distinguish it at first and approached to take a look. Curious and excited at the same time. He held four lengths of black velvet rope. She frowned. “Do you strike my bottom with them?” He laughed. “An inventive idea, but no—” His voice broke, and he took a deep shuddering breath. His hard cock jumped and swayed before returning to curve toward his navel like a taut bow. “No. I want to tie you to the bed and torment you with pleasure.” He brushed the velvet straps, warm from his grip, against her bare stomach and drew them up over her breasts. At the sight of the black ropes splayed over her hard nipples, Diana knew she desperately wanted to play. “And you will do whatever you wish?” Her voice was breathy. “You’ll be completely under my control.” He winked, looping the velvet around his strong wrist. “But you’ll enjoy it, I promise.” He pointed. “Now up on the bed, my pleasure slave.” Diana shivered. Throughout their adventure, he’d been gentle, loving and teasing, but his dominant appeal had been undeniable. Irresistible. Now she was to submit to his will. She hesitated with her hands splayed on the bed. “People truly wish to be bound for lovemaking?” Lucien sat down on the edge of the mattress beside her hand and gently stroked her fingers. “Does it intrigue you, pet?” Though she’d never dreamed of such a thing, Diana had to admit it did. How far would he take her once she was his prisoner? She wanted him to do everything he possibly could to her, for this was the last day of her adventure. Dear heaven, the idea of being bound and completely at his mercy had her trembling with desire. As she clambered on the bed, her hot moisture leaked between her legs to dampen her inner thighs. Oh, she was so wet, she almost hoped he would bury his cock into her while she was bound and unable to stop him. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (82 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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But she knew he wouldn’t. He had far more control than she. “Is there anything to fear?” she whispered as she lay back. Her bare breasts rose and fell with her quick breaths. Lucien climbed on the bed and straddled her hips, his weight balanced on his legs. The velvet ropes dangled from his hand, brushing the tip of his erection. “Not with me,” he reassured. Diana caught her breath as he held her wrists together. Soft velvet slid teasingly over the sensitive skin of her wrists. Her elbows squeezed against her bare breasts as he trussed her hands. Tentatively she tugged at the finished knots. Her bonds weren’t tight enough to hurt, but she was securely captured. With a devilish smile, Lucien lifted her hands over her head as he moved along her body. He sat just below her breasts, his glistening erection standing proudly between her curves. As he stretched to loop the velvet rope around the headboard, Diana arched her breasts toward his prick. She moaned as he pushed his cock down and stroked the wet tip against her left nipple. Pleasure shot down and exploded between her legs. His cock was so close to her mouth… Coyly meeting his gaze, Diana ran her tongue sensuously over her lips, remembering the taste of his velvety skin, the feel of his prick pulsating against her tongue as she sucked him. “May I kiss you…?” She fought a spurt of embarrassment. She knew Lucien loved her to be blunt and say wicked things. “If I were to take your cock into my mouth, would you like that?” “It would be my greatest pleasure.” He gripped the headboard with one hand and lowered his prick to her mouth. Diana teased him with her tongue, but did not take him fully into her mouth. Lapping at his cock while she couldn’t move her hands was deliciously naughty. He reached behind him and pinched her nipple until she whimpered around the swollen head filling her mouth. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (83 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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On this last day of her adventure, she planned to be bold. Even while tied to the bed. Pure agony shot through Lucien as he gently pulled his cock away from Diana’s stroking tongue. He didn’t want to explode in her mouth. Not yet. He’d never imagined she’d want to start by sucking him. It had been too tempting to do this to her. To take her into his realm. To shatter what remaining innocence she had. After experiencing bondage, what more could possibly astonish a gently bred woman? The very fact that this was so forbidden made it unbearably erotic. Lucien trailed light kisses along Diana’s beautiful body as he moved down to her feet. Tying the black velvet around her slim white ankles sent another pulse of blood to his painfully throbbing cock. His fluid dribbled down the head, dripping from his shaft. He lashed Diana’s foot to the bedpost, quickly doing the same to the other. He tested the bonds. “I am completely imprisoned,” she said breathlessly. Lucien paused, gently stroking her silky smooth legs. “If you don’t like it, I’ll free you.” “No, no. I like it. I want to do this.” He knelt between her legs and bent to kiss her sex. “Oh, please,” she moaned. As her master, he loved to hear her beg. “Not yet, sweeting.” He brushed a teasing kiss against the swell of her stomach. Tonight, he had other plans. Plans that included seeing how many orgasms Diana could bear. Her gaze, nervous yet hot with desire, followed him as he chose another toy from his bedside table. A peacock feather. He waved it before her. “Whatever do you do with that?” “Silence.” He lay beside her on the bed and stroked the feather along her nose, her file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (84 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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parted lips, her blushing cheeks before sliding it along her throat. Her pink lips parted as her face contorted in an agony of pleasure. “You are allowed to moan.” Lucien traced the underside of her breasts with the soft, turquoise tip of the feather. She moaned, sinking her teeth into her plump lower lip. Watching her melt was driving him wild with desire. And at the core, he was just a man. He breathed in the scent of her alluring desire, and the sight of her wet pink cunny lips nestled between soft golden curls was almost more temptation than he could bear. So he let the feather do what his cock could not. Lucien skimmed the plume across her stomach, swirling around her delicate navel. She panted as he brushed the golden curls between her thighs. He wriggled the feather’s tip against her nether lips until Diana cried out in pleasure and the plume was damp with her desire. Her hips arched up to meet his rhythm, but as her gasps and cries grew urgent, Lucien moved the feather to tease her sensitive inner thighs. Lucien bent over her breast and laved her hard nipple with the tip of his tongue while stroking the feather along her thighs. Her hips rocked and squirmed and her hands strained against her bonds as he pleasured her breast. He dropped the feather across her thighs and put his finger against her hard, slick clit. After two strokes, she screamed, exploding underneath him. He loved this game, but it was torture for him—he wished he could end it by sliding between Diana’s slick hot thighs and burying his prick to the hilt in her. Instead he chose another toy. A long slender rod made of ivory, with a jeweled handle and rounded tip. At Diana’s gasp, Lucien smiled. “If you wish, my slave, you may close your eyes and imagine this is my cock in your hot folds, eager to pleasure you.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (85 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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He rubbed the cool ivory wand against Diana’s hot clit as she shuddered in the last spasms of ecstasy. His prick, as rigid as the dildo, hurt like the devil. She reached climax again in seconds, her eyes shut tight, her cries deliciously agonized. After two orgasms, her breasts, her quim, her skin would be exquisitely sensitive—ready to ignite at the slightest caress. With his tongue, the feather and the ivory cock, Lucien toyed with Diana until she came again and again. Her orgasms ran together in an endless wave of pleasure. He loved watching his sweet innocent lose control. He was close to explosion himself, seeing her thrash and fight against the black velvet ropes. Lucien rested his fingers at the entrance of her quim and felt her hot, sticky juices bubbling over him. He sat up and licked his fingers, tasting her unique flavor, sweet, salty, musky. But he really wanted what he could not have—her quim climaxing around his prick. “Lucien, I want you inside…” Diana begged, fixing her violet gaze hungrily on his face. “Could you…go in my bottom?” At her request, Lucien abandoned his game. Lord, but he needed to fuck her lovely rear. He tore at the knots binding her feet. He’d done a bloody good job of tying them. Once he’d freed her ankles, he massaged her satiny skin, caressing the pink lines where the ropes had rubbed. With her hands still bound, he gently rolled her over onto her stomach, so her sweet little ass was up, facing him, ready to be mounted. She parted her legs and wiggled her rump appealingly. “I want you,” she begged. “I need you. Oh, please.” Lucien planted a kiss at the base of her spine before kneeling between her outstretched thighs. With one hand, he pushed his cock into the slippery valley of her derriere. Whether her juices had leaked from her pussy and soaked her all over, or her rear passage was slack with anticipation, he wasn’t certain. His cock slid from her entrance and he struggled to find her anus again as she lifted herself eagerly to him. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (86 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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The taut head of his swollen cock wedged into her heat. It was like dipping his prick into a raging fire. She bucked up to him and she was so wet, he slid right in. He’d planned to move slowly, to tease, but she moved so desperately, moaned so desirably, he couldn’t help but sink in to the hilt. “Yes!” she cried out as he buried himself into her with one strong thrust. He felt the barrier of tightly drawn flesh at the very moment she screamed. Shock numbed him. He’d slid too far forward and had buried himself up her quim, not her arse. Goddamn, he’d just torn her maidenhead. Like closing the stable door too late, Lucien pulled back, withdrawing his cock completely. Diana sobbed as he did so. Why hadn’t she told him he was in the wrong place? Warned him? He should have known by the different feel, but he’d been to far gone to realize. Damnation. He saw the streaks of blood on his shaft as he dropped down beside Diana to comfort her. One blasted thrust and he’d changed everything. He’d ruined her. And possibly done much worse. What they had done might be enough to get her pregnant. Lucien reached above Diana’s head, fumbling with the velvet ropes to free her. To apologize seemed inadequate. But he whispered against her ear. “I’m sorry, love.” The ropes fell free of her hands. Diana had her eyes shut tight, but the pain had eased into discomfort, and even that was fading. She rolled up onto her side, pushing her damp hair back. Poor Lucien looked stunned. She kissed Lucien’s bare shoulder as she reached for his softening his cock. One glance showed her the bloodstains streaking it and she winced. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (87 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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But the pain was over now and Diana wanted to know the pleasures that followed. Lucien went hard instantly as her fingers wrapped around him. She put her leg over his hips and pressed her hot wet cunny against his side. He let her straddle his waist. His erection nudged her bottom. His hands settled on her hips. “Diana, love—” She pulled his hands away. She didn’t want him lifting her off. “But what difference does it make now, Lucien? Why can’t we at least have pleasure, too?” “I can’t deny the truth of that, sweeting. It makes no difference now.” “I want to take you inside me. I want to make love with you—to know what it is like.” She stroked the high ridge of his cheekbone with the backs of her fingers. “It felt so good to have you inside—until it hurt.” “Are you still sore?” His voice was tender. His green eyes full of concern. “No. It’s eased.” The stupidity of society’s rules struck her. Was she any different now than she’d been before he broke her barrier? Why should it matter so much? But it did. And that she could not deny. She was ruined. A husband would not accept a wife who’d been with another man before marriage. Even if that husband had a dozen mistresses himself. And she couldn’t even lie about it—a husband would discover the truth when he found no barrier on their wedding night. Well, they couldn’t put her virginity back. And she wanted Lucien inside her. Oh, it had felt like magic as he slid within. Even the pain had been worth the delight of his large cock pushing into her passage. She should have stopped him. Should have told him. But it had felt so good. “Now I can do whatever I wish,” Diana insisted. She bent and kissed him. Lucien returned the kiss hungrily, filling her mouth with his tongue. She ached for him to fill her with his cock. She could discover all the file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (88 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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pleasure it was possible to know. Nothing was barred to her now. Diana pressed her hands onto Lucien’s chest, tangling them into the spray of his dark hair. She broke away from his kiss to rub her wet, scalding nether lips along the length of his prick. He groaned and reached for velvet rope above his head. Diana bit back a gasp as he looped the crushed, twisted velvet around his cock. He tied a big snug knot at the base. “Why—?” His smile was pure sin. “You’ll soon find out. Now bend over and let me suckle your sweet breasts.” Lucien greedily sucked her nipples. His blood was surging, making his prick rock hard, and the knot was tightening in an erotically painful way. He grimaced, vaguely hearing Diana’s worried voice. “Are you in pain?” He glanced down at his cock, the shaft nestled between the pink lips of Diana’s quim. Each time his prick swelled, it pressed against its constricting prison. The purple head looked twice as big as normal. “Not in a bad way, love.” To his surprise, Diana picked up one of the ropes. “I’d like to—I want to try tying you up—may I?” “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself,” he teased, as his cock throbbed harder against the velvet rope. She paused, thinking that through. With a shy giggle, she tied his wrists together. His arms lifted as she looped the rope through the headboard and pulled tight. Her reaching put her glistening quim close, just out of reach of his mouth. Exquisite torture. “Are you bound?” He strained his arms against his bonds, then let them fall back. “Yes.” “Did you really try?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (89 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“You wish to see me really try, sweeting?” “Yes.” Lucien complied, pulling madly against her knots, until she nodded in approval. He laughed, but it quickly became a groan as she sat back down on his hips and her sopping entrance cradled the enlarged head of his cock. She tightened her muscles, drawing his cock closer and ensnaring it slightly within her blazing passage. Her fingers wrapped around his shaft, lifting him. She was so wet that—even though he was thick and huge with excitement—he slid in several inches. She stopped. “Rest for a few seconds, darling,” he urged. “Let yourself relax and grow used to me.” Diana hung her head forward. Her long blonde waves shimmered in the candlelight. She nodded, biting into her hand, staying absolutely still. Slowly, she began moving her hips. Pure sensual agony raced from his cock up to his brain as her fiery velvet passage clamped along him as she rose and fell upon his shaft. It wasn’t just that she was exquisitely tight. Her snug body was made to fit him perfectly. He’d been made to pleasure her, to fill her, to give her what no man ever had. Little by little, as she pumped on him, he sank in until she reached the black velvet ring around his cock. He thought of the rope growing wet with her juices and almost exploded. The knot was pushing against her clit and would rub her to heady ecstasy. “Ooh.” Knowing exactly where the knot had wedged, Lucien captured her mouth and thrust his hips to give her two long, slow, deep strokes. She arched on him as he gave her more lazy thrusts, using a languorous rhythm to keep his cock from trying to break through its binding. The knot was kissing her nub—leaving it stinging and throbbing for more, he knew—but he file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (90 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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continued the deliciously tortuous rhythm. He strained against the ropes to kiss her swinging breasts but was batted in the face by them. Being nudged by her dangling breasts was almost too much. Diana pushed them together into two plump mounds and he sucked each nipple in turn as he drove his prick up into her. In answer to his deep thrusts, Diana circled and pulsed her hips as though trying to milk him of his seed. She sped up, driving him hard and fast—it was enough to make his brains turn to mush. He heard her panting. “Lucien, you look…you look…like you are in agony.” Her words sent a shudder of pure, delicious ecstasy through his body. She bent to kiss him hungrily on his mouth as she ground her lovely little hard clit into the velvet knot. She moved her lips across his face and kissed his ear. He loved that, the hot wetness of her mouth against it. “Are you going to come, Lucien?” He groaned. “I want to make you come. I want to watch you explode.” God, he’d definitely taught her too well. She thrust hard on him, taking him all the way into her, every exquisite inch of her hot and slick and tight. She urged him on. “Come, Lucien.” “You first, sweeting.” She gave him a playful smile. “Do you remember what you told me in the carriage?” she asked. “What did I say?” “You told me after I married, I was to come to you and you would fuck my sweet tight little cunny until I melted with pleasure.” At her words—her naughty, dirty forbidden words—his brain burst into flames. He bucked up into her as his every muscle went mad with his orgasm. Wave after wave shot through him, dissolving him. His cock felt like it had expanded to double its size, then it finally, exquisitely burst. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (91 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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She kept riding him as he came, driving him on when he was so splendidly sensitive. God, he was shouting as she did so. “Lucien, should I stop?” Her voice came, tremulous and sweet. “Did you climax?” His pleasure had been so fierce, he hadn’t—for the first time—been able to tell if his partner had achieved orgasm. “Not yet, but—” “Untie my hands and ride me.” She tore desperately at the knots, freeing him. He knew he was sliding out on the flood of his semen and her sweet juices, knew he had only seconds to bring her to climax. He found her swollen clit—already abraded by the rubbing velvet—and stroked. He tickled her tight little anus with his other finger. He’d capture her every sensuous zone at once, penetrate her from both ends and tease her until she succumbed to the same mind-melting pleasure she’d given him. His finger slid inside her snug bottom. She rocked on him, keeping his cock in her, taking his finger in further. He flicked her sensitive clit and eased his finger in and out of her delightful ass. Her face was flushed a vivid pink. “With you in both entrances—ooh, I feel so deliciously full.” The excitement of it struck him, and his cock swelled slowly again, straightening to fill her. Within seconds, she had his prick engulfed to the hilt and his finger in her as far as it could go. She didn’t bounce, but gyrated back and forth, pressing hard against both cock and finger in a sensuous dance. She started lifting her hips, her eyes shut tight, wild golden curls dancing about her face. She sank her teeth into her lower lip and began pounding on him as he shoved deep, deep, deep into her. Her head snapped back, her back arched. She screamed his name. Her violent spasms pulled his member deeper into her than he thought possible. “Diana!” He exploded again. Not since he was a horny young buck had file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (92 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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he known back to back orgasms, and never had he felt anything so intense. Diana shrieked. She gripped his broad shoulders so tight she feared she might break bones. A ball of fire erupted, raced through her, and shattered between her legs. Luxuriant waves of pleasure crashed over her, leaving her suspended in such a delirious fog, she felt as though she floated above the bed. Lucien moaned and she slowly opened her eyes. His face, neck, and chest glistened with sweat. He was still groaning softly as he pulled her down and cuddled her. Her hair spilled over his throat and damp chest, the curves of her breasts and belly pressed against his hot stomach. Her legs entangled with his. They both gulped hungrily to catch their breaths. Her foot found the arch of his bare foot and she ran her toe along it. He yelped. She giggled. “You’ve drained me utterly and completely,” he whispered. Still in a daze, Diana reached down and pulled the knotted velvet from his softening cock. “I am going to have to marry you.” Diana froze at his words. She’d fantasized about Lucien dropping to one knee and telling her he wanted her for his wife. Now she’d received the proposal she’d hoped for, yet he made it sound like a death sentence. She didn’t want him to marry her out of honor or duty. She hadn’t wanted to trap him. Why, oh why hadn’t she stopped him? It had happened so quickly, and as soon as she’d felt his big cock pushing against her cunny she hadn’t thought of anything but taking him inside. The future hadn’t mattered. Nothing had mattered. “No, Lucien, I—” Oh, how to explain herself? He stroked her hair and she almost burst into tears at his gentle touch. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (93 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“I cannot hand you back to Denonshire with a smile and a wave, Diana. You belong to me.” “But—” Diana gazed at him helplessly, unable to determine if he was professing love. With his lashes shrouding his eyes, his expression cool and neutral, she could not tell. Then he scuttled her hopes. “An honorable gentleman marries a gently bred young lady if he takes her virginity.” Her head began pounding. “But I should have stopped you. I…well…I should have before it was too late.” “You’d had a half-dozen orgasms, sweeting. I hardly believe you could think at all.” A guilty flush flooded Diana’s cheeks. She buried her face against Lucien’s warm, sweaty chest. Yes, she’d been weak with pleasure—but once she’d felt him there, pushing in, she’d known. Known it was a recipe for disaster, but hadn’t cared. “But you don’t have to marry—” “Yes. I do. However—” He let his hand slide along her bare hip. “I do hope I live long enough to wed you.” “What do you mean?” she cried, lifting her head. “If Denonshire were to learn what I’ve done to you, he’d kill me.” Lucien’s emerald eyes glittered dangerously as he laughed. “If he ever chances to learn what I’ve stolen from him—the most sensual innocent imaginable—he might shoot me anyway.”

