Graham's Game

STORY EXCERPT

As for Colin, his family was loud and numbered many, but at his country house in Yorkshire he found the solitude he sometimes needed. Graham was the only person he ever invited to stay, even for the shortest time. There had been lovers during his long association with Graham, women who held his attention for some time or other before he grew bored. Where Graham never took the same lover twice, it was Colin’s secret wish to find the person who could hold his attention—and his heart—for longer than a fortnight. Aside from Graham, there really hadn’t been anyone whose company he craved for any length of time.

“Not so different from Graham there,” he muttered.

He finished eating and left the room. A quiet evening spent in front of the fire seemed to be in the offing. The wind buffeted the tall, leaded windows of the parlor. He shuddered at the sound. It seemed to enhance his loneliness tonight. He poured himself a glass of brandy and took a long sip. The liquor burned pleasantly down his throat and warmed his belly. Closing his eyes, he let his head fall against the back of the chair. A knock at the door brought him out of his melancholy.

“Come,” he said without much enthusiasm.

His butler opened the door and bowed. “Lord Weston, sir.”

Colin straightened as Graham strode into the room. His hair was windswept and his cheeks ruddy, but it was the wide smile on his face that took Colin aback. It was fresh and wild and full of excitement. He hadn’t seen such an expression on Graham’s face in ages.

“Graham!” He stood, setting his drink down on the table beside the chair. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Never say you’re turning me back out into the cold.”

Colin laughed. “Hardly.” He crossed to doorway and shook his hand. “Not expecting you doesn’t mean I’m not pleased to see you.”

Graham nodded and removed his coat. The butler took it and looked at Colin for instruction.

“Prepare Lord Weston’s usual guest room, Mason.”

The butler bowed his head and left them, closing the door behind him. Colin poured a drink for Graham and held out the glass. “Do tell me what has you rapping on my door in the dead of night.”

Graham laughed, flicking his golden-streaked hair back from his face. His dark Hawk eyes sparkled. “I have been invited to the infamous Hawk roost, Colin.”

Colin blinked. “Hawksfell Manor?”

Graham arched a brow. “You’ve heard of it?”

“It’s infamous, Graham. You just said so yourself.”

“So I did.” He shrugged and settled into the chair Colin had just vacated. “The esteemed earl’s man-of-affairs sent me a missive extending an invitation from the man himself.”

Colin sat across from him. “Why?”

“Apparently the earl has dedicated himself to saving wayward Hawks.” He laughed. “His man tracked me down, no doubt due to my scandalous behavior.”

Colin leveled a look at him. “Scandalous to a Hawk? Not if half of what I’ve heard of your extended family is true.”

“All is true, I’m afraid.” Graham winked. “You’ve seen me firsthand, Colin. At my worst.”

There was a thread of something beneath Graham’s teasing tone. Was it regret or embarrassment? Colin didn’t believe so.

“When is this auspicious visit?” he asked Graham.

“I responded that the earl is to expect me in two days’ time.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a fine time getting to know the earl and his family.”

“His family?”

“Do you truly not know?”

“Know what?”

“The earl married over the summer. There are a few Hawk cousins about now, as well. Along with a half-brother he hadn’t known he’d had.”

A frown passed over Graham’s face. “He has a family.”

“As do you, if you think about it. You’re a Hawk.”

“Yes, yes.” Graham nodded absently. “Maybe I should reconsider.”

“Why?”

“I thought this would be a lark, Colin. I’d heard about the earl’s staff, paid to serve his dark desires with enthusiasm and discretion.”

Colin nodded. “I’d heard that, too. For years, actually.”

“Then it’s true.” He smiled again. “Then we must take the earl up on his offer and play a few games with his staff.”

Colin grew quiet for a moment. “If you wish,” he finally said.

Graham tilted his head. “Come now, Colin. Never say you’re not up to a bit of fun.”

Colin found a smile. “With you? Always.”

Something flared in Graham’s eyes, a heat that Colin felt echoed in his belly. Desire was clear on his handsome face, that need that was never silent for long. His Hawk lust was rising, and Colin couldn’t help but respond.

“I’ve missed you, Colin,” Graham said, surprising him. “It’s deuced quiet at Weston.”

Colin didn’t point out that he’d invited him to stay here just last week. They both knew it. He’d thought Graham would want to fuck one of the maids again, but the expression he wore said something more. Something elemental that Colin couldn’t deny.

“When do you leave for Hawksfell Manor?” he asked, his voice low.

Graham reached out and stroked a strong hand over Colin’s thigh. “When do we leave, you mean?” At Colin’s nod, he smiled. “Tomorrow would suffice.”

