Page 21 of Just Think of the Scandal (The Fairplace Family Novellas #2)

March 1865

Prague, Land of the Bohemian Crown

Theo grabbed Eliska’s hand and hurried across the square.

She laughed, her free hand clapping her hat to her head as her shoes clacked on the cobblestones. “What are you doing?”

He charged right through a flock of gray pigeons, his heart lightening at the flurry of wings. “I’m celebrating, of course.” He grinned, the cool spring air hitting the back of his throat. He glanced over his shoulder at his wife.

Her reddish gold hair shone under the Bohemian afternoon light, wisps flying free. Her purple silk gown billowed around her, the epitome of Austro-Hungarian fashion. Spots of color appeared on her pale cheeks, and her eyes sparkled despite his impromptu race.

The buildings of Prague’s Old Town towered around them, making Theo feel like they’d stepped back into the Middle Ages.

Bells rang out behind them. Theo stopped, delighted. He turned to stare at the gothic church that made up one edge of the square. The aged spires pierced the sky, while the architecture and flying buttresses graced the skyline just beyond the square. The bells echoed across the city but also reverberated below, the gongs bouncing off the cobbles and the historic buildings and the tower of the Old Town Hall behind them. Even the statue of Jan Huss looked cheerful today.

Eliska laughed. “I had no idea legal proceedings delighted you so.”

Theo just pulled her close and kissed her. Right there in the square. Among the pigeons and tourists and bankers crossing paths. He cupped the nape of her neck.

It started as a hard, fierce kiss of victory. But then Eliska melted into him, and his lips softened while his cock tightened at the suggestion. He kissed her as long as he thought he could get away with, then pulled away. He could taste the smile on her lips.

“Are you delighted that in a few months’ time you’ll be a very wealthy man?” Eliska teased.

He rolled his eyes and released her reluctantly. “I’m fairly certain there are some legal clauses buried somewhere in the paperwork so I don’t get to take control of all your money. Especially since I’m a foreigner.”

“But at least you’re not an Austrian foreigner,” Eliska pointed out.

Theo hummed in agreement as the pigeons settled back down around them. “The judge seemed almost personally affronted that I wasn't Bohemian. Or Czech. I almost apologized to the man,” Theo marveled. “At least my German was bad. I think he liked that.”

The Moravian judge in charge of Eliska’s inheritance case was a conservative, stodgy old man with bushy mutton chops and a large mole on his right cheek. Although conservative in many ways, he was a staunch nationalist and wanted the Austro-Hungarians out of his homeland. Theo couldn’t exactly fault the man.

As the bells stopped ringing Theo glanced behind him, in the direction of the Old Town Hall. “Is that where the astronomical clock is?”

Eliska, who’d seen it several times as a schoolgirl, nodded.

“I want to see it.” Theo took a step toward the medieval building. They’d arrive in the Bohemian Lands only four days ago after an arduous rail journey, and most of the time they’d had in Prague so far had been spent with lawyers and clerks and anyone that was helping getting Eliska’s case settled.

It was their first, but not last, trip to Prague. Eliska had decided to wait for a trip until her legal team had a date for their case to appear on the docket. They’d spent the last nine months or so settling into Theo’s—their—London townhouse. Theo’s sister Violet lived just down the street in a far nicer townhouse with her banking husband, but they didn’t visit as much as Theo had anticipated.

Regardless, Eliska was having a wonderful time making the townhouse hers and filling the study with all those philosophy books Theo didn’t understand.

They’d decided to use this trip not just to settle Eliska’s family’s assets, but also as a belated honeymoon. They’d spend a month in the area, then a few days in Paris during their return. It was a glorious trip, and Theo loved getting to know an entirely new side to Eliska. She was terribly blunt when she spoke German, and he’d never realized it.

The only downside was leaving behind Wolfgang, their puppy. He was a gangly, long-legged creature. Too large to be a lapdog already, but convinced he should be. His wiry white coat shed all over their townhouse, much to the maids’ dismay, but the whole house adored him. Theo and Eliska missed him, but knew he would be spoiled rotten by the time they returned.

