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Authors: Laura Mills

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BOOK: My Forbidden Mentor
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Melissa grew conscious that their relationship of mentor and student could take the wrong course if they exchanged any more ardent looks like the present one. The palms of her hands began sweating, her heartbeat accelerated, and stirring in her belly was a kindling of intoxicating heat. The boldness of his heavy lidded eyes roaming over her body caused these sensations to form. Damn him, she would not be another prey for him to pounce on, their relationship should reflect only business. Gaining control of her senses she stood tall and proceeded to step closer to him. The necessity to put her training into effect took precedence. “It’s early yet. Can you spare some time so we can get started at least?”

Her determination matched his, he noted. To be honest he could work with her today, there was plenty of time left, but her nearness was suffocating him. Strange sensations were taking over, making him feel out of control. “I can’t,” he regretfully told her.

“Other business, I know,” she voiced in a selfish manner, assuming the lust he exposed in his eyes a moment ago was a seductive scheme that failed with her but would be successful with one of his paramours. Yes, that had to be why he rejected her suggestion. Wasn’t it just like a lord, a philandering horseman, to always have seduction on his mind? Before he could answer, she let her assumptions take over. “I see you have different kinds of business this afternoon and that is why you hesitated in answering.” Her eyes were downcast, glancing at her fumbling fingers, and then she raised them back to his steadied gaze. “Presumably a lady suitor awaiting your presence?” she guessed, amazing herself by talking to him in such a manner but she didn’t feel he was better than she, regardless of his status.

Surprised by her speculation he wavered, searching for a reasonable excuse, but it wasn’t necessary with her accusation. With narrowing eyes, he made himself plain, “First of all, it’s none of your concern what kind of plans I have and with whom. Second, I can’t work with you today and that’s the end of it. We start on Monday. This conversation is over.”

Still facing him with a look of astonishment, a finger came up, poking at his chest as she spoke through tense and tightened lips. “Fine then, if that’s the way you want it,” she told him, feeling angrier than usual and not understanding why.

She turned to leave after her childish remark but John grabbed her arm. No woman was going to get away with talking to him like that. Time for her first lesson. Swinging her around, instead of quarreling with words, his lips found hers. He wanted to shock her, he supposed, but instead shocked himself.

Taken back, Melissa resisted at first with tightened lips, but then gradually gave in as his mouth moved sensually over hers. Softer and warmer than she imagined, her eyes were closing and her lips were softening to his rhythm of movement. His tongue skillfully probed between her easing lips, expanding them so his tongue could fully engage hers with a light sucking motion. Becoming absorbed in his exploration, there was minimal awareness of his hand gripping the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her silky hair, pressuring her mouth harder against his. Without realizing her voluntary response, her lips pressed with greater force against his, her tongue freely venturing. She heard a groan emerge from John which sent her racing thoughts into a dizzying state. Astounded by the distinct feelings of arousal she was experiencing, in an instant her hands nudged against his chest to stop him.

With reluctance he ended the kiss that was meant as a warning, a kiss that had been impulsive, and blooming hell one that had turned into a pleasurable initiation. His lips stayed close to hers. Their foreheads touched as the heaviness of their breathing intermingled. His voice, velvet and husky, spoke against her trembling lips, “Lord, you taste sweet,” he whispered. Just as he had suspected she would.

Confused and frustrated, Melissa pushed against his chest, harder this time, causing John to balance himself as she spit back, “Is this one of your spontaneous notions?” And not waiting for an answer, she headed back for the carriage.

John sighed in deep conflict, deciding to wait before returning back to the carriage for his current predicament was quite visibly evident. He sat on the rock again, pondering about the kiss. What had just taken place? That kiss wasn’t supposed to happen. Puzzled by his lustful mind and by her method of producing these reckless reactions from him, he was grateful for the next couple of days away from her. At least by Monday things should be back to normal. By then he would have a clear mind and be able to treat their relationship with proper authority. It was just one kiss, after all, and it didn’t mean anything.

On the journey back, John and Melissa stayed silent toward each other, letting Miss Beckett do all the talking, which she joyfully did.

 

Chapter Seven

 

 

Monday morning finally arrived and so did Lord Blackburn. Melissa caught a glimpse of him through the barn doorway as she readied her gelding. He looked magnificent atop a thoroughbred, masculine sleekness and naturally at ease. His expression remained neutral. She had expected a scowl of some sort after Friday’s incident, but when she led her gelding outside the barn he appeared calm and even gave her a smile as he rode up to her. She returned his smile, feeling relieved from the nervous tension she’d dealt with the past couple of days. Not only was this her first lesson in racing, it was also starting under awkward circumstances all because of that burning kiss.

“Good morning,” John said, sliding off his mare.

“Good morning,” Melissa replied, wondering what he was searching for amid the saddle on his mare. “What are you looking for?”

“Ah, here it is. I was afraid I had left my timepiece at home.” In his hand, lay a miniature clock nestled within a thin rope of gold chain. He turned toward her, showing her the item. “We wouldn’t get far without this today. Shall we get started?”