Chapter Eight “So who was the mysterious woman posing as Mrs. Wilson? Did you ever file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (94 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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find out?” Wembly leaned forward, eager for the answer. Here, in a dim corner of White’s in mid-afternoon, there were empty tables all about them. Daylight spilled through the tall windows flanking the long room, but few men loitered over drinks. Lucien lifted his glass of port. “No. Her identity remains a secret.” “You escorted her out in the street and saw her more closely than any of us,” added Lord Cambridgeshire. “No ideas?” Lucien cast a sour glance at Cambridgeshire, whose interest in bondage was well known. Had Cambridgeshire ever tied up a young lady yet discovered himself to be the one seduced? “She was masked.” “Do you think she could be a lady of the ton?” Wembly urged. “I doubt it.” Worried, Lucien rubbed his chin. Once he married Diana, would any of the men who had been in attendance at Ivory’s guess that his dainty blonde bride and the mysterious woman were one and the same? Blast. He had to avoid scandal. If he didn’t, Diana would be the subject of pointed insults and vicious slurs. She’d have men throughout the ton panting after her, expecting her to spread her legs for them. He’d have so many dawn appointments he’d have to move his bed to the bloody dueling field. “Shall we make a list of pretty young blondes? She was slender but voluptuous, very much like Mrs. Wilson…” Cambridgeshire mused. “And which lady would be daring enough?” “A wager!” cried Wembly. Lucien groaned. “A wasted effort, Wembly. How are we to prove who the woman was?” “Mrs. Wilson must know,” Cambridgeshire pointed out. “And will have been well-paid to protect her identity,” Lucien countered. Damnation, the last thing he needed was London’s gentlemen trying to pry the truth out of Ivory. Or offering a small fortune to purchase it. Ivory wouldn’t sell her half-sister for any price, would she? file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (95 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“What made her leave in such haste?” asked Wembly. “I was not in the room at the time to witness it.” “I heard from Miranda that the mystery lady cried out ‘Stephen’ before leaving. But none of Mrs. Wilson’s girls knew her identity.” Cambridgeshire refilled his glass. “You don’t suppose…” Wembly frowned intently. “Do you think it could have been Denonshire’s fiancée?” Cambridgeshire laughed. “In a brothel? Hardly! More likely his mistress or some married lady with whom he is having an affair.” Lucien’s heart, which had stopped, now resumed its beat, thudding in his chest. Downing his port, he searched for a way to divert them. “An actress I would think. Who else would put on such a dramatic display? Or be willing to enter Ivory’s salon?” He prayed they wouldn’t see the flaw. And actress might have stayed around to stage a theatrical scene of anger and betrayal. “Pembroke’s correct,” Cambridgeshire agreed. Lucien let out his breath in a quiet whoosh. “My money would be on an actress,” continued Cambridgeshire. “So when Denonshire arrives, we can elicit her identity from him. He must know.” Wembly stood. “Must get the betting book out and set down our wagers.” Lucien poured another drink. His purpose in coming to the club this afternoon was to find Denonshire and tell the man he intended to marry his fiancée. Now he had to ensure that he spoke to Denonshire before the man unwittingly destroyed Diana’s reputation.

***** file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (96 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Where in Hades was she? Lucien glared at the note Pymm had handed him. He’d wasted his time at White’s. Denonshire had not shown up. Now Diana was gone. She’d been deep in sleep when he’d gone in search of Denonshire. Heart in his throat, he unfolded the message where he stood—in the middle of his foyer—and read. Dearest Lucien, While I am honored by your integrity and by your sense of responsibility, I realize I cannot accept your proposal when it was my error that brought it about. I fear I betrayed your trust in me. A marriage between us would not be based on choice, or mutual affection, or even the esteemed principals that guide the arrangements amongst society. We are both trapped by the dictates of our world and entrapment is not a sound foundation for marriage. While I cannot return to S, I do see an alternative to marriage to secure my future. I have taken leave of your hospitality. So you do not worry (if you are inclined to do so), I will inform you that I have removed myself to my halfsister’s. I believe that a life as a businesswoman like Mrs. W would be more suitable for me than marriage. I do hope that you will not be averse to continuing our affair. Yours, devotedly, Diana Lucien almost dropped the page to the floor. Bloody hell, she’d run off to become a madam! She’d rather do that than become his wife. And she hoped she could continue to sleep with him. He owed her marriage. The mistake had been as much his as hers. He had to rest his hand against a doorframe for support. Someone—Denonshire or her father—would want to string him up by his file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (97 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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balls. Lucien had a sudden vision of Diana, now far more adventurous than before, strolling the salon of her own brothel, tempting men beyond reason. He heard the crinkle of paper, and realized he’d crushed her note. He was not going to let Diana become a madam. He wanted—no needed—her as his wife. Glancing up, he saw that, although Pymm had retired respectfully into the background, he was awaiting orders, with the expectant look the man wore when he knew they would be curt and require immediate attention. How could Pymm understand how he felt, but Diana could not? “Shall I have the carriage brought around, my lord?” “Immediately,” Lucien snapped.

