Chapter 31: I Hunger for You

Christmas had come and gone, with a flurry of dinners, and celebrations and gifts wrapped in shiny papers that had been opened and appreciated. The children were all spoiled, with gifts of plush animals, and toy soldiers for the boys, and tea sets and dolls for the girls. After the festivities were over, the weather cleared enough for the families to depart for London. There was no question of Marcus and Lexie leaving, due to the early childbirth, and now the need to keep the baby warm and protected.

It was now the last day of the year, and Meredith was seated by the fire, while Lexie nursed the baby. The little one was thriving, despite her small size at birth, and they planned for a christening once Lexie would be able to attend without tiring herself.

"I should be able to get up," Lexie sighed, as Noel nestled against her chest. "Just for a little while."

"No, Lex, you know what Dr. Wilding told you...you must rest for at least two weeks, before attempting anything. And even then, you mustn't overexert yourself."

"Lord, Meredith...I was up and about sooner the last time, I swear I was..." Lexie protested.

"So, enjoy the chance to do nothing. How often do we get to do that?" Meredith smiled, looking up from the embroidery she had been working on.

"But its New Year's...I want to be part of the celebrations..."

"Marcus will be here with you, and the fireworks you can see from the windows, I promise." It was going to be something new, setting off some fireworks as the clocks chimed midnight. Meredith just hoped that no one got injured in the process. She wasn't sure who was more excited about the prospect, Derek or the children.

"Oh, very well..." Lexie rocked the baby gently against her. "So, is Derek still out with Midnight, breaking in the new saddle?"

"He is, and Marcus is riding Storm...so they are both enjoying the fresh air." Meredith had given Derek a new saddle for Christmas, made specifically for racing. He had been completely overwhelmed with the gift, as she had hoped. It had taken the help of her father to procure the right one, from the best equestrian shop in London, but the look on his face had been worth it. She had also given him a new fitted riding jacket, and he had gifted her with a delicate nightgown that was positively decadent. It was definitely one that only he would be seeing her in, as of course he had in mind when he purchased it, she was quite sure.

"Do you believe they are safe to ride together?" Lexie smiled. "After all, bad things have been known to happen ..."

"The grooms will be riding along with them, so if there are any incidents we will be informed immediately." Meredith knew he wasn't taking any chances, after the last time. But the weather was improved, and she wasn't worried.

"I hope you are right." Lexie held Noel away from her breast, as the baby finished nursing. "You are so precious, little one...and thank goodness you are all right."

"Indeed, Dr. Wilding was pleased at her progress." Meredith smiled at the baby, who was now sleepy and content.

"Here, you can hold her."

Meredith put aside the embroidery hoop and picked up the little bundle of dainty baby. She was already captivating everyone that saw her, and she was the apple of her father's eye. Her wide blue eyes, and downy brown hair combined to give her an ethereal look, and she was almost too perfect. "She will be a heart breaker," Meredith observed. "Not to say that your other daughter Eliza isn't pretty either, but there is something special about this one."

"Guard your sons!" Lexie laughed.

"Oh yes, Jamie might be smitten once they get older," Meredith agreed. "But it might be nice to have our families joined."

"Don't start match-making already."

"I know, life has a way of happening in ways you don't expect. After all, you and I certainly didn't expect to be where we are today."

"Goodness no..." Lexie agreed, stifling a small yawn.

"You need a nap, and so does this little one." Meredith stood, and placed Noel in the cradle they had brought into the room for her. It would be awhile before they needed it, and it was fitted with the same delicate pink coverlet they had used for one of the twins. The baby settled in, against a soft woolly lamb, and for a second she blinked at Meredith, before her eyelids swept shut. "Such a sweet little girl you are. I almost forgot how little girls can be, it's been awhile since the twins were your size."

She rocked the cradle a little longer, humming quietly, while Lexie dozed as well. Then Rose tapped on the door, before peeking inside. "Lady Meredith...excuse me..."

"Yes, Rose?"

"His Grace and Lord Sloan are returning from the stables, Dominic just sent word all is well..."

