I know I am a little late with this chapter, but for the many of you who complained and badgered (really it motivates me to know that people are waiting!) it is the longest one I have ever posted. We are over halfway in my saga, but the plot bunnies would not leave me any peace as I worked and reworked on this chapter. I am not sure if I am satisfied with it, but I am interested in moving onto the next chapter. It is half written. I am not the greatest at writing love scenes and this one is the most explicit I've ever done. I hope I did okay.
Btw, thanks to all of you who helped with the dress :) I ended up taking several "pieces" of gowns I liked and made them a literary one. Also, Asylum by John Legend is one of the sexiest songs I have ever heard. I had it on loop as I was writing their scene. Check it out.
The Doll Chapter 7 - Day 21 - 24 June 8 - June 11
After the incident, Elizabeth sat still on the island and tried to think of what it meant that he had not been able to withstand the slightest of her advances in this first foray into lovemaking. While it was impossible for her not to be disappointed, she hoped she hid it behind a look of serenity. As if this happened to her all the time.
Darcy did not seem to want to look at her. In fact, he was looking everywhere but her. And like most men trying to clean up a mess he made, he was making only more of a mess. It was as if he was out of his depths. A strange sort of warm compassion stirred within her for him. She placed a calming hand on his, stilling it. Her touch motivated him to speak. "That has never happened before."
"Never?" She looked at him searching his face for a hint he was lying. "Not even with the delectable Cheryl?"
The dark look he gave her spoke volumes. Elizabeth had misunderstood so much about the man, but it was clear he was embarrassed. His pride, and he was a proud man, had sure taken a beating. No pun intended.
Elizabeth perked up, aware that his reaction to such an event was going to be driven by hers. She could either bemoan what just occurred or she could take the high road. She'd always been the half glass full kind of gal. The annoying Pollyanna of the group. She smiled saucily, "I guess I should feel flattered then, right?"
That question drew his attention fully. His eyes flared and his jaw tightened but his face was passive. She could not laugh, at least not yet because he was not ready to, but it was equally important that he not view this as a disaster. After all, the good kind of sex did involve eruptions. While the end result was achieved a little quicker than she would have liked, Darcy definitely had shown flashes of promise. He could just be a little rusty. That could be sorted out with a little elbow grease. And, if she had her way, they'd have lots and lots of opportunity to knock off his rust.
"It's been a while, right? Since you've been with anyone but Xy?"
Darcy sighed, bent down, and retrieved her blouse. He held it out in her direction. It was cute how his ears turned red. "Almost nine months."
"Nine months. That's a long time." She slipped her blouse back on and started to do up the buttons, saw the state of her bra and shrugged. What was the point? She was only going to have to undress again for her shower anyway. "And, sex with Xy is pretty one-sided, right?" He stood looking at her, his mouth parted. His flaccid manhood was distracting, she helped him back into his pants before clarifying, "I mean she can't, you know, touch you back. Play with you like I just did."
His mouth shut. He shook his head, admitting, "Xy does just sort of lay there."
A soft laugh escaped before she could clamp it off. He must have realized what he said because his lips curved into not quite a smile. It was a good sign that they were talking calmly about this rather than ignoring it. Right? Her mother would be proud of her.
"You know what?" Elizabeth rested her hands on his shoulders careful to keep her moist parts away from him. "Maybe, we shouldn't wait until July to start having sex?" He looked uncomfortable at the suggestion and she placed a finger on his lips. "Just think about it, Will. Instead of trying to make Xy more like me, I can be more like her. At least, at first. I could just lay still. Like Xy does. Keep my hands to myself. Just until you have a chance to get use to me. Instead of jumping into the deep end of the pool, we can wade into it. Together. Slowly." She'd pretend to be a doll for him. Hell, she'd pretend to be a barking dog baying at the moon, anything he wanted, as long as she ultimately got what she wanted. She'd never been like this with anyone else. So free. So open. So desperate.
He seemed doubtful. "That doesn't sound like it will be much fun for you. What would you get out of speeding up our timeline?" At least, he didn't say no.
"Are you kidding?" She drew a finger down his chest, following the patch of dark hair that formed an arrow to her heart's desire. "I get you." She met his eyes boldly. "Besides, it would help me out so much if we started having sex now. Cold showers are not good for my skin. And, have you seen the price of batteries these days?" She laughed at his stunned reaction. "Oh, and most importantly, and this is embarrassing, Prince Charming has been seriously complaining about his workouts since I moved in here with you. He is such an ungrateful whiner." He opened his mouth. She expected a speech of sorts. It didn't come. He shut his mouth. "He keeps dropping hints that he wants a vacation. Some place sunny, dry and warm, he says. Like he has it so bad?"
The dimples captured in Georgie's drawing made a brief appearance.
She hung her head. "You really don't know rejection until even your own vibrator doesn't want you."
He drew closer to her, whispering. "I want nothing more than to be able to send Prince Charming into early retirement."
"Retirement?" She giggled, amused by his suggestion. "Can you see it? A retirement home for sex toys? Prince Charming sitting in group therapy somewhere exchanging war stories with all of the other retirees. He might need a walker. I think I might have broken his hip."
His laughter was as unexpected as it was rich. "I wish I had known. After all these weeks, he probably needs a wheelchair."
Laughing, she punched him lightly in the arm. He moved forward, capturing her hands, swooping in for a kiss. Elizabeth had imagined a lot of things since Darcy had propositioned her, but she'd never imagined that she could laugh with him. She'd never imagined that they could actually be friends. This felt entirely too real.