Colin swallowed thickly. “I’ll be ready.”

Graham’s eyes ran over him, and Colin couldn’t keep himself from reacting. “Ready?” His low laugh was like a caress. “Oh, I hope so.”

 Colin stood, unable and unwilling to disguise the erection tenting his trousers. “Shall I ring for a maid?”

“Not yet.” Graham stepped closer. “Maybe later.”

“A footman, then?”

Graham shook his head and brought his mouth to his. “Just kiss me, Colin.”

ADULT EXCERPT

A few pieces of clothing were resting on the chair near the low dressing table. She crossed to the table and picked up a shirt that was missing a button and a jacket that had a small tear on the cuff. The jacket was as finely made as what the viscount had worn yesterday. She remembered grabbing on to his jacket and holding him close as he’d taken her, the material caressing her fingers as he buried himself deep inside of her.

She closed her eyes and brought the jacket to her nose and sniffed. Oh, Mr. Spencer’s smell was as intoxicating as Graham’s. Swaying slightly, she felt her pussy pulse as it had in the garage. Oh, what if Mr. Spencer touched her? Her nipples tightened, and she let out a sigh.

“It seems Lord Weston was correct,” a masculine voice said.

She opened her eyes and clutched the clothing in her hands. The pretty dark-haired man was standing very close. How had he come so near without her knowledge? “Mr. Spencer!”

He tilted his head and smiled. It was a lovely smile, really. “You called Graham by his given name, Lily. Can’t you afford me the same boon?”

She bit her lip as she recalled just when she’d done that. Oh, his mouth had been on her breasts! Nibbling and licking and driving her mad. “Mr. Spencer, I—”

“Colin, love,” he corrected.

She turned, her bottom pressed against the table as she brought the pile of mending close to her chest. “I shouldn’t be in here. Not when you’re present.”

He reached up to stroke her cheek. “But I asked for you.”

She resisted the urge to lean into his hand. His touch was soft yet insistent. “To fetch your mending.”

“And what of my trousers? Will you see to them?”

She glanced down to see an obvious bulge in the fabric at his crotch and squeezed her eyes shut. “Mr. Spencer…”

“Colin.” His hands moved to her neck, his fingers nimble on her skin. “You’re making my cock hard, Lily. Careful, or you’ll be mending the seams of my pants.”

Her mouth dropped open, and he brought his lips to hers. Oh, his taste! His tongue surged inside and she caught his moan. Here was the passion she’d had with Graham. How could she feel it for this man, too?

She didn’t care. “Oh, Colin!”

Dropping his clothes to the floor, she gripped his broad shoulders. He held her closer now, his hands on her bottom as he pressed his cock firmly against the juncture of her thighs. Burying his face in her neck, he licked the skin just above her collar.

“You are sweet,” he rasped. “Graham was right.”

She froze, her eyes snapping open. “Graham?”

He lifted his head. Gently grasping her chin, he looked deep into her eyes. “He told me about the game, Lily.”

“G–game?”

He nodded. “You issued a challenge, love. That you could resist.”

She shook her head. “I never—”

“Then you admit defeat?”

She stared into his bright blue eyes, her legs going weak. “I don’t know how to play this game,” she admitted on a whisper.

“Never fear,” Graham said, stepping out of Colin’s dressing room. “We’ll be happy to teach you.”

He looked as good as Colin did, strong and broad and even larger here in the blue room. Graham stepped behind her and untied her apron. Colin began to work the buttons of her blouse free, tugging it from the waistband of her skirt as Graham drew her skirt up over her legs. His hands brushed the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, bringing to mind all he’d done to her in the garage. She shivered as she felt her pussy swell.

“Oh…” she sighed.

“I can smell you,” Graham said. “Colin, can you smell her?”

Colin brought his nose to the swell of her breasts. “Mmm, yes.”

Her nipples tightened as he dragged his tongue just beneath the edge of her corset. Gripping the dressing table at her back, she leaned her head back and prayed he’d take what she offered. To her delight and relief, he did. He loosened her corset and cupped her breast, tugging on her nipple. Sharp pleasure spiked through her.

“I want to taste you, Lily,” Graham said, dropping to his knees in front of her. He tore her drawers from her and flicked his tongue over her clit. “You’re even sweeter here.”

He stroked her flesh as Colin fondled her nipple. While his mouth tugged and nibbled on her breast, Graham became more forceful on her pussy. His tongue drove into her as his thumb worked her clit. Colin’s mouth pulled at one nipple as he pinched the other. She couldn’t hold on to a thought as they both used their mouths and fingers to set her on fire. She couldn’t catch her breath as Graham lifted her up on her toes.

