Page 28

Perri sensed Brandth’s approach, even as Alia disappeared with the man dressed all in black, heading for the dance floor. Attuned to him, Perri looked to her left. Oh, my. Brandth should have looked ridiculous in his over the top Mendath outfit, but damn, it suited him. Mendath had been a legendary explorer, artist, bandit, war hero and of course… lover. Plays, songs and operas had been written regarding his exploits. Always depicting him in the prime of his life, wearing forest green tight breeches, a loose billowing matching shirt and a jaunty feather fixed into his peaked hat.

Lifting her hand, bringing it to his lips, it was as if Brandth were striking a match, heat igniting low and deep within Perri.

“Words fail me, you look…”

“Wicked… it’s the name of the costume.”

“Delightfully wicked, and stunningly sinfully beautiful.”

Perri liked how Brandth’s gaze remained fixed upon her eyes as he addressed her. No leering down her décolletage, or trying to study the contours of the webbed glittering mask, attempting to sneak a peek behind it.

“And you, Lord Brandth, look decidedly handsome this evening. Like a man seeking a mountain to conquer. A rich man to rob. Or an army to defeat single-handedly.”

“Where Mendath found time to supposedly seduce all those women astounds me. I find all my time and energy consumed by the pursuit of one temptress. Fair lady, I would ask you to dance, but unfortunately my leg isn’t quite up to such activity yet. Perhaps I might escort you somewhere a little more… private, so I can wax lyrical about your beauty, and you may feel relaxed enough to share further secrets regarding your extraordinary attire.”

Perri allowed Brandth to begin leading her around the edge of the ballroom. “Secrets?”

“Buttons. Bows. Knots. How many and where might they be located.”

He lifted his free hand, waggling his fingers.

“Or… in the spirit of Mendath, I would be happy to go on a close and personal exploration, and we can uncover all of those secrets together.”

“Perhaps.”

Hiding her amusement as Brandth stumbled a little. Yes, two could play at the seduction game. They continued to skirt the edge of the room, ducking behind the crowd until Brandth abruptly stopped, holding her in place beside him. “Why-”

“Ssshhh, just a little patience.”

A minute passed, she was about to enquire again what was going on when she felt a draft behind her, glancing back, she was shocked to see a narrow doorway had opened in the panelling. Brandth ducked in, pulling Perri quickly in behind him. The secret door closing as soon as she’d cleared it.

“Hold still, I just… there.”

Brandth held up a small lantern he’d managed to light. “Come.”

He led the way up a narrow dark staircase, their footsteps loud. With the closing of the door the sounds of the ball had vanished completely.

Perri was intrigued. A secret door with a staircase behind it. A very clean one she noted. No dust. Though the air was a little stuffy. They climbed in silence. Up at least two floors before Brandth halted in front of what looked like a wall, but a moment later a door slid open and they were able to exit.

The room beyond was surprising and not at all what Perri was expecting. A library. A private one, for the room wasn’t large. Every wall lined with bookcases, all full, from the ground to the ceiling. There was an unlit fireplace, two lanterns placed on the mantle above it, illuminating the room with a soft glow reflected in the ornate mirror hung above the mantle.

The library was sparsely furnished except for a large very comfortable looking red velvet chaise lounge that took up most of the floorspace, along with several small tables. A bottle of mead, glasses, and a bowl of grapes resting upon one of them.

Once Perri’s gaze hit on the chaise, she couldn’t seem to look away. Absently taking the glass of mead Brandth poured and handed over. A wave of insecurity suddenly assailing her as he took her other hand, but instead of drawing her down onto the chaise, he led the way out onto a small stone balcony that overlooked the entertainment going on in the gardens two stories below.

The fresh air was much appreciated. Leaning back against the balcony railing, Perri took a sip of mead, staring at Brandth, who was likewise leaning against the railing, looking relaxed, a smile lifting the edges of his lips.

“What? You thought I was going to throw you down on the chaise and have my sinful way with you without even giving you a drink first?”

