Thank you as always for the reviews - I'm glad you were happy with the outcome of the race! And now, in case you were missing the good stuff...this chapter starts off nice and steamy. Enjoy...
Chapter Eleven
Arrogance and Pleasure
"You won..." Meredith observed, as Derek joined her in their bedchamber later. She had slipped away from the crowds with the children, taking them inside to the nursery again to keep them from being trampled by the happy crowd.
Clicking the door shut behind him, he paused, stripping off the riding gloves, and smiled at her in agreement. "Oh, yes...was there any doubt?"
"Such arrogance, Your Grace..." Meredith raised one eyebrow playfully. After the race ended, the court had retired to the castle, buzzing about the outcome. The King was obviously elated, with the confirmation that Derek's stallion was indeed fleet of foot. It boded well for the foals that would be born in the spring. Everyone else had been full of congratulatory good spirits, and a celebration was planned for later in the afternoon.
"I believe we had this discussion already, love. Arrogance comes with the title," he reminded her wickedly, crossing the distance to her quickly. His body was still pumping with adrenaline from the race, and he was extremely aroused for her. He discarded his riding jacket as he walked, letting it fall heedlessly to the floor, before loosening his cravat along the way. "And right now, your arrogant husband wants you more than anything else..."
Seeing the desire smoldering in his eyes, Meredith felt the fire of passion flare inside of her as well. This was the man she loved – strong, authoritative, and passionate. Without another word, he pulled her against him, and cupped her face with his hands before kissing her deeply. His mouth was warm and demanding her response, and she fell fully into his heat, twisting her hands in the loose folds of his shirt. She could feel his hands shift down along her body, and circle her waist, pulling her even closer, almost lifting her off her feet while his tongue plunged deeply against hers.
She opened her mouth wider, meeting each silky thrust with a broken whimper of pleasure. Urgent sparks of hunger raced down her spine, and her body trembled from delight. She tightened her arms around him, yielding to the promise of his embrace, returning his kiss thrust for thrust. The hunger in him, raw and explosive, was palpable and driven by the rush of blood in his veins, the thrill of the victory in his thoughts. His body hardened and all he could think about was losing himself into her, feeling her body tighten and shiver around him. The layers of clothing between them could not hide the need he felt for her, and he tore his mouth away from her, needing more than just a kiss.
Breathing heavily, as their hands moved to work open buttons, casting his shirt aside feverishly, before peeling her gown down her shoulders. His mouth burned a trail to where her breasts swelled above the corset, teasing the nipples away from the lace covering, while his hands pushed the gown further down her hips. As soon as the offending garment puddled on the floor, he swung her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, his mouth never leaving her.
Half-undressed, her breasts spilling from the corset, she fell back against the pillows, as he tore at the last few buttons keeping him confined. With a sound that was half groan, and half growl, Derek settled between her legs, rubbing his erection against her belly, marking her. His body was taut and slick, his breath coming in rasps, before pushing forward against her wet warmth. He never asked, he simply shifted and she spread her legs to welcome him home. He kissed her again, long and deep and wicked and then drove into her and she forgot everything else. She braced her feet against the mattress and lifted to meet him, taking him in, all of him, to the very hilt of him, welcoming him to the edge of her womb. He caught her mouth at the same time, holding her hips to find just the right angle of thrust. All thoughts of stopping to worry about any kind of protection fled completely, all she wanted was more of him, more of the body that was hot and hard. The bed shook from the intensity, and she pulled him even harder and deeper inside, while he kissed her, their hands touching everywhere. She panted for air, for patience for strength, because the fire he ignited had begun to overtake her. Not gently, like music, but wild and intense. Their meeting was a primal force, both of them straining, arching, gasping, laughing, their bodies slick with sweat, their eyes open as their hunger met and matched.
A storm of pleasure swept over her, crashing through her, pulling her under. She felt her body succumb to it, tightening from the force of it. "Oh dear god…Derek…" Meredith panted, while his teeth marked her throat, little nips of passion that he couldn't seem to control. Her legs wrapped around him, as he claimed her, possessed her body and soul, until she nearly screamed. Derek called her name as he pumped heat and life into her, his own body taut and urgent and she laughed. Laughed until they fell, spent and happy, curling in each others arms amidst the tangle of bedding and twisted clothes.
Derek glanced at the clock on the mantel, before kissing her again, gentler this time, yet still as erotic. His hand played along the curve of her hip, his touch arousing her once again. "Do we have time to play a little longer?" she whispered, when he moved his lips to her throat.
"Of course, love...this was not nearly enough to satisfy our needs..." he replied, loosening the laces on her corset. He pressed a line of kisses along her warm skin as it was revealed.
"Mmm..." she sighed happily, tangling her fingers in his thick hair. "I believe I like this arrogance when it comes to ravishing me, my lord..."
