Although she knew better, she snuggled into him, enjoying the warmth and lassitude of post-coital hugs. She feared the fall and winter would feel even colder than her first without Charles, after this. Despite her vow to him and herself, William’s departure for school would hurt, and not just because she’d be without a sexual partner again. Her first intimate interaction with him had shattered her illusion of being able to maintain distance between them.
His hand stroked her hair, relaxing her even further.
When she woke in the morning, she startled awake and patted the bed, worried they’d be discovered if he had fallen asleep with her. Finding herself alone, she replayed the night. She vaguely remembered his arm sliding out from under her, a kiss on the head and a whispered, “Thank you, Mistress.”
Chapter Fifteen
William floated through the next two days until he could rejoin Charlotte. It helped that he discovered no more hidden investment commitments and received a positive reply from the steward at the Harrington estate in Northamptonshire regarding the roof repairs.
He flew to her house after supper the second day, skipping pudding. He’d managed to procure a second copy of Catullus, and held that and a transcribed poem as his latest offerings to please his Mistress.
“Another book! Thank you, William.” Her eyes glowed.
“Here is a translation of one of the poems in there. I know you haven’t learned all the words, but I think you’ve learned enough that you can match it. See what you think.”
If, Juventius, I the grace win ever
Still on beauteous honied eyes to kiss you,
I would kiss them a million, yet a million.
Yea, nor count me to win the full attainment,
Not, tho’ heavier e’en than ears at harvest,
Fall my kisses, a wealthy crop delightful.
Her head bowed, and his gaze traced the curve of her neck, the weight of her hair up in a knot on her head. He swallowed to resist the temptation to put his lips to that bare nape. His cock stirred in his trousers, and he hoped he’d end the evening naked and serving her pleasure again.
Side by side at her desk, they labored over the poem and primer for an hour. As most of Catullus’s poems did, the theme kept them focused on the activities following their studies.
Finally, she raised her head to meet his gaze and licked her lips.
The poem forgotten, he leaned forward and offered, “iube.”
"Iube?”
He grunted. “A command, or bid.”
She smiled. “Ah, I shall remember that one.”
“Sinu tenere.”
“Sinu tenere? What is that?”
“Taken separately, they can be used in different ways. Together…” He reached out and traced the valley of her cleavage with a finger.
“Ah, now, puppy. We have talked about you touching without invitation. It seems you need a reminder lesson.” Gesturing for him to follow, she swept from the room.
Thank heavens. He found her waiting at the stairs and led the way up to her room. He suspected that her preference for him leading was not just to ogle his bottom as she’d said, but also a way of ensuring he accepted his role. She directed, but he had to ascend of his own volition. Either way, the thought of directing his own submission while she watched him made him ache and need to adjust his cock in his trousers to manage the last few stairs.
In her bedroom, she began with her usual commands to undress her then himself. Then she proceeded to show him exactly how to use his mouth on her, before allowing him to find his own pleasure.
* * * *
As Folly’s birthday was in August, the boys and William’s mama had established a tradition of dinner at the Stanton residence followed by a night on the town for the three friends. It was one of the few times Folly was happy to venture into Mayfair.
“Sir, Mr. Follett has arrived. I’ve shown him to the drawing room to keep Mr. Lynwood company.” The butler bowed from the library doorway.