He was still smiling, but then he noticed her expression. She registered the humor retreating from his kind eyes, the question brewing on his brow. "Elizabeth?"
She smiled an entirely fake smile, hoping it could fool him. "I think I need to take a shower and get a change of clothes. Why don't you go back to your lab and see if you can make any headway with Xy?"
He looked at his lab door with a strange expression, then he nodded, "Yes, you're right, of course. I should go back to work."
*(*
The next morning, Elizabeth woke to discover Darcy was already gone. In his place, he had left a letter and a package next to the coffee maker where there would be no way she could miss them. Their presence gave her pause. It was some time that she held the envelope with her name admiring the fine penmanship of his hand. Why had he written to her? Did he want her to leave? She poured a cup of coffee from the pot he had left her, took her letter and package, and dropped heavily into a chair at the dining room table.
Elizabeth,
Sleep eludes me tonight. Twice, I have had to stop myself from going to your room determined to let you know how very much I appreciated your earlier kindness to me. But, there is more to my determination. I wish to show you that what occurred between us tonight was an aberration. That I am a generous lover. Believe me or not, I have never before left my partner wanting. And, that it was you, left that way, makes me feel quite the amateur.
Elizabeth chewed her lip. He, at least, had gotten off. She now suspected she knew exactly how people spontaneously combusted. She loosened her robe.
I take full responsibility for not being successful in meeting expectations I alone established. In my defense, I miscalculated terribly what your touch would do to me. As it seems I have done from the beginning, I have underestimated your appeal greatly.
That has not been my only mistake. Worse, time spent with you only seems to amplify Xy's every shortcoming, making progress with her move at a glacier pace. It is a chore to focus on her knowing you are nearby, within reach. There will always be something she lacks. How is she ever going to stir my passion the way you do?
I cannot lie. After you sent me to my lab, you were all I could think of. I kept torturing myself, replaying you before me, your cheeks flushed with excitement, demanding I fuck you. How would it feel to finally be one with you? To hear your cry my name in ecstasy? To drive you every bit as crazy as you did me? This is torture of the acutest kind.
Fanning herself with the pages of his letter, Elizabeth admitted that if he ever grew bored with his career in science he could always turn to Harlequin. She'd buy anything he wrote. If they included his picture on the jacket, he'd have legions of fans.
Elizabeth, I cannot continue like this. Restricted by a timeline that no longer makes sense. I can no longer fight against what has now become an ingrained need. I find myself in agreement with your suggestion we no longer wait. Let's dispense with the insignificant and move forward. After the benefit, I wish for us to finally become lovers.
Elizabeth put her coffee cup down so hard that it almost broke the delicate saucer. Lust worked its way through her sleepy limbs. This was news Darcy should have delivered in person. Preferably naked. She imagined all sorts of naughty things she could have done to him if he had told her of his change of heart this very morning. The letter continued.
Waiting will only further clutter a mind that is already full of you. Even now, as I try to rationalize away these feelings, I find my gaze riveted to my bedroom door willing you through it. If you had come to me tonight, you would have found me unable to resist any wish you had that is within my power to grant.
Elizabeth willed her pulse to slow. Now that she had something to look forward to, she could not afford burning alive. His words were designed to seduce. He had to want her to feel this way.
In anticipation of tonight, I have left you a small token of my esteem. You now know my wish. If you wear them, I will know with one glance that you are in agreement with me. There will be no need for further discussion in a subject I feel well exhausted. However, if you do not agree that now is the best time to begin, refrain from wearing them until you are certain that you wish to proceed.
Yours,
William Darcy
Laying the letter aside, she opened the package he had left her. The leather case was held shut with a simple latch. Springing it, the sea of diamonds glittered up at her from a deep purple bed of velvet. She gasped. There was no way the delicate necklace and matching earrings could be real, because if they were, they would be worth a small fortune. A small token of his esteem? He could not mean to leave them for her. There had to be a mistake. They were too fine. Too expensive. Too beautiful.
*(*
"Hello?" Elizabeth heard the soft baritone from her bedroom and went to investigate. The building was secure. The elevator to the penthouse required a code and a key card. Whoever was visiting had to have had both.
A tall, tuxedoed man was at Darcy's bedroom door, raising a hand to knock when she called out to him, "Can I help you?"
The man turned confused in her direction. He was striking. All blonde haired, blue eyed magnificence. He had that bad boy look about him that she usually found extrinsically irresistible. His dazed expression gave her confidence a much needed kick in the pants. If she could reduce a stranger to this, Darcy didn't stand a chance. She felt strangely smug.
"You'll make my day if you tell me you aren't Elizabeth Bennet."
She shrugged. "I'm afraid to disappoint you, but it is the name on my birth certificate."
"Just my luck." He was flirting with her and a part of her liked it. "I can see now why Will has kept you to himself all this time. Where are my manners? I'm Will's cousin, Richard. Richard Pool." He held out a hand to her. She shook it and felt a little uncomfortable when he held it a fraction too long. His blue gaze flowed up her body before settling once again on her face. "Georgie said you were something special. I'm afraid, I didn't give what she said about you much weight. She's eager to approve of anything Will likes."
She didn't know what to say to that. "Will's not here. He went into the lab early this morning but he should be home anytime. Are you going to your father's event with us?"
His eyebrows peaked. "Will didn't call you? Ain't that just like him? He has been held up at the lab. He wouldn't have time to come here to pick you up and then travel on to New Jersey by the time he finishes. Some promising something or other is happening at this very moment and he isn't able to get away just yet."
"I see." Disappointment lashed at her. All dressed up and nowhere to go. Another first. She'd never been stood up before. "Thanks for coming to tell me. It was nice of you."
