He teased, stilling his tongue, alert to her mewling cries. Then he pushed harder, forcing his way within, dancing and tapping over a growing hard bud.
She sobbed, her body tighter than a bowstring—and then she shattered, an explosion of spasms around his face, her thighs pressing fiercely against his ears.
“Oh,oh…”
He held on as Jessie rode the whirlwind, then pulled away, struggling to his knees, pushing her roughly into position and grabbing her buttocks to lift her onto his cock, the taste of her in his mouth, the sound of her in his ears.
She slid forward, still shuddering, legs wide apart, ready for his penetration.
He thrust, losing himself in the pleasure of feeling her inner sheath brush a slick kiss of welcome all over his arousal. She was so tight, an embrace of wet and hot flesh. He plunged deeply, again and again, faster and faster, hammering into her body, his balls slapping her buttocks.
“Piers,” she screamed.
“Jessie…” he groaned.
And he surrendered control, coming inside her, erupting into an endless fountain, his seed pulsing from his body to fill hers.
It could have been aeons—was probably only moments—but for Piers that moment of release inside Jessie was beyond description. He’d come many times in his life. But this, with her…this was unique.
He finally withdrew, dragging a mixture of their fluids with him to dapple her thighs.
She moved and allowed him to collapse beside her, both sticky, sated and weak as kittens after their exertions.
He slowly lifted a hand and ran it over her nose and lips. “Do you love me?”
She turned her head and gazed at him, cheeks flushed, eyelids heavy with lingering desire. “How could I not?”
“You will welcome me like this, here, every night if I can manage to visit?”
“And every morning, afternoon and evening if I could. You know that.” Jessie’s fingers ran down his arm to his hand. She grasped it. “However, I work here now, and I will make sure I do a good job. Forgive me, but I can do no less for your father. But when I am done, I will always be ready for the pleasure you bring.”
He nodded, raising their intertwined hands to his lips. “I cannot ask for more,” he said softly, “at least for now.”
He dressed and left her to familiarise herself with her new residence, returning to the Hall alone, his body relaxed and satisfied, his mind still stunned at this astounding turn of events and wondering what improbable twist of Fate had brought Jessie back into his arms.
*~~*~~*
Determined to be a good and worthy manager, Jessie did not spend too long lazing on the bed in her cottage. Piers had summoned Thompkins for her, and she unpacked what little there was, while telling Jessie that Sir Gerald had requested a seamstress for the next day. She might have some more clothing very shortly.
“I’m also to tell you that the office is ready for you, Miss,” said the girl, shaking out the thin cloak and hanging it neatly. “So whenever you wish to go over and start working, you can.” She blinked. “Real odd, Miss, if you don’t mind my saying so. You being a woman and now an estate manager and all…”
“’Tis different, Thompkins, I’ll give you that,” agreed Jessie. “But I can assure you I will do my very best to manage Crawford Hall in a manner that will satisfy Sir Gerald.”
The girl nodded. “I’m sure you will, Miss. We’re all looking forward to seeing you make a go of it. Especially us women. After we got over the shock of hearing about it, we figured it’s past time we had a bit more recognition. A time’s going to come when men understand we’re fit for more than making beds and washing dishes, I say.”
“And how right you are,” endorsed Jessie. “I will go over to the Hall now and get started on it. You’ve inspired me.”
“Oh, well, I don’t know about that, Miss,” blushed Thompkins.
Jessie laughed as she headed for the door. “Thank you, Thompkins.”
“Miss.” She dropped a curtsey.
Leaving the cottage, Jessie wondered if Thompkins would be assigned as her permanent maid. Or even if her position warranted one. Sir Gerald had mentioned a footman too. Luxuries she assumed would be assigned to a male estate manager, of course, but a female? Well, she’d not refuse the offers if they were made.
The surprise of Piers notwithstanding, she had a job to do and it entailed a responsibility to maintain a reputation that reflected positively on Crawford Hall.
She sighed, then lifted her chin as she entered the building. It would all work itself out. It had to. The passion, the desire she felt for Piers Crawford was nothing compared to the love that swelled within her at the mere sound of his voice.
