charming to everyone around him.”
“I suspect he and Melanie have made each other quite miserable. Perhaps it is as your mother said and their inability to have children has hardened them.”
“My brother has a handful of bastards whom he’s ignoring, so I doubt him longing for children is the reason.”
“I see.”
“Has Melanie always been so bitter?”
“My sister and I have always had a complicated relationship. I am not poised or pretty enough for my mother. And Melanie has always been tricky with me. Kind at first, then cruel. I’ve never been able to make sense of her.”
“She’s obviously jealous of you.”
“Of me? Whatever for? She is the great beauty in the family.”
“First, never discount your own beauty; we’ve discussed this. Second, beauty like hers doesn’t reach beneath the top layer. She is like a flower with no roots, one small disruption and she’ll topple over because she has nothing more to her than the ornamental facade.”
“I suspect you are rather wise, my husband.”
“I am pleased to see you’ve finally recognized this.”
An idea struck her and she didn’t stop to think, she simply acted. “May I have your coat?”
“Are you chilled?” he asked, already removing the article to hand her.
“Not precisely, but I do not wish to injure my knees on these pebbles.”
He frowned. “I beg your pardon.”
“Quiet. I wish to pleasure my husband.”
She draped his coat on the ground, then lowered herself to her knees. He sucked in a breath. “What are you doing, Tilly?”
She looked up at him, arching one brow. Then her hands went to the fastenings of his trousers. “I have obviously never done this before so please feel free to offer instructions as I go.” Then she pulled his growing erection out and lowered her head to lick at the tip.
He swore, but leaned himself back to give her better access. “Ah, Freckles, you don’t have to—”
“Sullivan, shut up. I don’t want to hear another word unless it is to guide or praise me. Understood?”
A grin tickled at his lips. He nodded but never took his eyes off her. “Understood.”
While looking up at him, she sucked the top of him into her mouth.
He swore again, then threaded his fingers into her hair.
She wrapped her hand around the base of him, her fingers barely touching around his girth, and then she lowered her mouth even more. She could not fit all of his hard length into her mouth, as he was far too large and she’d likely gag. That, she supposed, would ruin the entire experience. And she was already enjoying herself very much, especially with every swear and grunt he offered her.
She experimented with her tongue, swirling it across the top and licking at the bead of liquid. It was salty and not unpleasant in the least. Again, she pulled him deeper into her mouth, sucking him hard while her hand gripped the rest of him.
“Tilly, love, you…oh God, that feels incredible. Please don’t stop.”
His encouragement spurred her on, and she felt her desire hot and wet between her thighs. With her unoccupied hand, she pushed her skirts out of the way and put her hand on herself, searching for a way to alleviate her own desire.
“And you’re touching yourself.” He swore. “Freckles, you’re driving me to madness. You’re so beautiful, so sexy. Watching you with your sweet lips wrapped around my cock, I could spill down your throat right now.”
She moaned at his words and he bucked against her, gripping her hair tightly.
“Touch yourself for me. Are you wet?”
She nodded as best she could with her mouth full of him.
“I want you to come with me. Can you make yourself come, love?”
She moaned again and flicked her fingers against the nub hidden in her folds. She was so wet, she could feel it even through the layers of her pantaloons. Still she sucked on him.
She moved her hand against his length in the same rhythm as she rubbed herself, and she knew she was getting close. She swiped her tongue against him and he arched into her again. The thought of him losing control was so arousing.
“Are you getting close, love? Oh God, you feel so good. I’m going to come, Tilly.” He tried to move her mouth, but she shook her head and sucked him harder. He came a moment later, shooting his warm seed down her throat. And then her own climax rocked through her as her fingers worked over her wet center. When they were both done shuddering, he gathered her off