***** Lucien stalked around Ivory Wilson’s drawing room. No sign of Diana. His gut twisted as he prayed she had not been tempted to one of the bedrooms upstairs. He’d find her if he had to interrupt every fornicating couple in the place. The courtesan Sophie—the one who’d led him through the curtain in the game of Blind Man’s Bluff—joined him as he strode to the door. She sidled in front of him, her bosom grazing his chest, resting her hand on his arm. “And what pleasure are you seeking tonight, my lord?” Her tight, scoop-necked gown displayed large pale breasts that she shoved under his nose. A necklace of bright stones winked from within her cleavage. She toyed with the jewels with her free hand. He bit back a demand to know if she had seen a young, lovely, blonde angel amongst the sinful crowd. How could he find Diana without file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (98 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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causing scandal? Sophie leaned closer. Her eyes, lined with dark powder and kohl, gazed at him with sensuous promise. “Would you care to accompany me to the orgy in the ballroom, my lord?” “There’s an orgy in the ballroom?” “A parody of Vauxhall Gardens. Quite amusing.” Vauxhall Gardens, with its notorious Dark Walks, secluded grottos, and garish courtesans was licentious enough. Ivory must be adding a creative twist to entertain her jaded clientele. Could Diana possibly be in there? Heaven forbid. Fear and jealousy spiked through him, wrapping their thorny clutches around his heart. He fought to stay calm. What might Diana attempt in her plan to learn the ropes of being a madam? “Show me.” “I will be your devoted guide, my lord.” Not for long. Still he allowed himself to be led, praying he would not encounter Diana in the midst of the shocking scene. Was he about to experience the same horror and pain that Diana had when she caught Stephen? Spurred by that fear, he charged up the hallway, dragging Sophie with him. The courtesan dug in her heels, clearly surprised. “It won’t be over by the time we arrive, my lord. And I thought a little dalliance along the way would—” “In that case, you’ll have to dally alone, my dear.” She pouted, but quickly followed once he strode onward. A footman opened the doors and they entered, plunging into the enormous, dimly lit room. For a few seconds Lucien was blind, just as he’d been when playing Blind Man’s Bluff in this very room. A hand pressed against his cock and began rubbing him. He suspected the hand belonged to Sophie. He grew accustomed to the faint light and glanced around. Ivory had the place styled to mimic Vauxhall’s dark walks with shrubs in large planters file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (99 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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placed here and there to create meandering paths. The stifling hot room smelled of perfume, drink, and sex. If Diana was in here, he’d never find her quickly. Better to find Ivory and ask her. He’d hoped to see Mrs. Wilson in the drawing room, but she had not been there. Sophie’s hand gripped him through his trousers and she tried to lead him forward by his cock. He almost smiled at her ingenuity but pulled her hand away. “I want to find Mrs. Wilson. Will she be in here?” “No, she will be upstairs.” “Take me there.” “She does not entertain gentlemen upstairs.” “I’ve a business matter to discuss.” The hand returned to his shaft and gave a longing grope. He pushed it away more firmly. “I will find her myself.” “No.” Her arm looped around him. “I would like to go with you.” He was about to refuse, then realized Sophie could lead him more quickly to Ivory’s private rooms. Frustration shot through him. Diana might be around the next shrub, being pawed by some bastard, yet he couldn’t just comb through this place on a hope. It would take too long. He would have to talk to Ivory.

***** Diana accepted the small glass of sherry her sister held out. She took a sip, swallowing sweet, hot fire. Even her untutored tastes recognized superior quality. Ivory had not yet said one word about her plan to begin her own business. Having poured out her heart and explained her organized ideas, Diana did not know how to proceed. She’d expected her sister to respond, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (100 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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not stare at her with a considering look. Surely Ivory would not refuse to help? “Let me ensure I understand.” Ivory settled on the sofa beside her. “You no longer wish to marry Stephen because of his one visit to my establishment.” “I never truly wanted to marry Stephen.” “And now Lord Pembroke has offered you marriage?” “Of course,” Diana wailed. “He had no choice.” “I thought you’d fled back here because he had not,” Ivory explained, frowning as though perplexed. “I was prepared to run him through myself for being so dishonorable. But he proposed and you have refused?” “I forced him into it.” “You hardly raped him, Diana.” “I may as well have!” Diana leapt up off the chair and paced, gulping her sherry. “Oh? Explain how a man can be raped by a woman, Diana. I am curious to know.” Diana gritted her teeth at Ivory’s condescending tone. Of course, everyone would believe she’d been seduced when she was the one to seduce Lucien! When she’d felt his big cock wedge in her quim and she urged him on, she hadn’t even considered that he would feel duty-bound to marry her. She hadn’t been thinking at all! “He didn’t want me to lose my virginity, but I took him inside me by…by mistake.” Ivory’s brows shot up. “By mistake?” “Yes. I—I wanted him to make love to my bottom again and—” “Good heavens! You two had done that?” Ivory stared in shock. Diana felt her face flame. “Yes and I wanted it again, but he…he slipped to the wrong place and I begged him to go in…and then we both knew it file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (101 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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was too late. The deed had been done. So he made the most incredible love to me.” She sighed, remembering the pleasure he gave with his cock and his finger deep inside. “In the end…it was delightful.” “Then I am puzzled. Why not marry him? You obviously enjoy his bedroom skills.” “Because I forced him into this situation. I realize what a mistake I’ve made.” She repeated the words she’d used in her note. “Entrapment is not a sound foundation for marriage. He is being honorable, but it wasn’t his fault.” “Hmm.” Ivory didn’t look convinced. “And you want to become a madam?” “Marriage is certainly out of the question now.” Ivory pursed her painted lips. “Due to loss of virginity or because you are in love with Lord Pembroke?” Diana could not bear the embarrassment of admitting she loved Lucien when, of course, he didn’t love her. Instead, she gave a vague but true reason. “I cannot go back to Stephen now. And I might be unlikely to see other offers after the scandal of a broken engagement. Stephen might tell people why.” “I doubt that. Denonshire, too, is a gentleman.” Diana dropped onto the settee. “So you won’t help me. You think I should marry.” “If a man such as Lord Pembroke offered me marriage, I might have reconsidered my career, Diana.” Diana saw the twinkle of mirth in Ivory’s blue eyes. Anger flared. “Would you have been happy to trap him?” “Women have coerced reluctant males into marriage for centuries. And it sounds as though he was instrumental in looping the marital noose around his neck.” “I abused his trust.” “I doubt he expected to escape from his adventure with you without file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (102 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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having to offer marriage. Which is intriguing.” “Why?” Diana demanded, seething with frustration. She never would have dreamed Ivory was so conventional. And if Ivory did not help her, what would she do? She loved Lucien too much to force him into marriage. And of course, since he did not love her, he would be unfaithful. She doubted he would curtail his adventures in brothels for a woman he did not love. Their marriage bed would be a delight, at least—even if he did leave it to warm other women’s sheets. But her heart pained her at the thought of him enjoying pleasure and laughter with those other women. “Perhaps he is not doing this entirely out of honor,” Ivory speculated. “What other reason?” Delight glowed upon Ivory’s face. “Perhaps love.” “If he wants to marry me out of love, why didn’t he say so?” “Well then, that cannot possibly be the reason, for we all know how easily men say ‘I love you’ when they truly mean the words.” Was Ivory teasing or not? Diana could count at least half a dozen suitors who had claimed to love her. Were they all lying? Was it the man who said nothing who had the strongest, most passionate feelings? What a bother. Diana sagged in the chair. Should she find Lucien and demand to know exactly why he wanted to marry her? She clapped a hand to her mouth in horror. She’d already refused him. Wounded him. Dimly, she heard a quiet knock at the door. Ivory walked over and opened it slightly. Diana realized that Ivory was trying to keep her hidden. She murmured with the person on the other side and closed the door with a click. Ivory turned. In a low voice, she announced, “Lord Pembroke wishes to speak to me. Can you think of any reason why he would wish to do so?” Jealousy spiked through Diana. She’d been out of his life for just a few file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (103 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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hours and he’d returned to Ivory’s. Ivory smiled. “I rather suspect he is pursuing you, Diana.” Of course. She had mentioned Ivory in her note. The man was making it impossible to think. Her heart thumped in an erratic way. Fast, then slow, then absolutely quiet as though not beating at all. “Do you wish to speak to him, Diana?” “Might I?” A maternal smile touched Ivory’s mouth and she opened the door enough to invite Lucien to come in. His greeting died half-uttered when he saw her, and Diana’s heart raced in her chest as she gazed into his emerald eyes. Oh heavens, she truly was in love with him. Lucien bowed to Ivory and turned his charming manners upon her. “Am I looking at your new partner, Mrs. Wilson?” “I think not, my lord. But your partner, perhaps?” Ivory poured a brandy and warmed it over a candle. Diana watched Ivory act as a skilled courtesan with a spurt of unease and jealousy. She knew none of these tricks. No wonder Ivory suggested she marry instead. Lucien accepted the heated glass. “Might I have some time alone with Miss Tiverton, Mrs. Wilson?” “Of course.” Ivory left them alone, quietly closing the door behind her. Diana heard a younger woman’s voice. Then Ivory’s dismissive tones. “So, this is preferable than marriage to me?” Lucien demanded. Diana snapped her gaze back to him. His question surprised her. Had he not understood her reasons? “No. But I objected to trapping you in an unhappy union.” “Are you so certain we wouldn’t be happy? Do you truly regret making love with me?” He wasn’t angry. His voice was soft, deep, seductive. But she realized he file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (104 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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truly wanted to know. “I wanted you that night,” she explained. “It was all I could think of. I didn’t stop you and when it happened, I had no regrets. But I didn’t wish to make you hate me over it.” He lifted his glass to his lips, drank slowly. His gaze never left her face. “So, are you determined to become a madam?” “Ivory thinks I am better suited to be a wife.” “So do I. My wife.” “You do not have to.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I can take care of myself.” He set down his brandy, devouring her with a predatory glance. “Oh yes, sweeting, I do have to marry you. I seduced you, after all.” “I seduced you!” She lifted her hands in frustration. “It was not your fault.” She could not understand the hungry, uncertain expression in his eyes. “Is it that you still want to be lovers?” she asked, tentatively. “You told me we could have an affair even after I married, do you remember?” He put the brandy down and, slowly, he walked over to her. “Yes, but I would much prefer that we continue our affair while we are married to each other.” Diana stepped back. If he touched her, she would melt instantly. “Lucien, I have realized that I must marry for love. I cannot stand idly by, knowing you are having sex with other women. Perhaps women who might be friends of mine. And I know that without love, you would never be faithful to me.” He stopped moving. Rubbed his jaw. “I realized after the second night that I couldn’t send you back to Denonshire. I wanted to keep you for my own.” She held her breath. Would he tell her now that he loved her? “Marry me, Diana.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (105 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“Why?” She needed to hear the words. He frowned. “I owe you marriage. I took your virginity. You might be pregnant with my child. And I want you to marry me because I never imagined finding a wife who would let me tie her to the bed.” His devilish grin shattered her resistance. She let him pull her into his embrace. His mouth found her aching lips. He kissed her with raw, hungry passion. Leaving her gasping. She moved her lips from his. “You could tie me to the bed every night, Lucien. I want you to spend every night in my bed, making love with me.” Diana tipped up her chin, defiantly. “You’ll get your pleasure with me and no one else.” His fingertip traced the curve of her cheek. “If you want fidelity, I’ll happily give it to you.” She wanted love more so than fealty. She remembered Ivory’s words—“we know how easily men say ‘I love you’ when they truly mean the words”. Should she push for a declaration? Or believe in her own instincts—that he truly did love her? She touched her mouth to his again. “Truly? Could you? Or do you want to attend the orgy, Lucien?” “What?” He reeled back, staring in surprise. “I won’t expect you to forego your naughty pleasures—if you enjoy them with me.” Lucien stared at her in astonishment. He bent and kissed her downcast eyes and the tips of her lashes. Diana truly believed she had forced him into marriage. She thought he was wedding her with reluctance. Yet he could barely wait to marry her, claim her as his, and ensure…ensure what? As his wife, she could take lovers if she wished. “Come home with me, Diana,” he whispered. “We have one more night of wild adventure, don’t we?” “Yes.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (106 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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He stroked her lower lip with the pad of his thumb. He cupped her breast, felt her thundering heartbeat. They had a spark of love, one he could expertly stoke into flame. They shared an explosive passion. It had hurt that she’d chosen to become a madam instead of marrying him, but he understood now that she feared feeling trapped and unhappy. He’d never let that happen. “I should take my cloak,” she whispered. “And put my mask on.” She held the mask to her face and he tied the strings behind her head. He slid her cloak onto her shoulders, draping the hood over her gleaming golden curls, disguising her completely. Walking at Diana’s side, inhaling her alluring scent, Lucien was aware of her in a way he’d never felt toward any other woman. A tension more acute than sexual need. He could not imagine ever wanting another woman. Sophie had barely aroused him tonight. Prior to meeting Diana, he’d have given her the fuck she craved and then sauntered into the orgy looking for more sport. “Are you certain you want me to stay with you tonight?” she asked. He tipped up her chin to kiss her. Her luminous eyes, set off by the dark mask, reminded him of the night they met. The dark form-fitting leather clung to her delicate nose, her rounded cheeks, the curves of her upper lip. He adored her in a mask. Mysterious, sensuous, beautiful. The fact that she’d worn a mask—taken such care to conceal her identity—hopefully meant that in her heart, she was willing to marry him all along. His lips met hers, hungry and hot. He pressed her up against the corridor wall to devour her lush mouth. All that mattered was convincing her they belonged together. Footsteps sounded but he didn’t stop. They’d recognize him, but not her. “Find yourselves a bedroom!” a man joked. A woman’s voice teased, “Would you care to join us?” He kissed Diana until the couple passed, then moved his lips from hers file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (107 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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just enough so he could speak. He lowered his hands from her shoulders to just below her breasts, to savor the silk of her dress straining across her bountiful curves. “Do you know how jealous I was, thinking you were in the ballroom?” Her quick breaths tickled his mouth. “You thought I was in an orgy?” “I don’t see why that is so surprising given that you planned on becoming a madam.” “Oh.” Her eyes were wide, violet and beautiful behind the mask. “I feared you were being pleasured by various other men.” “Heavens, no.” “Not even after I suggested the idea of bringing another man in our bed?” he teased, feeling the very devil. Below her mask, her cheeks betrayed her flush. “What exactly do people do in orgies?” “Often it is a jumble of bodies with every hand and mouth seeking someone else’s privates or nipples.” He let his entire length press against her. “Can you imagine that?” he whispered, “Several gentlemen’s hungry mouths closing on your aching nipples? Two men on your breasts, one kissing your mouth and another buried in your intimate curls, feasting on your throbbing clit?” “Lucien!” “And one using his tongue to pleasure your delightful bottom.” “No!” “Sometimes, in the melee, one never knows exactly whose privates one is joined with.” “That’s scandalous!” “It’s sex on a purely physical level.” “Do you enjoy it?” He gave a jaded shrug. “I did once.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (108 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“You’ve done it before?” “Several times. I mean, once upon a time I enjoyed it. I am not so certain about now.” Diana gazed toward the ballroom as though it contained a pit of snakes. “I want to go in.” “I am teasing you, darling. You needn’t see that.” She squared her shoulders. “I don’t want to not know just because I am afraid. Who knows, perhaps I would want to attend such events with you.” Ah, but I would never share you with anyone. “I suspect, if you walk through that door, a dozen men will clamor to pleasure you,” he mused. “Tell me, I imagine you have many dance partners at society balls, don’t you?” “Of course.” “You’ll have as many, or more, aching to make love to you.” Her eyes widened. “I don’t truly want to tempt other—” “Then stay very close to me, sweeting.”

