Scandalous Liaisons (9 page)

Olivia flushed, mortified.

Her father searched her face, his own tight with concern. “Livy?”

“Come with us, Father.” She glanced at Lord Dunsmore. “I do not think I can remain here another moment.”

Sebastian nodded. “I agree. We’ve finished our business.” He gestured with his free hand toward the door. “Mr. Lambert. Will you join us?”

“Of course.” He shot a furious glare at the marquess. “I am not done with you, my lord. You should have held a care for your reputation. I care only for Olivia.”

Dunsmore arched a scornful brow. “Of course. You care so much for your daughter, you would marry her to a stranger without even an introduction. You’re a paragon of paternal affection.”

Jack flushed. “I considered her welfare. You cared only for your own.”

Olivia stared at the marquess and was certain she’d never met a man as devoid of emotion. He appeared to care nothing for the enmity directed toward him from all sides. She shivered merely from being in the same room with him and wondered how a man as warm and vibrant as her husband could have come from such a father.

“Where is your gratitude, Sebastian?” the marquess asked. “I procured you a beautiful bride and a hefty dowry. Of course, she’s not but a merchant’s daughter, but since you weren’t here to see to the matter yourself, you should be appreciative in any case. In fact, you strike me as unfashionably smitten, which suits the rest of your appearance.”

The hatred that poured from Sebastian poisoned the air. “You may insult me at your leisure, Father, but keep your talons out of my wife. It is only my . . .
appreciation
for her that prevents me from tearing you apart with my bare hands.”

The marquess laughed. “I believe you could do it, too. Look at you! You’re like a savage. Dark-skinned, long-haired, and built like an ape.”

Olivia whimpered in agony, knowing that Sebastian was bleeding from wounds she had helped to inflict. She had teased him with those same descriptions, but now he would wonder and think himself less of a man, when in fact he was more of one than anyone she had ever met.

“He’s beautiful,” she snapped. “You’re a fool for failing to see how wonderful he is. The loss is yours.” She tugged at Sebastian.

With a jerky nod, he gestured for her father to precede them.

Just as quickly as they’d arrived, they departed, her father following in his carriage. As they jolted forward, she moved to sit beside Sebastian, wrapping her arms around his stiff body. She watched Dunsmore House roll by the window, wishing it and the man inside a good riddance.

Sebastian paced the length of his room in furious strides, damning himself for a fool for thinking he could return to England and survive the experience unscathed. Over and over he played the afternoon’s events in his mind. What would have happened had he not intercepted Olivia’s ship? Would she have arrived and been duped into thinking Carr was her husband?

The ruse wouldn’t have lasted long. His father must have intended for Olivia to go straight to Dunsmore House. A few months to assure a pregnancy, and she would have been too devastated to ever leave. The thought made him sick, it was so heinous. And he’d brought his wife back to this cesspool. Now she knew just how vile was the blood that flowed in his veins.

The adjoining door opened softly behind him. When Sebastian turned to face Olivia, he stilled, devastated to see her attired in a white lace night rail and robe that had to be part of her trousseau.

Her dark eyes skimmed over him, noting that he was still fully dressed. “You’re leaving,” she said flatly.

He stood there, sweat instantly misting his skin. He wanted to say something,
anything,
to erase the wounded look from her eyes, but his mouth was too dry.

“When?” she asked in a pained whisper. “Now?”

His voice came colder than he’d intended. “You said you wanted an absent husband.”

“I know what I said.” She stared at him, her heart in her eyes.

Against his will, Sebastian held out his hand to her, and she ran into his arms, her softness and redolence enveloping his senses.
How had he thought this would be easy?

“I don’t want to leave you,” he murmured into her hair, and then hated himself for admitting the weakness.

“Can you wait?” she begged. “Allow me to settle Father’s concerns. A week or two at most, and then I’ll go with you.”

Sebastian felt his chest constrict painfully and his cock grow heavy with need. “You would do that?” he asked gruffly. “Live on a ship with me, without a home?”

“My home is with you.” Her slender fingers encircled his wrist and moved his hand down between her legs. Then she curled her fingers over his to cup her sex. “You’re so tense, restless like a caged panther.” She arched her hips into his hand, rubbing herself against his splayed fingers. “Allow me to give you ease and help you relax. We can discuss everything in the morning.”

Eyes closed, he pressed his mouth into her hair. “I don’t trust myself with you. Not at this moment.” He was so furious and disgusted, he could barely breathe, and with her body undulating against his hand, all he wanted was to throw her on her back and fuck her until he couldn’t think, couldn’t feel.

“I know you’re angry and frustrated, but you’d never hurt me.”

With a perverse need to argue, he spoke harshly. “You know nothing of me. I attacked your ship just for the amusement of it. Perhaps I’d have even raped you if you weren’t willing.”