"It was rather primitive and wild, wasn't it?" he murmured. "Something about the thrill of victory took hold of me - I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"Only in the most pleasurable way..." she purred happily, as he moved away to remove the riding breeches and boots that had not been discarded earlier. Seeing his muscles flex and his cock rising again made her ache for him and she reached for him as he joined her. "Now come and take me again, my arrogant Duke..."
"With pleasure, my lady..."
"Was Lord Huntington very angry with you for winning?" Meredith asked, as they prepared for their meeting with Rhys and Rowena. There was to be a celebratory dinner as well, with the King in high spirits from the race, it promised to be a lively evening.
Derek shrugged elegantly, adjusting the cuffs on his shirt as he waited for Meredith to finish preparing. The little marks on her throat had to be covered with lengths of velvet ribbon and she was concerned it would be far too obvious just how ardent her husband had been with her after the race - she adjusted them again with a little smile. While the maid had left them alone moments ago, Meredith smoothed her hand along the ivory and gold gown, wishing somewhat that Rose had been able to accompany her. Still, she knew that her long time attendant was better off at home with her own family, even if she missed the knowing chatter and deft hands of Rose.
"I believe he has more to be concerned with than losing the race. I'm sure he had some choice words for his sister," Derek commented dryly. He settled at the settee in the sitting room, pouring a glass of sherry for himself and Meredith.
"I dare say he did. I feel for her, but, still she was beyond the bounds of propriety in what she did. Not to mention, she could have been injured badly by Midnight," she murmured, taking a seat beside him.
"Yes, I agree. No matter what her intentions, I believe she should be sent home. Advise the Queen discreetly, and the girl can leave without fanfare. It's the best course of action." He leaned back, and crossed one ankle over his knee, looking masculine and resplendent in his dark evening clothes, with the waistcoat of watered indigo silk. "In fact, Rhys should leave with her."
"I see your point," Meredith smiled, "but if she could make a good match, it would save her family from disgrace."
"That should be Rhys's concern, not ours, my love."
Taking a sip of sherry, Meredith considered his words. Part of her felt sorry for the girl, even after all the troubles she had caused. "I suppose so, but what if we could help just a little in that regard."
"Still playing matchmaker?"
"Westcott is in need of a wife, and he has a title and lands that date back several generations. It could be the best thing."
"My love, why would he consider marrying a girl who has been found to be devious, not to mention, obviously not virtuous?" Derek asked, raising one eyebrow. "Don't forget her trysts with young Gyles..."
"You were able to overlook my lack of virginity..." she pointed out.
"Ah, but you had many other redeeming traits," he said with a seductive smile. "I fear Rowena has none of those."
Meredith patted his arm. "I always knew you loved me for other reasons..." she smiled.
He covered her hand, squeezing lightly. "I love you for many reasons, but you have to admit, we are well matched as far as our passion goes." His smile was warm and intimate, and heat washed through her at the remembrance of their earlier passionate encounter. She leaned closer and kissed him softly, tasting the tart sherry on his lips.
Before they could get too involved with their desires, there was a knock at the door, interrupting them. "Time for our guests," Derek muttered, pulling away reluctantly. "We will continue this later."
"I will hold you to that," she smiled, caressing his cheek, before getting to her feet to let the other couple in.
Rhys propelled his sister into the room, his anger simmering beneath his usually urbane exterior. His eyes glinted dangerously, before he bowed over Meredith's hand. "My lady, please accept my most humble apologies on the behalf of Rowena and myself. I had no idea she would go to such lengths to attempt to sabotage events." He looked upwards toward Derek before straightening. "And to you, my lord, as well. I would never have forgiven myself had someone been injured."
"Yes, forgive me..." Rowena added, dropping a curtsy and keeping her eyes on the floor. The skirts of her dark blue gown spread out around her. "I truly meant no harm."
Derek had not risen, but waited on the settee, keeping quiet for the moment.
"Rowena, if the young man had been late to find the hazard, you may have very well done a lot of harm. Derek could have been thrown, and the horse maimed," Meredith sighed. "I want to be able to help you, but..."
"But no one was injured, Lady Meredith! Gyles knew exactly what time to go out on the trail to remove it," Rowena protested. "You were in no danger."
"The intent was there," Derek said quietly. "Along with the events in the stable. No matter that you were trying to help your family, this is not an honorable way to go about it."
Rhys nodded. "Trust me, Shepherd, I have spoken at length with her about this. My actions were the cause of this; however, she was only trying to help. I squandered much of my family fortune on the races, and other gambling pursuits. Only Rowena knows the extent of my problem; no else has been aware of this until now."
Meredith sank down onto the settee again beside Derek, and indicated that Rowena sit as well. Rhys paced along the patterned Aubusson rug in front of the fireplace, hands clasped behind him. For a few moments, there was only the sound of the clock ticking on the mantle. Derek steepled his fingers, looking at Rhys carefully before speaking.
"If you were in my place, Rhys, what do you think should be done about this?" he inquired finally.
"I would not tolerate any delay in settling this – I would expect you to be out of my sight as soon as possible," Rhys sighed. "Just as we should be out of your sight. I only ask that you do not tell the royal couple. Just let us go quietly, plead a family illness...I would be forever in your debt if you agree."
