Sold For Pleasure Vol. 3

I no longer have to go about doing chores, because my new title had left me with nothing to do but bide my time, giving me far too much space to ponder, within the quiet and peaceful seclusion of my private chambers. Briana, overhearing the whispered gossip of the kitchen help, was now aware of my daily self-imposed exile, and that’s when she called me to the parlor. I hurried to get there before I irritated her. She was still a wild card to me, which I could not fully understand. She said her motive was love, but a love built on betrayal baffled me. Yet, a small voice in my head argued that I was doing the same.

I found Briana sitting in a chair, turned toward the window, looking over the countryside. She had tea in front of her with two teacups set out, obviously waiting for me. She smiled at me in a way which never reached her eyes. This routine display of disingenuousness always puzzled me and I just couldn’t understand why she’d hurt a man that seemed so dedicated to her in every way he could; even if he couldn’t give her his heart. It’s not my place to understand. It works in my benefit. I thought, forcing a smile on my face as she motioned for me to sit.

“I heard that you had him entertained last night well enough.” Briana said in a strong voice, showing no hint of discomfort in the topic, while my own embarrassment started to mount.

“I thought so…” I said, trailing off and bowing my head. It was still hard to meet her eyes, but her smile never wavered.

“After what we’ve been through together, I thought that you would at least be able to look at me now child.” She chided me with amusement clear in her voice.

That’s when Briana seemed to notice that something was wrong, taking my teacup, I took a sip of the lavender blend she had picked out. Looking up, I saw her sipping her tea with a perfectly arched eyebrow questioning me. She tapped her fingers on her cup, making it clear that she was going to make me tell her what was on my mind.

“He came to you afterwards…” I said, clearly uncomfortable. I wanted to s

ay how it tore my heart in two, but I allowed my sentence to trail off. I couldn’t tell her that. For some reason, it felt too private. Even my voice was unsteady.

“Ah. Yes. That’s actually why I called you here today. It is not that Scott is a good lover, but I do not care if he comes to my bed. With our plan, he soon will never come to me again. I need you to take care of that for me. He should be satisfied enough with you that if he does go again, that he seeks you out for the second tumble” She said. There was no smile in her voice. There was only fact in her words. I nodded, unable to think of how I’d manage, waiting for her to suggest something to me.

“That is why your next lesson will be tomorrow when Scott goes out to the village. He has an appointment with the blacksmith.” She told me matter-of-factly.

My heart started to beat harder at the memory of what had happened last time, but I forced myself to nod. I wasn’t going to back out of our arrangement now. A small corner of her mouth started to lift into a smile before she caught herself. Her eyes scanned me, and I could tell that I was blushing. She giggled.

“I do wonder if you’ll ever outgrow that innocence. I hope not. You’ll keep his interests longer with it.” She said finishing her tea. I still sipped mine. I wasn’t ready to give up something so quickly that would buy me time if I could not think of a proper answer.

“I will send for you as early as he leaves, and I expect you to get up and come to me immediately.” Briana said.

“Yes ma’am.” I replied.

“You are dismissed.” Briana answered, and as I gathered my skirts to get up, she met me with a stare.

“Oh, and Amelia.” She said, causing me to stop. “Do find hobbies. He does not like knowing a woman has moped for him all day. He quite likes interrupting your activities.” She said, seeming caught up in some memory before Briana shook it off. I gave her a small nod before heading out, trying to figure out what I should do while I waited for the morning to arrive.

Going to the gardens seemed like the best plan, hoping that it would buy me peace and quiet to gather my thoughts. I smiled at people as I passed them, yet I was still getting mixed reactions. It was obvious that many people were jealous. Men and women alike. I smiled at them despite whatever look they gave me, relishing the fact that soon enough I’d be his wife, and there would be nothing but warm welcomes around me. That thought warmed my heart and allowed me to keep moving toward the garden to find my solitude. I enjoyed the idea of sitting in Briana’s seat with Scott at my side as I walked through the garden. I was so lost in my thoughts, that I didn’t realize when someone’s hands snaked around my waist.

Panic surged through me, and his other hand went to my mouth. I was nearly paralyzed with fear before my instincts kicked in. I went to kick him as hard as I could, but the man maneuvered to keep me from landing the blow to him where it would hurt him the most. Instead, I hit his leg as I was pulled against a large, chiseled chest. He had his nose in my hair, taking a large whiff, and panic surged through me again as his hand went from my stomach to my delicate hip, pulling me back further. I could feel his hardened member, and as he chuckled at my reaction, his amusement at my struggle rumbled through his chest.

“Ouch, Lass. It’s me.” Came Scott’s familiar voice. “It’s good to know you wouldn’t allow anyone to touch you but me…” He said as all further drive to fight left me. I could feel my heart start to flutter at the way his large, strong chin settled at the top of my head in my hair. I was pulled tightly against him.

“People will see…” I protested, and I could hear him chuckle again.

“Then let them, Lass. It’ll be fine. You’re my mistress. What is the shame of that?” He asked me before he swept my hair to the side. He started to place feather light kisses on my neck, causing my toes to curl as I felt heat rush into me, making me ache for him.

A lot. My parents wouldn’t be proud. I thought despite myself, but his lips were more persistent as they worked across my shoulder, loosening my bodice to move my sleeve aside enough to expose more skin. I gasped at the idea of being so indecent in public, and yet I knew his figure shadowed me. I will not be a mistress for long. I reminded myself, but thoughts were becoming hard as he kissed back up to the crook of my neck all the while holding me against him. His teeth grazed my skin, and my mouth fell into an ‘oh’.

I don’t know why I didn’t expect it by now. Scott was full of surprises, but I jumped, gasping out loud. He shushed me before his teeth sunk into my neck and the hand he had placed at my hip started to knead my flesh, pulling my skirts up just slightly, teasing me. I whimpered as tears pricked at my eyes before his lips moved over the spot he had just bit more tenderly, massaging away the pain before he went back to kissing up my neck to whisper in my ear.

“Not here.” I protested, but my protests were weak with desire even to my own ears as he inched my skirt up even higher. The hedges and trellises of jasmine would hide us, but we were in plain sight if anyone decided to come further into the garden which set my nerves on edge.

“Why not, Amelia? Do you believe love is just for the bedroom?” He teased me as my heart pounded out a yes that my lips couldn’t seem to form. He nipped my ear tugging at it.

“Oh no, no, Lass. Love can be shared anywhere. Should I show you how?” He asked teasingly but then that’s when someone interrupted us.

“My Laird!” Osgar’s gruff voice came out from behind us, and Scott let my skirts fall but my bodice was still loose. He quickly helped me to straighten them out, leaving me to tie them as he shadowed me, turning to face to Osgar. His annoyance was clear.

“Osgar.” He said, as Osgar coughed hiding his own amusement.

“My Laird, we have a messenger. He says it is urgent.” Osgar said without apology in his voice. My blushing couldn’t get any worse as I stepped out from behind Scott who now had a frown on his perfectly sculpted face. I looked at him with a hint of worry on my face.

“From who?” Scott asked. There was no playfulness in his voice now.