***** Plunged into the gloom of the ballroom, Diana gripped Lucien’s arm so tightly her fingernails almost split her gloves. There might be many men wanting to seduce her, but what frightened her more was the women. Every woman would undoubtedly want to have sex with Lucien. Diana remembered the fever-pitched excitement of Ivory’s women as he had walked into the Blind Man’s Bluff game. His magnificent cock would cause battles as women strove to claim him, she just knew it. Did he intend more than just escorting her for a tempting stroll? If he suggested they join in the fun, what would she do? file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (109 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Turn and run? Or try out his world and see if she liked it? As her eyes grew accustomed to the shadows, she gawked around her. Two women strolled arm in arm, garishly dressed and painted. She was astonished to see penny-whores in Ivory’s establishment. Lucien murmured against her ear, “Incognitas ordinarily. Tarting themselves up for those that like their sex sleazy.” She knew Incognita meant a courtesan so fashionably dressed and cultured in manner and appearance that she could pass as a lady of the ton. Did he know every woman here? Had he made love to every woman here? One of the flamboyant women left her partner and grasped Lucien’s free hand. Diana stared in amazement. “Brought your little sweetheart, ‘ave you, my lord?” the woman cried. “Just like cooin’ lovebirds. Would you like somethin’ naughty this evenin’? Would you like to watch me kiss your sweet mistress between her soft little thighs?” Dear heaven! Diana was relieved to feel Lucien’s arm stiffen beneath her touch. At least he was as surprised as she. “Not tonight, my dear.” He made the words firm and dismissive, without infusing any offense or disgust. Diana feared the woman might insist, but she laughed, dipped into a mock curtsy to give a good view down her bodice, and left them. Diana tapped him on his shoulder. He glanced down, and in the dim light she thought she saw a smile but couldn’t be sure. “Do you wish me to summon her back?” he asked. He was teasing, she hoped. “No. I just wondered if you were at all tempted.” “Would you care for punch?” He neatly sidestepped the question, snaring two glasses from a passing waiter, a bewigged man wearing only breeches. “Drink it slowly, though. It’s likely to be as potent as the stuff at file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (110 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Vauxhall.” Wandering around a dark bend, Diana gasped and almost spilled her punch. Ahead was a battlefield scene complete with red-coated males. But they were vanquishing the enemy—buxom naked women—in a multitude of sexual positions. The women were surrendering in glorious ecstasy to the military heroes. At first Diana looked away, but curiosity overwhelmed her. A man lay along a gleaming black cannon with a woman astride him. She worked feverishly, hands splayed on his chest, moaning and tossing her long blonde hair about her. Her breasts bounced up and down, and Diana found herself staring at the jiggling brown nipples. The woman let out an agonized moan and the man panted and grunted. His hands held her hips, driving her down hard atop his groin. Diana gasped as a hand slid down her back and cupped her bottom. Lucien. “Fascinated?” he asked. She turned away. “If it interests you, watch. There’s no harm.” “It’s indecent.” “I’m going to come!” the woman announced. Diana could not resist and gave a furtive glance. The woman bucked forward on the man, writhing in pleasure. He bent his head up to capture one of her flailing breasts in his mouth. Diana remembered being on top of Lucien, having him deep within her, his finger teasing her bottom at the same time. It was shocking to watch someone else do such things, but she found she could not tear her eyes away. One hero gripped the head of the woman who sucked his shaft, another buried his head between a woman’s thighs. A tangle of bodies writhed amongst plaster rocks. Diana could not distinguish whose limbs were whose. She gulped the last of her punch. A warming glow settled through her, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (111 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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giving her confidence. The grunts and cries of the lovers sent twinges of pleasurable agony through her cunny. Lucien led her along. She swayed a little. At the end of the battlefield, she spied a most intriguing scene. Two men and a woman. One muscular fair-haired man leaned against a cannon and bared a thick pink member that he held out toward the woman. The dark-haired woman backed into it. Blushing, Diana understood what was happening as the man rubbed it against the woman’s bottom. The man gripped her hips and pulled her back, and the woman moaned as he did. Another twinge of painful pleasure shot down Diana’s quim and she sagged against Lucien. The second man undid his breeches and exposed a darker and longer erection. The first man, who sat back against the cannon, parted his legs and moved the woman’s shapely legs so they were splayed over his. Diana understood. She was about to see a woman be pleasured by two men. The woman moved her hips suggestively as the second man stepped between her legs. The first man groaned with lusty delight. His large hands cupped her small breasts and offered her erect red nipples to the dark-haired giant who was in front of her. While the first man massaged her breasts, the other suckled them. The woman bounced harder and panted, her dark hair swinging wildly about her desire-flushed face. “Not yet, love.” The second man moved his mouth from her breasts, and began caressing her privates with his hand. He pushed his cock against her, began to work it inside. The woman cried out. The first man clamped her tight to him and the second man slowly pumped his cock into her. The woman gasped and moaned and begged as though she was in terrible file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (112 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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pain. The second man paused. “Can you take it?” “Oh yes, yes,” the woman cried. “Please give it to me.” For a moment Diana imagined herself as the woman, filled to the brim by two handsome well-endowed men, with one mouth kissing her lips and another male mouth kissing her neck. Their hands roaming everywhere. They thrust so hard and vigorously the woman screamed. “You bastards! You’re going to split me in two!” The men laughed at that and pounded harder. Diana realized Lucien stood behind her. His erection pressed against her bottom through her skirts. She rubbed slightly against him. No one would notice, not with the display in front of them. And of course, no one would care. Diana felt a stab of guilt and betrayal for thinking of being that woman. She loved Lucien. If the men were to offer to take her up on that stage and do such unspeakable things to her, she’d refuse. She would not want it. But for one instant, the fantasy had been terribly thrilling. The woman on stage was sobbing and scratching at the back of the man between her legs. The second man put his hands on her shoulders and thrust himself upward into her. He laughed and called out to the audience, “We’re so deep inside this little vixen, I can feel his prick on the other side.” The woman cried out and thrashed on them, pummeling the dark-haired man’s back with her fists. Obviously consumed by an explosive orgasm. The men reached their pleasure soon after, thrusting deep, moaning and bucking. “Let us go home now,” Lucien suggested, voice strained. Thankful the hood hid her blushes, Diana teased, “No. I want to see more.” “Shall we stroll?” he suggested. She could not imagine anything more shocking than the battlefield orgy. Until she saw the Duke of Arndrake leaning over a carved stone bench, file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (113 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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with his naked bottom in the air. Two women in elaborate gowns and masks stood behind him. One woman struck his rear with a wooden paddle; the other took her turn with a rod. His Grace’s hands were bound behind his back. “Is he enjoying that?” Diana whispered. “I imagine so.” “Would you ever want me to spank you?” “I don’t find pain all that pleasurable. I much preferred what we did do.” He lowered his voice against her ear. “Though if you feel the need to spank me during our marriage, you have my permission to do so.”