She started for the door to walk him out, when Richard stopped her by saying, "I think you misunderstood. He wants me to take you to the benefit. I'm to pick up his tux and you."
This news was much worse. For all his pretty words, actions spoke so much louder. She was just like his dry cleaning. Anyone could pick her up. She felt her temper flare. Richard was watching her closely. A little too closely. She was half tempted to call Darcy herself and give him a good piece of her mind.
Richard must have caught on to her feelings. "Don't worry, he'll meet us there. Will may make us wait, but he's never let the family down."
But, her, he could let down.
"Let me get our things." She found his clothes in the hallway closet where she had put them after picking them up from the cleaners. His dress shoes, socks and tie were still in the bag from where she had bought them new for the occasion. She picked up her cell phone and her clutch.
Acting as the gentleman, Richard held her wrap out for her and when she turned he gasped. The dress had no back and floated near her behind. His hand lingered at her hip. "If you don't mind my prying, Elizabeth, why are you using the guest room?"
She didn't think about it at all. "Will snores."
Richard nodded. "I wasn't looking forward to this evening, but after meeting you, I think I'm going to enjoy the trip to New Jersey after all."
"Not looking forward to your dad's benefit? Does that mean it is going to be tedious?"
"Yes. You can set your watch by it." He pressed the button on the elevator. "In fact, I'm half tempted to take a picture of you in that dress and send it to Will with a long list of kidnapping demands just to liven things up."
She stepped into the car. "And, what would you ask him for to return me?"
An easy smile graced the man's lips. He had the same sensual lips that Darcy had. "That depends on what you think you are worth."
"Isn't the question what am I worth to Will?" She tossed back.
"Yes. That indeed is the question of the evening." Richard's eyes narrowed perceptively on her. Suddenly, it struck Elizabeth that the man before her might be more than the sum of his good looks. She had a funny feeling that she should employ the same tactic she did with Georgie at that first lunch. Carefully monitor her words and remain on her toes.
As they drove down I-95, Richard entertained her with stories of the Darcy siblings all the way to the state line and beyond. When they arrived at the venue, he checked her coat and left Will's clothes for him as prearranged. He returned swiftly to her side to escort her into the ballroom. She immediately tensed at the milling sea of impeccably dressed people. It was quite off putting seeing so many important and glamorous people. Movie stars, sport figures, newsmen, politicians. She put a steadying hand on her stomach.
"Don't worry. You fit right in, Elizabeth." He said at her ear.
She was grateful to have him as an escort. "I admit I'm scared that I am going to disappoint Will and your family is not going to like me."
"Oh, I'm sure my family is much worse than you've imagined." He winked at her. "Just hold your head high and keep that magnificent smile on your face. Georgie already loves you. My Aunt Catherine will hate you on sight. My mother will like you simply because you are dating Will. My father, well, he is a bit of a wildcard. There is really no telling what he will decide about you."
She turned in real alarm at him.
"And, I'm easy. I'm already half in love with you." His eyes never left her face. "In fact, I think I'd be in real trouble if you were not already taken. Love at first sight and all." He moved her forward by pressing on her spine. "Oh, here we are."
The introductions were performed.
Georgie sat down next to her on one side, Richard the other. Her friend leaned in, "My brother is going to explode when he sees you in that dress."
Elizabeth certainly hoped not. Though after last night, it was more than a distant possibility. She leaned back toward her friend. "The dress is exquisite. Thank you for loaning it to me."
The oldest resident at the table was great Aunt Catherine, who looked at her through thick bifocals. She obviously wanted her say in the conversation, "What is exquisite is that necklace and earrings you are wearing, young lady."
"Will gave it to me this morning." Elizabeth laid a hand on the necklace to confirm it was still in place. "I've never worn anything so fine."
The woman's face soured, puckered like an old dried out lemon. "Do you see this, Paul? Our nephew is handing out his mother's jewelry to just ole' anybody. What next? Georgie you should speak to your brother. The Darcy jewelry were intended to remain in the family."
Elizabeth looked at Georgie feeling sick. "These were your mother's? I had no idea. I would never have presumed to wear them if I had known."
"Don't mind my aunt. If Will wants you to have them, they are his to give." Georgie moved her chair closer, whispering, "Besides, it's a Darcy tradition that Will's wife will get them all anyway when he marries."
Swallowing, Elizabeth reached for her water glass. It was clear what Darcy's sister believed she was a candidate for the role. She felt the beginning of a headache and almost told the girl the real truth right then and there. Richard was nursing a drink and watching her closely. His blue eyes lingered on her in a way that was reminiscent of his darker cousin.
This was her own fault. From their first meeting, Georgie had given more weight to her relationship with Darcy than was there. He'd misled her. No, Elizabeth shut her eyes, they'd misled the younger woman. Together. Suddenly, she felt dirty, like she was a big, fat liar. It struck her then that in a few short months, the girl was no longer going to look at her in that adoring way. She was going to hate her.
Georgie was going all gooey again. "If I remember correctly, that is the necklace my dad gave my mom at their fifteenth wedding anniversary."
"No, you mother received a Cartier watch on their fifteenth. I know because your father asked me for my help in picking it out." Catherine flicked her hand in Elizabeth's direction. "Those pieces were given to Anne to commemorate Will's birth. His birth! How could he give them to you is beyond me."
"Obviously, he gave them to me because he wanted me to have them." Elizabeth sat up straighter projecting confidence, while she was actually thinking she should have thrown a hissy fit back at the penthouse when she had been given the chance and refused to come here with Richard.
