Conquering a Viscount Read online

  She heard thunder roll in the distance and glanced up to see the sky was darkening to black. Just as the heavens opened up all its fury and the wind was beating upon the carriage, they rolled into the front drive of their home. Juliet took a deep breath and schooled herself with reserve. In three hours, she would go get Olivia.

  Chapter 3

  The storm raged on through the afternoon and the manor was as quiet as death. Upon arriving, Emily had gone immediately to bed along with her mother. Juliet sat with Elisabeth in the parlor listening to the rain pound upon the windows.

  “I don’t like it Jules.” Elisabeth said and startled Juliet out of her deep thoughts.

  “Neither do I Lis, but what choice do I have?” Juliet tried to give her friend a reassuring smile that came out much too strained.

  “I still think someone should go with you, Clinton must be mad to send you out there alone!”

  Elisabeth rose up from her chair, walked over to the windows and stared out into the storm. “The weather alone is bad enough, but to think of what could be waiting for you and what could happen is too horrifying for words.”

  Juliet walked over and stood next to Elisabeth. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  “I know things could turn out badly, but right now more than anything I need your support and your promise. Promise me you will look after my mother and Emily?” Once she was certain she had reassured Elisabeth, Juliet made her way upstairs to her room.

  She wasted no time in digging through her closet locating her pants and button down shirt she wore when riding at leisure across the estates. Tonight was no night to be in a silly dress. She would be soaked through to the bone in a matter of minutes. Besides, she did not need the added burden of riding sidesaddle or fooling with extra clothing.

  Once she was dressed in her breeches and shirt, she stuffed her hair up into a hat and pulled it down low over her eyes. That bastard may have been watching her for a while, but tonight he would see as little as possible. She felt a small trickle of fear shiver down her spine and she shook it off. Olivia needed her; this was no time for fear.

  She made her way downstairs to the library where Clinton, Thomas, and Jonathan were already waiting for her. She knew instantly not all three men approved of her choice of clothing. She glared back at their sour faces and finally asked them “What are you looking at?”

  Thomas choked on his drink that he was taking a sip from and turned his back to her. Clinton stepped forward. “What you have on will only tempt the man you are meeting into taking liberties from you Juliet! Do you not own a mirror?” She looked down at her body. What was he talking about? She needed to be comfortable for this journey. How were wearing men’s clothes any different from wearing a dress?

  “Button, what your brother is trying to say,” Jonathan cleared his throat before he continued. “That outfit shows every curve that you have, and with it pouring down rain it will be molded to your body like a second skin.”

  Juliet looked down at herself once more. Maybe he had a point. Nevertheless, she could not go out in this weather in a dress. “Be that as it may, you cannot expect me to ride out on horseback in this storm in a silly dress!” She looked at Clinton pointedly. “I am not changing.”

  Clinton sat down behind his desk and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Why couldn’t the fools kidnap you, they would bring your stubborn derriere back within an hour of dealing with you!”

  Juliet marched over to his desk and looked him dead in the eye. “I have been wishing it was so for the last fourteen hours brother! I would take her place in an instant.” She strode out of the room before any of them could see her tears fall.

  Clinton sighed. “I am at a loss; I don’t know if we are doing the right thing. What if something happens to Juliet?” Jonathan knew Clinton wrestled with indecision. He was sending one sister in as sacrifice for the other.

  “Clinton, I promise you, I will make sure no harm comes to Juliet. You must know I will protect her with my life?”

  “Maybe one of us should go along with you. If some harm were to befall you, Juliet and Olivia both will be at the mercy of the kidnapper.”