Eliska didn’t budge as Theo pulled her with him.

He glanced back in surprise. “Do you not wish to see the clock?” He smiled. “Am I behaving too much like a tourist for you?”

She smiled coyly and bit her lower lip. “I just thought…since the judge finally ruled to move everything out of probate and release funds to me…we might want to celebrate. Together. In our hotel room. Alone.”

Theo’s heart skipped a beat at those words. “Yes,” he choked. “Immediately. Yes, let’s.” He turned in a circle. “Which way’s our hotel?”

Eliska giggled and grabbed his shoulders from behind, pointing him in the correct direction. “Two blocks down, then the white building on your right.”

“Obviously.” Theo took up her hand again, threading his fingers through hers. They strolled across the rest of the square. Eliska quickened her step. Theo matched it. Then she skipped over a broken cobble and went just a little faster. Theo smirked and lengthened his stride.

Soon they were laughing again and hurrying out of the square and around the corner. Theo let Eliska lead the way, as he was content to bask in the sights and smells of the Old Town. Every once and a while he caught whiff of rubbish and sewer smells, like any city, but he also scented cinnamon treats and flowers growing from hanging pots. German filled the air around him, though to his surprise quite a few people were also speaking Czech to one another. Eliska told him it was a relatively new development, and that when she was a child she almost never heard it spoken on the street. The Austro-Hungarian control was slipping, slowly but surely.

They reached their hotel, all gilt gold and Italian marble, with Turkish rugs laid out in the lobby. Eliska slowed as they reached the center of the lobby. Other guests of many nationalities passed to and fro. Hotel staff in their crisp red and black uniforms hurried quietly about.

Theo tugged Eliska around the wide, low table with the ginormous fresh flower bouquet. Gaslight sparkled across the marble floor, refracted from the crystal chandelier above them. Theo threaded his fingers through Eliska’s as they mounted the first flight of stairs to their room. They had splurged on an expensive suite in an expensive, Old Town hotel because—thankfully, correctly—they had hoped Eliska’s inheritance would be released.

Eliska glanced up at him in surprise as he slowed at the top of the stairs, ducking toward an alcove. No one was about. Guests were likely visiting the sights of Prague and the staff had already cleaned this floor earlier in the day.

Theo turned and put his hands on her shoulders, backing Eliska into the alcove that already housed a bust of Mozart on a dark wood pedestal.

“What are you doing?” Eliska asked, brows drawn together.

Theo smiled, and it must’ve shown his intent clearly enough, for she fluttered her eyelashes as a faint blush spread to her face.

“Here?” she whispered. “Right now?”

“An appetizer,” Theo told her, squeezing her shoulders.

She darted a glance over his shoulder, likely ascertaining the emptiness of the hallway, then met his gaze. “If you so desire it,” she said breathlessly, submissively. “I’m eager to please.”

His cock leapt at the suggestion in her tone. They didn’t play this game all the time, but it always delighted him when they did. Eliska was always eager to please, which kept Theo on his toes to always come up with activities for their bedsport.

“This is what you’re going to do,” he told her in low tones. “You’re going to unbutton your bodice for me. Right here. Right now. And show me those pretty tits of yours.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Right—right here?”

Theo mock frowned. “Will you obey like a good girl?”

Eliska’s gaze, which had moved to peer over his shoulder, was dragged back to his eyes. “I—I—no, of course I’m a good girl.”

Theo smiled and stroked his thumbs against the fabric over her shoulders. “I’m blocking any sight of you. No one is going to see my girl.”

She bit her lip, still hesitant.

Theo waited patiently.

Then her fingers slipped to the mother of pearl buttons at her high-necked bodice. She’d worn formal, courtroom-worthy attire today, and it made Theo want to pull it right off her. One by one she unbuttoned her bodice, her pale fingers flipping across the fabric. Theo resisted the urge to nip at them. Instead he kept an imperious stance and stared down at his wife, crowding her space so no one would see anything if they walked past.