"Your parents, Elizabeth, would we know them?" Senator Pool asked, ignoring completely his sister's tirade about her jewelry.
"I doubt it. My dad is a chemistry teacher. My mother is er- " She made a face. It was probable that they had heard about her. "My mother is the therapist, Fanny Bennet."
Senator Pool almost became apoplectic. "The sex therapist?"
"The one who rights all the sex books?" His wife, a meek blonde woman, actually looked at her with a little more interest. "My book club just finished her last one. There was a lot of useful information." The Senator and his wife exchanged a heated look.
Elizabeth chewed her lip. Wow, wouldn't her mom be surprised how progressive the Senator was. "Yes, that would be my mother."
Richard laughed, coming to his feet. He held a hand out to her. "Elizabeth, dance with me."
The orchestra was playing a slow jazz number and Richard seemed to like to hold her entirely too close. She kept pulling back from him while he tried to nudge her forward. It added an awkward yo-yo effect to their path around the dance floor. "Bennet? Are you related to Jane? The one that Charles married?"
Elizabeth relaxed. There was probably nothing she could say to get her into trouble with regards to the wedding. "Yes, she's my sister. I was her bride's maid."
"Ah, it makes a little more sense then." He said.
"What does?"
"Will's desperate need to take all those dance classes." Richard stated. "He must have taken three classes a week for the last six months. I'm surprised you two didn't take them together."
"He wanted to surprise me." And this news had. Had he taken the classes for her? To impress her? It seemed impossible to believe.
"Didn't you miss him? All those hours away from you."
"I just figured he was at his lab. He spends so much time there already." She searched for a way to get the attention off of her. "Georgie mentioned you're involved in real estate."
"I dabble." He responded. She didn't buy it for a minute. Then, his shoulders stiffened a fraction. "Georgie told you about me. Not Will? After seven months of dating, he hasn't gotten around to telling you about me? I find that odd."
Richard was a smart man and he was entirely too curious about her and Darcy. She had a suspicion that he would not be as easy to fool as Georgie. "Your cousin and I don't actually spend a lot of time talking about his relatives."
"No, I don't imagine you do." Richard's gaze heated dropping once more to her glittering necklace. "So, what is it that you do for a living, Elizabeth?"
"Besides entertaining Will, nothing much. You see, I'm currently in between jobs."
He frowned, "Georgie said you were planning on opening a restaurant."
"Someday, I do." She agreed. "It takes a lot of capital to get started." In fact, Elizabeth had been startled at exactly how much it would cost to rent space and buy the items required to open an establishment of her own. She didn't want to admit it, but Darcy's concerns were real. Even if she took all her ill gotten gains, it would barely put a dent in the amount she would need. "I'm weighing my options at the moment."
"And, does Will's money weigh into these options? I am sure that you believe my cousin will generously contribute to your endeavor." Elizabeth saw the hostility on Richard's face and could not account for it. "Answer me, has Will offered you financial assistance?"
The implication could not be missed. He thought she was after Darcy for his money. She wished she could deny that money was being exchanged, but she couldn't. "I don't think that is any of your business, Richard."
*)*
"May I cut in?" Elizabeth almost sagged with relief at Vince's voice, turning happily away from Richard. She did not find him as pleasant company as she had earlier in the evening. Her old friend looked very dapper in his evening clothes as he closed a possessive hand around her waist.
"Thank you for that. I feel like you've just drug me out of the lion's den."
"How grateful are you, Lizzy?" Vince waggled his eyebrows.
"Not that grateful." She retorted. They settled into a nice rhythm. "What are you doing here? Are you a closeted Republican? Does your mom know?"
"No, she doesn't. My boss is a major contributor to both parties. I think he is hedging his bets. He doesn't know that I'm an Independent. You must keep my secret." She laughed up at him. "Does your parents know that you are here and, sitting I might add, at the popular kid's table."
"You saw that did you?" She shrugged, "They told me there was free food. A girl has to eat."
"Speaking of which, you never did give me an answer to my dinner invitation."
"I'm afraid my answer has to be no." Elizabeth felt an odd tingling along her bare spine and fought the urge to turn. Someone was staring a hole through her. She'd bet it was Richard. Or Aunt Catherine. "I'm sorta seeing someone, Vince." There it felt good to get it off her chest. And, in person too!
"Are you sure you aren't making up some guy just to get me to leave you alone? You know I'm not a serial killer, right? I'm pretty easy on the eyes and have a good personality. At least, my mom thinks so. So, does yours by the way. In fact, she tells me I'm quite the catch."
"Not that I'm taking anything away from you, but any single man under forty with his own place and a job is quite the catch for one of her daughters." Vince threw his head back, laughing. "I hope you haven't been taking any of her advise too seriously?"
"Just the part where she told me to not be discouraged if you play hard to get." He turned them.
Her mom. Clearly, she had taken the spare man idea to heart. "I'm really seeing someone, Vince. It's new. I'm not on the market at the moment."
"At the moment? You mustn't be too serious about this guy to say something like that." Vince's hand moved up and down against her bare spine. "I think I'll keep waiting, Lizzy. This new guy obviously has his head up his ass if he let you out in that dress. He can't be very smart."
Elizabeth actually laughed at that. The idea that William Darcy was not smart was ironic to be sure. The man was a genius. They danced in a little box formation until the end of the song. When the next jazz song started and mostly because she was avoiding the awkwardness at the Pool Party table, she remained with him on the dance floor. She felt like a stubbed toe sitting with them without a date. It was nicer being here with Vince. He must be reading the situation wrong because his hand drifted lower. She pulled his hand back up giving him a dark look. He shrugged sheepishly. Men! He pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "Lizzy, was your new boyfriend by any chance at Jane's wedding?"