Melissa gazed at the beautiful timepiece and then toward him. He hadn’t made any mention of Friday’s episode. Did she worry herself to death over the last two days for nothing? She nodded in agreement and watched him while he went over each characteristic of her gelding. “Is everything all right?” she asked.

“Everything is fine. I always check over the horses each time before training,” he informed her, his hand sweeping along Thunder’s long silvery tail.

“That seems like a good practice,” she commented.

“It is, and I’ll expect you to do the same in time,” he replied.

Melissa carefully watched his procedure, studying the motions of his hands as they skimmed along her gelding’s form.

“Why don’t you go on and warm up Thunder while I put Clara in the corral?” he suggested while he straightened.

She climbed atop her gelding and was situating herself in the saddle when she heard his voice from behind, “Off you go,” he said, and she experienced a stinging sensation on the left cheek of her behind.

Melissa expected him to slap Thunder on the rump but didn’t expect to be the one receiving the smack of his hand on her own behind. There wasn’t any time to make a remark because Thunder jumped forward into a trot. Melissa’s mouth hung open, at the same time reaching her hand back to rub her stinging behind. Thankfully father wasn’t around to see that, she winced. I suppose I shall have to confront Lord Blackburn about that kiss and how things like that should never happen again.

As Thunder trotted to the outskirts of her family’s land Melissa turned to see John’s progress and found a giant grin on his face just as he locked the corral gate. Her focus switched to a field of wild flowers she loved so much. Yes, she thought, it’s crucial that I deal with this now before he gets any wrong ideas.

As the morning hours flew by John introduced basic instructions that Melissa soared through. The position of her body while riding needed work, but that was to be expected. John had his own inventive ways for effective positioning and Melissa would be the first student he tested them on.

They brought Thunder back to the barn to cool off and retrieved two fresh horses for a short breather ride. They discussed details of different horse breeds, details that would bore the average person but intrigued them.

Carrying on about horses John thought of how nice it was having a conversation with a woman that understood his passion. It was a nice change of pace from the common conversations of the high society females that usually waited around the track. She was different but what completed her unique personality was her natural beauty, and it was her beauty that stimulated his inner struggle to view her only as his student. Being Monday hadn’t changed anything, hadn’t made him forget that incredible kiss he experienced, the one she had participated in. In fact, it was all he could do not to glare at her mouth in excess. Still he thought he had acted cool and calm about the situation. Of course, the slap on her behind was meant to shake her nervousness, and it had worked.

 

When they returned Melissa needed to verify their arrangement to make sure they agreed upon the reality of their situation. To have a relationship with a man, even a fleeting one she noted as she glanced at the profile of her mentor, had not been her top priority, and in the case of her mentor it would no doubt be temporary. She couldn’t risk the possible pain she would endure if she let their business arrangement turn intimate and personal. No, she would set him straight now.

They rode at a pace of leisure toward the barn when Melissa cleared her throat to inform him, “Lord Blackburn, I think it’s necessary for us to both agree upon our training arrangement,” she began and broke off as she took another glance toward him, curious of his reaction. When he didn’t respond she continued, “That being strictly professional. I feel it’s better that way.” He had to know what she was referring to. Figuring his impossible attitude had taken over she faced forward to let her words sink in.

He’d heard what she said but he knew differently. She had responded to him when he kissed her and he couldn’t ignore that. Perhaps it was for the better, he thought, not to start anything at all, but it wasn’t that simple for him. He’d already had a taste of her and he wanted more. Her obvious innocence required more time so he decided to give her that time, the length of time for training, and then there would no longer be the issue of professionalism standing in the way. He would have his choice of women to keep him otherwise occupied during that time if he wished. “That’s fine, we’re in agreement,” he responded and turning toward her he added out of daring interest, “Is there someone else?”

How utterly bold, she thought. That had nothing to do with what she was talking about. Her gaze was direct with his. “Can’t you agree without concerning yourself with matters that are none of your business?” she asked, perturbed.

He cast a fixed look in her direction as the idea of another man showing her the art of lovemaking irritated him, which was what propelled him to ask such a question in the first place. Now he had to answer for it but not before she answered him. “Well, is there?”

She decided to indulge him this time, just so they could move on. “No, I do not have a man in my life. Why you persist in this matter with me I’ll never know.” She shook her head with a roll of her eyes. Returning her gaze upon him, his conquering smile astonished her, so she added, “Lovemaking is not a top priority in my life as it seems to be in yours.” Then she turned away from him as they reached the barn. Proud of her final statement, feeling that he had finally gotten her message, she missed the utter look of shock on his face.

The message he received from her spirited words displayed a very innocent nature that needed some coaxing. Now she had challenged him. “Well that’s obvious. Perhaps you should try lovemaking sometime, you might like it.”

He was blatant in his response as his piercing eyes challenged her. He always brought her down a peg or two but this time she was ready for him. “And I’d have an accommodating teacher, wouldn’t I Lord Blackburn?”

They both stopped their horses for they were back at the barn now. Both stayed seated, sitting there with an intense glare between them. After a moment, Melissa pulled her gelding around so she could face John while their horses nudged muzzles.

