The Governess Club: Claire by Ellie Macdonald

tongue that pushed into his mouth. This time it was she who drank in his deep moans, she who pushed her pelvis into his. Heavens, what pleasure.
    One hand caressed a breast, kneading and shaping it, his thumb teasing her nipple. His other hand went to the hem of her skirt and disappeared underneath it. He didn’t stop to stroke her thigh, he didn’t stop to play with the undoubtedly sensible drawers and chemise. No, he unerringly found the juncture at her thighs and cupped it, pressing his palm in hard.
    Sweet Jesus, but she was responsive. He had expected her to panic and close up. Instead, the pressure from his palm tore a little squeak from her and her legs opened wider. He slid a finger inside of her, feeling her wetness coat his hand.
    Claire jerked against him and moaned.
    “You are mine, Claire. Say it.”
    “Jacob.”
    “Say it.”
    “I am yours.” Her head fell back and her body arched into his hand. Jacob put his free arm around her back to support her. Jacob increased his pressure and motions. Her body began to convulse, her inner muscles tightening around his fingers. A few moments later, small cries came from her in tandem with the pulsing of her release. He captured her cries with his mouth, swallowing each sweet taste.
    Claire came back to earth, and Jacob pulled his hand away from her. Her body spent, she leaned her forehead against his shoulder, trying to regain her senses.
    “You are mine, Claire.” Jacob’s voice was hoarse.
    “Yes.”
    “We will return to the assembly,” he said, kissing her hair. “You will dance with me. And when we return to Aldgate Hall, I will come to your room tonight.”
    Claire did not hesitate. “Yes.”

 

C HAPTER S EVEN
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    J acob pressed his ear to the wall separating his room from Claire’s. He couldn’t hear a thing. Upon returning to Aldgate Hall, they had each retired to their respective chambers to prepare themselves. Hell, he hadn’t needed preparation at all, but felt she may need a few more moments to settle what was going to happen in her mind.
    And it made up for his earlier lack of finesse. I will come to your room tonight? He couldn’t remember ever being so awkward. Ladies—women—enjoyed sweet words and being wooed. But seeing Claire share even one dance with another man had Jacob losing his senses and control. I will come to your room tonight indeed.
    With a sigh, Jacob pushed himself away from the wall. He didn’t know how long she would need to prepare herself, but he couldn’t wait any longer. And if she wasn’t ready, didn’t want to go through with this tonight, then he would play the gentleman and acquiesce to her wishes.
    Wearing only his shirt and trousers, he moved to her door and knocked. She didn’t leave him waiting even a moment, but opened the door. Her hair was tied back in a braid that Jacob’s fingered itched to release; his hands tingled with the memory of its softness from earlier in the evening. She was dressed in her night rail, a long cotton garment that covered her from her neck to the top of her feet, material so thick and practical that the glow of the candles behind her did not penetrate it. She was beautiful.
    As he promised himself, he played the gentleman. “You don’t—that is, we don’t have to—if you don’t want to or have doubts—”
    She interrupted him. “Jacob. Come in.” She reached out and took his hand, welcoming him into her room.
    The door closed behind him with a small squeak. He made sure to twist the lock in place; he hadn’t forgotten that much at least. Coherent thought fled as he looked at her, standing so demure, so willing, so glorious. His blood thudded heavily through his veins; he had trouble deciding what to do first.
    “I have done this before,” he blurted out.
    A shy, awkward half smile appeared on her face. “I have not.”
    Dammit, what was wrong with him? “I meant to say that I usually have more finesse. But you—I can’t seem to think around