On entering Killian Jones' ballroom, Regina kept her friend Rose with her and determinedly quartered the room. Regina and Rose had been friends since childhood. They were walking towards a group of other ladies they knew, when they were approached by the Duke of Belgium, Leopold. The man had always made both women, uneasy in his presence.
Robin entered Lord Killian's ballroom to be met by the sight of Regina near Leopold. He could tell she was not happy to be near the man. He quickly made his way over to rescue Regina.
"Leopold," He acknowledged him with a nod, then inclined his head towards Regina. "If you'll excuse us, there is a matter of some import I wish to convey to Lady Regina."
Skepticism flared in Regina's eyes, but she allowed him to lead her away, down a deserted hallway and into a study.
"And what is it you wish to tell, Your Grace?" Her voice held a haughty chill. She glided beside him, her gaze fixed ahead, her expression betraying not the slightest perturbation.
"Beloved, 'Your Grace' sounds so formal. Why not try 'Robin'?" Robin asked with a smile.
Regina, feeling quite giddy and disarmed by 'that' smile, complied. "Robin, what were you wishing to discuss with me?"
"I saw the look on your face, when Leopold cornered you. I was simply removing you from his presence." Robin answered. "Are you nervous about meeting my friends?"
"Should I be nervous, or afraid?" She asked as she sipped her wine, relishing the calming and numbing effect it had on her.
Robin smiled hearing the slight slurring in her words. He saw the flush in her cheeks, caused by the effect of the champagne, and leaned over, topping off her glass. "You should feel neither, beloved."
"There wherein lies your concern, Robin?" Regina asked.
He loved the sound of his name as it tripped over her, he said, "Merely that you would not know many since they do not frequent the events you are accustomed to."
"Ah yes, how silly of me to forget the roaming rogues. Their amusements tend to run toward debauchery, seducing innocents, and frequenting brothels and other dens of wickedness," She extended her glass, which he promptly filled. "Amusements you are famous for." She smiled brightly at him, sipping her champagne, enjoying every minute of her play.
His blue eyes sparkled with the love of combat and he replied matter of fact,"Jealous, and not yet a wife, Beloved?" He sipped his wine and added, "You will soon come to appreciate the wealth of my experience." Regina did not miss the promise etched in his voice nor the leisurely, appreciative way his eyes roamed over her form. But she was feeling too good to allow his words or eyes to spoil her fun.
Robin knew the inordinate amount of wine accounted for her flirting, that her defenses were lowered. He felt his desire grow as he took note of her. She was absolutely alluring in the teal gown which, while not daring, was cut low enough to provide him with a spectacular view of the low soft swell of her breasts. He pushed down the urge the lift an errant curl that lay lovingly against her ivory breast. His attention was diverted to her mouth. So full, soft; lips parted and moist with wine. He knew she'd taste good, too good to stop tasting her. Her cheeks were flushed like the flush of sunset on the snow. Her eyes were bright, sensuous and glazed from the wine. He felt his manhood stir. God, she boiled his blood.
A slow, steady smile drew on his lips as he leaned forward and brushed back a wisp of hair caressing her shell shaped ear, exposing the diamond ear bobs she always wore. When he touched her, she shivered in delight as if electricity flowed through her. She closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation of his finger as it outlined her ear, moving to caress her neck.
Robin felt her response. Leaning closer so his mouth was inches from her ear, he softly asked in a low voice, purposefully seductively, "Does my touch bother you so?"
She felt a shiver ripple through her when his breath, soft and warm, fanned her cheeks. She felt drugged by his clean, manly scent. Heady sensations tripped over her as his fingers trailed softly down the column of her neck to rest inches above the swell of her breasts.
Robin whispered again and leaned closer, his breath hot and against her. "Does my touch distress you?" He leaned forward, nibbling at her ear, tracing its shape with the tip of his tongue. Her calm shattered, she leaned her head against his as his tongue entered her ear gently. Goose bumps coursed down her spine. His lips moved to a sear a path from her shoulder to her neck, where he stopped to kiss the pulsing hollow at is base.
Regina sighed, yielding her throat. His hands slid sensually to her breasts, massaging their fullness. His finger found her nipple and caressed it to a proud and taut peak. A current of desire rushed through her. She moaned in delight when his other hand touched her breast.
The tormenting sweetness of her moan caused him to slide his hand to her back, his deft fingers quickly unfastening her gown, slipping it off her shoulders. His hands slid inside her bodice, freeing her breasts. He felt her tremble when his hand touched her bare flesh. He caught the impudent tip, which he rolled between his fingers, rolling it until she cried out.
Robin heard her gasp when his mouth covered a taut, dusty peak, then felt her nails dig into his shoulders when she arched, giving him her full bounty. His manhood was hard, throbbing against his pants as his passion grew stronger with each whimper and groan. He lifted her head and traced her parted lips with his tongue, seeing her dazed eyes and flushed face.
Regina was lost in a maelstrom of sensation. "Oh...oh..." she moaned as his tongue teased her parted lips. She didn't want to yield to the passion he aroused, but she felt so light headed and dizzy with confusing sensations all she could think to do was to wrap her hands in the hair at the nape of his neck.