Soon her bodice gaped open, revealing a prettily embroidered cream corset cover. Deep purple flowers and green ivy sprawled across the neckline.

“Let it down,” he told her.

Heat flared in her eyes. She reached up and untied one tape at her shoulder, then the other. The lawn cover fell, gathering at her hips. It revealed a deep purple corset edged with black lacing and stitching. His favorite corset of hers. Theo had watched her put it on this morning and wished they’d had more time to fuck before the were needed in court. Now he could rectify that.

He bit back a groan of desire. His cock had gone rock hard in his trousers. He had half a mind to tell her to fish it out of his placket, but that’s not what he wanted from her in the hallway. That could wait until their rooms.

“Drag the corset and chemise down,” he ordered, voice barely above a whisper.

Eliska broke eye contact, glancing again over his shoulder.

“Nervous?” he asked with a smile.

She gave him a look. “You’ve never had me do this before,” she hissed, even as her hands pulled her garments down just enough for her nipples to peep over the top stitching.

“And you’re such a brave, adventurous girl to do so,” he praised.

Her eyes dilated and her cheeks flushed at those words.

“Now you’re going to pull your breasts out—as best as you can—and set your hands on my shoulders.”

She obeyed. Because she always did. Because it made her wet and him hard. Her fingernails dug through the superfine of his formal jacket, hard enough for him to feel pinpricks through the jacket and waistcoat and shirtsleeves.

“I’m going to enjoy myself,” he told her. “And you’re going to watch over my shoulder and let me know if anyone rounds the corner.” He doubted anyone would. They were far enough down the hall only a few people would ever pass by. It was the feeling of danger without too much reality. But it was scandalous enough for his wife, for her breathing came quick and shallow, making her breasts rise and fall, framed prettily against the dramatic color of her undergarments.

She nodded jerkily. “But it always feels so good when you put your mouth on me,” she whispered. “How will I be able to keep my attention on the hallway?”

Theo grinned. “You’re a smart girl. I’m sure you’ll learn some way.” Then he bent his head and captured one nipple between his lips.

Eliska gasped and arched against him. Her fingernails dug deeper, and he felt tiny pinpricks of pain. He smiled against her warm flesh and sucked the swollen nippled further into his mouth.

Theo delighted in teasing her, using his lips and tongue and even teeth to scrape and lick and lave. The heat of her body warmed his face, and after a moment he let the nipple pop from his mouth. He licked the fine blue vein that traveled below the milky skin of her breast, causing her to squirm and the bust of Mozart to rock against his pedestal.

“Careful,” Theo murmured against her skin, chuckling.

Eliska whimpered.

“Anyone coming?” he asked as he licked his way to her other breast.

She gave a strangled sound that he interpreted as a no. “It’s so hard to concentrate,” she panted.

“I’m sure it is,” he said in mock sympathy, pinching her second nipple, rolling it between his fingers. “What if I stop? Should I stop?”

She whimpered again, one hand leaving his shoulder to cup the nape of his neck, to keep him pressed to her, then she obediently let it drop back to his shoulder.

“Good girl,” he noted. “Keep those hands where I told them to be.”

She nodded helplessly.

Then he worshipped her other breast. She was so sensitive. Soon he had her on tip-toes, alternately fighting or chasing the sensation he evoked in her.

Theo’s own blood pounded in his veins. His cock pressed desperately against the seam of his trousers, seeking the place it wanted.

A murmur of voices trickled down the hall, causing Eliska to freeze against him.

“Someone’s coming,” she whispered frantically.

Theo calmly disengaged, standing up straight and turning Eliska so she faced the bust, her back to his chest. He pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck, now exposed from the open bodice sagging from her shoulders. “Cover up,” he whispered. “No one will see you.”

The group of three or four people—Theo never turned to find out—talked amongst themselves as they reached the top of the stairs and strolled down the hall toward them.

Eliska’s panicked breathing caught Theo’s attention. He placed his hand on her shoulder.

