“Why not?”
“Because we’re in the woods. Outside the Ludlows’ cottage. About to be murdered.”
“They’re gone,” I whisper. “It’s just us. And you do not decide what happens between us, Mr. Saintsbury. You are still at my mercy. Don’t you want to keep your post?”
“Alfred,” he corrects. “And don’t be a fool.”
I kiss him again. When I draw away, he looks fainty dazed.
“Fuck, Annabelle.”
“You picked the perfect hiding place.”
He groans then.
“Do you still want me?” he says. “After my mistake.”
For a second, I do not know what he means. And then I realize: the burst letter.
Ridiculous. He doesn’t understand that I want nothing less from him.
“I told you not to worry. I certainly am not. If I was gruff, let me make it up to you.”
“Annabelle,” he says, his voice full of warning.
I reach downwards, stroking my hand over the bulge in his trousers. He shudders at my touch, clutching me even tighter.
“You can’t. Not here.”
“No one can see us,” I repeat. “We are all alone.”
“You’ll make me spend.”
“Yes, that is rather what I want.”
He issoresponsive to me, so alive to my touch.
“Please,” he says. I know that the plea is halfway between decency and indecency. He is begging me to stop and begging me to go forward.
“Don’t you want me to wrap my mouth around your cock, Alfred?” I whisper.
“Christ,” he whimpers.
“If you refuse, I will respect it. To make amends for mybrusque treatment of you. If you truly refuse, I will not demand it.”
“I never—I never—thought—that you would offer?—”
“Oh but Iamoffering. Don’t you think it would feel good? If I lick your cock until your seed fills my mouth?”
“Yes,” he says, the amber flecks flashing in the low light of the forest. He licks his lips. “Yes. Yes. Please. I want it.”
I travel down until my mouth is level with his cock. Then I undo his trousers and unleash him.
“You’re pretty here too,” I say. He rewards me with another whimper.
I take his tip into my mouth. He gives an exclamation of such wonder, of such surprise, that a shock of pleasure goes through me. He fists his hand in my hair.
“Careful,” he says. “Be careful with me.”