"Yes, but we were not together then, why?"
"Elizabeth." A shiver went through her as Darcy's voice carried over the din of the orchestra. Not a small feat when they were right next to the bandstand.
Vince immediately released her and they both turned to see her tardy date. He looked absolutely mouth watering in his tuxedo. Even better than he had at the wedding. Her partner chuckled good-naturedly, "Not the Best Man, Lizzy."
"Yes, the best man." Darcy answered for her. Anger actually radiated off of him, like heat from a furnace. His behavior irked her. She was just dancing with Vince. That was permitted under the terms of their contract. What had he expected to find when he finally showed up? Her knitting him a scarf?
"Vince Brody." Her friend remembered his manners and held out his hand to Darcy, who cut the other man. Darcy was staring. Straight at her. His eyes flicked up her like Richard and Vince had, but unlike her body's lukewarm reaction to them, her body blistered. Vince did not even rate on his radar.
She finally found the ability to speak. "Vince, this is Will Darcy."
"Well, Lizzy," Vince finally seemed to get the picture he was a third wheel. "It was a pleasure as always. Just remember what I said about me waiting."
"And, just what is that suppose to mean?" Darcy focus switched just like that.
Vince heard his question and turned back. "It means that while you are leaving your woman unattended and allowing other men to do your job, you run the risk that one might actually do it better than you."
*(*
Upon his arrival at the family's table, Georgie wasted no time letting Darcy know that Elizabeth was dancing with another man. Another man who had actually had the audacity to interrupt Richard's dance with Elizabeth.
"You were dancing with Elizabeth?" He asked Richard, a little put off at this news.
His cousin nodded, lowering his beer. "You haven't seen your woman in her dress. When you do, you'll realize that half the men here are fantasizing about her." Darcy frowned. Richard rarely, if ever, drank at events for his father. He liked to keep a clear head. There were already two beers in front of him and the night was young.
Darcy had bigger worries right now than his cousin getting drunk. He searched the dance floor from the elevated viewpoint. He had to see her. Would she have the necklace on? Did she want to conclude this night the same way he did? It had been nearly impossible leaving her this morning without speaking to her.
Darcy was glad that he had called his team together at the lab today. In a few short hours, they had worked more cohesively than they had in the last several months. Splitting up the team to work on Xy and the DARPA project had been a mistake. He could see that now. A team divided stood for nothing. Finally, free to have his focus trained on the issues with the drones, he was amazed at their progress. In one day, the reunited team under his guidance had come up with solutions to several seemingly immoveable stumbling blocks.
But his satisfaction at his team's success meant nothing when he finally found her dancing with HIM. Something dark and powerful was snapping within him. Gnawing its way through his chest. The dress she was wearing was practically indecent. The back was bare, from her neck all the way down past her waist, hinting at her tailbone. The navy material, what little he could see, gloved her buttock. There was no way she would have worn that out in public if he had seen her in it. No way she would have made it out of her bedroom. When she turned, he saw the flash of her creamy thigh as the slit went up clear to her waist.
The worst thing for him, though, was she was laughing. Laughing, he shut his eyes, as she had with him in the kitchen the night before. Seeing her laughing with another man was hard to take. He could feel Richard watching him waiting for a reaction. He was not that sort of man. The kind that got jealous if his date enjoyed the company of another man. He took a deep steadying breath. He justified her actions. She had ever right to dance with any man she wanted. She had a right to do whatever she wanted as long as she didn't have sex.
She laughed again. Damn, the contract! There were other ways to be intimate besides having sex. He had daily proof. Her smiles, her conversation, her care, her kisses. He stood but hesitated by his chair. He was well aware that his behavior was now being monitored by his uncle. He wiped at his mouth. Had she kissed Vince? Had she rubbed herself against him as she had him in their kitchen? Did she want to?
One song became two. Neither Elizabeth nor her partner made move to end their dance. Each note added exponentially to the disquiet growing in him. Added, to what could not be jealousy. Vince ran a hand along her back and it was too much. He could only stand so much! He was across the dance floor before he had a plan. It registered too late that he should have waited until the song was over and interrupted them then. Vince's hand fell to her derriere and he saw red.
"It means that while you are leaving your woman unattended and allowing other men to do your job, you run the risk that one might actually do it better than you."
Murderous ideas sped through his mind as he stepped forward. He was going to punch the smug look off the other man. Vince might have bested him for the garter, with a little help from his brother, but this night they were facing each other man to man. Elizabeth stepped between him and Vince smiling up at him, putting a hand on his chest and telling Vince she'd see him later. Like hell she would!
Darcy took her hand and practically drug her back to the family's table. He did not trust himself to be alone with her. He waited until she was seated next to him before turning to her. "Did you plan to meet up with him? Did you tell him you were going to be here?"
"No." She answered, nudging her head to one side as if he needed any reminder they had an audience. It was good thing they did for her sake. His temper he could not vouch for at the moment.
"I don't believe you."
Her mouth parted. Had she kissed Vince? "Perhaps you would like to check my phone ?"
She'd probably already erased her history after the last time he caught her. He tried to ignore the questioning look of his sister. "What did he mean that he'd be waiting? Waiting for what?"
"I don't know. Perhaps, you should ask him?" Her voice lowered, her cheeks were flaming red.
"Maybe I will." He scowled looking back across the ballroom where her partner had skulked. Grilling the man lacked the satisfaction grilling her would bring. "Tell me honestly, did you arrange this meeting with him?"