Meredith stood up and walked across the floor quietly, so as not to wake the sleeping mother and baby. She closed the door behind her gently. "Ah good, no incidents in the woods today then."

"It would seem not."

"Is everything under control in the kitchen?"

"Yes, absolutely. I believe Cook is outdoing herself tonight."

"Excellent."

"The children are looking forward to the fireworks. They all went willingly to bed for a nap so they will be able to stay awake tonight," Rose smiled.

"Even Michael?"

"Oh yes, and the Sloan boys as well."

"That is good to hear."

They reached the back portico, and Meredith pulled her long woolen cape from the hook. "I believe I will go out and see how the new saddle looks on Midnight. The weather is much warmer today for me to venture outside."

Rose handed over the short boots, and helped Meredith slip them on. "Do you wish for Dominic to escort you?"

For a second, Meredith hesitated, before she nodded. While she felt quite capable of walking the short distance, she knew Derek wouldn't be happy if she were to take a tumble on a patch of ice. Especially after she had been upset with him for riding alone.

Outside, Derek and Marcus reined in their mounts as they approached the stables, cantering over the cobblestones. Both men were wearing their greatcoats open over riding breeches and open shirts, as the day had turned even warmer than usual. They were laughing together, as they dismounted, where John was waiting for them.

Derek noticed the look of pain on his long-time groom's weathered face, and he stopped beside him. "Is something amiss?" he asked, pulling off the riding gloves, as Midnight stamped the ground beside him.

"Tis nothing, my lord," John replied, reaching for the reins.

"I've seen that look before, you are having a bout with your bad knees again, aren't you?" John was getting up in years, and he had stiffening in his knees that caused him pain from time to time, as old age took its toll.

"Oh, I will be all right."

"You should have one of the younger grooms take care of this. You do not need to do this yourself."

"Now, my lord, Midnight can be most particular, as you know."

"True enough. But once you have him settled, be sure and rest yourself." Derek was not the type of man to insist the servants work themselves ragged, and they were all devoted to him for that. He waved towards the younger groom waiting nearby to help John as well.

At that moment, he spotted Meredith making her way through the stable, escorted by Dominic. He smiled happily at her, as she joined the men standing together. "What brings you out here today?"

"I wanted to see the saddle on Midnight. Was it suitable?" She admired the sleek saddle on the big black horse – it did appear to suit the haughty animal.

"It is just right – much better than the regular saddle. I was able to beat Marcus by a good margin."

"I was closer than you think, Shep. Storm is a good race horse – maybe you could sell him to me?" Marcus stroked the long line of the horse's neck approvingly. "I wouldn't mind the opportunity to try racing him as well."

"I hadn't considered selling him, but maybe we could reach a deal," Derek grinned.

Marcus handed the reins over to the younger groom beside John. "Good. Let me know what you want for him. I am going inside to see my family and freshen up for dinner." He bowed towards Meredith, and then sauntered towards the manor, hands in the pockets of his coat.

"You could just give him the horse, Derek," Meredith observed. "After all, you did not have to pay for him yourself."

"Oh, I likely will," Derek agreed, as the grooms disappeared inside to unsaddle the horses.

She noticed John limping as he walked, and she hurried after him. "John…I will send Rose out with that poultice for your knees. That helps, does it not?"

"Aye, my lady, thank you," he said. If the servants were devoted to Derek, they all adored Lady Meredith. She never failed to treat them well, looking out for their well-being, and making sure their families were taken care of.

"Good." She patted his arm, before returning to where Derek waited for her, leaning against the stable doorframe. His cheeks were still ruddy from the ride and the cool air, his black curls wind tousled, and he looked just as sleek and dangerous as his steed. Her pulse quickened at the sight, and the little familiar tingle began in her core. Seeing him dressed for riding always aroused her, no matter how many times she saw him that way.

"He is likely in more pain than he is letting on," she murmured, as Derek took her hand.