She was being a ninny, where was her backbone.

“I should imagine more than anything you needed a few minutes to recover after climbing all those stairs. How’s your leg?”

“There’s my haranguing healer. What shall we drink to? This glorious night? Your beautiful blue eyes?”

Perri looked down at the firelit paths below, the colourfully clad crowd meandering aimlessly, laughing, chatting, unaware that far above them on a darkened balcony two figures were about to engage in a dance as old as time.

“How about we drink to momentary mayhem, the good kind.”

“There’s a good kind of mayhem?”

“Very much so, according to my Great-Aunt and she’s had four… no, five husbands. Mary maintains that societies rules are too binding, too rigid, too constricting. She advocates, every now and then, throwing off the shackles and indulging in a little mayhem.”

“Include me on the manifest. To mayhem.”

Brandth held his glass high. Perri echoing his movement before they both drank.

“Mayhem? I like it.”

“You do understand that it’s a passing dalliance with mayhem. That once the moment… the evening is over, the participants do not speak or refer to it again.”

“Even with each other?”

“Especially with each other.”

“Huh, considering the terminology, you would think a bout of mayhem would have less… rules associated with it.”

Mused Brandth thoughtfully.

Perri took another sip of mead, wondering how one kicked off a night of seduction. Was she supposed to say or do something? Brandth was no doubt more familiar with such things. But she could hardly baldly ask him. Yet the man wasn’t saying or doing anything but continuing to lean against the rail, his eyes glittering darkly in the shadows, solely focused upon her. She liked that, his gaze, it felt weighty and full of… promise.

Without being aware of it Perri placed her goblet on the railing and closed the distance between them, coming to a stop beside him, so close she could feel the heat of his body only inches away.

Looking up at him, the words came and she could not stop them, didn’t want to stop them.

“You’re a very beautiful man.”

He didn’t protest. Or leer. Though she did note his breathing had deepened.

“It’s a silly thing, beauty. It’s prized, coveted and revered. Yet essentially it’s worth nothing, although can prove to be the only thing of value a woman might have. It can’t be bought. Or stolen. However, there are ways to fool and trick onlookers into believing beauty exists when it does not.”

“Now I feel like I should apologise for some reason.”

Perri’s finger came up to press against those soft warm lips of his.

“When beauty is false and the smoke clears to reveal the reality… many people would say that’s the greatest betrayal of all. It takes a while to trust in beauty again. And I wanted you to know that I’m not here with you this evening because of the way you look… perhaps despite it, if truth be told.”

A little frown now marred Brandth’s forehead. Bemusement lurking in his shadow darkened eyes.

“Is that a compliment? Just asking on behalf of my ego.”

Laughing under her breath, Perri leaned in closer, moulding her lower body to his, placing a hand on his warm chest, feeling the fast beat of his heart under her touch.

“The packaging is pretty, and it took me a while… a good long while to see past all the misdirection and glib charm you lay on so thickly when you wish to obfuscate. To peek behind your curtain if you will.”

“You don’t say.”

“I thought you were the player, but now I realise you’re the stage director, who manipulates, cajoles and manages everyone around him. Yet at the same time, you care, you listen, and perhaps more importantly I think, you empathise with the marionettes you control.”

“Again, if these are compliments, they continue to confuse and bewilder me.”

Slowly, Perri reached up, pulling on the drawstring keeping his shirt together, parting the material and very deliberately placing her hand over his heart. His muscles taut under her touch but his bared skin surprisingly velvet soft. She heard the slightest catch in Brandth’s throat, making her feel decidedly powerful.

“I’ve never seduced anyone before, perhaps I’m doing it wrong. Would you like me to stop?”

“Gods no. Carry on… consider me happily at your mercy. This is a fresh and surprising perspective, that is all.”

“I’ve been thinking about seduction rather a lot over the last few days. The intricacies involved. More and more, it struck me as only equitable that I do my fair share, when it comes to the seduction.”

“And do I have your permission to start contributing?”