Robin's parted lips closed over hers, drawing her tongue into his mouth. She timidly parried with his tongue, bringing a groan of satisfaction from Robin, who deepened the kiss and brought her up against his chest, feeling the twin buds of desire quiver against him. With her surrender, he gathered her in his arms, bringing them to the lounge.
Rising above her, leaning on his forearms, he gazed down at the bounty she offered him. Her breasts, full, pink with their peaks hard and tight with desire, rose up in offering. He lowered his mouth, paying homage to one, then the other.
Regina arched her back, offering the fullness of her breast to his mouth. An uncoiling began in the pit of her stomach, a wetness between her thighs as his tongue stroked her nipples. With each stroke a current shot from her nipple to the aching place between her legs and she moaned, "Please...oh."
Each moan undid Robin. His breathing was harsh and rapid. Fire burned within him and he whispered hoarsely, "I want you, Beloved."
She whimpered at his words, feeling his raw, potent sexuality against her thigh. His hands charted a course over her breasts to her belly. She groaned. He nearly undid his breeches save for the sound of voices going down the hallway. He lifted himself up to his forearms.
Regina moaned in distress when she felt him rise. Looking up at him with passion-dazed eyes, she ran her hands up his exposed chest. Hearing her moan, he gazed down at her. The need for fulfillment, for release, filled her eyes. She arched upward, wrapping her arms about his neck, bringing her bared breast against his naked chest. He cupped the fullness of her breasts and was awarded with a delightful moan. He lifted them and lowered his chest, pressing her down beneath him. As he rubbed his chest against her taut nipples, she cried out in longing for more, of what she did not know. Robin knew, feeling her quiver beneath him and writhing against his manhood, which was close to bursting.
He nudged her legs apart with his own. When she felt his knee against her hot, throbbing womanhood, she felt sensation after sensation rivet through her. She whimpered. He looked at her and saw the exquisite torture, feeling his own need rising. As he slid his deft fingers along the tender skin of her inner thigh, Regina writhed mindlessly. Robin's finger sought and found the eagerness of her desire. Finding her wet and moist drove him to exert controls he never knew he had.
Regina felt a melting sensation, a sweetness that ached for fulfillment within her. The world seemed to spin on its axis and the sounds of voices rang in her ears. Never had she felt so assaulted by her senses. She writhed under the onslaught of his fingers and cried out in passion; his tongue entered and withdrew from her mouth in mock imitation of an act Robin craved, but had not the time to complete.
Regina arched against his fingers, bringing them closer to the source of her need. When he lifted his mouth from hers, she whimpered against his throat, "Please."
"Let me have you, Regina," His voice was a husky, promising whispered, his finger loving her. The web of sensation he wove, his hands, his body, his voice, a deep, seductive whisper, urged her on, then held her back. "Easy, Regina, savor it, love. Let it build, then ebb to build higher-till you think you might die from the wanting."
He whispered in a deep, sensual voice against her war, speaking freely of what he would do. "I would taste you, love. Moving my mouth and tongue where my hand now plays, and drink my fill of your sweetness. Can you imagine how good you would taste?" She whimpered softly at the image conjured in her mind. Robin's own control was near breaking when he heard louder voices this time.
"I want to be drawn deep inside you and look upon your face as I fill you." He felt her body tense, ready to convulse in climax. He pressed her closer, stroking her bud, now hard and taut, his voice a husky, commanding whisper. "Now, Regina, now." Shudder of pleasure washed over Regina, suspending her in a moment of infinity where the voices seemed to be right outside the door. She opened her mouth to cry out. Robin covered it, capturing her cry of release as he moved his hands from her.
Regina, drifting in and endless moment, whimpered at the loss of Robin's touch. Robin moved from her and deftly fasten her gown. He said softly, "It appears we are about to be found, and in a moment the door will open." He thought, God, she is stunning. They quickly got up and made sure they were presentable, before leaving the study. As they walked into the hallway again, Regina ran into Killian Jones, a knowing smile etching his face as he stood before her. His scrutiny of Regina's ruffled appearance, her tousled hair, kiss-swollen lips, and flushed cheeks, lent support to his beliefs, but it was her blush, as becoming as it was, that clinched it. He regarded Robin, who smiled in return. Robin was impeccably dressed, not a hair out of place, only an unusual look in his eyes, one Killian had never seen.
A wicked smile etched across his face, Killian regarded them both. Robin appeared not the least bothered by Killian's scrutiny, and Regina wished to thrash him over his nonchalance.
"Lady Mills," Killian bowed. "May I offer you welcome to my home."
"It is lovely, Lord Jones," she replied perfunctorily.
His eyebrows raised inquiringly one corner of his mouth pulled into a slight smile, Killian asked, "I trust you have already seen some of it?"
A touch of color rose to her cheeks at his simple question. She couldn't speak, taking a deep breath while a nervous smile appeared at her mouth. Robin intervened, replying, "Regina enjoyed our short visit of your study, short, but sweet." A satisfying grin lit his features. Regina's face brightened at his answer. She was saved from further embarrassment by the appearance of a servant inquiring about their drinks.