“You’re safe. They can’t see you,” he assured as she quickly retied her tapes and jerked her bodice closed.

The group paused at a door several yards away from Theo and Eliska. As far as he could tell without looking at them, they hadn’t even noticed the Fairplaces. Once they entered and he heard the door closer, Theo backed away to give Eliska space.

She turned on him, eyes sparkling, lips flushed, the arousal still thrumming through her body. “Did I do well?”

He grinned. “I’m proud of you. You deserve a reward for that.” He put his arm around her shoulders and brought her a few steps further down the hall to their suite door.

∞∞∞

Eliska’s heart beat wildly as Theo ushered her into their suite.

The wood panelling created a rich atmosphere combined with the maroon draperies and the crystal decanter and cups on a table near the large, four-postered bed. Mid afternoon sun filtered through the gauzy curtains, diffusing the room in warm light. Along the wall was a small fireplace. Two white marble satyrs held the mantlepiece up, winking at her as Theo shut the door firmly behind them and kissed her nape.

She shivered, still reeling from the wicked game in the hall.

“More?” her husband asked her, reaching around to unbutton her bodice. Again.

She nodded, leaning against the warmth of his chest and reveling in the feel of his strong arms around her. “Was I good?” she whispered.

His breath heated her neck. “So very, very good. Brave, too.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t think I could've done that.”

She wrinkled her nose at the bed, slipping out of the bodice and letting it drop on the floor between them. Her heavy skirts pressed against their legs, and she set about rectifying that problem. “You could’ve. I'm sure. We trust each other.”

His lips brushed the freckles on her shoulder. “Your trust humbles me. I never take this for granted, how you're willing to play in a way that gives me power.”

Eliska laughed. She appreciated his recognition. Was grateful, even. But she didn't want to talk about it when they could still have their heads in the game. “Touch me, please. If I lean over the bed, will you see how ready for you I am?”

He growled, and his erection was so strong she could feel it through every layer of clothing she was trying to shed.

“I ought to send you over the bed and flip your skirts over your head. Spread your legs. Fuck you, leave you wanting as my seed drips down your legs.”

Eliska’s inner muscles clenched at the filthy words. “If that's what you wish.” She stepped toward the bed as her skirts fell and puddled on the floot, feeling the air behind her part as Theo stepped over her clothing and followed. “But shouldn’t I get that reward?” She threw a smile over her shoulder as she unhooked her corset.

He chuckled, low and dark in his throat. “I will entertain the idea.”

She felt him grip the hem of her chemise and help her get it over her head, leaving the bare curves of her back open to him. One large, male hand followed the path of her spine, making her skin pebble at the touch.

“Undress me,” he rasped.

She turned, bare-breasted now, and did so. He continued his torment from earlier by teasing and plucking at her nipples, making her squirm as she untied his necktie and unbuttoned his waistcoat.

By the time he was naked and she'd lost her drawers, they were both flushed and panting with arousal.

He ran a hand down her arm, shoulder to wrist, in an affectionate gesture as he stepped past her and arranged himself on the bed, back to the headboard, erection jutting expectantly before him. Theo raised an eyebrow at her.

She grinned and climbed onto the bed, feeling less graceful than him.

Theo beckoned her forward, until she knelt over his lap, his cock arrowed straight up at her quim. He ran two fingers along the slit between her legs. She rolled her eyes at the delicious sensation. When he pulled back, her arousal coated his fingers. He grunted in approval. “Sit down,” he urged in warm tones.

Eliska widened her stance, then sank onto his cock. She closed her eyes to relish the sensation of being filled so completely. Balancing herself with both hands on his shoulders, she dropped until he was seated fully inside her, and she sat on his lap. After taking a breath, she opened her eyes to meet his bright brown ones. She smiled. “Hello.”

He kissed her, lushly, deeply, fully. Then he kissed her again, framing her face in his hands.

Eliska’s toes curled as his cocked twitched inside her and his lips melded to hers. On and on the kisses went. His hands drifted from her face to her neck to her breasts, then wrapped around her waist, and urged her to move.