"You are right, I believe it may be time to hire another groom. Someone that has some race background, to assist at first, and we can slowly back John away from the menial labor. He will never retire completely; the horses are his life…"

"I agree." She tucked her hand under his arm, as they strolled together slowly. They reached the small office he had created in the far corner of the stables. The sounds of the grooms, and horses faded away, as they stepped inside and he closed the door behind them. For a moment, he stood quietly, his eyes on her. Sweet heat began to throb in her core, as she looked back at him.

"Did you enjoy your ride?" she asked, moving towards the desk, trailing her fingers over the oak surface that was littered with papers and notebooks. The room was sparsely furnished, with none of the luxurious details of the main house; just a desk and chair, with some portraits of horses on the plain walls.

"Not as much as when you ride me..." he replied, his tone amused, winking at her as she turned to look at him over her shoulder.

"My lord, are you trying to use your masculine charm to convince me to make love to you out here?" she smiled, leaning back against the edge of the desk.

Derek crossed the short distance, and took her hands, kissing her fingertips. "Sweetheart, you know me too well...I have this hunger for you right now that I really would love to satisfy."

Meredith grasped the lapel of his coat, and pulled him closer, so that her mouth met his. Her tongue danced with his for just a moment, before she backed away playfully. That was all it took, and he caught her against him then, his mouth on hers, and his hands pushing the cloak away from her shoulders. She could feel the insistent hard ridge of his cock through her skirts, and she whimpered softly.

"I hunger for you as well...now..." she begged breathlessly, as he lifted his head, his eyes smoky with passion. Her own gaze dropped, over the open shirt, and the riding breeches that clung to his taut thighs. There was no mistaking the state of his arousal, and her mouth watered for him suddenly. Faint light filtered through the thin curtain at the window, casting beguiling shadows over his face.

"Well, then let's not waste time talking about it," he urged, shrugging out of the long leather coat. His shirt followed quickly, and she reached her hand out, caressing the bands of muscle along his chest. Scraping a nail over his nipple, eliciting a hoarse groan of desire from him. Before she could do anything else, he grasped her hips and lifted her onto the desk. Her nipples went hard, and her body thrummed with the illicit desire of doing this out here.

He regarded her for a moment, his eyes dancing wickedly, and his mouth curved into that sensual smile that she loved. He ran his hands up under her skirts, finding her already damp and already bare for him. "Ah, vixen...you anticipated this, didn't you? Soft naked skin beneath silk...you know what I like..." he commented softly, leaning closer, his breath fanning her cheek.

"I do know what you like..." she smiled, spreading her legs slightly wider, as his fingers inched higher, seeking the warm wetness he knew was there. His thumb grazed the bud of her clit, and she bit her lip to keep from making too much noise.

"As much as I know what you like, my naughty vixen," he laughed softly. Heat raced through her veins as he moved his hands to cup her breasts over the silk of her gown. Her nipples hardened even more, as she arched up against him. "And we both enjoy this, all of your sweetness spread open for me, so wet, so lush..." he told her, easing her gown up her hips. The gossamer thin stockings she wore clung to her legs, the garters of blue silk looking tempting against her creamy thighs. The scent of her arousal hit him, sending a wave of hot erotic need through him.

"Just take me now then, taste me my lord..." she urged, spreading her legs for him. Fingers moved closer to her damp folds, and then his mouth grazed her thigh, as he leaned over her. "Are you going to make me suffer?" Her voice was seductive, and her body did ache for him, as she waited for him to continue.

"Never, my love, I would never leave you suffering..." he breathed, putting his mouth to her suddenly. The touch of his tongue made her gasp, her eyes going wide, even though she had been needing him to do so...wanting him to do so. He spread her already wet folds wider, before delving deeper, his tongue moving into her, so that she couldn't help but cry out in pleasure, caught up in the way he made her feel. "Is that what you wanted when you came out to see me?" he asked, his voice husky. Without waiting for her answer, his tongue assaulted her again, stroking her clit, driving deeper and wetter. Meredith's hips bucked, and the pleasure spiked and consumed her as he kept going, the wet strokes making her shake.