Derek exchanged a look with Meredith. "You are already in debt, Rhys. Adding to that is not a good idea."
Rhys shrugged. "What is one more debt at this point? If you ever need a favor, just ask. I swear to do anything in my power to help."
"But Rhys..." Rowena began to protest. "How am I to find a suitable match if we're back in the country?"
"Let me worry about that," he replied curtly, taking her hand to pull her to her feet.
"I may have a suggestion for you in that regard," Meredith smiled. "If you truly want to leave, I agree not to say anything damaging to the Queen, but you have to take care of your sister. She may be guilty of bad judgment in this case, but I hope that she can settle down with the right man. In fact, there is a young lord here at court who is looking to wed soon, if you are interested."
Rhys bowed over her hand briefly. "Thank you, Lady Meredith, however for the time being, I wish to concentrate on taking my sister back home, and we will decide what to do at a later time. I fear she still has some growing up to do." He glanced at Derek and bowed briefly. "Good day, Shepherd. I envy you your marriage and your family. You are a lucky man, indeed, and not only on the race track. I may need to revisit my thoughts on the idea of settling down – you certainly make it seem worthwhile."
Derek nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Good luck with that, Huntington. And settle your monetary debts before anything else."
"I meant what I said about that favor – don't forget." With that comment, Rhys tugged on Rowena's arm and departed.
"Well, the Queen will have one less lady in waiting," Meredith sighed softly, settling back into Derek's arms.
"She will be able to bring in another young woman, I'm quite sure," he commented, leaning closer to kiss her cheek, before standing up to draw her up beside him.
"Well, I hope you're right." Meredith smiled as he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm.
"Dinner awaits, love. Let's put all of this out of our minds and enjoy the celebrations. It's too bad Rhys will miss out, I would have enjoyed watching his irritation at losing for awhile, actually," Derek observed with a wink.
"What am I going to do with you?" Meredith sighed.
"One or two naughty scenarios come to mind," he told her as they stepped into the corridor. "In fact..."
"Insatiable rogue..."
"As I recall from earlier today, you were just as insatiable, little vixen..." Derek whispered in her ear just before they met up with other couples making their way to the dining room. Meredith felt her cheeks flush with sudden heat, recalling their wild lovemaking.
"You have that ability to make me lose all my inhibitions," she murmured back, but then they were caught up in the group of people that was waiting to congratulate Derek on his win. Voices were raised in celebration, and several of the men came up to clap him on the back. Meredith was happy for him, happy that the race had turned out in his favor. She was about to step back, and let him have his moment, but he made sure to clamp his arm around her waist possessively to keep her beside him. They shared a quick, intimate look, before giving their full attention to the conversation.
"A toast!' The King and Queen stood at the top of the dais, and spoke loudly to get everyone's attention. Everyone turned to face them, glasses raised in anticipation. "To Lord Derek Shepherd, the winner and grand champion of today's race! Congratulations to you and to your stables, Your Grace!" He lifted his champagne flute amidst raucous cheers and applause. "And to your great stallion, Midnight, may his foals live up to the legend of their sire! I hope you have given him extra oats tonight."
Derek grinned happily, accepting the accolades with a lift of his own champagne flute. Midnight had indeed been well rewarded for his performance, and was resting comfortably in his stall after the excitement of the day. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It was a great honor to have the chance to race in your presence."
"And where is Lord Rhys?" the King inquired, looking around the room expectantly. "He should be here to share in this moment as well, even though he was not successful."
At that point, a footman approached, carrying a note in his hand. Bowing low, he handed it over to the King, who scanned it quickly. "Ah, well, I see then. It appears Lord Rhys and his sister will have to depart due to a family illness, and they have sent their regrets on being unable to attend tonight's celebration."
A murmur swept through the assembled group at this bit of news, and the Queen beckoned Meredith over. "Were you aware Lady Rowena was leaving us?" she asked.
"Yes, my lady, just before we came here – I had no time to speak to you, unfortunately. It was a sudden summons," Meredith said quietly. Part of her felt remorse at not being able to tell the Queen the entire truth.
"I see. I must say, however, that she did not seem quite suited to the position in some ways, so perhaps it is for the best." Queen Adelaide's eyes were wise and knowing, and Meredith was quite sure that the other woman knew more than she let on.
"Indeed."
"Enjoy the evening. We will speak again in the morning, Lady Meredith."
"Thank you, my lady." Meredith curtsied and backed away to join Derek again.
"Is everything all right?" he asked, taking her hand.
"Yes, I hope so. The Queen is not easily fooled, Derek. She wishes to speak again in the morning."
"Let her set the tone when you see her. You will know whether or not to tell her the truth."
"You are right, of course." She took a sip of the champagne he handed her. "Now, we should enjoy the evening, and celebrate the win."
"An excellent idea, my love," he agreed. "Then we can return to our suite and continue the celebrations in private..."