They rocked against one another. Eventually they found a pattern, and Eliska gasped as his cock nudged just the right spot inside her. Theo swallowed her gasp, then licked at her lips.

Eliska rocked inward, rubbing her breasts against the crisp hair of his chest. Sparks of pleasure and delight fizzed through her, driving her closer and closer to the edge.

She was so close. She had been ever since that Mozart bust.

“Do you feel it?” Theo asked between shallow thrusts. “Do you feel how much I want you?”

She nodded, her teeth scraping against his lips. They locked together in every way, arms wrapped round on another, and then the growing pleasure shot her forward, pushing her straight to the edge and she sprang over it.

Eliska shuddered and gasped in her husband’s arms, and then he followed after her. Once the aftershocks of their rapture had faded, and all that was left was warm skin and soft strokes and moisture pooled between them, once they had sated themselves and gentled one another down from their climaxes, Eliska slumped against him, resting her forehead on his shoulder.

“It’s always so good with you,” Theo murmured into her hair, his hand stroking up and down her back.

She kissed a mole just under his ear. “It’s always so good with you.”

They eased down, slipping under the covers and ignoring the mess between them for now. Theo snaked a hand beneath her, and she rested in the inside crook of his elbow. Her hair spilled across the pillow and his chest. They sighed, watching the afternoon sun slide across the wooden floor.

“Are you happy?” Theo asked quietly.

Eliska looked up, trying to catch a glimpse of his face but only catching the underside of his chin. “What sort of question is that?”

Theo shifted under the covers. “I just…I just want to know. To make certain.”

She smiled. “Yes. We won my inheritance back today. Everything that can go to a female descendant, anyway. I’m relieved. I have you. I’m so grateful for you.”

“I did prove quite useful today, didn’t I?” His lofty tone made her laugh.

“Quite proud of yourself, are you?”

His smugness filled the room. He didn’t even have to answer verbally.

Eliska snorted. “I’m grateful to you because I love you, you schwachkopf. You didn’t need to charm a magistrate.”

He chuckled. After a pause he said, “so…you are content with our life?”

Eliska thought briefly of her monthly courses, how they came still with regularity. How she’d assumed that after nearly a year of marriage she’d be expecting a new family member. How it still wasn’t happening. “I had hoped…” she trailed off. She’d voiced her concerns at Christmas. He already knew. And it wasn’t like he could do anything about it.

Theo kissed her hair again. “Violet hasn’t had any children yet, either,” he reminded her.

Violet, his younger sister, had been married for two years. She also had hoped for a child—not with the same insistent longing Eliska did, but they’d spoken of it together. When Blanche, the oldest sister-in-law, was busy wrangling her brood.

Eliska sighed. “It will happen if it’s meant to happen, I suppose.” Now that she had her inheritance, she would love to share it with her family. Not just the money. No, what mattered was the cottage on the Morava River, the heirloom jewelry of her paternal grandmother and the wedding dress of her mother. The Prague apartment they could enter tomorrow. The dusty old philosophy books packed away in crates. All of that, she wanted to share with children one day.

“We haven’t even been married a year,” Theo reminded her.

Eliska brushed off the melancholy feeling. “I have you, and that’s what matters.”

“And Wolfgang,” Theo reminded. “I’m fairly certain you married me for Wolfgang.”

Eliska giggled. “Ah, yes, our mighty hound. Sweet dear. The best wedding present a bridegroom could buy.”

“I’m fairly sure Dennis and Blanche’s children plan to ride him away when we’re not looking,” Theo told her.

“I’m fairly sure you’re correct,” she agreed. She yawned and stretched. “Tomorrow I get to show you the flat. And in a few days, let’s travel to Moravia.”

The curled on his side and embraced her. “I agree. But first, let me rest. And then we’ll go down to supper.”

Eliska wanted to shake him awake, to push him out of bed to get started on the next chapter of their lives together. But then she yawned. “Oh, very well. If we must.” She drifted off to sleep to the beating of her husband’s heart.

The End