“Not just yet. First, I thought we should discuss the rules of our dalliance with… mayhem. I will not be removing my mask.”

“I have no issue with that, right at this moment it’s not the article of clothing I wish to start peeling off of you.”

“And we’re in agreement? Once the night is over, once we leave this room, we’ll not discuss it again?”

“You have my word as a gentleman. Anything else?”

“Just that I should warn you.”

Slowly, Perri slid her hand across his heated bare flesh, her fingers dancing down his side, trailing over each of his ribs.

“Given my extensive medical background, I believe I may have an unfair advantage this evening. Do not be discouraged if your… limited background has you at a disadvantage.”

Perri’s grin was broad, taunting.

“A challenge, fair lady? I’ll have you know all men are not made equal.”

“I’m very aware. And you’re forgetting that I have made a close and personal study of you. It’s why I know you like to be touched right… here.”

Her fingers trailed over Brandth’s sensitive bare skin just above his hip bone. His entire body clenching in reaction.

“It seems the bell has been rung. Our bout of mayhem has commenced. To the victor, the spoils.”

Brandth leaned down, capturing Perri’s soft full lips in a kiss. Wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her in even closer.

“You taste like summer berries.”

Perri gripped the edges of his shirt, pushing the material back, baring his upper body completely. His skin so soft, she wanted to explore every inch. And his kisses, as their lips met once more, made her head spin and her body burn. By the nine circles, his lips now leaving a trail of fire behind as he kissed the side of her throat, nuzzling his way down to her exposed shoulder. Somehow, thanks to Brandth’s magically talented fingers no doubt, her dress, at least the top few buttons, had come undone. Her breasts spilling out, his lips worshipping them.

Tugging her dress down a little further his hands lifted her breasts higher still. Capturing a rose coloured nipple in his mouth. Clamping his teeth down on it ever so slightly, that small ache sparking unfamiliar sensations.

Carnal need slammed through Perri. She didn’t care she was standing on a darkened balcony. That her breasts were exposed to the summer night air. Back arching, one of her hands sinking into Brandth’s gloriously thick silky hair.

“We should-”

Perri cut him off, pressing her lips against his. No talking. No more games. No more waiting. The buttons of his breeches came apart easily under her touch. Liking the groan in the back of his throat as she palmed his cock. His flesh so heated and hard, the head of his cock a little slick, Perri spreading that liquid down over his length, slowly, torturously. Brandth’s approving groan a little louder and deeper this time. Going up on tip toes she kissed him again, deeper, sliding her hand up and down the solid ready length of him a few more times before Brandth abruptly caught her wrist.

“You’ll undo me.”

His other hand hiking up the skirts of Perri’s dress. Pushing all the material aside, his fingers running up her thigh, to her apex. Her underwear was lace, matching… well, it had matched her dress. Now it was just a torn scrap of material on the floor. Oh, Gods, Brandth had done that. His urgency and recklessness so very, very exciting.

Brandth covered Perri’s mouth with his own, pulling her in even closer as he lifted one of her legs, her knee coming to rest on the stone railing, her apex settling against the long length of his cock. She might have whimpered, the cad smiling, still kissing her, knowing what the feel of his heated flesh was doing to her. The friction felt so good, Perri pressing her clit even closer to that teasing hard rod.

Brandth broke their kiss for a moment.

“You’re determined to undo me.”

“And you me.”

Perri sank her fingers into that thick mane of silken hair, yanking his lips back down onto her own. Heartily approving as he lifted her higher, hugging her in closer, the head of cock settling at the entrance of her apex. Abruptly he surged upwards.

Perri revelled in a gamut of heady sensations as Brandth’s cock filled her. Clinging to him, never wanting this ride to end. Each forceful thrust causing her insides to quiver with delight. Little zings of heat rippling constantly throughout her body. She no longer cared about anything but the feel of Brandth’s hard cock plunging into her needy, greedy apex. It had been way too long since she had felt so completely and utterly alive as she did right at this moment.

