“Let’s make a deal,” he finally said in a grave tone. “You pass your admission test with flying colours, and I’ll vouch for Dr. York. I’ll do my best to help him.”
“Thank you, Father.” She itched to hug him, but his harsh expression wasn’t encouraging.
“The fate of Dr. York is in your hands.” His tone didn’t leave room for relief.
“Yes, thank you.” She hurried out of the study, her legs shaking.
She closed the door and leant against it, waiting for her pulse to slow down.
Now she had even more pressure and…a new reason to pass the test.
Perry couldn’t smilewhen Edith gave him the good news about Oliver because of yet another pounding headache.
Too much tension tightened his neck muscles. Not even the quiet and dim lights of his personal parlour helped soothe the ache.
“Is something the matter?” she asked, tilting her head. “You don’t seem relieved to know my father is going to help Dr. York.”
“I am.” He massaged his forehead. “Apologies. It’s a headache.”
“Come here.” She patted the spot next to her on the sofa as she’d done the other night.
He did as told.
“Lie down.” She patted her lap.
He sighed when he laid his head on her lap.
They’d gained a victory over Uncle Neville, but Oliver had jeopardised his career. Not that Perry would dismiss him and leave him alone, but the threat of prison, loomed over Oliver like Damocles’s sword.
“I have to pass the test though,” Edith said, rubbing his temples with gentle fingers.
“Then Oliver has nothing to worry about. You’ll pass.”
“I’m not so confident. I need to keep up with all the new findings in medical science.”
“I have complete faith in you.” He closed his eyes, enjoying her touch.
Her hand wandered down his neck and over his chest. “Your faith in me is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I owe you my new confidence.”
“Then I want a kiss,” he said as a joke, but it came out more serious and demanding than he meant.
She bent over and gave him an upside-down kiss that worked better than a numbing potion for the pain. The kiss was sweet and slow, exactly what he needed. But when she straightened up, breaking the kiss, he was far from satisfied.
“My turn,” he said.
After sitting up, he inched her skirts up, uncovering her lovely legs. Her stockings smelled of soap and wild jasmine. Heinhaled deeply before slipping off the sofa. Keeping his gaze on her, he pushed her legs apart and nestled between them.
Her breathing sped up. He was glad she was experienced because they both could be themselves and do what they wanted with each other.
“Perry,” she whispered, all breathy.
He kissed her knee and inner thigh through the stockings. The garter at the top was a simple pink satin ribbon he promptly unfastened. The delicate fabric of the stocking slipped down her leg when he tugged at it. Another inhale.
The sweet fragrance of jasmine drove him mad with need. There was no better scent for the star goddess.
He traced the curve of her thigh and followed it to her drawers. She was all silky skin and tempting curves. He caressed her leg, widening her thighs until the slit of her drawers opened. They both paused. Her chest rose and fell quickly as he stared at her beauty. When he dipped his head and kissed her, she moaned loudly.
Her thighs tightened around him in a scented embrace as he lavished her with his tongue. He wanted to hear her scream and feel her fingers through his hair, so he deepened the kiss, tasting her sweetness. Her hips jolted, but he held them in place.
