But he forced himself to put aside his own needs and went one step further into his own torture by freeing one of her creamy, pert breasts. He nearly groaned as he spied that perfect, pink nipple. He lowered his head and took the peak in his mouth, sucking gently, as he rubbed his tongue over every inch of that soft flesh.
Alyssa moaned and so he urgently tugged down another section of her gown. Once they were both on display, he took turns laving one and then the other until she was panting heavily. “More. Please, Travell…”
He closed his eyes temporarily. God, he was going to lose his bloody mind. But until she told him to stop, there was no way he was going toend this sweet tormentnow. While he might leave this room unfulfilled, he damned sure wasn’t going to allow her to do the same.
***
Alyssa could tell that Travell was lifting up her skirts, but it wasn’t within her power to really care. The attentions he’d showered upon her thus far had been so…incredible, her body a thrumming beat, the pulse between her legs especially insistent, that she knew there had to be something else as equally powerful to ease this ache.
The moment he touched her, shecried out, all sensation flooding to that one area. “Again,” she demanded, and he complied by rubbing his hand in a rhythmic motion in that single spot over and over again.
Stars danced behind her vision as she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the brick. He took advantage of her position by kissing a hot trail up her neck, but the moment he licked her ear, her hips jerked of their own accord and she knew she was close to…something.
He returned to her breasts and as he nipped one of the buds, the intensity between her thighs grew to a fevered pitch.
“Travell…”she moaned his name as her legs began to shake.
“You’re so beautiful, Alyssa.” His voice was harsh as she started to climbthe precipice. “Look at me. I want to see you.”
She opened her eyes to see his face just inches from hers.Each exhalemingled together, andas herlungshitched,her breathing falteredas a wondrous feeling that she couldn’t even describe clutched her entire body. It coursed through her veins as hot as liquid lava, as powerful as a tidal wave, and as Travell leaned forward to kiss her, the pleasure continued until she was finallysatedand set on the shore where peace and calm surrounded her.
The next time she opened her eyes, it was to find Travell still standing before her, but her gown had been set to rights andhis glorious hand was no longer under her skirts.
“How are you feelingnow, Alyssa?”
She could see the unease in his expression and she could tell he expected to have a reluctant female on his hands. Instead, she walked forward and touched his cheek with her hand. Any regrets she could save for later, when she was in the privacy of her room. But not now, not after what he’d just done for her. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.”
He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I’d be glad to comfort you anytime, my lady,” he murmured softly, his blue eyes twinkling with a slight touch of wickedness.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, my lord. How about we just take it one day at a time?”
He grinned and offered her a light bow. “I can only hope you have need of me tomorrow.”
Chapter Nineteen
Alyssahad been spending the past few days at Breyton Hall for supper,but at Triana’s insistence,shesent word to her cousin thatsincethe Duke and Duchess of Chiltern were in residence, she would bediningat Rosewood.Unfortunately, that must havebeen receivedas an invitation, for while they were in the parlor waiting for the butler tolet them knowdinner was ready, Lord and Lady Lockley chose to arrive.
Caroline sailed into the roombefore her husband and paused beforeAlyssa. Attired in a rose colored, silk gown, the shade brought out the golden highlights of her hair and the brilliance of her smile. Although nothing could change the fact thathercharming, outward display was entirely superficial.
“Oh, my darling, cousin! I was overjoyed to receive your message.” She turned to Travell and fluttered her lashes, blatantly flirting with him right in front ofJames who looked as if he’d been dragged there against his will, which he likelyhad been. “I daresay it was on behalf of Lord Curdiff, wasn’t it?” She laughed gaily.
In turn, Travell looked as though he might be sick. “Indeed,” he muttered, although there was no feeling in it.Thus, he had no choice but to tell Ives to add two more to the guest list, or else appear a rude host.
Caroline ignored the edge to his tone and glanced at the other couple in theroom, and then back at Alyssa, who withheld an aggrieved sigh as she stepped forward to make the introductions. “Triana, Gabriel, may I introduce, my cousin, James Breyton, Baron Lockley, and his wife Caroline. The Duke and Duchess of Chiltern.”
“Your Graces,” the blond gushed. “It’s truly an honor to bereceivedin such revered company. I understand you’ve just returned from your honeymoon in Italy. How very romantic! Ihave beentelling James that we should find time to see more of the continent, at least, once this dreadful business with France is over.Haven’t I, dear?”
He replied with a mere grunt, but then, she barely spared him a glance over her shoulder as she turned her attention on Triana. “I should like a thorough recounting after dinner!”
Alyssa wanted to groan. The idea of keeping her tongue incheekthrough an entire meal was loathsome enough, but to be subjected to Caroline’s insufferable company afterward—it was enough to make her consider staying behind with the men for port and cigars.
“And here I thought you detested dear Caroline,” Travell murmured in her ear.
Instantly, a shiver ran up her spine. That spectacular interlude in the conservatory was still too fresh in her mind for her to think straight with him near, but she did her best to paste on a neutral expression. “I do. She completely, and likely purposefully,misinterpreted my note.”
“I rather gathered that’s what happened,” he returned. “I suppose we will just have to weather the storm.”
As Ivesreappeared, Travelloffered Alyssa his arm. “Shall we?”