Light flickered across them, the jugglers were tossing their fireballs high into the sky. Their gazes meeting, Brandth’s eyes filled with passion and something more… personal. He was looking at Perri as if she were the only woman in the world. And just for tonight she let herself believe in that fantasy.

Gifting him with a wicked smile.

“Harder. I won’t break.”

Gratified as Brandth tightened his hold on her and pumped into her with fresh vigour. She felt like a Goddess, worshipped, as his lips trailed blazing heated pathways over her throat, her shoulders, returning to her lips again and again. As if she were nectar and he needed her to live.

Somehow Perri managed to hook her other leg around Brandth’s waist, the angle allowing him to plunge deeper still into her core. It was too much, and yet exactly what she needed. A growl of approval leaving her, causing Brandth to laugh under his breath.

Perri didn’t know how long they had been rutting; moments, minutes, hours. She was already dreading the rising sun. Her whole body clenching as a wash of pink light filled the heavens.

“Damn… the fireworks.”

Oh, crud. Every eye would be looking upwards. Perri bit back a scream as Brandth abruptly lurched towards the doors of the wide open balcony, carrying her with him, still inside her. It was scary. Had they been seen?

Her back thudding up against a bookcase just inside the small library, Brandth’s cock surging into her at the same time. Their eyes met again as splashes of colourful lights spilled into the room, followed by the sounds of fireworks exploding. Brandth was grinning, he was insane. What if someone… everyone, had seen them?

He pistoned into her core again. Heady sensations slamming back through Perri, sweeping away her fears and perhaps her sanity. Because what did it matter if they had been seen? Who would care? Except perhaps Regal, and the thought of rubbing salt into his festering wounds made her laugh out loud.

A book fell, and then a second, Perri clutching at Brandth, encouraging him on. Yes. The heat inside her quickly returning to a scalding level, yet she wanted to burn hotter, brighter. The friction of Brandth’s cock throwing fresh fuel on the fire within her. Yet, she wanted… more.

And it was like Brandth read her mind, as he hefted her higher with one arm, whilst at the same time shoving aside the full skirts of her dress with his other hand. Reaching between them even as he continued to thrust deeply into her core. His canny fingers coming to rest on her slick clit. Perri biting her lip so she wouldn’t beg for her release. But then Brandth proceeded to flick the highly sensitive nub. Once. Twice. She whimpered, that felt so good… then he pinched the tip for just a split second and it was like the fireworks outside exploded inside Perri. A blazing wave of heat sweeping through her, sizzling her blood and stealing her breath. Yes.

Two thrusts more had Brandth half groaning, half shouting his own release, in what sounded suspiciously like her name. By the nine circles. The two of them fighting for breath. Brandth’s cock withdrawing from Perri’s body. His sweaty forehead coming down to rest against hers. Their breath finally slowing and matching.

“That was… fun.”

For some reason she sensed he’d intended to use a different descriptive word, changing his mind at the last moment.

“Long live mayhem.”

She accepted his help, her feet finally touching the ground. Brandth helping to steady her. It was a good thing too, as her knees were as wobbly as those of a day old colt.

“Turn around.”

She didn’t even think about questioning his instruction.

“What are you doing?”

Trying to look back over her shoulder. He was playing with the buttons of her dress. Doing them up? Was the night over already? Disappointment searing through Perri momentarily before she realised that her dress had been loosened completely. She fought the urge to clutch at it. Gods, the man had just been inside her, the time for modesty was long gone. Resolutely she let the material fall away, turning to face him. Only the dim light from the mantle lanterns casting any illumination now. Taking a deep breath she met his gaze boldly, unapologetically. She was a woman on the cusp of thirty, a mother, a full time healer, this was her body and if he didn’t approve…

“You’re a hundred times more wickedly enticing without the dress. A dream made flesh.”

Reaching up Perri smacked him lightly on the forehead.

“There’s no reason to continue to smother me with honeyed words, Brandth. Consider me lured and secured.”

Leaning down he kissed her quickly but with a lingering promise of heat.