“Oh, Sebastian.” Olivia sighed. “If you wish to argue rather than make love, I suppose I can accommodate you. But at least be honest. You took my ship without the loss of one life. And rape?” She shot him an amused glance. “A man of your outrageous beauty would have no need. ’Tis lucky for you I am your wife, or
I
might have raped
you
.
”

He scowled, even as his soul ached with longing. “You said I was a long-haired savage.”

“Heavens, you didn’t believe that?” She stepped away from his flexing fingers and moved to the small circular table in the corner. Pouring a large ration of brandy from the decanter, she brought it to him with a provocative sway to her hips, her golden curls tumbling past her waist.

“You are the most decadent-looking man I’ve ever seen, Sebastian Blake. Dark as sin, more beautiful and seductive than the devil himself, I would imagine. I would not change a thing about you. It amazes me every morning when I wake up and look at you lying beside me. I pinch myself regularly to be certain I’m not dreaming—that you’re actually mine, that I bear your name and title.” Her eyes locked on his as her voice lowered seductively. “That I’ll bear your children.”

Sebastian took the glass from her, his hand trembling, downing the liquor in one swallow. “You sound as if you received the better half of the bargain.”

“I did.” Moving away, Olivia shrugged out of her robe and left it behind her on the floor. She reached the bed and leaned against the edge. “I am assuming by the bulge in your breeches that you wish me to stay in your room tonight.”

His hand dropped to his side, his fist close to crushing the empty glass. “Stay if you like. I’m going out.”

“With your cock as hard as a poker?”

His mouth curved mockingly. Best she witness the depths to which he could sink now. Fruit never falls far from the tree. “You needn’t concern yourself with my cock.”

“Whose concern would it be if not mine?’ she asked with a soft snort. “You cannot go about town in that condition.”

“I don’t intend to.”

Her eyes widened as she understood his meaning. “You intend to find a whore to sate your lust on?”

“Perhaps.” Sebastian shrugged. “Or maybe I’ll sample two. My need is fierce tonight.”

Olivia stood, her hands clenching into tiny fists. “Why? When I am always eager for you?”

He laughed. “Yes, you do like my cock, don’t you?”

“Yes, and I am not ashamed to say so.” Her chin lifted, her dark gaze burning into his. “Take me, Sebastian, and spare yourself the coin.”

Deep inside, his conscience writhed in shame, but he squelched it ruthlessly. “But after years of pirating, sweet, I have coin to spare. Or have you forgotten what I am?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I am well aware of what you are. You are my husband, and if you walk out that door and take a whore, you’ll be my husband in name only—for the rest of your miserable life. Consider that, my lord, before you depart.” Turning, she stalked toward the adjoining door.

It took everything Sebastian had to keep his face impassive, when inside he felt scraped raw. His hand reached out to her retreating back, and in his mind, he was screaming for her to return, his heart begging for her forgiveness. But when he opened his mouth, only bitterness came out. “I thought we discussed this when we first met. I can take your body whenever I choose. The law says a man cannot rape his own wife.”

Olivia spun to face him. “I’m
offering
myself to you! You’ve no cause to find a whore.”

“I want one.”

“I’ll be one.”

Her statement hit him like a physical blow. “Beg your pardon?”

“If you want a whore, I’ll be one for you.” She came toward him, licking her lips and swaying her hips like a harlot. “What’ll it be, govna? A rut? Or would you rather I suck your cock?”

The empty tumbler fell from his hand and rolled away, forgotten. “Stop it.”

She cupped her breasts in her hands, pinching the nipples. “You can fondle these, govna, for a couple quid.”

He gripped her shoulders, shaking her. “Stop it!”

Her gaze met his, full of anger and pain. “Fuck me.”

With a curse, he threw her away from him. “You’re not a whore, Olivia. You’re my lady wife. Act like it.”

“I’ll act the part of anything you need,” she said desperately. “The alternative is your leaving and our marriage ending. Despite the way you’re acting, I know that’s not what you want. You’re hurting. Allow me to help you.”

Damn her
. He could bear anything but her loss, and she knew it. Yet the monster inside him was determined to push her away. “I don’t want to make love, Olivia. I want to fuck. Is that what you want? Do you want to be fucked?”

Her lips parted, and he watched her swallow hard. Desire mingled with the other emotions in her gaze.

“Very well, then.” Sebastian ripped open the placket of his trousers to ease the unbearable constriction. His cock, hard and swollen, sprung free. “Lift your gown and lay on your stomach.”

Her eyes widened. “Sebastian . . .”

“Now,” he growled. He watched with primitive satisfaction as Olivia scrambled to do his bidding. His blood heated further as her shapely legs and luscious ass came into view. He stepped up to her and caressed the silken curve of her thigh, rubbing his erection in the valley between her buttocks. Bending over to bite her earlobe, he whispered, “I’m going to use you, wife. Hard and deep, all night. You won’t be able to walk in the morning.”

