VAMPIRE: PARANORMAL: Out For Blood (Vampire Alpha Shapeshifter Romance) (New Adult Paranormal Fantasy Short Stories) by Miranda Powers

him. His hand went between her legs and he found what he suspected. The pantaloons were crotchless.
    With a laugh, he thrust and went in.
    Diana was fully ready to receive him and it slid inside without any resistance.
    He had some difficulty staying on his feet but with one hand on the side of the coach and the other round her body with his hand gripping her breast, he managed.
    Diana grasped the handles hard as the force pushed her forward each time he drove in.
    The swaying of the coach, the thrusting in and out and the thought of the wickedness of fornicating on the open road excited both of them far more than was conducive to a prolonged sexual encounter.
    She felt him fire and she reciprocated immediately.

 
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
     
    All the local gentry turned out at the village church for the funeral of Sir Reginald. Though rumours had abounded that he had been in trouble, his death had cleared the family name and there was no disgrace.
    Diana watched as the coffin was lowered into its final resting place and she wondered what the future would hold for her and her son Michael. Would Richard, Michael’s father come back from India? If he did, would she tell him that Michael was his? Did she want him to come back?
    For now she knew her sexual needs would be satisfied by Lieutenant William Phillips.
    She looked across at William standing discreetly at the back of the mourners. There had been no opportunity to speak to him since she collected her husband’s body from Maidstone. The last time they had the chance to make love was in the coach on the way to collect him. Diana hoped that when everyone had gone later in the day she could lie with William.
    The mourners took refreshments in the garden of Eylebourne Hall. Diana played her widow’s role well, gratefully accepting the condolences but all the while hoping to be with William.
    At last she found herself alone with him near the silver birch tree that held such fond memories for both of them.
    “Do you think you can stay when everyone has left?” she said.
    “Diana, I have been trying to get you alone all day to tell you my news.”
    “And what news is that?” She didn’t like the sound of it at all.
    “I’ve been given command of a ship due to sail for the South Pacific on a scientific survey. The captain assigned has been taken ill and is unlikely to survive. I have therefore been given his command. We sail on the tide tomorrow.”
    “How long will you be away,” said Diana, rather crossly.
    “Two, maybe three years.”
    “I see.” She flicked her fan, turned her back and walked away.
    ***
    Diana sat in her drawing-room embroidering a country scene. It still irked her that William had sailed off three months previously just like Richard had sailed away earlier. She knew she didn’t miss either of them. What she missed was what they could provide. This country life did not throw up many men who were able to meet the needs of Diana’s voracious appetite and she was a little choosy. The man had to be young, strong, intelligent, connected to avoid mercenary advances and full of vitality. There were few of those who could fit the job description around Tunbridge Wells. Strutting Peacocks were ten a penny.
    Miller came to the door. “M’lady, are you at home to Lady Isabelle Fitzsimmons?”
    “Indeed I am. Show her in.”
    Isabelle breezed into the drawing-room. Diana put down her embroidery and stood up. The two women kissed cheek to cheek.
    “How good of you to call Isabelle. I haven’t seen anyone for ages. This widowhood seems to scare people away.”
    “That’s why I have come Diana. I know you may still be in mourning, but there is a masked ball in two weeks at Shire House, the Fortescue’s. I’ve been invited and they asked me to see if you could come out of mourning and attend. Everyone would love to see you there.”
    Diana thought about it. Masked Balls were few and they attracted people from far and wide.
Maybe, just maybe, there