As the curtain of night fell, candles of a hundred chandeliers were lit, casting the rooms in a soft amber light. Champagne flowed freely and a sumptuous buffet was laid in place for a formal dinner. Merriment was heard from all the rooms, where separate activities took place. Gambling was available for both men and women, the more serious high stake games left for later. Certain game rooms were off limits to her by Robin's decree, and when she attempted to gain entry, the posted servants politely turned her away. Of course, her curiosity was sparked at what went on behind the closed door, and she promised herself she'd find out exactly what types of games were being played. Save for this exception, she was enjoying herself immensely, having gambled shockingly, rolling dice, winning five pounds from Killian. After learning the same piquet, she managed to beat Robin royally. She was quite lucky at roulette, winning a tidy sum at the table.
Regina had to admit she was indeed nervous over meeting this elite group of people who amused themselves with entertainment not socially accepted. Most were older, extremely sophisticated, and outrageous. Titles were aplenty here, from lords to dukes. Enough blue blood flowed here to make the ton green with envy. But there was no doubt the men were rakes, bounders, and rogues, not the models of propriety and decorum.
When she was introduced to a few, she recognized their titled names from rumors spread about their escapades or some unfortunate innocent who had been taken in by them. She had no doubt if Robin had not been by her side staking his claim, she would have been considered fair game. As it was she, she received some outrageous innuendos while dancing with a few, and though she prided herself on her wit and sharp tongue, she was definitely out of their league and welcomed Robin's presence this evening.
As she was making her way around the room, she overheard two women talking, "Well, it seems Monique bet Clive at strip poker, you know that American game. Well, she has the nerve to boast about it, Diana!"
The other lady turned to her companion, "Why anyone would want to remove their clothes one piece at a time instead of wagering money, I'll never know Barbara."
Regina was shocked into silence. Her mind registered one important fact: the game that was off limits to her! Taking one's clothes off, indeed!
"I heard Robin is due to win the bet tonight," Diana said.
"I heard Killian talking with Robert, that the appearance of Lady Mills was going to make him the winner. These rogues are all the same, seeing who can make their lady more ravished looking then the next." Barbara said.
The roar of men's voices cheering and yelling could be heard, as they came out of study. Robin stood among his peers, being slapped on the back while money exchanged hands. It was obvious to all he had won. The women went over to join the men, while Regina, wanting nothing more than to escape, and headed through the ballroom, out the French doors leading to the terraced gardens.
Robin had seen Regina disappear from the salon. He searched the upper ballroom, dining room, and lower ballroom. He was waylaid by his friend Chad in the library. When he finally left him, he decided Regina must have gone to the gardens for some air, for it was devilishly warm this evening. He walked through the ballroom and out onto the terrace.
Regina broke a rose from its perch, twirling its stem, worrying at her lip. Renewed anger surfaced as she thought what a fool she was, and how he had played her for one. Breaking down her resistance-what resistance? Making her yield to unbearable pleasure, deceiving her with loving words. While all the time what was shattering to her was merely a wager to him! She stamped her foot, then crushed the rose head in her hand, its petals falling like tears to the ground.
"Tell me, love, what has angered you, and I shall run it through with my sword," Robin spoke in mock chivalry.
Spinning around, she cried, "You! Tis you!"
"Moi?" he asked innocently.
Regina dashed toward him, pummeling his chest, screaming, "Tis you, sire; run yourself through so I may gain some measure of satisfaction." He held her wrist in one hand, cupping her face with the other. He saw the tears in her knowing brown eyes. Pulling her up against him gently, he asked softly, "How have I angered you, Beloved?"
"You deceived me, played me for a fool." Regina said.
His questioning look caused her to run on, tears falling softly. "I didn't know you were the Duke of Sherwood. I do not want a marriage with you, but you bind me nevertheless, despite my wishes." She sobbed and choked out, "And you play me for a fool, my lord. You make me...forget myself and rav...ravish me in the study for a wager!" She pulled forcefully away from him, a blush touching her face. She was grateful for the cloak of darkness. "You, sir, are a despicable cad!"
Robin realized now where the true source of her anger lay-the stupid wager. He spoke softly, yet firmly. "I think, Beloved, you accuse me rightfully in deceiving you about my identity. But whether you knew who I was or not, you would not have changed your mind and welcomed my suit. I think, Regina, that nothing short of what I've done would have made you mine."
She stiffened at his referral to her as his. "I could not have put it better, my lord. You're right. However, it changes naught, the fact is, I don't want you for a husband."
"You don't have a choice in the matter, Beloved. It's been taken out of your hands. As for what happened in the study between us, surely you felt the evidence of my desire as well. What happened between us it now something staged, something one can control. It's passion, love, pure, unadulterated passion." Robin said.
He moved closer, separating the distance between them in two strides. "Passion not born of a wager, Love. Hell, I don't need to prove I can win that bet, time speaks for itself. Know this, all you're denying will not alter the fact you belong to me. As I belong to you."
"Never!" Regina said as she ran around him into the house. Robin gave no chase as he knew he was getting to her, soon her feelings were grow intense for him, as his were already there for her.