Page 18 of Their Brazen Countess (The Lustful Lords #6)

May 1867

J os heart was about to leap from her chest. Her palms were sweaty and her knees weak. Perhaps this was a bad idea?

It had been so long since shed spoken to either of them. Occasionally she saw one or both from across a ballroom, but never had she dared to speak to them. She feared her husband would see the truth if she had andthough she had not love himshe was loathed to hurt him in such a fashion.

But everything had changed.

Sucking in a breath of the cool spring air, Jo braced herself and knockedand waited. It seemed to take forever for the butler to answer the door.

Finally, it swung open, revealing a middle-aged man wearing simple but elegant livery of black and white. How may I be of service, my lady?

She started at the honorific. How do you know I am a lady?

The man smiled serenely. Your clothing betrays you, my lady.

Her brows drew together. I could be some rich nabob without a title.

You could, yet I would treat you with the same respect until you made yourself known to me. The man let one eyebrow lift in punctuation. Then he waited.

Jo smiled. Fair enough. Please would you tell Lord Dunmere that Lady Whitestone is here to see him, Mr. She handed over her calling card, unsure what to call the man at the door.

The man took her card and inspected it. Harris, my lady. Then he bowed before closing the door.

The next time the door opened, it was not Harris, but Linc. Jo?

She had been watching the people passing by on the street, so turned at his voice. Hello, Linc. She smiled hopefully and waited to see what he would say.

Before he could spit out a response, Arthur was there, pushing Linc out of the doorway. Jo?

Again she smiled, still standing there on the front stoop. Its me.

Before she knew what was happening, Arthur was grabbing her hand and dragging her in the house.

She supposed she shouldnt have been surprised to find the pair of them together. It seemed one was rarely found without the other, at least in her experience. Once the door was closed, she found herself being embraced then passed to the other man, over and over again.

Happiness fizzed inside her, bubbling up into a laugh Jo simply couldnt contain. It felt so good to be welcomed with such warmth and affection after so many years apart. So many years spent pretending the barbs and icy animosity of her husbands family didnt matter.

Finally, Arthur set her back from him and blocked Linc from grabbing her once more. Enough, or the poor woman will think weve gone mad.

She laughed delightedly. Never! You two were ever the most wonderful pair to spend time with. I couldnt possibly think you mad.

Linc grinned. It is so wonderful to see you again. He turned to Arthur. But we are being poor hosts, making the poor thing stand here in the hall. He turned back to her. Please, take off your cloak and come sit with us. He helped her remove her cloak and handed it off to Harris. The butler took the coat and turned to disappear. Harris, send in tea and cakes, please.

Very good, my lord. Harris bowed and departed into the bowels of the house with her cloak.

Jo was ushered into a beautifully decorated salon done in shades of green with dark wood trim. It was both masculine yet welcoming to the fairer sex, an impressive balance to strike. They arranged themselves on the various couches and chairs available so they sat in a perfect triangle that allowed them to see and speak with each other.

Just like old times.

How are you doing? Arthur ventured once theyd settled.

I am well. Perhaps better than well now. She offered a sunny smile that felt as though it would be perpetually plastered on her face when in the company of these two men.

Linc tried to look casual as he lounged in the chair across from her, but she could feel the tension emanating from him. What brings you here after such a long absence from our lives?

Linc! That is no way to welcome our bosom friend back to us, Arthur chided from where he sat, his deeper tones rolling through her and causing sensations she had long forgotten were possible.

Just then a sharp knock sounded, interrupting whatever response Linc had been about to supply. The door of the salon swung open, and a maid wheeled in a cart laden with tea and cakes as requested.

Nervously, Jo smoothed the deep purple sarcenet skirt of her walking gown. Would they wish to rekindle their understanding? Even if their amorous feelings had long since faded, she had cherished their friendship. But so much had changed, for them and for her. She did not wish to intrude where she was no longer wanted. After four years of feeling like an intruder, she wanted to be wanted.

Finally the maid had poured and passed out tea to each of them, as well as a plate with an assortment of delicacies to taste. Once they were alone again, Jo cleared her throat. I am just out of mourning from my husbands passing. And I wished to take the opportunity to renew a few friendships my marriage had not allowed me to maintain. If that is not a welcome turn of events, I completely understand. She fell silent, her hand trembling as she lifted her tea to her lips.

Arthur glanced at Linc, who nodded slightly, then he cleared his throat. I believe I speak for both of us when I say we would be delighted to renew our acquaintance with you. This is a very welcome turn of events. Arthur smiled gently and took a sip of tea.

I am thrilled to hear that. I was afraid that after so much time had passed, you two might have forgotten me. We knew each other for such a brief time. Jo hesitated, not sure if she should say her next thoughts, but she was tired of holding her thoughts in after five years of biting her tongue. Butbut remembering our time together sustained me through the dark days of my marriage.

Was it all terrible? Linc asked, pain seeping into his voice as though the thought of her misery hurt him physically.