Olivia whimpered, squirming against the edge of the mattress. He brought his hand back and spanked her. Hard. She cried out in astonishment.

“Spread your legs. Wider.” Sebastian noted the wetness that dampened the curls of her sex. He ran his fingers through it. “Ummm. Always ready for me.” He spanked her again, admiring the imprint left by his hand. He was filled with a violent need to possess her, to claim her, to prove to them both that it was too late to turn back now. As horrid and twisted and unworthy as he was, she was bound to him. Forever.

Sebastian licked the side of her face. “Are you scared, sweet?”

Swallowing hard, she shook her head. “I-I . . .”

“You what? You like it?”

“Do anything . . . .” she breathed. “I like everything you do . . .”

“Good girl.”

He slid his cock between her thighs, thrusting back and forth to coat the length of his erection with her cream. She arched her hips into the erotic caress, and he rewarded her with the barest penetration. He teased her opening with a shallow plunge and then withdrew, relishing her protest.

Sebastian slid his hands up her straining back, lifting her night rail as he went, licking along the curve of her spine. “Sweet Olivia. Obeys Daddy without question, but inside, she longs for a wicked man to ravish her.” His voice dropped to a husky murmur. “A pirate perhaps?”

She gasped and bucked against the scorching heat of his erection. “Please . . . don’t tease . . .”

He stroked the burning skin of his wife’s bottom. Pressing a hard kiss to her cheek, Sebastian pulled back when she turned her head to capture his mouth. “I won’t be gentle,” he warned. “I’m not capable of it now. Tell me to stop if this is not what you want.” He slid halfway inside her dripping channel, shuddering as he fought to walk away if she asked.

She writhed beneath him, her long nails leaving scratch trails in the velvet counterpane. “Hurry, damn you!”

“Don’t swear,” he growled, then rammed his cock balls-deep into her.

 

Olivia cried out in agonized pleasure as Sebastian buried himself to the hilt within her, the force of his thrust shoving her hips hard into the edge of the mattress. He withdrew immediately and plunged again, stretching her almost beyond bearing. She felt a complete wanton, with her feet resting on the floor, her legs spread wide to better accommodate his frenzied thrusting. She was helpless, a stationary vessel for his lust.

He reached down and wrapped his fist in her hair to hold her still while he fucked her. The hard tugging on her scalp as she moved under his fierce pounding only goaded her excitement. “I love you,” she gasped.

“God . . . Olivia . . .” His rhythm faltered, his cock burning hot as it stilled within her.

“I love you,” she repeated, shuddering beneath him as he swelled until it was almost painful. Lord above, he was massively built. She was so aroused, cream leaked from her body, causing a sweet sucking sound as he pulled out of her. She thrust her hips back, sliding her body back onto his shaft.

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” he groaned, his thighs quivering against hers. “You like me at your mercy and desperate for you.” Sebastian pulled out and then pumped back into her again, his fingers digging with bruising force into her hips.

“Yes, my love,” she moaned. “Be wild for me.”

And he was.

Pleasure built impossibly fast, the tight, heavy weight of his balls slapping repeatedly against her, until Olivia thought she would go mad with it. Her eyes slid closed as her entire body began to tremble.

Sebastian growled, and she felt the hard jerking of his cock as he began to come in scorching bursts against her womb. The hand at her hip moved between her legs and began a frantic rubbing against the hard nub that ached for his touch. She groaned at the wracking pleasure, face buried in the counterpane, spurred by the feel of his hot semen flooding her womb and the skilled swirling of his fingers against her. Incredibly his pace increased, and she flowed without pause from one orgasm into another. When he finally collapsed against her back, Olivia was certain she would be unable to move for days, just as he had threatened.

It was several moments before his crushing weight lifted from her. Cold air chilled the skin so recently heated by the press of his body. Somehow she found the strength to reach back and clutch his wrist. “Don’t leave me.”

Sebastian’s calloused hand caressed her hip as he rose. “Allow me to undress, sweet.”

She turned to face him, noting his averted gaze and guessing the cause of it. “I’m fine.”

“I was rough,” he muttered.

“Do you regret what just happened?”

He shrugged out of his coat, then went to work on the buttons of his waistcoat. “No.”

Olivia pulled her gown over her head and discarded it. “Then cease acting as if you do.” She crawled under the covers and rolled to her side, listening to the sounds of her husband disrobing.

“Do you regret what you said?” he asked in a near-whisper.

She hid her smile in the pillow. “No.”

His hard body curled behind hers, his mouth pressing a kiss to her shoulder. Lacing her fingers with the ones he held against her stomach, she fell asleep.

Later, she woke to the feel of Sebastian’s hands roaming her curves, his body hot and damp behind hers. His skilled fingers slipped between her legs, dipping into her sex coated with his seed, and stroking until she moaned with desire. His mouth found the lobe of her ear. Helpless with pleasure, she arched into him.