Chapter Nine Never before had he been so sexually frustrated at an orgy. Lucien’s cock strained against the falls of his trousers, aching to be buried deep within Diana’s vibrant body. Even the touch of his hands on her shoulders sent fiery need through him. Lucien longed to free the tiny buttons that ran down her spine, loosen her bodice, slip his hands inside to cup her breasts. An orgy always held the promise of every kind of sexual satisfaction. But he was not about to make love to Diana amidst this steamy, smelly debauchery. Nor was he about to let her join in the fray. But once she was alone with him in the carriage…or in his bedroom… Diana grabbed his hand and dragged him along the path, rounding a grouping of potted shrubs. She stopped dead as she reached the next display. Three women dressed in diaphanous gowns cavorted on a bench. A redhead, the most voluptuous of the three, sat in the center. Her Grecianfile:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (114 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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style gown was hiked up over her thighs. The loose bodice was pulled down to reveal a large, plump white breast. One younger woman suckled the exposed nipple, her tiny hands clutching the enormous mound. The older woman stroked the girl’s cunny through her thin, dampening gown, making hard, deliberate circles over a no doubt throbbing clit. The other young woman, a slender girl with honey-brown hair, knelt between the older redhead’s legs and teased her intimate triangle. “They look so graceful and sensuous,” Diana whispered. He caught the tremor in her voice—the mixture of shock and arousal. It was not unusual for women to be aroused watching other women make love, especially when the display was so delightfully scandalous. Diana chewed on her lower lip. She would look away from the group, try to take a step, then stop and stare again. He patted her hand. “Women making love to each other can be a particularly elegant scene to watch.” He slipped again into his role of tutor, sounding jaded and unaffected, determined not to reveal to Diana how pained he was watching her face flush, and spying her little tongue licking her full lower lip. He couldn’t let her guess yet how much he adored her. “The Three Graces,” barked a portly peer who stood beside Diana. Lord Peters. Peters suddenly tore his breeches open, freeing his erection. “What they require is a sturdy prick!” The stocky man rushed into the trio, spoiling the elegant display. The women laughed with lusty appreciation, knowing his lordship would pay well. Peters greedily drew a nipple into his mouth and guided a pretty head into his crotch with a rough motion. His blunt fingers yanked up a dress and invaded delicate curls. “How disappointing,” Diana sighed, turning away. Lucien laughed. “He was always a horrid dancer, too.” Lucien stilled. Diana belonged in the ballroom, not here. Diana should not file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (115 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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know what Peters’ member looked like or how clumsily he made love. He slipped an arm around her shoulder. “I think its time to leave, pet.” “You needn’t spoil your fun to protect me. Who knows what delights might await us around the next bend in the path?” Her ear was warm against his lips. “Watching Peters’ heaving backside is hardly fun, my sweet. And I’ve no interest in witnessing other peers grunt and thrash to ecstasy. I’d rather have you alone in my bed.” His tongue traced the delicate contours of her ear before he sucked her earlobe into his mouth. “We could also put on an erotic display.” Was she joking? Her teasing laugh relaxed him, but he whisked her back along the dark path before she could develop other, even more scandalous ideas.

***** Once again he’d rescued her. Nestled in Lucien’s arms in his carriage, Diana remembered ruefully her prim horror at seeing the Duke of Arndrake’s spanking. She’d teased Lucien, but inside she had been a quaking mass of fear. And had been sorely tempted to laugh at both the absurd sexual acrobatics and her own innocence. But in the carriage, she knew the kind of intimate sex she preferred. Just her and Lucien—alone. He lifted her chin, covered her mouth with his and cradled her breasts. They swelled at his touch, pushing against his warm, bare palms. His gloves lay discarded on the seat. She touched Lucien’s hard thigh, her hand sliding up toward his cock. She could never be a madam. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (116 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Never could she have dreamed up a Vauxhall Gardens orgy or a game of Blind Man’s Bluff played in the nude. How had Ivory learned to be so inventive? She must remember to ask her sister where she’d learned so much about creative sex. Diana would have been a dismal failure trying to sell delights to London’s jaded rakes. They did not want the magical sex she’d found with Lucien. They wanted multiple partners, purely physical couplings, and peculiar fantasies. Lucien cupped her cheek. “What are you thinking, pet?” “I could never have been a madam,” she sighed. “There’s no shame in that, sweeting. Most delicate young ladies would be shocked at having to consider such a profession.” The carriage slowed. “This is our last night of adventure, pet.” He kissed the swell of her breasts above the bodice of the sapphire-blue gown. “Until we are wed.” Outside, she saw a stretch of quiet darkness until her eyes grew accustomed to the moonlight. A silent expanse of manicured, shadowed grass and tall trees cut by wide paths and dotted with benches lay before her. “Green Park.” He grinned. “Sex al fresco. Another fantasy I would like to enjoy with you.” His voice dropped to a thrumming whisper. “When we are married and travel to my estate, Ashton Park, for the summer, we can have hot, sweaty sex every afternoon in the woods.” “Outdoors!” “My dear, you’ve just been through an orgy. How scandalous can making love outdoors be? And we’ve already made love in daylight so I know you can’t be adverse to that.” Diana allowed him to hand her down. She still wore her mask and cloak with the deep hood, a perfect disguise. Arm in arm, they strolled the winding path through long shadows cast by file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (117 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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the trees and silvery-blue patches of moonlight. Diana gazed up at Lucien. His face was beautiful in the moonlight with lustrous highlights dancing along his high cheekbones, strong chin and sculpted lips. Lips that curved into a possessive seductive smile. A breeze sent shadows rippling across the grass like creatures scurrying. The sounds of clattering carriage wheels faded as they traveled deeper into the mystical quiet world. Diana could not believe how private the park was. All of Mayfair was hurtling about them, racing to balls and gaming hells and suppers, but here, the perfect stillness of the park promised a perfect setting for pleasure. Lucien paused in a shadow and drew her into a kiss, tipping her head back. His arms, wrapped around her beneath her cloak, claimed her completely. The kiss left her dizzy. “My fantasies have led to disaster so far,” he teased, “but this appears to be perfect.” “Is marriage a disaster?” “Ours won’t be, I hope.” He kissed her again, hands stroking her back and cradling her hip. “Do you really wish to make love out here?” “Before marriage, a man has to find his opportunities where he can.” He clasped her hand and led her off the path, winding through thick, ancient trees. The grass beneath her step was soft, uneven, a lush carpet. “We lie on the grass?” “A gentleman allows the lady to be on top in such rustic circumstances.” She giggled at that. Mystery flitted in the shadows around the towering trees but Diana felt safe walking at Lucien’s side. Protected. His arm slid around her, his hand low on the curve of her hip, brushing the top of her thigh. Making her aware of how close it was to her burning quim. How file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (118 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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shocking their stroll would be to society’s eyes… She had rode or walked often in Hyde Park, to parade in front of the marriage mart—to display a pretty new riding habit and her lovely gray mare Annabel, or to show off a dainty walking dress with matching parasol. She didn’t know Green Park well. Lucien was her guide. Taking hold of both her hands, he drew her behind a large oak, a roguish grin lighting up his autocratic face. Reaching towards her throat, his fingertips grazed her pounding pulse. He unclasped her cloak and spread it out on the carpet of deep green grass like a large blanket. Lucien dropped to his knees on it, the wool crunching beneath him, and he pulled her against him. Diana let herself fall. He kissed her belly, her pelvis, her burning mound through her dress. He tossed off his coat, then his waistcoat. “You’re taking off your clothes?” she asked. “Not all. Boots won’t come off,” he explained, unbuttoning his shirt. Moonlight splashed across the bands of muscle defining his chest, caught the ripples of his taut stomach. The forbidden delight of being so exposed, so public, yet so intimate and secret, tantalized Diana. As Lucien undid his falls, she lay beside him, skirts fluttering around her. After helping him yank his trousers down she lay her cheek along his long, spicy-scented shaft, delighting in the feel of steely hardness covered in velvety skin. He rested his arms behind his head as she took his moist cock into her mouth. He looked so content she was tempted to give him a little nip just to shock him. She raked her teeth along him, measured his response. He cried out in pleasure at first, but as she scraped him harder, he stopped her. She wanted to push limits. To explore anything she could imagine. The sensual setting demanded an adventure unsurpassed. His fingers worked loose the first few of the long row of buttons along the back of her gown. Her bodice loosened, dropping away from her breasts. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (119 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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They rested in plump curves against his solid leg. He stroked her back. “Sit astride me, Diana,” he instructed. She was tempted to refuse him, to tease him, but she was so eager to take him within that she released him from her mouth and mounted him. She sat astride his slim hips, just as she had last night when she’d tied him up. She was just as soaking wet and ready too. She felt a little twinge as she sank down upon him. Her muscles ached from all her new experiences with lovemaking. Trousers bound Lucien’s long legs, but his hands were free. With a swift motion he pulled down her bodice, just enough that her breasts spilled over. At the touch of cool night air, her nipples puckered. She loved being on top, looking down into green eyes heavy-lidded with desire. Wriggling her hips, she took him deeper. He responded by clutching her breasts, squeezing them in his warm hands and tweaking her nipples with his thumbs. “Ride me.” His words floated to her on the soft breeze. Diana lifted her hips then drove home, gasping as his cock battered into her core. His grip on her breasts tightened as she moved. She rocked faster. “Don’t move fast to please me. Find the rhythm that pleases you, sweeting. Don’t rush it. Take as long as you need.” “But shouldn’t we hurry?” “Don’t worry, darling. Pleasure yourself on me. Explore.” She lifted again and slid down. “Try moving ahead or back. Try shallower strokes and tease your clit against me.” Breathless, she followed his directions as he lovingly caressed her breasts. His thumbs made lazy circles around her areolas. Then his finger tugged along her tightened nipples, stretching them out, as though mimicking the way he suckled them. His large hands cupped her bottom, drawing her forward, matching the file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (120 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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tempo she so desperately wanted. She slowed down, the touch of his body to hers like soft kisses. Losing herself in the aching pleasure of teasing herself closer and closer to ecstasy. Watching her beautiful, innocent face grimacing in the sweet agony of sensual joy, Lucien knew how tantalizingly close she was. Her eyes shut—he knew her every thought centered upon her release. Moonlight caught her curls and turned them to pure silver. Her bared breasts were white, perfect globes tipped with hard nipples, erect in readiness for her melting orgasm. Could he seduce her into falling in love with him by giving her night after night, day after day, of mind-numbing pleasure? Cool air rippled across his hot bare chest. Wool burned against his naked back as he rocked with her. His fingers sank into her generous curves. “Take yourself there,” he begged. She rode him wilder and faster, uttering low, throaty moans. He marveled at her beauty, so perfectly displayed by the mystical night. “Come, sweeting.” He smiled up at her, possessive, delighted. She cried out, choking back the shout. “Yeah, darlin’. Come all over ‘is lordship’s prick.” The deep, rough voice struck like a blow. Diana’s cry of pleasure melded into a scream of shock. Lucien cursed. He’d been so lost in pleasure with her he hadn’t noticed the threat. A footpad, dressed in a black cloak and carrying a pistol, gave them a leering grin. Lucien shoved Diana’s bodice back up to cover her breasts. She moved to scramble off him. “Stand up, love. I want a look at ya’.” Her horrified gaze met his. “Do as he asks,” Lucien advised. He knew he had to be standing to have any chance of overpowering the brute, even if file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (121 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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he had to stand almost naked in the middle of the park. Blast, his fantasies really did lead to disaster. “There’s always some fool toff who wanders through ‘ere in ‘is cups, but I didn’t expect to get such a lusty show in the bargain.” Trembling, her gaze flitting from his face to their captor’s, Diana stood. Her hands clamped her gown to cover herself. The blue swirling skirts poured over Lucien. “Move over ‘ere.” The villain beckoned with the pistol. “No,” Lucien countered, his voice ice as he jumped to his feet, trousers hanging around his thighs. The man glared at him, looked him up and down. A grudging look of admiration reached the narrow eyes. “Well, no wilting wicks ‘ere. Come on, lass.” “No. Don’t move, darling,” Lucien instructed. Anger streaked across the man’s face. “So yer rich and ‘ave pretty little whores, as well as that big prick. It’ll be a pleasure to put a ball in yer ‘eart, toff. But first I want yer blunt.” A grubby hand reached toward Diana’s necklace. “And then a squeeze of these ripe melons.” The footpad’s narrow eyes fixed on the creamy expanse of Diana’s perfect skin above the sapphire-blue bodice. Lucien saw his opportunity. He snatched up his discarded walking stick and unsheathed the long, narrow blade. As he launched forward to drive it home, the man reacted, rearing back. The blade struck low, below the heart, sliding in. Lucien—still gripping the handle—brought his boot up and kicked the man down. The sword slid out with a sucking sound as the villain tumbled back to his knees. Lucien pinned the man’s wrist with the lethal point, though he could have sliced off the hand. The footpad’s other hand was clenched against the wound. Suspecting the man wouldn’t fight, Lucien gripped the pistol, tore it from the weakened grasp. He stepped back, blade held loosely but at the ready, and turned to Diana. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (122 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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What had witnessing this horror done to her? He half-expected to see her spread out on the cloak in a dead faint. Instead she stood very straight, arms pressed to her chest. She moved her gaze from the villain to him. Without emotion, she asked, “Is he going to die?” “He’ll bleed to death without help.” He was at her side in one stride, cradling her against his bare chest. He turned her face toward him so she did not have to look at the man. “Are you going to let him?” Muffled against him, she let the words out with a sob. While she spoke, he slid her bodice back into place, up over her arms and onto her shoulders. “No.” His fingers worked at the first of the tiny buttons, enough to keep her dress from falling down. “He would have killed you.” “No, he wouldn’t.” He hated to let her go, but he needed the cloak, to wrap around her and warm her against the icy cold of shock. “He said—” Her violet eyes were large, tortured. Perhaps any woman would be frightened to see him die, but his heart soared at the thought that it mattered so much to her. He bundled her in her cloak. “It would never have ended that way, sweeting.” Hoping it would not shock her too much, he pressed the pistol into her hand. “Train it on him. If he moves, shoot him.” Her face, though pale, appeared strong and resolute. “Yes.” Lucien tugged up his small clothes and trousers before kneeling on the grass by the wounded man. He used his cravat to bind the wound, remarking in a low voice, “This piece of cloth is worth more than your life right now.” When finished, he advised, “I won’t let you bleed to death. The choice is yours. Wait on my return or take your chances.” He stood, relieved Diana had not been put to the test. A pistol, like any file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (123 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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weapon, was dangerous in an untrained person’s hands. She handed it over with a shudder. Pulling on his shirt and dress coat, Lucien flung his waistcoat over his arm. With his other arm wrapped around Diana’s shoulder, he led her back out to the path. “Would you prefer to be carried?” Her lovely eyes were almost silver in the splash of moonlight. She looked tempted for a moment. Then shook her head. “No, I can walk. I don’t want to think of that man dying.” They were saving him for his hanging, but Lucien did not mention that. Thanking fate for delivering Diana from danger alive and free of scandal, Lucien supported her and did not push her to walk too quickly. He sent thanks to the heavens for their narrow escape. Life, limb, and money. Fear for any and all of it had vanished in the face of the greater horror of seeing Diana frightened and humiliated. He rarely fought. He fenced and boxed at Gentleman Jackson’s merely for sport and to keep his body trim. Despite his rakish proclivities, he’d never dueled over a lady and certainly never over politics. Lucien would have risked his life for any woman. It was what a gentleman did. But because it was Diana in jeopardy, the threat was personal, brutal. But she was safe now. And she was his. She would be his wife. Holding Diana against him, Lucien gloried in being alive. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with Diana. And he hoped that life would be long. He drew in a deep breath, the first long life-affirming gulp of air he’d taken all night. Lucien felt as though he’d been holding his breath since the moment he learned Diana planned to become a madam.