Jo shook her head, trying to gather her thoughts. No, not all of it. My marriage allowed my sister, Rebecca, to marry for love. She has been happily wrapped in marital bliss for the last four years.

But what of you? Arthur asked, concern causing his brow to furrow.

Honestly, Whitestone was not a bad husband, he was just not you two , hung on her lips, but she didnt wish to push. Well, he was just a typical English husband. He had a mistress and other than getting an heir on me, left me be. He was never intentionally cruel, and he was even kind at times. Her lips tipped up on one side in a wry twist. His family, on the other hand, was awful to me. Are awful to me. If they werent cutting down my decorating or fashion choices, they were ignoring me as though I didnt exist. When I became pregnant, they turned particularly nasty. But now I am a widow, I am no longer forced to tolerate them as often as when my husband was alive.

Bloody hell, Arthur said as he set his tea down with a clatter. Had we known

Jo smiled softly, the warmth of his concern wrapping around her chest. Had you known, you could have done nothing to aid me that would not have made things worse. She took a bite of a cake and moaned at the delicious lemony flavor that burst over her tongue.

The men grew still as their gazes riveted to her. Jo opened her eyes and realized they were staring. Her cheeks grew warm. My apologies. The cake is divine.

Arthur licked his lips, and all but growled, Not a problem.

Linc almost choked, ending up in a coughing fit. Arthur rose and slapped him on the back.

Jo took another bite, suppressing the moan this time. The pair of them were still devastatingly handsome and had her senses reeling. She had merely come to see them to renew their friendship but as she sat there, watching them interact, the memories came flooding back. How it felt to be pressed between them. To have them filling her, pleasuring her together.

Heat infused her face, spreading down Jos neck as the memories continued to come unbidden. She had to set her plate down before she dropped it and tried to calm herself.

A chuckle from the direction of the pair drew her attention.

Arthur, I do believe our Wood Sprite has begun having wayward thoughts again. Lincs sparkling eyes belied the desire she could sense rolling off him.

My apologies. I was just remembering old times. I would not presume to expect things to be as they once were. Jo fanned her face, wishing the floor would open and swallow her whole.

Why not? Arthur asked, his low voice more gravelly than she remembered.

I have no idea if either or both of you might be engaged elsewhere, though I shall admit to watching for banns or marriage announcements. She looked at her fingers, knotted in her lap.

Jo, look at me, Arthur demanded, drawing her gaze from her lap. The power of his voice rolled through her, shaking her to her core. Neither of us is spoken for. In fact, we are, but perhaps not in the way you would expect. We are committed to each other, despite the limitations of society.

A small gasp escaped her. You are together? And people know this?

Our closest friends do, but we are not trying to flaunt our unusual relationship before the Ton. I cant imagine the shock if Arthur swept me into a waltz in the middle of Almacks. Linc laughed heartily.

She joined him in the laughter, imagining the whole scene. Yes, that would be a sensational bit of gossip. I suspect it would travel the Ton in record time.

Yes, and to the magistrates as well, I would imagine, Arthur said. But more importantly, what were you imagining just now, Jo?

Could she tell them? Could she not? I- I was remembering how it felt to be pressed between you both. The words escaped her in a near whisper.

Where has our bold little Wood Sprite gone? Linc asked as he rose from his chair. I remember the woman who read naughty books and demanded what she wanted from us.

Jos gaze tracked him as he prowled over to where she sat. With Linc as a distraction, she hadnt noticed that Arthur had done the same on her other side. Suddenly she found herself hauled up off the settee and into Arthurs arms.

If you do not want this Jodo not want us speak up. Because we never forgot about you, and I am tired of pretending my cock hasnt been hard and throbbing with desire for you since you walked through the door.

Yes, she said on an exhale of breath. Oh, kiss me, Arthur.

Linc, lock the door. Arthur demanded before his lips crashed down on hers.

His tongue swept in and explored her mouth as his hands roamed over her back and down to her bottom. Behind her, she felt the heat of Linc pressing against her as Arthur moaned into her mouth. This was what she remembered . Being surrounded by masculine heat and firm bodies made her feel protected. It was wonderful.

Arthur broke their kiss and turned her to face Linc, who captured her mouth. He pushed past her lips and allowed his tongue to explore.

Kissing him was different from kissing Arthur. His exploration was gentler, more searching and less a storming of her defenses. Jo enjoyed both. Letting his care and concern sweep through her as their tongues dueled, she melted into Linc. Then she felt fingers on her buttons, unfastening the smart jacket of her walking gown. Once it had been peeled off they started on her blouse and skirt, each of them taking one of the garments.

It was amazing how quickly a woman could get undressed when two determined men were at hand.

Corset tossed by the wayside, Linc tugged her chemise down and sucked one nipple into his mouth. She arched and moaned as sensation blitzed her body. Arthur pressed behind her, the bare skin of his chest pressing to her back. She sank her fingers into Lincs golden hair as he moved from one breast to the other, licking and sucking.

As pleasure bombarded her, Jo wondered how shed survived without this, without them for five years?