"I already told you I didn't." She said, "I was as surprised to see him here as you were."
"You seemed awful cozy with him for it to be an accidental meeting."
"Are you calling me a liar?" Elizabeth asked. Her eyes were bright like stars. He did not answer her. Yes, he thought she was lying. It was too much of a coincidence.
"Did you text him back?" Darcy saw a couple at the next table turn at his loud question. "Or, is the poor fool still waiting in limbo for you to respond to his dinner invitation?" Georgie gasped obviously listening to their conversation. Elizabeth rose to her feet. "Where do you think you are going?"
"I'm going to get away from a jackass who is ruining my night."
*(*
Elizabeth fled to the balcony trying hard to get her anger in check. How dare he? How dare he treat her like this? First, having Richard pick her up. And, then take her to task for dancing with Vince? True, she knew it looked planned, but she had truly never imagined he was going to be here. It wasn't like she had invited him. Besides, if Darcy had not wanted her interacting with other men, he should have spelled it out to her in the contract.
The door behind her opened and shut with some authority. So, she was not going to get a reprieve. She turned, glaring at him. "Don't you ever talk to me that way again, William Darcy. Do you hear me? If you do, I swear I'll leave."
He pulled at the sleeve of his tuxedo. "All things considered, that might be best. I'll have a driver take you. I'll join you at the penthouse after I give my speech."
"You're crazy if you think I'm going to your penthouse."
"Then where?" He really looked puzzled. Then, clarity came. She could see it cross his face. "You me you'd leave me?"
"Hell, yes, I would. I wouldn't even look back." She crossed her arms in front of her. "If you ever embarrass me like that in public again, there is nothing you have that will stop me. You might not respect me, but I do have self-respect."
He rubbed the back of his neck, "What did I say that was so terrible?"
"Really?" She blinked at him. "Do you understand that you just called me a liar in front of your entire family?" She lowered her voice. "Will, they think we are a couple. That we're together for real. And, now, they probably think I am cheating on you."
"Are you?" He glanced behind him at the doors, then at her. "Are you sleeping with him?"
She turned away from him. "I promised I wouldn't have sex with another men. I've kept my word."
"Then, why is it every time I turn around you are either engaged in a flirtation with that man or you are in his arms? Is he that irresistible to you that you just can't hold off a few more months?"
Vince? Elizabeth rubbed at her temple. "Irresistible? No. But, it was better dancing with him then sitting with people I didn't know." She took a deep breath. "What were you thinking? Do you want your family to hate me?"
"That's just it, I'm not thinking!" The admission cost him something and confused her further. He kicked at the pebbles of the patio. A strange look passed over Darcy's face. She expected a continuation of his behavior from inside, but instead he walked toward her, his hand held palms up. "The most damnable thing is that man was right. If I don't appreciate you properly, Elizabeth, someone else will."
She snorted.
"I'm sorry for treating you the way I just did. It will not happen again. Ever. You have my word. In the future, if we have a disagreement, it will be done in private."
Darcy's apology had taken the sting out of her anger. After all, when would she ever see these people again? Only Georgie, and if she thought her brother was happy, she would be as well.
"And, I do respect you, Elizabeth. Very much. For me, you are the embodiment of the ideal woman."
She didn't want his pretty words. She was still mad at him.
His eyes burned the distance between them. His voice turned husky, "You wore the necklace."
"I did." She would not be distracted. She saw him inhale and exhale. "It went with the dress."
"I'm a fool, Elizabeth. A big idiotic fool. Stupid, jackass of a fool - "
"Keep going. I'll stop you when you say something incorrect."
He smiled. "It's not your fault that you bring out all sorts of primitive emotions in me, Elizabeth."
"Primitive? Like a caveman?"
His posture relaxed as he tried to draw her closer to him. She resisted his efforts.
"Please, Elizabeth."
Something about the tenor of his voice, the look on his face made her give in. A strange sense of relief their brief argument was over settled within her. For a long time, she stood in the circle of his arms just enjoying the stillness with him. He kissed her temple, telling her, "I have to admit the idea of throwing you over my shoulder and dragging you out of here does sound very appealing right now. Especially in that dress."
"Do you like it?"
"A blind man would like this dress on you."
She smiled at the compliment. "Your sister is very talented."
"She is." He pulled back glancing once more at her. "I have a whole new appreciate for my sister's brilliance tonight."
Elizabeth did not know how he managed it. He wove magic from the very night. The stars above them, the coolness of the evening, the heat he could generate with just his eyes. Strains of music could be heard here on the deserted patio. The beat of her heart matched the rhythm of his breathing.
"Elizabeth?"
She knew what he was asking. "Yes, Will."
The kiss was hungry, brutal. Swept passed all of her defenses. Finally, she gathered her bravery, coiled around his waist, echoing his every touch. She lost sense of where they were, time became a fluid idea.
"Will?" Richard's voice popped the bubble surrounding them.
There was a beat of silence. Two. "What do you want, Richard?" Clearly the man holding her was annoyed at the interruption. She was embarrassed to be found necking with this man like she was back in high school again.
"It's time for your speech."
Darcy led her back inside, placing her hand on his elbow. It was very old fashioned action and distinctly at odds with his behavior outside. Without a word, he returned her to their table, held her chair and then pressed a gentle kiss on her shoulder. Only then, did he attend to his uncle and approach the lectern.
Darcy, it turned out, could also have a career as a speech giver. He'd been asked to speak on his Uncle's platform about the role of education in the advancement of technology and he absolutely killed it. When he finished, she found herself standing with the others shocked at how he seemed to electrify the audience. Heck, she was half tempted to vote for Senator Pool and she lived in New York!