  Jonathan shook his head. “I really feel you and Thomas should stay here and protect the others, we have no idea who is orchestrating this.” He told Clinton. When he finally convinced Clinton the plan would have to work, he headed out the door to saddle his horse Steele, and prepare to follow Juliet.

  ~~~*****~~~

  The rain still pounded relentlessly. Juliet sighed and wrapped her jacket around her as she struggled to see the path in front of her. Her docile mare, Rose, struggled to keep her footing in the mud. According to the instructions, she should come upon the house soon. She had been riding for over an hour. She shivered and wondered if she would ever feel warm again. She did not know what to expect. Although her family owned the land she traveled, it was such a vast property there were many areas that were unfamiliar. This was one of those areas.

  She pulled the reins up as she caught the faint orange glow a lighted lamp. She slid from the saddle as quietly as possible. With the intent to survey the surroundings before making her presence known, she crept silently to a tree and tied Rose to it. She crouched down and slowly made her way to the run down building. When she reached it, she stood upon her toes to look through the window. It was dirty. She could not make out who was inside.

  She grunted in pain as she was hit from behind and fell face forward. Mud filled her mouth and she gagged and coughed. Rough hands turned her over and her hat fell from her head. The pins holding her hair up jammed in the back of her head as her assailant pushed her further down into the ground.

  She tried to regain her focus and as she struggled to free herself, she heard a surprised chuckle. “Well, hell, I thought you were a man out here planning an attack. Thought the Wells chap decided not to send his pretty sister all alone in the woods, but look what I have here!” Juliet cringed as a man with missing teeth and a dirty beard covered her body with his own.

  He pinned her hands underneath her and forced a knee in between her legs to force them apart. She cried out as he viscously tore her jacket open and ripped open her shirt. “Albert didn’t tell me I couldn’t have a taste of you before collecting the money and you are just too fine a filly for old Joe here not to mount up.” He leaned down, took her nipple in his mouth, and sucked. She fought like a wild cat. She caught him in the groin with her knee and relished his yelp of pain.

  She managed to free one of her arms and stretched out for a rock on the ground. Her fingers finally grasped it and she swung with all her might towards his head. She struck him in the temple and he fell to the ground from atop her. She wasted no time in continuing her attack. She hit him three more times before he kicked her viciously in the stomach. She landed on the ground with a hard thud.

  Momentarily dazed he seized the chance to pin her down again. Juliet was exhausted. Her lungs burned as she tried to pull air back into her body. Joe had blood pouring from his wounds. She could see the rage in his eyes. He squeezed her milk white breast with so much force she cried out. He leaned back and slapped her and pulled out his shaft.

  Joe gurgled and fell sideways off Juliet’s body. Jonathan wasted no time retrieving his knife from the man’s neck and gathering Juliet into his arms. He pulled her back out into the woods, and covered her best the he could with her tattered clothing. He had to go back and see if anyone else was in the house. The rain caused him to lose sight of Juliet. He had been retracing her tracks in the rain-slicked mud when he heard her cry of pain.

  Rage still shook his body. When he saw Juliet’s rain soaked body pinned beneath that bastard all sense of calmness left him. He knew she had been violated but he did not know if the man had succeeded in claiming her innocence. No thought went through him of anything other than killing the man as he slammed his knife into his neck. The blood still roared in his ears and he fought for composure as he crept around the house.r />
  Once he was sure no one else was in the house, he ran outside to Juliet. She shivered violently as he took her in his arms and carried her inside. He slammed the door behind him and placed her upon the small bed in the corner of the room. The house was not big. It held a small table and two chairs in a small kitchen. He moved the only other piece of furniture, a large chest of drawers, in front of the door and wedged it shut. He was not taking any chances of an ambush. He flipped the table up on its side and blocked the window.

  Finally feeling somewhat protected, he crossed the room in two strides and took Juliet in his arms. Her eyes were looking off in a distance. No expression was upon her face. He ran his hand down the side of her face. “Button, are you okay?” Her only reply was her teeth chattering. He immediately set to making a fire. Once he had the fireplace going, he warmed some water to clean her bruised and battered body. She was unresponsive to his touch. He wrapped her in a blanket and cradled her in his lap gently kissing the top of her head over and over. He knew he could not bear it if she did not recover from this ordeal.

  ~~~*****~~~

  Juliet snuggled deeper into the warmth wrapped around her. She sighed as her hands stroked smooth flesh. She squeezed her eyes shut when she shifted and the soreness brought back the memories of Joe’s hands upon her body. It was over. Jonathan had her. He must have followed her, the thought should have made her angry, but she was too grateful that he saved her from rape to be upset with him. She eased her arms up and wrapped them around his neck.