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“I have chosen a bride.” Lucien leaned back and waited for the reaction. Delight warred with suspicion on his mother’s face, happiness eventually winning out. “Who is she?” “Miss Tiverton.” “Miss Diana Tiverton?” Her smile vanished. “Pretty, yes, but the girl has no family. Her father is a merchant.” Lucien shrugged. For once he couldn’t think of a quick-witted remark. He knew what was coming. “Oh, Lucien.” The viscountess sighed as though she bore the weight of a heavy cross on her back. “Do you have to marry her?” “Yes. I have to marry her. In both senses of the word.” That comment sent his mother off her stride for a moment. But she focused on the most literal meaning. “Are you certain it’s yours?” Rage speared him, unexpected, uncontrollable. He’d not expected her to cast doubts on Diana’s innocence. “Bloody hell. If there is a child, it’s mine.” “How can you be certain?” His mother’s acid tones raked over him. “I am certain she was a virgin.” “You might have been the first, but she could have spread her thighs for any number of men after you. Don’t be a fool, Lucien.” His mother’s attack hammered him like shrapnel on a battlefield. Wounding, painful, deadly. He tightened a fist, trying for restraint. “Between yesterday and today? I doubt it.” “You are an utter fool for dallying with an innocent!” She drew herself up like a general commanding troops. “But the girl can’t know she’s pregnant already. And any unmarried woman who would come alone to your home, to your bedroom, is hardly an innocent, Lucien. You must not be connived into marrying her.” “And commit a dishonor?” “And avoid bringing someone else’s bastard into the family.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (125 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“I’m the first and only man to have made love with her. Any child that results is mine.” His mother’s mouth set in a thin line. “Was the girl willing?” He launched his brandy glass at the fireplace. “Damnation! I certainly don’t rape women, Mother.” “There is no need for such appalling language, Lucien. A gentleman can exert control over such base instincts.” She sniffed with disdain. “I merely wondered how much convincing she required to become your lover. A woman carrying a footman’s child, for example, might put on a display of reluctance and then toss up her skirts in the hopes of acquiring a wealthy peer.” “I—” No, he would not admit to his mother Diana had been unwilling to marry him at first. That might require revealing Diana’s alternative plan. His mother might expire after learning her future daughter-in-law had intended to become a madam. “I don’t know if she’s expecting a child yet, mother. To tell the truth, I wouldn’t care if she’d had another lover. She’s not the kind of woman a man walks away from.” “You could marry a woman with a title, dear boy. You could do much better for your—” “I doubt it. I’m delighted with my choice. She’s the kind of woman a man prays to keep forever.” Silence met his declaration. The viscountess set down her teacup. “Well, dear son, I hope you continue to be happy.” “Mother, despite your objections, you are invited to the wedding.” “Which is to be held in a few days by special license—and will cause no end of scandalous speculation. If she is not pregnant, why the rush?” “I doubt you’d understand.” A worried smile curved his mother’s mouth, carving deep lines at the corners. “Is it possible you are in love with her, Lucien?” “I’m not averse to spending the rest of my life with Diana,” he admitted. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (126 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“I think you are the wrong sort of man to hope to marry for love. Too much like your rakehell father. I can only hope the girl is happy to know you’re warming other beds.” “I plan to be faithful.” “Oh, Lucien!” His mother laughed with unladylike gaiety. Lucien scowled. Why did every woman think that so bloody impossible?

Chapter Ten “I should call you out, you bloody poacher.” Stephen, Lord Denonshire smashed his fist into the gleaming surface of his desk. “I would be pleased to give you satisfaction on the dueling field,” Lucien drawled, “but would that serve Miss Tiverton’s needs? Would you marry her if you shot me?” Denonshire rubbed the heel of his hand into his forehead. “Apparently she is not willing to marry me.” He snatched up a letter from his desk. “Not now that she’s been in your bed, you blasted libertine. How could you do such a thing to such a beautiful angel?” Lucien resisted the urge to grin. He did sympathize with the earl. “Miss Tiverton is a passionate young woman who is tired of being treated like a china doll.” “Was that why you convinced her to dress up like Ivory Wilson and watch you grope prostitutes?” “I only made her acquaintance after she ran away from you at Mrs. Wilson’s. She sought that adventure all on her own.” “I don’t believe it.” Denonshire gripped a crystal decanter and sloshed brandy into a tumbler. He tipped the whole thing down his throat. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (127 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“Miss Tiverton is an innocent with an innate sense of pleasure,” Lucien continued from his armchair, wondering if he would find himself in his first duel over a woman’s honor. The earl groaned, tearing his hand through his blond hair. “I don’t want to hear how you know that.” “She wanted an adventure.” “I never even kissed her.” Denonshire swung around. “I presume you didn’t hesitate.” Lucien leaned back against the luxurious leather. He had no defense against that. “I did behave dishonorably.” He inclined his head. “I had the chance to convince her you would have been a passionate husband, but by that point I knew I wanted her for myself.” “And you got her.” With a bang, the empty glass was slapped down on the desk. “Pembroke, for Miss Tiverton’s sake, I will not kill you. But it pains me to watch you saunter off and take the prize.” Lucien gave an aristocratic shrug. “You should have guarded it better.” There was a long silence, then the earl sank into a chair beside the fire. “True enough.” He actually started to laugh. “You’ve got balls, saying that to me.” Lucien relaxed, certain he wouldn’t be dueling with Denonshire over Diana. At least the earl could see he would win no honor for the lady by shooting the man who intended to own up to his sins. And what delicious sins they had been. Lucien sensed a brooding gaze upon him and looked up. Denonshire was staring, red with embarrassment. “I probably do not want to know but—” Lucien waited. “What exactly did you do to her to capture her so completely, Pembroke?” “I tied her to the bed.” “Good God!” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (128 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Lucien grinned. “At that point, I’d decided I’d never give her back to you. I just wasn’t so sure she wished to stay with me.” Denonshire shook his head, astonishment plain in his blue eyes. “I would have never dreamed of inviting an innocent to play bondage.” Lucien levered out of the armchair. “Forget about that. What we have to do now is ensure that we protect her from scandal. All of the men attending Mrs. Wilson’s saw her that night. They are speculating on her identity.” “And marriage to you might connect her with the masked woman in the brothel,” the earl mused, running his hand over his chin. “That has already been suggested in White’s.” “Bloody hell!” Lucien exhaled. He’d known Denonshire, a gentleman, would not destroy Diana’s reputation, but relief still surged through him at the earl’s outrage. “We need a plausible story. I suggested the mystery woman was your mistress—possibly an actress.” Denonshire nodded. “In return for an offer of carte blanche, I can convince the lovely and fair-haired Mrs. Simpson to claim to be the lady.” His lips twisted into a wry smile. “Since I won’t be marrying, a new mistress might be a necessary diversion.” “Can you spread the rumor in the clubs?” “Of course. I will start this afternoon.” His host paused, eyes narrowing. “I suppose you wagered on an actress? I’ll be putting blunt in your pocket, I expect, by going along with the story.” Lucien stood. “The most important concern is protecting Diana.” With a sigh, Denonshire agreed. “However, I do have a condition for not dueling with you, and for helping you marry my betrothed.” Lucien waited. “You have to treat her well. Like a queen. If I ever learn you have made her cry or broke her heart, I will shoot you.” Lifting his brow at the threat, Lucien extended his hand. “I can assure you file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (129 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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I will treat Diana exactly like the precious treasure she is.” The rest of his words—because I love her—remained unspoken. He took his leave of Diana’s former fiancé and, as he jumped up into his carriage, a new strain weighed on him. Being engaged formally to Diana meant no more bed games until they wed. She could hardly use the excuse of sneaking away to a friend’s home again. Her mother was herding her to the modiste and to other shops to prepare for the wedding. That evening they were holding an impromptu ball at his mother’s home to celebrate their engagement—probably a foolish thing to do. He dreaded having to listen to his mother skewer his future in-laws with her sharp tongue. But he had more pressing problems. Until he and Diana were wed, their adventure was at a standstill. Three days. He couldn’t wait three more days. After spending every day and every night with her, to be without her was torture. And not the exquisite torture she inflicted on him and his aching cock when they were together. A frustrating torture. He was pining for sex like a randy virginal adolescent. And he was pining for time alone with Diana. To wrap himself in the glory of their intimacy and the soul-deep joy he felt with her. Doing the pretty with her at balls and routs and suppers was not enough. He knew exactly what he intended to do. Tonight they would find some intimate place to fuck their brains out—society’s rules be damned.