"Yes, oh yes..." she moaned, her body quivering from the climax that shot through her then, leaving her breathless. Then his fingers moved into her as well, tormenting her, taking her to the edge of sanity.

"Open your gown..." he told her, his body tight from wanting her. Her fingers shook as she pulled the laces open, baring her breasts for him. Cool air made her nipples pucker even more, as the silk slid away from her. "Now touch yourself, while I do this..." His tongue flicked over her sensitive clit briefly. "Do it for me, my love, or I will stop..." His eyes gleamed in sinful desire, watching her fingers move along her breasts. Her breathing deepened, as her thumbs caressed her nipples, earning another wet stroke from him. Each touch elicited another stroke of his tongue, and she rolled her nipples harder as he delved deeper into her at the same time. She abandoned her breasts, clutching at the desk, as the climax surged in her once again.

He let her go slowly. "You look ravishing, after being ravished, my love..." he whispered. "I want to take you right now." He stood back, and undid the buttons on his breeches, letting his cock spring out. Thick and swollen, hard and aching, it throbbed in his fist, pearly drops leaking from the tip. She reached for him, fingers dancing over the hot length of him.

"How do you want to take me?" she asked him, stroking him from base to tip. Sweat beaded his forehead, as he fought to keep from coming just from the soft feel of her hands on him. Despite the cool air in the room, his body was so hot he believed steam could have risen from it.

"Hold on, love..." he muttered, lifting her off the desk to bend her over it instead. He spread her legs wider, and his cock rose, between her legs. She was dripping wet, welcoming him into her, as he maneuvered upwards. "There..yes..." he exhaled, their moans of satisfaction matching as he filled her so deep and perfect. Each thrust was slow and strong and hot inside of her. He kissed the back of her neck, exposed by the upsweep of her hair. Pleasure flowed with each stroke, each kiss, and all they could focus on was the building delight, the sweet sensation of their bodies joined in perfect harmony. She clutched at the desktop again, sending papers flying, as they moved faster. The scent of sex, the feel of his body against her, his mouth on her all combined into an intense aphrodisiac, and her climax shattered her all over again. Wave after wave of pure, blinding ecstasy took them both. His own control snapped, feeling her cum again around him, and he shot deep and hot into her, caught up in the fierce pleasure.

For a few moments, they didn't move, absorbing the bliss of the aftermath, breathing fast and hard. Derek eased himself out of her, dropping a soft kiss along her neck again, his hands cupping her breasts so that she whimpered in delight. It was a few more moments before he helped her to stand and turned her to face him.

"I believe we both got what we wanted, my little love," he murmured against her temple.

"Oh yes, we certainly did," she sighed happily. "But now we need to hurry, or we might be late for dinner."

"We can be fashionably late in our own home..." He kissed her again, reveling in the decadent feel of her half-clad body against him, standing in the rough surrounding of the office. Still, it wouldn't do for them to stay out here too much longer. They both had responsibilities in the manor.

Sharing kisses, they helped each other dress again, fastening buttons and laces, pulling on her cloak, and then his long coat. The stables were quieter then, as they made their way through it, the horses settled in for the evening. He kept her hand in his until they were inside the manor, and at the foot of the main staircase. There he paused, and he cupped her face, unable to resist, and he kissed her again, urgent and demanding, reliving the heated passion they had just shared. "I love you..." he said quietly, sweeping her up into his arms to carry her.

"I love you, Derek..." she whispered back.

Then he lifted his gaze, and realized that Winston had appeared a few feet away, hands clasped in front of him, his usual implacable expression in place. As if he didn't just happen upon his employer and wife sharing a kiss. Derek nodded at him and began to ascend a few steps. Then he turned back, raising one eyebrow.

"Winston, why is it that you are never surprised at anything we do?"

"I have worked for your family for a long time now, my lord. Nothing surprises me." He inclined his head. "Ferrets included, of course..." he added, as Henry scampered across his path.

A little smile quirked Derek's lips. "Very good, then, Winston. Carry on..."