“Come for us, Lily,” Colin said, moving on to the other breast. “Come.”

She bit her lip to hold back a scream as her orgasm shot through her. Graham’s hands were firm on her bottom as he drew out every pulse and shudder. Colin finally released her breast and brought his mouth to hers again.

“That was lovely,” he said, smiling down at her.

Graham gave her clit one last long lick that made her shiver. Her legs were weak and her body flushed. At this moment she didn’t care about her position at the manor. She didn’t care about her future with either of these gentlemen. No. At the moment, with her heartbeat still erratic and her body replete, she only cared about the game.

Victor's Vow

STORY EXCERPT

When Victor came in from his ride she was ready for him. She’d been waiting in the parlor for the past half hour for him to make an appearance. The fire crackled behind the grate, warm and merry, but her hands felt cold. The letter from Lord Hawksfell sat on the table beside her chair, and her head ached from trying to figure out just what possibility it could present. She’d finally just put that darn thing on the table to await Victor’s compelling eyes.

He stalked into the parlor through the glass doors at the back of the house, and her breath caught. The wind had made his cheeks ruddy and he exuded masculine strength. His thick dark hair was dusted with a few snowflakes which sparkled as they rapidly melted. Her pulse leapt and she stifled a sigh.

“Hello, Victor,” she managed to say.

He froze, his dark eyes snapping toward her. “Violet?” He pulled off his gloves with deliberate tugs. “What are you doing here?”

“Here at Ralston House?”

He waved a hand. “No. Here in the parlor.”

“Did you think to avoid me?” She’d tried for a light, teasing tone but flirtation was never her forte. “That is, where did you think I would be?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged and took off his long coat, placing it over the back of the chair across from her. “The library?”

It was a valid answer. She spent quite a bit of time lost in those books now that she no longer had to care for her aunt.

“Nevertheless, here I sit.” She picked up the letter from the earl. “This came for you.”

He blinked and took a step toward her. Oh, she could smell him now. She held the letter out to him.

“Why do you have it?” he asked, taking the letter and turning it over.

“Wilson didn’t want to leave it in the salver,” she answered with a shrug.

“The Earl of Hawksfell,” he read aloud. He studied the letter and she could tell he was intrigued. His nostrils flared and his fingers traced over the seal. “What could he possibly want?”

“There is one way to find out,” she said.

He lifted his head, pinning her with those eyes. Then he flashed her a curve of his lips that might be considered a smile. “Right.”

He broke the seal and unfolded the paper within. As she watched, a flicker of emotion crossed his rugged features, accompanied by a narrowing of his eyes as he read the earl’s words. His sculpted lips parted for a moment, then pressed into a thin line. “Preposterous.”

She was fairly trembling with curiosity as she considered just what the earl had to say. “What is it, Victor?”

“He wants me to come to Hawksfell Manor.” He dropped the hand holding the letter to his side. “To meet the other Hawk relatives.”

It was her turn to let her mouth gape open. “The other Hawks?”

“Yes, the earl and his brother. As well as a few cousins.”

She heard something in his voice, a wistfulness she’d never heard before. “Never say you’re going.”

His brows drew together. “I don’t suppose I should feel compelled, but…”

Realization struck her then. He wanted to meet the other Hawks, despite the lack of any indication he’d ever given in the past. Rising out of her chair, she reached out to touch his arm. “You should go.”

He looked down at her hand, then into her eyes. The floor tilted beneath her and she forced herself to remain still.

“You deserve to have someone else in your life,” she said softly.

“Other than you, you mean?” he asked, his voice rough.

Her throat tightened. “Victor…”

He dropped the letter and grabbed her upper arms. “Violet, are you tired of me?”

She blinked rapidly. Her emotions were a riot inside of her. “What? I don’t understand.”

He brought his face close to hers. “You came here for my mother. You can leave Ralston House at any time.”

Swallowing thickly, she tried to think of a reasonable answer. There was really only one, however. “You know as well as I that I have nowhere else to go.”

He nodded and brought his mouth to hers, his lips brushing over her flesh. She could scarcely breathe. He kissed her, at first quite softly then with a hard press of his mouth before he set her from him.

“Victor?” she managed to ask.

“Nowhere else to go,” he repeated, reaching down to pick up the discarded letter. His eyes were intent on her before he turned away. “That is a pity.”

With long strides, he left the parlor. Sinking back into the chair, she touched her fingertips to her mouth. His taste was like his scent, spicy and hot. She closed her eyes and reveled in the memory of that too-brief kiss.