***** Diana waited for Lucien to claim her for a dance, but he continued to let other men take her out onto the crowded ballroom floor. A couple of gentlemen, Lords Hartington and Venerace, appeared more interested in file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (130 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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her now that she wore an engagement ring. Hoping to claim a place as a future lover? A shiver ran through her as Hartington kissed her fingertips. Had her allure to Lucien always been merely that she belonged to someone else? Did he enjoy the risk of pursuing another man’s woman? Now that she was his, would he grow bored? As the musicians struck the first notes of a waltz, Diana glanced about for Lucien. She’d never danced the intimate dance with him. He was the only man whose hand she wanted splayed on her back. Even if they had to keep the proper distance between them, it would only be a magical dance if she could share it with him. Would he claim his dance? She fretted as she sipped lemonade brought to her by Venerace. “Miss Tiverton, my darling betrothed, would you care to dance?” Lucien’s seductive tone sent her heart skittering. Her hand tipped slightly, sloshing the drink. Almost as though I am asking you to dance when really I will be asking you how you want me to make you come. Did she dare answer what she truly wished to say? I want you to tie me to the bed. I want to see the sweet anticipation in your green eyes as you slide your hard cock in me? Instead, she curtsied. “It is my dearest wish to dance.” He smiled and murmured, “Not mine.” And she understood what he meant. He bowed to her father. “Sir.” Diana watched as he charmed her mother with easy banter. Her parents did not know anything of her adventures, though her mother suspected something improper behind her decision to marry Lucien instead of Stephen. At least both had been accepting, pleased she was marrying well. She had yet to speak with the formidable Viscountess Pembroke. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (131 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Lucien led her out onto the packed floor. The forearm beneath her gloved hand was as hard as iron. Visions of his naked arms raced through her mind. His bare arms bound together and tied to the bed. His arms bracing his body as he climaxed in her. His arms cradling her in the bath, bronzed and powerful against her pale skin. She wondered why he was so tense. He drew her into position, his hand pressed into the small of her back, readying her for the dance. His splayed fingers were tantalizingly close to her bottom. She was ready for a different kind of dance. She was wet for him. Wet and hungry and almost driven to tears by her need. As they waltzed, he held her closer than was proper—but what did it matter? She was to be his wife. In just a few days, their illicit adventures would become the duty of the marriage bed. Which showed how silly society was to insist young women be so naïve. She would have been ill-prepared to go from debutante to bedmate if not for her adventure and Lucien’s seductive skill. “What’s troubling you, darling?” “Did things go well with Stephen?” she asked, captured by Lucien’s intense gaze. “He’s not planning to shoot me, if that’s what you mean.” A strange disappointment struck. “If there had been a duel, are you afraid you would have lost?” Though after his bold attack in the park, she doubted it. “No. I am afraid I would have had to kill Denonshire. With you at stake, I’d have had no other choice.” “I am glad it didn’t come to that.” His hand on her back tightened and massaged her through her dress. “Denonshire saw the sense of letting me marry you. And we will ensure that there is no scandal about your…adventure.” “Three more days,” she whispered. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (132 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“Three more torturous days,” he echoed. Diana giggled. “Are you in pain, too?” “It’s unbearable. My bed is so empty without you. I keep thinking I hear the splash of your bathwater, and I imagine you’re bathing your lovely curves, preparing for sweaty sin with me.” She could not breathe. “Come with me out onto the terrace.” “It will be crowded,” she warned. “The garden?” “Will be crawling with lovers.” “The bedrooms?” “Servants.” “The study?” “You should know,” she admonished. “Gentlemen always retire to studies and libraries and such for cards.” He bent to her ear. “If we don’t find a place to fuck ourselves senseless, I might expire.” Real worry tore through her. Of course he was accustomed to regular sexual release. “Does it truly harm you to deny yourself?” “If I said yes, would you move heaven and earth to find a way to let me make love to you?” he teased. “It might lead to disaster.” She shivered at the memory of their attempt to make love outdoors. No life-threatening danger could lurk in the viscountess’ gardens, but being discovered would lead to deadly scandal. “We’ll try the terrace.” He whirled them across the dance floor toward the row of terrace doors, all open to let nighttime spring breezes into the hot room. Couples and chaperoned groups streamed out to enjoy the evening. “Lucien!” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (133 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Biting off a groan, Lucien greeted his mother. The supposedly haughty viscountess wore a pleased smile. Diana saw Lucien’s resemblance to his mother. Perhaps that accounted for their prickly relationship—they were too alike. Diana curtsied as he presented her. She noted the watchful look in his darkened green eyes. What should she say? Should she apologize for trapping Lucien into marriage? “I am pleased to finally meet you, Miss Tiverton.” Diana noted the slightly barbed twist to his mother’s words, but her smile was welcoming. “And I am more than delighted, my lady.” Lucien smiled, thinly. “We were about to take some air on the terrace.” The viscountess frowned. “And deny me the chance to speak with Diana? I think not. And I hoped to be introduced to her family.” Diana was stunned as the viscountess linked arms with her. “I am so pleased Lucien is finally marrying,” the viscountess said. “Though I must admit I am surprised by his choice.” Diana felt her cheeks turn pink. “Mother…” Lucien’s voice held ominous warning. Viscountess Pembroke gave a radiant smile. “You see, I really did not expect him to follow his heart on such matters.” A flood of happiness washed over Diana as she heard Lucien laugh. Of course his mother could not know the true reason they were marrying. She must think it a love match.

***** Lucien led them to the very end of the private, second-story terrace. The small, secluded spot smelled heavenly, surrounded as it was by blossoms. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (134 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Diana moved to stand at the balustrade and look out. “The roses beneath us are spectacular.” She bent over the railing, which pressed her bottom against Lucien’s groin. His breath hitched as his hands cupped her through silk. Her silk skirts slithered upward, gliding over her stockings, then her bottom. “What are you doing?” “Aren’t you admiring the roses?” She took in the rich, sweet scent as her skirt bunched up higher and higher. Fear and excitement froze her to the railing. Was it really that scandalous to be caught making love to one’s betrothed? In public, it must be. “Are you going to put your tongue in me?” He groaned at her quiet suggestion. “Not tonight, love. I am just going to lean against you to point out some of the prettier sights in the garden.” Her skirts spilled over him, a froth of shimmering silk. His trousers brushed against the thin fabric of her undergarments. The back of his hand stroked her bottom as he undid his pants. She squirmed teasingly against it as his other hand slid around her hips to her quim. His fingers parted her curls and heated lips, releasing a flood of liquid desire. Music spilled from the ballroom, surrounding them. Roses dripped beside her face, the abundant blossoms and thick leaves obscuring them from the doors. Lucien’s erection jutted against her rounded rear, hot, granite-hard, insistent. Diana rubbed her bottom against him, in a slow, circling motion. He stood tight against her, sliding between her legs. The diamond-shaped gap between her inner thighs clamped tight around his prick. His hand held her upper arm, fingertips teasing the side of her breast. Her nipples hardened, pressing against her shift and bodice. Voices floated up from the roses below and she stilled against Lucien’s hot, solid groin. He didn’t stop. He suckled her neck as he slid into her. His thick shaft filled her to bursting, sliding easily into her wet passage. Her tight walls file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (135 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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welcomed him, she felt him engulf her, the perfect fit. What if they were caught? A tingle raced down her spine, along her legs. Lucien slid forward, his lips relentlessly hot and teasing on the nape of her neck. She bit on her own fist to stop a moan. The people below would hear. She could not see them beneath the lush roses, but she heard their soft sighs, the hungry little groans. “Do you think there are others out there making love?” she whispered. “Undoubtedly.” Diana wished she could see him as he pumped into her with slow, deliberate strokes. She loved to look into his green eyes as he found his pleasure. Closing her own eyes, she imagined an agonized expression sharpening his handsome features. It was naughty and exciting and wicked, though, to be taken from behind. From a distance they would appear to be a couple gazing out on a tranquil garden scene when in reality they were coupled in hot, lusty sex. His mouth claimed her earlobe, suckled and pulled. His lips drifted over her neck. “I love to taste your sweat,” he murmured. She was burning and damp under her gown. His fingers slid around, caressing her breasts, touching the dewy valley of her cleavage. He groaned and thrust faster and deeper. They couldn’t look innocent now—with his buttocks pumping so vigorously. He lifted her slightly, pinning her so the pressure of the balustrade rubbed the sensitive button between her legs. One hand gripped the rail, the other held her tight as he glided in so deep she almost cried out. Was he in to the hilt? She didn’t know, but she felt impossibly full. Arching her head back, Diana pushed her rump against the rough damp hair at his crotch. “Yes,” he groaned in a gravel-rough growl, “Bang your ass into me.” She did as he asked, pounding her soft curves against his rock-solid pelvis. Her reward was the soul-deep penetration of his hard cock. “It’s so good,” he moaned. All pretense of an innocent stroll on the terrace file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (136 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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was gone. He was hammering into her and she took every thrust. It should have hurt, but it didn’t. Her body held him lovingly, gripped him tight, sheathed him with wet heat as he drove in. “Lord, I love—” He broke off to push his hand under her skirts, bunching them over his arm. He found her throbbing clit and teased it, turning fiery heat into explosive force, like a flame to tinder. Her orgasm flared, then consumed. She was racked with it, her bottom working madly, her body pulsating around him. “—fucking you,” he finished as his hands clamped on her hips. He sank as far in as possible, stayed absolutely still as his muscles powered his burning come into her very core. Strong hands tenderly stroked her hip, her neck. “Beautiful.” Reverence was in his voice, his touch. After such wild, base, mad sex, he still touched her as though she were an angel. She hardly felt angelic after such a delightfully wicked joining. Turning in his embrace, Diana pressed her lips to his rough jawline. She loved him. Love was something she had not completely understood. She loved her family, of course—and she’d had flirtations, accepted Stephen’s suit. But she’d never known the thrill, the leap of faith of loving a man who was—in essence—a stranger, but who would be the closest person in her life from this moment on. “Do you think it will always be like this?” Diana whispered, almost afraid to ask. Afraid to think of it being any other way. “Yes.” His lips touched hers in a soft kiss that caressed but didn’t demand. “How can you be so certain?” “Because it was never like this before. Never with any woman other than you.” She waited for the natural conclusion. For him to tell her he loved her. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (137 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“We’d better adjust ourselves and return inside.” Her heart sank. “I suppose.” Lucien squeezed her to him. “Three more days. That’s all.” But would she ever know if there was more to his offer of marriage than honor? Would passion fade if forced by duty? She couldn’t envision walking away from him. It was as impossible as deciding not to breathe. Lucien used his handkerchief to soak up the hot rush of fluid between her legs. “I don’t think I can endure hours and hours of dancing now,” Diana sighed. “I wish I could tumble into bed.” He deftly straightened and smoothed her skirts. “I wish I could join you.” Should she admit her feelings and see if that provoked a response from him? Diana chewed her lip as Lucien fixed his own clothes. She wasn’t very adventurous after all, she realized. She did not have the courage to risk her heart.

