Protege(31)

Gasping, her body contracting around him as he groaned, she trembled, and his pace quickened. Thrusting rapidly, he drilled into her, extending her climax until his muscles visibly locked, his fingers digging into her hips and the heat of his release filling her.

Shocked by her effortless climax, such little attention given to her erogenous zones, she blinked up at him. Was it him? Did he have this effect on all women? Or maybe it was her and the emphasis she placed on him, her savior offering to take her into the dark so she might find enlightenment. It simply didn’t make sense that she could enjoy any of what just happened, but she did. Her pleasure was undeniable.

His shoulders twitched as he filled her. They hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary—simple if not intense missionary—yet she found all prior sexual encounters incomparable. He was a very good lover.

Though her voice trembled through jagged breaths, the words came without thought. “Thank you, Sir.”

He looked into her eyes, a crease forming in his brow. “You’re welcome, Collette,” he said, voice gravelly as he slowly withdrew his body from hers. His hand cupped her cheek as he studied her. “I’m very pleased with the way this evening ended. If you’d like to sleep in my bed tonight I’ll allow it.”

The sprawling house was still unfamiliar and intimidating. Staying in the same room would be much better than staying alone. “Thank you, Sir.”

“You say those words so prettily, peach.” He silently directed her under the covers. The mattress was soft and the sheets made of the finest silk. He pulled her body against his and she smiled, liking the possessive way he held her.

Slowly, she rested her hand over his where it held her breast. His fingers turned and squeezed hers in a silent, affectionate gesture. Feeling safe in his arms, she closed her eyes and swiftly drifted to sleep.

***

There was the slightest warning before the intrusion woke her. “What—”

“Good morning, Collette,” was all he said as he thrust into her from behind. She gasped as he pulled her thigh to the outside of his as they lay on their sides where they slept. He applied pressure to her shoulder, his voice raspy from sleep. “Bend forward for me, peach. It will be deeper.”

Still processing what was happening, she folded her body and gasped as he pressed very deep.

“That’s it.” His hips snapped forward with impressive speed as his finger glided over her clit, rubbing in rapid circles while his mouth pressed hot kisses along her back.

Her orgasm was fast in coming. Her voice pitched as her body pulsed, gripping his pistoning cock. Fingers tightening on her flesh, he groaned and finished in a rush. His arms banded around her as he buried his face in her messy hair. “I said good morning, Collette.”

She blinked, hardly having had a chance to fully awaken. “Good morning, Sir.”

“You’re picking up quickly. You better get moving if you want to shower before breakfast.”

Shit. She was responsible for all meals. It was a stipulation in their contract. Typically she wouldn’t mind, but she had no idea what was in the pantry. It would have been nice to go grocery shopping first, but she’d manage. She’d ask him to show her where the market was when he took her on a tour later that day.

The thought of touring Fernweh motivated her out of bed. Today was going to be a better day. She paused as she stood by the foot of the bed, her body modestly covered by the satin sheet. “Um, how do you take your coffee? Or do you like tea?”

His gaze softened as he stretched onto his back, folded his arms behind his head, and smiled. Eyes wide, she jerked her attention to the nightstand as he unabashedly put himself on full display. “Cream and sugar is fine. I keep the coffee in the freezer.”

Nodding, she searched for her robe and made a quick dash across the room where he’d left it. As she fumbled with the sleeves and tied it hastily, he chuckled. “Eventually, you’ll be unfazed by nudity.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“We’ll see.”

His laughter left her smirking as she found her way back to her room. Everything was so enormous at the chateau. The rooms were cavernous, especially hers and Jude’s. It seemed strange to have separate sleeping quarters, but she supposed there would be moments when she’d find such arrangements a relief.

After showering, she sifted through the closet and frowned. Where were the pants? She wasn’t against skirts. As a matter of fact she preferred them, but if they were going to be walking the grounds today, pants seemed more appropriate.

Settling on a cobalt sundress and green cardigan, she slid on a pair of stockings and found a coordinating pair of camel flats in the closet. She was now grateful he’d taken her measurements, because everything fit perfectly. Had they gone by her original—fibbed—numbers, she’d be bursting out of the seams.

The kitchen was a delightful surprise, French cabinetry and an old farm table. Nothing fancy but everything a girl could dream of. It was like walking into a Pottery Barn ad.

She smiled as she opened the pantry, surprised again to find it stocked with root vegetables, grains, and mason jars packed with nuts. Everything was fresh and raw. Someone had really taken care when stocking his kitchen.

Her enchantment was complete when she found a delicately sewn apron hanging on the wall. Sliding the ruffled straps over her arms she tied the strings and unleashed her inner Suzy Homemaker.