Page 86 of Hidden & Held

He gently grabs her hands, placing a delicate kiss on her fingers before his tongue darts out, wetting them slightly, drawing a gasp from his dear wife. Moving her fingers down low, he grazes her own fingers down her body, seeing the gentle twitches it draws from her. Taking two fingers, he gently places them on her bud, his hands leading hers, applying just the right amount of pressure, moving in slow circles.

I find myself in the viscountess’s place. I bring my own fingers to my mouth, gently wetting them before moving down my body, into my sleep shorts, making slow circles over my clit. Jackson’s voice as the viscount fills my ears.

“There, sweetheart, just like that, how do you feel?” Her soft mewls are all the answer he gets. William chuckles softly. “Good, you’re doing perfect, you feel this?” He dips his fingers into her center, pulling some of her wet essence with him, holding back a groan of desire of his own. “This, sweet woman, is saying your body is wanting more.”

“Yes,” his wanton wife says, head moving back and forth …”

I close my eyes and listen to Jackson’s voice as the viscount continues to teach his lady about her body, that her passion is wanted, no, needed with him.

Then Jackson clears his throat and continues on.

“Beatrice arches her back, and William catches her hand, holding it steady, needing to join their bodies once more. Parting her legs further, he eases himself carefully inside her, biting back a groan, resisting the urge to thrust into her, knowing it has been too long for both of them. She makes a soft moan that nearly undoes him as the noise of the party below rings out.”

William strokes her hair. “You alright, Sweetheart?”

“Yes, it is most pleasant,” she says, rocking her hips and letting out another cry, causing her full breasts to move, undoing the last of William’s resolve.

As their pleasure peaks and they both release on a groan, William knows this is where he wants to stay forever.

My own hips rock as my fingers circle my clit, applying just the right amount of pressure, and I reach my peak along with the couple. Breathing hard, Jackson’s deep baritone continues in my ear, not knowing he talked me through my orgasm.

“William …” Beatrice begins as she’s falling asleep. “I love …” She stops herself, as if the words hadn’t meant to slip out. William waits until she is asleep, brushing a hair off her face.

“I love you too, Beatrice. I’ll make you feel safe enough to say it.”

Jackson pauses for a moment, clearing his throat once more.

“That’s enough romance for one night.”

My pulse skips as I am brought back to reality.

“Goodnight, Sugar.” And the recording ends.

24

JACKSON

The day has finally arrived: Cassandra’s dealings will finally be put to an end. Everything is set. My grandfather has come into town and is sitting in Rhodes’s office. We already briefed him on everything. He may have been in his own head, not running the firm as he should, but we did not want him to be blindsided about what was coming next.

Phoenix and I haven’t spoken directly in weeks, even though I know she is listening to my voice every night through the audiobook chapters. A caveman pride fills me at the knowledge I am the last thing she hears before bed, even if I’m not there with her.

Our text message thread has been inactive for weeks, but I send her one on the off chance she will listen.

I don’t know if you are free today, but since it’s Friday and your day off, I was hoping you might have lunch across the street at the cafe. I won’t be there, but it’s on me.

She replies, which is surprising on its own, and faster than I expected.

The Proprietress

I’m meeting with a potential new client this morning. Divorce who caught her husband with his new intern … oh, the cliches that will always pay the bills.

I laugh at her message, assuming that was a no.

The Proprietress

I was planning to meet Nessa for lunch afterward. I guess we can eat there, on your dime. Wait, how will you be paying for it if you aren’t there?

I told them to look for the most beautiful woman they have ever seen and to make sure I pay for her.