*(*
Elizabeth remained at his side for the rest of the evening. After dinner, they socialized. He was reserved when approached one on one, but she made every effort to try to smooth his way, warm up the group that surrounded them. She consciously employed her natural charm, making the men who surrounded him laugh with her teasing. She loved parties and liked to entertain and it showed whenever she was in a social situation. People gravitated to her. Dimly it registered, she was being photographed with him.
When the dancing resumed, Darcy led her away from the others to the center of the dance floor. Like at Jane's wedding, her body moved instinctively with his. His confident moves inflating her expectations of the second half of the night, the main event.
The evening was still early when he pulled her to him, pressing a hot kiss against her neck, "It's time we went home, Elizabeth."
She nodded, rendered speechless.
He led her back to the table so she could say goodbye to his sister while he retrieved her coat. She hugged Georgie and they made plans for lunch earlier in the week. Richard's mother was surrounded by several other first ladies, who evidentially were all part of the same book club. When they group found out about her mother, she was pressed to ask Fanny if she would join them for a book signing in the near future. Her mom's cult following with these middle aged women was quite comical. She exchanged phone numbers with the Senator's wife and then looked about distracted. Darcy should have been back by now. She was anxious to get back on the road and get back to the penthouse. She was practically humming with pent-up tension.
She drifted away from the table toward the coat check area. She recognized one of the presenters from the evening and asked after Darcy. They had seen him. He was out on the patio with his uncle. As she approached the patio doors, they opened. Darcy came to a stop seeing her. He hooked her arm, rushing her bodily toward the coat check. His face was flushed. "It's time to go, Elizabeth. Now."
*(*
Darcy's voice was at her ear. "We're home, Elizabeth." She realized with a start they were back in the underground garage of his penthouse. The passenger door was open and he was kneeling next to her.
"You let me fall asleep." She accused. She had promised to keep him company on the drive back from New Jersey. She stretched feeling recharged from her unplanned nap.
Darcy undid her seatbelt, his hand grazing across her abdomen. "You needed rest for what I have planned." He leaned in, brushed his lips lightly against hers. "You haven't forgotten what we are going to spend the rest of the night doing, have you Elizabeth?"
It was hard to swallow. "I haven't forgotten."
Darcy stood up, held out a hand to help her to her feet. Without a word, he secured the car and then leisurely led her by the hand to the elevator bank. As they waited, she could not but envy him. Nothing about the unconcerned way he looked indicated he was anticipating the night ahead with her. Meanwhile, her heart was an angry hummingbird beating itself against the cage of her ribs demanding to be freed.
The doors opened and he drew her in behind him. As soon as the doors closed, his thumb traced an infinity symbol against her palm. She gasped, a loud sound in the silent car. His attention never wavered from the unyielding metal of the door in front of him, but he said, "There are cameras in here, Elizabeth. But, if you insist on looking at me like you are right now, I am not going to be responsible for what ends up on the security videos."
Warned, she looked away from him. They reached their floor and exited. After opening the door, he pulled her with a little more urgency toward his bedroom. As soon as he shut the bedroom door behind them, he flipped on the lights. She felt a natural curiosity to where he slept and glanced about the room. She'd never invaded this most private of rooms. Her guest room was full of deep cherry wood that harkened to tradition, while this room was ultra modern like its occupant. A wide platform bed was the main object, a walk in closet, a private bath. Everywhere was hues of deep blues and black. Dark. The color of bruises and brooding.
Music began. Instead of the jazz he preferred, he had selected John Legend's Asylum. Darcy pulled his tie loose dropping it. He slid out of his suit coat, opening the first button on his shirt. It dawned on her that he was moving in time with the music, slowly divesting himself of his clothing. Her very own strip show. Like in Magic Mike. When he stopped in front of her, he wore nothing but his boxers. He made no move to hide the apparent arousal he felt for her.
The song repeated on a loop. Air was becoming difficult to find.
He reached up and gently slid one of her diamond earrings from her ear, then the other. She turned so he could unclasp the necklace. He was placed them carefully on the flat surface of his chest of drawers.
Of the jewels, she whispered, "I can't accept them, Will. They were your mother's."
"You must know I would never be able to give them to another after seeing them on you."
Elizabeth turned back to face him. His hands deliberately tugged at the bobby pins strategically placed in her hair. Loose it fell in waves at her shoulder. He grunted. Then, his hands were fisted in her hair, before he cupped her face, kissing her roughly. Then, he stopped suddenly, backing away from her.
Elizabeth thought he would strip her as efficiently as he had himself, but instead he reached for her again. Cradled her against his chest. His heartbeat rapid. She felt overwhelmed, caught in a riptide, desired, cherished. His hand slid up her spine to the nape of her neck. She turned into the anticipated kiss, which was slow, sensual. She whimpered at the promise it held.
Suddenly, she was propelled backwards, pressed firmly but gently against the wall of his bedroom. His eyes were wide, his breath no longer unaffected. Both of her hands entwined with his.
"Are you sure this is what you want, Elizabeth? Because I'm not going to be able to stop if we go much further."
He hadn't done anything yet and she felt she was going to turn to dust if he didn't keep his word. "I want you, Will. I think I've always wanted you."
A tremor coursed through his body when he kissed her again. He was as close to losing control as she was. It made her feel so much better to know. The cold air on her exposed skin was a shock as he peeled the strap of her dress downward. She made a sound and he pressed his hot mouth against her bare shoulder. He held her gaze while his other hand went to work on her remaining strap and her dress gave way to the pull of gravity. He went with it, kneeling before her as the garment pooled at her feet.
