“I suppose it is.” I sigh, relaxing against the pillows. “Forget that I asked.”
“You’re inquisitive tonight.” His eyes narrow with disapproval, as if curiosity is my least attractive quality.
“I’m human.”
For a long moment, he studies me. “Are you?”
A thrill of apprehension passes through my chest, and I sit up, more indignant than I should be. “Of course.”
“Of course.” He grins, his canines glinting. “Relax, and let me savor you.”
I flop against the pillows. Beresford spreads my ruined petticoat open and runs both hands up my body, pausing to squish my breasts gently and nibble at one of them before he returns to the space between my thighs.
I’m distracted, my mind shredded by worry and by questions. As amazing as Beresford’s tongue feels, I can’t bring myself anywhere close to an orgasm.
“I see you’re bent on challenging me tonight,” he growls against my inner thigh.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I accept the challenge, and I will complete the task if it kills me. There’s something I’d like to try, if you’re willing.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like to take you out there.” He nods toward the curtain. “I’d like to eat your cunt in front of my guests.”
“Oh…” My skin flushes hot. The thought of seeing all those nude bodies coupling, of those people watching him devour me—it’s shockingly titillating.
Beresford’s eyes glint with satisfaction. “You like the idea.”
“No, I don’t,” I say, flustered, but I giggle immediately afterward, and he grins.
“You can stay wrapped in this.” He seizes a soft red blanket that’s lying nearby. “I’ll keep you covered with the blanket or with my mouth. But I will be naked.”
“You’ll be fully naked, in front of them all?”
“That’s right. You will be the queen, and I will be your willing servant for the night.”
Fuck, what if I summon something? I’ve been lucky so far tonight, but that could change at any moment. If a demon appears here, it will only fuel the suspicion that’s already simmering in people’s minds.
But what if I can keep my emotions in check? What if, instead of hiding in a curtained corner, I join the party and let everyone see me with Beresford? It could help my image. If nothing else, it will alert the guests to the fact that I know their most intimate secrets. Perhaps they’ll think twice about turning against me, for fear of what I might reveal about their illicit activities.
I release a slow, trembling breath. “I want to do it.”
Beresford helps me remove the remnants of the petticoat, then wraps me in the red blanket. I’ve never felt anything so soft, and I’m tempted to ask what kind of wool it is, but I refrain. He can already tell that my mind is fragmented tonight, fractured by anxiety and curiosity. That’s why he devised this plan. He’s trying to help me suppress all that noise so I can focus on the one thing he wants to achieve—my pleasure.
When he carries me back into the main area of the barn, my body immediately responds to the sight of so many bodies surging rhythmically. They’re all in groups of two or three.Some move clumsily, awkwardly, hungrily, while others are graceful and practiced, a visual delight. Inhibitions have vanished thanks to the incense and the wine, and everything is glazed with lust and sex.
Does Beresford understand what he’s doing, bringing so many of the young people of the region into one place for such parties? They’re all going to have to live near each other for decades. They’ll get married, have children, and go about their lives, all the while knowing what their friends and neighbors did in Beresford’s barn years ago.
All the concerns and questions fade from my head as Beresford places me in a big chair draped with furs. Once I’m settled, with the blanket folded over my body, he begins taking off his clothes.
His belt is first, sliding through the loops, falling to the floor. Then he unbuttons his trousers, and they slip down his legs. He kicks them aside. He’s already barefoot.
The long shirt he’s wearing drapes over his big cock, partly concealing it. Beresford unbuttons the garment slowly, holding my gaze.
All around us, the room has quieted a bit. The slap of flesh on flesh continues, but a quick glance shows me that most of the couples are watching us—watchinghim.
Beresford drops the shirt and stands before me in all his naked, sinewy glory. I’ve never seen anyone with a more powerful physique.
