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Jacinda held her breath as Phoebe tilted her head. She hadn’t spoken yet somehow her hope—for more—hovered in the air between them and she’d almost forgotten what she’d said. Something teasing about her gown?
“Are you asking me to invite you to my bedchamber for a fitting?” Phoebe asked with a glint in her eye.
“Yes. A fitting.” Jacinda cleared her throat, annoyed at the roughness there. Now that she’d had the thought about a relationship, it lodged itself and wouldn’t go away. She’d always thought that her ambition would get in the way of a relationship; surely no person could stomach the long hours she spent at her work. If it wasn’t for Margs being part of Madame Fabriquer, she and her friend would never see each other, quite unlike her brother and most of her sisters who had found their special person to make a life with. No, Jacinda was content to spend her time on her work, building a strong future for herself and Margs.
“Follow me.” Phoebe opened the door and held it for Jacinda. Jacinda walked into the entrance hall with the grand staircase; her own family home wasn’t this grand, although it was quite large for Manchester. She might not be a Lady but she’d grown up with a reasonable amount of money and was accustomed to attending the nouveau riche at their houses for fittings.
“I am not to be disturbed.”
Jacinda turned her head. Oh, Phoebe was giving an instruction to the butler.
“My bedchamber is up the stairs to the left.” Phoebe started to walk, and Jacinda followed. She didn’t mind following Phoebe in this game, especially when Phoebe reached the top step just before Jacinda, with a glance over her shoulder and a sly little wink. Jacinda’s skin flushed warm and she almost tripped on the last step. Damn, Phoebe was irresistible when she gave her that look—so knowing—that gaze that said she wanted to grab the thread holding her dress together and give it a good tug. Phoebe held the door open, and Jacinda walked into the most luxurious bedroom she’d ever seen. If she’d thought the one at the Soho Club had a spectacular bed, this one was grander. Rich green velvet hung from the four-poster bed, creating a cosy space, high off the floor. Jacinda barely had time to scan the room when she was pushed up against the door and thoroughly kissed.
“It’s been too long.” Phoebe’s voice cracked. When Jacinda tried to answer, she was being kissed again. This was the kiss of someone who desperately needed her, and damned if it didn’t make her legs turn to jelly and her whole body warm. She was wet enough to ruin her drawers. A little laugh bubbled up. How fortunate that she owned a shop filled with fabric and she could simply make some more. She placed her hands on Phoebe’s shoulders and gave a little push.
“I’ve been sewn into this gown. There’s a little loop of thread under my left armpit. Tug it.”
“How precarious. Your seamstresses should be more careful.” Phoebe sparkled. Jacinda spread her arms wide against the heavy oak door, tilting her head backwards too. Phoebe held her chin between forefinger and thumb for a moment, gazing deep into Jacinda’s eyes. What might she see? Jacinda tried not to tremble—not in fear, but in anticipation—as she didn’t want to give the wrong impression.
“You have the most fascinating face.”
“Oh?” Jacinda shouldn’t ask what that meant.
“There’s not much delicacy about you. If you were the daughter of a Duke, you’d need to have a hefty dowry.”
“I didn’t come here to be insulted.”
“It’s not an insult. What these fools don’t realise is that a bone structure like yours will become more and more stunning as you age.” Phoebe traced her fingertips along Jacinda’s cheeks, creating trails of heat, and just as Jacinda opened her mouth to beg for more, Phoebe caressed her throat. Just slightly too hard as she pressed her fingertips against the hollow between her collarbones. A moan escaped. It shouldn’t be so hot to have Phoebe hint at cutting off her breath. Of course, she didn’t. It was the mere suggestion of control that had Jacinda melting.
“I’ve seen youth fade. Yours is the type of face that will continue to draw attention for all your life; the type of face that poetry is written about. With your keen gaze and determined set of your jaw.”
“You are still not exactly making me sound lovely.” Jacinda didn’t know what to make of this conversation.
Phoebe chuckled. “Of course most people would be intimidated by you...”
“But not you?”
“No. You are exactly what I was looking for. What I needed when I didn’t know what that might be.” Phoebe traced her fingers along the neckline of Jacinda’s gown, easily found the loop of fabric that Jacinda had purposely created for this moment, and tugged. The entire side seam unravelled and her dress—as planned—sagged.
“How clever.” Phoebe’s eyes widened gratifyingly as Jacinda undid the few remaining hooks to remove the bodice and sleeves. Jacinda collected the gown; now reduced to a bolt of fabric and hung it neatly over a chair.
“Yes.”
“Cleverness needs a reward.”
Jacinda got the impression she was about to benefit from Phoebe’s experience, and she wanted all of it. Everything. “And what did you have in mind?”
“Undress me.” Phoebe turned her back on Jacinda. She wasn’t about to obey efficiently, so she ran her hands over the cotton day dress, all the way to the hem that floated just above the floor. She grabbed the hem, flinging the dress up to Phoebe’s waist, then tied the fabric into a loose knot, while saying a quick apology to Phoebe’s maid who would now have the press the entire outfit. Yes, the sharp inhale from Phoebe was just what she’d been trying to achieve. She pulled down Phoebe’s drawers.