They were equal now. Only his briefs and her panties separating them from one another. His eyes had turned black as he kissed his way from her knee to her thigh. Her earlier fears about spontaneously combusting returned as his tongue teased the edge of her navy panties. She swayed, pressing an arm out on each side to stop her utter collapse.
He sensed her limits, rising before her regally like a Prince. She was swept her off of her feet, marveling at the weightless feeling before feeling the heavenly cool sheets against her scorched skin. At the edge of the bed, he removed his only piece of clothing. Oh, what Michelangelo could have done with him and a block of marble!
The weight of his entire body hot against hers was enough to make her moan. His kisses were shallow as he moved his hips in a swivel, just enough to brush against her, tantalize. His skin a rugged contrast to hers. Rough, hairy. It served to make her feel infinitely feminine against his ruggedness. She wanted so much. She wanted to know the secrets of his body. She wanted to know how to unlock him.
He growled as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. He prowled over her body, lowering over her, kissing her in a languid way as he moved south along the corridor of her body. As he kissed her inner thigh, he began working her panties down her legs. Done, he admired her toes, kissed her ankle, lapped at her calf, moved higher to her thigh. Parting her legs, he threw one over his shoulder, settling in happily for a good long visit at the apex of her body.
His fingers stroked the manicured patch of hair he found there. "Did you do this for me?"
"Yes." She admitted.
He was pleased. He lapped at her possessively. Searing sensation she had never felt in her entire life rocked up her body as he swirled against her. She was going to die. Her heart was simply going to stop beating.
"You taste like raspberries, Elizabeth. So sweet. So very sweet."
Firmly he held her, the pleasure was unimaginable. Sweat covered her body, her hands twisted in the sheets and she cried out his name as she violently came apart. As she recovered, she realized he was watching her. His face wet about his mouth. His fingers had taken up where his tongue had left off. She felt like a violin in the hands of a master. Unbelievably, the tightening began within her body again.
"I hope you weren't lying to me when you said you liked to orgasm, Elizabeth. One night soon I'm going to spend the entire night doing nothing more than tasting you." His tongue dipped inside of her before he surged up her body not once breaking eye contact with her. "But, not tonight. Tonight, I'm afraid I'm going to be rather selfish."
Elizabeth wanted him selfish. His stiff manhood brushed against her thigh, her pubic, her abdomen. She was not a virgin. Hadn't been for years. But as his teeth nipped at her nipples and his thumb hovered around the entrance to her anus, she realized that she just might not have ever experienced anyone close to the likes of William Darcy.
He nipped at her earlobe, his hot mouth sucking her skin painfully. She knew he'd marked her. "I want you on top of me. I want you to put me inside you and I want you to ride me. Hard. It's all I can think about. Does that sound good to you?"
"Uh-huh." And, it did. So very good. She could take what she wanted and dispense with this unnecessary foreplay.
Rolling off of her, he reached for the drawer of his nightstand. He withdrew several condoms which only made her want him more. Opening one, placing the others on the table, he expertly encased himself. When he was done, he looked at her. If she hadn't already been turned on, the proud look of challenge would have done it for her.
Two could definitely play this game. It was her turn to crawl up his body, rubbing as she went her curves against his muscle. Yes, he was a man, but he had chosen her to be his woman tonight. She was determined not to disappoint. As she settled herself on him, she swiveled her hips in the same way he had. He bucked but she lifted off of him, shaking her head.
"Don't be quite so eager."
He grinned at her. Those lovely dimples she could not resist. His hands came up to her hips and she felt him maneuvering underneath her again. She moved upward thwarting his second attack, sliding her hands down to his, moving them up to her breasts where she wanted to be rubbed.
"Elizabeth." He sounded as if he was in pain. She decided a little pity was in order. Slowly, she lowered herself on him. Just a little, denying him what he most wanted. Once again, his hands lowered trying to guide her, but she put them back where she wanted them. She moved her hips a little more, he hissed. Upward, downward. He was her very own teeter totter. Her favorite ride in the park. Finally, she lowered all the way, pressing him fully inside of her. The feeling was indescribable. Bliss. Tossing her head backwards, she rode him languidly.
His hands moved back to her hips, showing her what he most enjoyed. She picked up his pace, but it was not enough for him. He sat up, she felt his hands underneath her, picking her up as he jutted upward. The feeling was highly erotic and she felt herself edge closer to losing herself in him once more.
Her world tilted. She was on her back and he knelt between her legs. There was no time to prepare herself as he drove into her. The strokes became deeper, his kisses erratic, his sounds of pleasure louder. Watching him throwing off the yoke of control made her tighten against him. His rhythm suddenly caught. His entire body seized, stopping him stiffly above her. A clueless look filled his features and she knew his pleasure had broken him. His gaze no longer contained the heat of passion, but the warmth of something else.
After Darcy withdrew from her, he quickly attended to the disposal of the condom. With a sigh, he laid sprawled on his back next to her looking at the ceiling breathing deeply. Cooling off. She watched him fascinated. His naked beauty. He glanced in her direction and caught her staring. Smiling lazily, he rolled to his side mirroring her. He brushed the tip of her nose with his, buried his fingers into her hair and pressed his sweaty forehead against hers.
"Give me a few minutes," He breathed out heavily. "I'm not done with you, Elizabeth. Nowhere near."
And, he wasn't. Darcy devoted the entire night and the better part of the early morning to the education and worship of her body.