It was a lamentable truth she couldn’t ignore. That would most likely be the only kiss she ever got from him.

ADULT EXCERPT

Her full lips parted, then she shook her head. “Kiss me, Victor.”

He brought his mouth to hers and began to taste her. She tasted a bit of Cabot, but that could be his lingering scent on her skin. The combination of the man he’d recently fucked and the girl he was going to drove him wild. “Easy,” he growled.

She pulled back a hairsbreadth. “What did you say?”

He kissed her lips again, then dropped his head to the side of her neck. “I was telling myself to go easy, Violet. I’m afraid I want to strip off what little clothing you have on and fuck you. Hard.”

She trembled and pressed closer to him. “Oh, my.”

He could hear the sound of a cough and knew Cabot was stifling a chuckle. It should almost be ridiculous but his cock felt so full and hard for Violet it was like it was his first time. Like he hadn’t fucked the servants at Ralston and Cabot just last night.

Dropping his hands from her, he stepped back and unfastened his trousers. The warmth of the air in the room made his balls ache. He hissed through his teeth as his cock grew harder. His beast was wild for her and he knew he had to take care.

“Place her on the bed, Cabot,” he said.

Cabot nodded and gathered Violet in his arms. “Come, sweetheart. Trust me, you’re in for quite a ride.”

She looked from Cabot to himself, then swallowed audibly. “Oh, my,” she said again.

Victor found a small smile for that. Cabot’s fingers were deft as they removed her chemise and she was soon spread and ready for him. Praying for the presence of mind to restrain himself, he climbed onto the bed and covered her with his naked body.

Her nipples were hard against his chest and her mound pressed up against his cock. He’d never taken a woman this way, touching her with every inch of his body. When her arms twined around his neck, her nails biting into his shoulders, he clenched his teeth against the shout of excitement that fought to escape him.

“Ah, Violet,” he moaned, burying his face between her breasts.

Her scent was heavier here, and when he flicked his tongue over her nipple he could taste her sweetness. Delving between her thighs with one hand, he stroked her pussy. She was wet, from Cabot’s attentions and from her fresh arousal. With two fingers inside of her, he could feel the proof of her virginity. That, and how tight she was. It was going to be a close thing. His cock was huge and his need greater than he’d ever felt before. He tried to ready her for his assault, and as he moved his fingers in and out of her she began to purr and writhe beneath him.

“Yes, Victor,” she sighed. “Please…”

When she bit her lip again he nearly came on her soft belly. Shifting, he forced himself to slow as he positioned his cock at her pussy. Her flesh scalded him, made him ache to spill inside her.

A glance at Cabot showed him watching avidly, his cheeks flushed and his eyes sparkling. Apparently he was enjoying this as much as Victor had enjoyed watching Cabot lick her. It was passing strange but he supposed there was a connection among the three of them now.

He looked back down at her beautiful face. “I’m sorry if this hurts,” he said. Then he drove inside her hot cunt with one deep thrust.

She cried out in obvious pain and he held himself still.

“Violet, Violet,” he said, taking measured breaths.

She sobbed, but there was an edge to her cries. A piercing of want that stunned him.

“Oh, take me!” she shouted, clutching more tightly at his shoulders.

He blinked, then began to move. Her hips rose to meet him and he was soon pounding into her hard and fast. Their bodies were coated with sweat and he lifted her legs up around his waist.

“My God,” he groaned, feeling every inch of her grasp his shaft. “Oh, my God.”

She began to sob again, her body arching wildly beneath him. She shattered then, coming tight around his shaft as he continued to ride her. He couldn’t do anything else but buck and thrust until he felt his own climax start.

“Violet, let me…” he began, bracing himself on his hands to withdraw.

She drew him closer in the throes of her orgasm and he suddenly came with a groan, pouring his seed deep inside of her in hot spurts that nearly turned him inside out.

He took in great gasps of air as he struggled to hold himself off her slight form. Her head was turned to the side, her eyes closed as she took ragged breaths through her parted lips. Her pussy still held him tight, aftershocks of pleasure tickling at him as he squeezed his own eyes shut at last.

The feel of her, the scent of her and their sex all around them, was something he knew he’d never forget. And, like his time with Cabot last night, he didn’t feel the wash of cold shame that he was so used to following his climax. He couldn’t think about what that meant at the moment, however. He was just too bloody satisfied.

“Violet,” he said finally, opening his eyes again and bringing his brow to hers. “Are you all right?”

She shifted and gazed up at him. “Oh, yes.”

Cabot did laugh then, slapping Victor’s shoulder. “Well done, Victor.”

Victor barked out a surprised chuckle and shook his head.