***** Lucien shot a smile toward his best man, Stephen, who stood beside him at the altar. The ton would be abuzz over Diana’s previous betrothed standing beside the groom at the wedding. White orchids spilled from vases strewn about the grand church. Despite the large number of pews, only immediate family was in attendance—enough witnesses to make the thing legal. His mother dabbed at her eyes. The deep vibrating tones of the organ filled the church. The bride was here. Lucien turned. Diana was making her way up the aisle on her father’s file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (138 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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arm. She wore pure virginal white. Why did brides wear white? To remind the man waiting at the altar that his job was to shatter her virginity as soon as he could? She certainly looked delectable in white lace. Her smile dazzled. Her eyes were sparkling amethysts, her hair a mass of shimmering gold. What was he going to do with her as soon as they were alone? He let his thoughts run in the direction of sex, despite the swelling at his crotch. Just straight, simple lovemaking with him on top, between her plump, luscious thighs. No velvet ropes, nothing fancy. They’d never actually done that. Diana passed several ladies dabbing at their eyes and she smiled at them. Diana stood beside him, clutching a bouquet of white roses. “We are gathered here—” The minister’s deep booming voice began. Yes, just a basic coupling. He’d like to feel her legs around his hips, her heels hammering his ass to drive him in deeper. He wanted to have her cling to him, to rake her nails along his spine. Maybe she would hook her heels around his neck, let him drive into her as deep as he could. He liked having Diana on top, too. Perhaps she would prefer riding him. An auspicious start to the marriage—putting his wife in charge of the fucking. He lost himself in the fantasy… In the carriage he would toss up the white froth of her skirts and lick and suck and tease her until she was wild with need. He would take a handful of lacy petticoats and rub them back and forth over her sweet wet cunny until her lovely white dress was soaked with her delicious essence. Then he’d take her to bed. His bed. Their bed. An adventure to last a lifetime. Could he carry her up to the bedroom with his prick buried inside her? No, too much risk that he might pop out—and the servants would hardly overlook that. He’d wait until he had her in his bedroom. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (139 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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He’d lay her on his bed, pull down her bodice and capture a plump pink nipple in his mouth as he thrust up into her wet fiery core… “—let him speak now or forever—” Stephen coughed. Breathing heavily but quietly, heart hammering from his wild thoughts, Lucien glanced to his side to see Stephen look down at the floor, then glance up at the vaulted ceiling as though he couldn’t possibly be the one everyone was looking at. The minister waited. And waited. “Could we carry on?” Lucien requested in a low rumble. “Of course, my lord.” Clearing his throat, the minister launched into the vows, beginning with Diana’s. She turned her attention to the man of God, repeating as instructed. Pledging her future to Lucien. “I, Diana Emily Tiverton…” Her melodic voice rang through the hushed church. Lucien blinked as he gazed into her glittering, teary eyes. He fought the stinging around his own eyes. Men did not cry. Was he in love? His mother, even Pymm, seemed convinced, but after so few days together, how could either he or Diana say it with any certainty? Passion, lust, desire, and joy in each other’s company were the ties that bound them. But love? He’d always thought love was something that evolved over time. A man didn’t know he was truly in love until long after he’d made his choice to marry. But yes, his heart was truly behind this decision. “I, Lucien Northcote, Viscount Pembroke—” Lucien stared blankly at the minister. “What?” He’d missed the end of Diana’s vows and the start of his own. “Would you repeat after me, my lord?” Nervousness swamped over him. Bloody hell, he was a peer, yet he was absolutely humbled by the fear of messing up his vows. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (140 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Diana smiled at him, dazzling and lovely. For a moment, he forgot how to speak. He took a deep breath. “I, Lucien Northcote, Viscount Pembroke…”

Chapter Eleven “I’m so very tired of smiling.” Diana whispered, leaning close to Lucien. He widened the grin plastered to his face. “And tired of waiting,” he agreed in a private throaty growl. “I always thought I’d be delighted at my wedding breakfast.” She cast her glance down the long table laden with food, crowded with celebrating guests. “Instead I’m just impatient.” Lucien’s hand cuddled her thigh through her skirts. “I’m delighted to hear that.” “When can we leave?” she murmured, hungry for intimacy, for the start of their lives together. Lucien lifted her hand and nibbled a piece of the buttered bun she held. “I’ve no idea. I’ve never been married before, and am usually hungover at the nuptials of my friends.” Green eyes sparkled with amusement as they met her gaze. “Could we slip out now?” “I think too many guests would notice, my sweet.” Diana sighed in frustration, turned her bright smile onto the crowd. Simmering with anticipation. The smiles Lucien gave her looked genuine. He also was not drunk. So he could not be unhappy about having wed her. When he’d been distracted in the church while repeating his vows, she had wondered if he’d been file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (141 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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lost in the anger of being trapped. Or wishing he could flee. But his kiss, the instant after they became man and wife, was the most precious kiss they’d shared. And she’d seen the gleam of a tiny tear in the corner of his eye. Lucien’s hand clasped hers beneath the tablecloth, fingers stroking with sensual skill. Diana glanced around the tables at their family. At his mother, chattering with matrons, crowing about taming her son and seeing him married. At Stephen, showing his polite, quiet attentions to Lady Emily Dunworth, who gawked at him with glowing eyes. Never in her life could Diana imagine Lady Emily searching for adventure in a brothel, but one never knew. Across from Stephen, her father was imbibing heartily of the excellent wine. Diana caught her mother’s gaze. Her mother smiled, then winked. Oh dear! How much could her mother guess? There was only one disappointment in her day. Diana wished Ivory could be here. Had it not been for Ivory, she’d never be sitting here in complete happiness as Lucien’s bride. But Ivory and their father had insisted the risk could not be taken. Still, Diana intended to have her sister visit them in the country, where her line of business would not be as readily known. “Diana.” She spun eagerly toward her husband’s seductive voice. “It’s time to go, love.”

***** “It all began in a carriage,” Diana mused, leaning back against his arm. Lucien turned her to face him and captured her ripe pink lips in a kiss. Breaking it for an instant, he asked, “Is that how you would like to travel north? Astride my cock?” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (142 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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He expected a blush. Instead her gaze met his eyes with the naughtiest glimmer. “Yes.” The simple, direct answer was his undoing. Her hand was already fumbling with the falls of his trousers. For their long journey, he’d ensured they used a closed carriage. “Ten magnificent inches.” She giggled as she freed him, holding his cock straight up in the air. He arched a brow. “You said that to me the night we met. Don’t you remember?” “Yes. I remember your reaction, too.” “Oh.” She tilted her head in mock innocence. “What was my reaction?” “You looked like you wanted to take me to bed that instant.” A charming blush washed her cheeks. “I suppose I did think about it.” “Do they please you? My ten magnificent inches?” “Very much.” She lifted her ivory skirts, revealing white drawers trimmed in delicate lace. He hooked his thumbs in the waistband and drew them down over her silky, beautiful legs. Tossed the filmy underwear to a corner of the carriage. Let his hands slide up her long limbs to cup the fire that burned between them. She turned her back to him and wiggled her bottom. “Face me.” She did. He lifted her, tumbling her gently to the padded velvet seat, her legs spreading wide so one slipper-clad foot dangled off the edge, and the other pressed into his thigh. Savoring the view of her lovely face flushed with excitement, her hair loose and free—he’d long since yanked out the pins—Lucien stroked her hot soft nether lips, watching her melt with pleasure at the caress. “Well, my darling husband,” she whispered coyly, arching her hips toward his prick, “how would you like me to make you come?” “Anyway you wish, dear wife.” He took his hard cock in hand and file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (143 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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guided the swollen head to her molten softness. “But this time I must insist on taking you to ecstasy first.” “Oh, yes,” she cried as he sheathed himself in her molten quim. He braced his hands on the back of the seat in order to thrust slowly into her. Diana gripped his shoulders and bucked her hips up to his. If she wanted it hard and fast, wild and intense, he was happy to oblige. God, it was sheer heaven to pound deep into her. She panted raggedly, thrusting so incredibly fast, he thought he’d shatter. Just like the time he’d taken her up the arse. The carriage was likely rocking more with their fervent fucking than with the ruts on the road. He grinned at the thought. Her fingers tore at his shirt buttons, freeing them. Diana slid her hands under the linen and clutched his back. She raked her nails down his skin, drove them into his sweat-drenched flesh to hold on as she pumped up to meet him. Wild. Passionate. His. For all time. He drove into her, all ten magnificent inches buried to the hilt in her tight wet fire. Her teeth raked his neck, his chin, his ear. She cried out his name over and over at the same wild speed as their lovemaking. He arched his head back, letting her hands clamp onto his shoulders, her teeth sink into his neck. Her screams of pleasure turned to raking sobs as her climax ravaged her. God, that she could let herself go like that. With him. He joined her in ecstasy, blinded by his explosive release. Then he heard a voice from the center of the flames. “I love you,” the voice groaned. His voice. Telling her he loved her. Despite the confused, wrung-out condition of his brain, he knew the words were true. He meant them. He knew. She said nothing in return for a long time. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (144 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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Long enough that his heart felt as though it would strangle in his throat. Slowly, reverently, Diana’s hand caressed his chest. Her other hand slid down his back, touching the base of his spine, stroking the top of his buttocks. “Do you? Or is that just something men say when they come?” He laughed, cradling her close. “No. I’ve never said it before. I imagine it came out now because it’s true.” “Are you certain? You didn’t choose to marry me, after all.” “Love is an utter mystery to me, Diana. Something I’ve never known before. So no, I cannot say I am certain. But I know I can’t imagine life without you. I know that since the first night we were together in my carriage, I’ve felt…completed. Happy. Innocent and new, as though plunged into a realm completely foreign to me. One that is exciting and treacherous, but rich with joy. I am willing to conjecture that is love, sweeting.” She giggled. He hazarded, “I know you do not love me yet—” “What?” she cried. “Your heart told you to remain independent, become a businesswoman.” “I am marrying you because I could not walk away with a smile and a wave,” she countered with a pert twitch of her nose. “I love you, too.” “Are you certain?” “I don’t know,” she answered with a saucy smile. “Perhaps I need more convincing to be sure.” “It’s a long journey,” he warned, his cock already stirring inside her warmth. “Convincing you might very well kill me.” He made love to her again. And again. And again. Until she climaxed at his very touch between her legs. Until she collapsed against his chest and whimpered, “I can’t possible survive six orgasms. I can’t.” “If I can, sweeting, you can.” file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (145 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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The carriage rumbled along the road, traveling at a sedate speed, giving them all the time in the world in their sensual heaven. “After this one, will you promise to go to sleep?” “Of course, I’ll have to rest up for number seven.” “Lucien!” Diana dissolved into laughter. “All I want, my precious bride, is for our adventure to last the rest of our lives.”

***** In the salon of her new establishment on Bond Street, Ivory Wilson was sipping chocolate when she overheard the name Viscount Pembroke spoken in a hushed female tone—a tone carrying a slightly spiteful ring. “Pembroke married Miss Diana Tiverton, I believe. Trust him to take a sweet young innocent as his bride.” Ivory identified the voice. Lady Berkshire. “Hmmph. He must be bored to death with her in the marriage bed,” her companion, Lady Armstrong added snidely. A smile played on Ivory’s lips. The poor ladies truly had no idea. They attended wild functions at her new “salon” where married ladies seeking adventures chose from a bevy of muscular, sensuous young men. They thought they were the only ones to know about scandalous passions. But as Ivory well knew, often the people who looked the most innocent had the best understanding of the game of eroticism. Lucien had admitted that about Diana. From their first moments together, he had said, he’d sensed a compatriot behind the inexperience. He knew he was incredibly fortunate. “Pembroke has probably already returned to his mistress,” continued Lady Berkshire. file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/custo...an%20Seduced%20Sharon%20Page%20Ellora's.htm (146 of 148) [8/8/2005 11:39:30 PM]

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“There is a rumor, though,” Lady Armstrong timidly put in, “that he married for love.” “And what has love to do with grand passions, I’d like to know?” Lady Berkshire lifted her lorgnette to her eyes. “Now that blond man is absolutely delicious.” “He’s the most expensive man in the place.” “A lady is entitled to an indulgence now and then.” Ivory nodded to the man, whose name was David—just like Michelangelo’s inspiration. She then glanced toward Lady B. With an abbreviated bow, David followed her unspoken instructions. Ivory smiled. There was a certain satisfaction in running a successful business.

About the author: Sharon Page—feisty Regency Miss, fearless vampire slayer, Celtic goddess, slender chocolate addict—is the pseudonym of a happily married mother of two who loves to spin fantasies. Being a Romantica author is one of those fantasies come true. Besides, writing hot stories is a great survival tactic for living through Canadian winters. Sharon welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at P.O. Box 787, Hudson, Ohio 44236-0787.

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Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple awardwinning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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