“I only speak truths. Can I help it if, when I see a work of art, I must stop, savour it, admire it… worship it?”

Damnation, he talked a good game. In self-defence Perri smacked him lightly on the forehead again.

“Less glib words, more action.”

Can’t we do both?”

His hand trailing down her bare arm, reaching her hand he clasped it in his, bringing it up to gift a heated kiss across the back of her knuckles.

“Besides, how do you know I’m not casting out my hook, breathlessly waiting for you to return the favour.”

“The favour?”

How could a kiss on the back of her hand relight the fires that burned deep inside her?

“Where are your honeyed words? Do you not think my chest broad? My arms muscular? My cock…”

He didn’t finish that sentence, both of them looking down at the clear evidence that his cock was clearly ready for more mayhem.

Perri had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. He really was a strangely unique man. Certainly Regal had never sought to make her laugh in such an intimate setting. And honestly, the blind tinker had been a little on the grim side. But here she was, naked except for her mask, and Brandth De’Luca was making her laugh… and feel exceedingly comfortable in her own skin. Inviting Perri to play, no less. Okay then.

“You appear to be seeking a compliment. Alright. I must admit that I find the veneer of your boots to be impressively shiny.”

“What…? Damn.”

Brandth laughed, yanking off first one boot then the other before shucking his breeches that had been pushed down around his lower thighs.

“See the effect you have on me?”

Stepping forward, sweeping an arm around Perri’s waist, swinging her around and backing her up until her knees met the resistance of the red velvet chaise. Lowering her down gently, covering her with his warm naked body.

“Again? So soon?”

“We agreed upon one night. Until the sun breaks the horizon you are all mine, sweet Perri.”

Reaching up, sinking her fingers into his silken hair, Perri pulled Brandth’s lips down to her own. Breaking the kiss, she smiled up at him.

“Whatever will we find to do to pass the time?”

“Given you’re the medical expert, perhaps you could provide me with a lesson on anatomy.”

His hand trailing down her arm, and then to her stomach.

“I promise to be very attentive and studious. Applying myself vigorously to the subject matter.”

“I must warn you, I make a lot of demands upon the students who are assigned to me.”

The heat within was escalating towards bonfire levels again. Everywhere Brandth touched her felt hyper aware and awakened.

“Demands? Enlighten me. I’m unafraid of fresh challenges.”

Leaning down to trail kisses across Perri’s throat and shoulders.

“I…”

Oh, Gods, he hadn’t stopped trailing kisses down her body, now passing her navel and didn’t show any signs of stopping. Easing Perri’s legs apart and leaning forward to kiss her there… yes, there, and it felt so very, very good. Especially when he followed the kiss up with his tongue. Doing things she had only ever heard about. The reality was so much better than she’d imagined.

“You taste even better than in my dreams. Sweet honeyed nectar.”

Laving her clit with his tongue.

Perri fought not to moan in pure unadulterated bliss as she didn’t want Brandth to think her provincial. Though no doubt the little whimpers escaping from the back of her throat were a dead giveaway that she was enjoying this experience. Yes. Right there. Damn, she couldn’t let him think he’d gotten one over her. He’d be way too smug.

“I’m… liking your attention… to detail.”

“What can I say…”

Brandth glanced up, smiling, and yes, that was definitely a smug tilt lifting the edges of his lips. Ooh, just you wait, M’Lord, she promised silently, let’s see if you can keep your eyes from crossing when I return the favour.

“… I always like to be at the top of the class.”

His head thankfully dipping back down.

Perri was only just getting back into the mood, sensations slamming through her, building, building, only for everything to cease abruptly as once more Brandth paused. Probably so could he tease or taunt her again. But she wasn’t having it. Perri wanted the fireworks again. Reaching down, she slapped Brandth up the side of his gorgeous head and snapped at him in her best waspish tone.

“Less chatter, more dedication to the task at hand.”

For her efforts Brandth did nothing but laugh, eyes gleaming brightly in the lantern light as he glanced up at her.

“Whatever you command, my sweet harridan.”