“I won’t argue with that,” he told her and without consciousness his eyes trailed along her body.

“Finally, we agree on something,” she was saying but abruptly stopped speaking when her eyes found lust in his through and through as they steadied on her face. “Please stop. Why are you staring at me like that?”

He knew the teasing should stop but it couldn’t be helped. “I was wondering if you were chilled?” he said as his eyes fell to her bosom.

After following his focus, her immediate response was to cross her arms over her chest and in continued mortification noticed warmth springing into her cheeks. “Perhaps I am,” she answered, unable to get a handle on what was taking place, but when she saw a teasing grin form on his arrogant mouth, she claimed enough energy to carry on like nothing unusual had happened. “As long as we’re agreeable on our arrangement, I assume we’ll resume training on Wednesday?”

John knew that more than likely arousal was more of a reality for her than being cold. She didn’t want to admit it, even if the air temperature they basked in was well warm enough. “Yes, on Wednesday. Does that suit you?” he inquired to make sure. She was quite the spitfire today.

She nodded and they went their separate ways.

 

 

Later that same afternoon John and Robert were sitting in a local pub completing their schedules of future races and training sessions for the weeks ahead. Robert poured more brandy into their glasses, noticing how unusually quiet John seemed to be. At first Robert decided not to interfere but then John got testy.

Robert watched as John continued scribbling out a schedule, taking frequent sips of brandy in between. Robert couldn’t stand it anymore and had to ask, “What’s the frustration?”

John picked up his glass and stared into it, then took another swig. Lifting his eyes to Robert he responded with a half smile. “You noticed, huh?” feeling the comforting smoothness of the familiar liquid sliding down his throat.

Robert inhaled the fumes of his own glass, filling his mouth with the amber liquid as well. “It’s hard not to,” he answered, adding, “Of late, you’re not pleased with the stable boys, the riders, even the horses you’ve been looking at.”

“Yes, I know,” he agreed.

“And now the schedule. What’s going on?” Robert and John were always direct with each other.

“I’m not sure exactly,” John replied. He’d always been an easygoing person. He always remained calm and collected and never got riled enough to attack anyone verbally unless outright provoked, but presently everything irritated him. One could look at him wrong and he’d fire off. Afterwards he’d be sure to apologize but his reactions proved disturbing, especially to himself.

“Is it the young lass you’ve been training?” Robert questioned, concerned with his partner’s state of mind.

“Could be.”

“Well you’ve never taught a woman before, perhaps you’re uncomfortable with it.”

“It’s more than that Robert. She’s different. She understands horses, she’s determined, and I’m not sure how to deal with her.” He took another swig. “She’s my student, yet I think about her often in other ways,” he explained, feeling ridiculous to admit that he yearned for her.

“Wanting to mix business with pleasure, huh?” Robert inquired and then commented, “I don’t blame you John. From what I’ve seen of her, she’s a beautiful young lady.”

John answered with a smile.

“It’s obvious you must be thinking about her John. I’ve never seen you turn away so many women in my life,” Robert smiled while trying to cheer him up, knowing this had to be a serious issue for John. He’d never seen him in this sort of predicament before.

It was a mystery to John, knowing he could have his choice of women yet he made no effort to pursue his physical needs. “It’s driving me mad. I have no desire to be with other women. And Melissa and I get along so well, until . . .” he stopped talking as he had revealed more than he had wanted.

“Until?” Robert pursued, not letting John off the hook as he’d already said too much.

“Until it involves sex,” John finally said and looked around the pub while casually taking another sip of brandy.

“She doesn’t find you charming? I find that hard to believe.” Robert chuckled, knowing John could charm his way in any situation if need be.

A sly grin cast across John’s lips as his gaze steadied back to Robert. “I don’t think that’s it, but I’m positive she’s still a virgin. I’m thinking that’s the reason behind her dramatic reactions.”

“What have you done, John? Or tried to do?” Robert asked, the anticipation paining him.

“Not much except kissed her once, and the odd thing is I was angry with her when I did it. I wanted to strangle her pretty little neck.” Frustration creased his features at the memory.

“Strangling her is not going to get results John.” Robert smiled, feeling true compassion for his best friend.

“Well, I’ve decided to be professional about this and if after her training the attraction remains, well, who knows.” Even as he said the words, their meanings weren’t solid.

“John, are you brooding because she’s a virgin?” Robert asked as his brow arched in curiosity. Robert on occasion had experienced the art of deflowering, but John had not.

“Hell no. After all, I have you to refer to if I have any inquiries,” he said with a devious smile.

Robert filled with excitement. “So are you planning on deflowering Miss Howard?”

John’s smile changed to a frown. “Robert, her virginity is of no consequence to me and truly I do not plan to be intimate with her.” He let out an exasperated breath of air. “I can’t be it wouldn’t be very professional.”

“But you want to. You want to so badly you can taste it, I can tell. And this is the whole reason for your outrageous attitude, isn’t it?” Robert beamed proudly when he was confident that he had come up with the conclusion.

BOOK: My Forbidden Mentor
6.01Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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