“Step out.” Jacinda waited until Phoebe obeyed her rough command, then Jacinda knelt on the floor and pressed her cheek against the back of Phoebe’s naked thigh. She blew a breath upwards and was immediately rewarded with a little moan.
“Kiss me.”
Jacinda kissed her thigh.
“Not there. Higher. Suck my pearl.”
The specific command was a rush of blood to Jacinda’s head. She pushed Phoebe’s legs apart and lifted herself on her knees just far enough to cover Phoebe’s soaked entrance with her whole mouth. From this angle, kneeling behind Phoebe, she couldn’t reach Phoebe’s clit, so she used her hands instead. With every stroke of her tongue and fingers, Jacinda revelled in the heady taste of Phoebe in her mouth. She loved this; the most intimate of kisses, and she especially loved the way Phoebe’s legs trembled and how she made the best noises.
“I’m so close. Stop.”
Jacinda moved her face away—reluctantly—and dropped her hands to rest against Phoebe’s knees.
“Come to bed with me. I want to touch you too.” Phoebe bent over, giving Jacinda a brilliant view, and held Jacinda’s hand. While Jacinda was still trying to find her breath, Phoebe tugged her hand and she rose so she could follow Phoebe across the room to the bed. As they walked, Jacinda used her other hand to untie the ribbon holding up her own drawers, letting them fall to the ground. She managed to avoid tripping over the useless scrap of fabric. Phoebe turned.
“Oh. You’ve taken off—” Phoebe blinked rapidly, her bosom heaving in a most gratifying way.
“Yes. Now undo my stays.” Jacinda was perfectly capable of doing it herself. Seeing Phoebe respond with a deep breath that made her breasts rise into lovely mounds, straining against her own stays, made Jacinda want to fan herself. Gosh, it was hot in this room, a luxurious, glorious heat that infused her all the way through, almost to satisfaction. Phoebe lifted their joined hands and placed Jacinda’s hand on her shoulder, then she released her hold and trailed her fingers along Jacinda’s collarbone, slowly dipping down to the hem of her stays. Jacinda held her breath as Phoebe took her sweet time in undoing the ribbon holding her stays together. Heat flickered over her skin with every touch, every caress. Finally her stays fell and she could breathe in deeply.
“You are delightful.”
“As you are.” Jacinda fumbled at Phoebe’s garment, trying to quickly get rid of the pesky thing. Not soon enough, but eventually Phoebe stood there in her chemise only.
“I’m done with waiting.” Phoebe wrapped her arms around Jacinda and pushed her against the bed. Before Jacinda could take another breath, she was being thoroughly kissed. On the mouth, then all the way down her throat. Phoebe sucked hard on that spot on her throat where she’d pressed her fingers earlier and Jacinda thought she might expire.
“How are you so good at this?” Jacinda gasped as Phoebe cupped her breasts and nuzzled them.
“I’ve been waiting a long time for someone like you.”
“Like me?”
“Someone who knows who they are and what they want. Someone...” Phoebe sucked one of Jacinda’s nipples and Jacinda lost the ability to talk or care that Phoebe hadn’t completed whatever she was going to say. Phoebe slid her hands down Jacinda’s waist, then grabbed her hips.
“...Incredible. Now. Up.”
“Huh?” Jacinda was stirred beyond comprehension.
“Sit on the bed.” Phoebe pushed, and Jacinda nodded. She lifted herself up onto the edge of the bed and shards of passion spread across her skin as Phoebe pushed her knees apart and licked, as if she were the most delectable treat in the world. Jacinda clutched the quilt on the bed; the luxury of silk against her palms mimicking the delicious agony of Phoebe’s tongue.
“Please.” She cried out, wanting more. She threw her legs around Phoebe’s head, pulling her closer, and Phoebe responded with the most fantastic tongue lashing. Oh dear God in heaven. The suction on her pearl had Jacinda crying out for more, until she was writhing on the bed. Phoebe’s attentions went on and on until Jacinda could barely breathe. Could she last forever in this state of ‘almost’?
“Phoebe.” Jacinda screamed her name as her whole body went cold, then burning hot, then pleasure burst free in wave after wave. “Phoebe. Oh.” She collapsed back on the bed, her legs sliding down Phoebe’s shoulders. After a moment, Phoebe stood, then lay on the bed beside her, kissing her neck with little kisses.
“Shall we do the fitting now?”
Jacinda slung one arm over Phoebe’s body. “How can you tease me right now?”
“This is just the beginning.”
Jacinda rolled, just enough, so she could gaze at Phoebe properly. “Promises, promises.” She cupped Phoebe’s breasts, still covered by her chemise, and kissed her with all the ardency that she had. She dedicated herself to Phoebe’s pleasure, wanting to give her lover all the same joy she’d just enjoyed. Hopefully she had enough skill to adequately live up to the task.