  He smelt wonderful. He had his own unique blend of manliness. The little cabin felt heated and she had no chill as she let the blanket fall from her body. Ignoring her soreness, she rubbed her body against Jonathan. Her nipples hardened into sharp points as they skimmed across the hairs across his chest. He must have removed his shirt to dry.

  Juliet knew what she was doing was wrong. She knew Jonathan had no tender feelings for her. However, after having her body violated, she wanted to replace those feelings with touches from the man she loved. He sucked in a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes when she placed her lips to his chin. Before he could protest, she covered his mouth with her own. She turned and straddled his thighs. He moaned against her lips. He tore his mouth from hers.

  “Button, you have to stop this.” His voice was trembling. She smiled to herself. He at least felt passion for her. She said nothing. She resumed her kissing and made a trail down until she was kissing the bottom of his stomach. His face twisted into a grimace and she knew he fought for control.

  She unbuttoned his pants and he grabbed her wrist. She leaned into him and whispered, “Please, Jonathan? Love my body. Take away the feel of what he did to me.” Emotions raged across his face. He looked as if he were in agony. With a groan, he rolled her onto her back and covered her with his body. His mouth worked against hers hungrily and she gasped as he pushed his tongue into her mouth and slowly stroked. She caught on quickly and kissed him back with ready passion. He trailed kisses down her neck and took a nipple into his mouth. He suckled her bruised tip gently until she was withering under him in need.

  Her legs fell open upon their own accord. She ran her fingers through his thick dark hair as he worked his magic upon her breasts. Her heart swelled with the love she felt for him. She watched him as he trailed kisses down to her mound. She felt no revulsion with Jonathan as she had with Joe. He slowly parted her silky lips and eased a finger inside of her. She groaned as he stroked her wetness. She whimpered as he pulled away from her, but sighed with contentment when she saw he was only removing his breeches.

  She could feel his heart pounding in his chest as she ran her fingers up and down his muscular body. She felt a little fear when she saw his member protruding proudly. He was very large. She knew she was doing the right thing by giving him her body. She loved him. He pushed at her entryway and slowly sheathed himself in her warmth. He reached her maiden head and with one quick thrust, he buried himself in her. She bit her lip against the pain. It went away rather quickly and she felt complete by his fullness. She knew he was holding back, he held his eyes tightly closed. She rocked her hips gently towards him. This seemed like the most natural thing in the world to her. Although she was innocent, she sensed what actions to take to please him.

  He started a slow rocking motion thrusting in and out. Their breaths came out in small gasps as he picked up the pace and Juliet felt the most incredible sensation building with each stroke he took. She watched him in wonder as he grabbed her knees and pushed them up into her chest. Sweat beaded across his brow as he pounded into her repeatedly. The feeling took over Juliet. She heard herself moaning, but could do nothing to stop it. Her whole body felt tightly wound. Finally, with a deep pulsating stroke, he brought her release and she felt as if her body shattered into a million pieces. She lay under him in a contented daze as he thrust wildly a few more times and finally stilled as he filled her with his warmth.

  He collapsed on top of her, still inside her body. She wrapped her legs around him and stroked his back while placing feather light kisses upon his head. She was unsure of how long they lay that way. She dozed in and out of sleep. With their bodies still joined, she felt him harden again inside of her. As she lifted her hips in response she heard a muffled curse. She was soon too overwhelmed with the sensations, he brought upon her to question his anger. She yelled out as her body shook with spasms of pleasure, and greedily accepted his seed as it spilled from his body.

  As they lay sated a second time, Jonathan rolled away from her and placed his head in his hands. She rose behind him to wrap her arms around him and he stood up and moved away. “Jonathan?” She felt trepidation trickle slowly up her spine. “What’s wrong?” She finally asked when he said nothing. He turned around to face her and she flinched at the horror upon his face. She never expected him to react like this. She thought she had pleased him with their lovemaking.

  Instead, he asked brokenly, “What have I done? This can never happen again!” He rushed around dressing himself and fled from the house into the rain as if demons were upon him.

  Juliet tried to hold back her tears unsuccessfully. What was it going to take to make this man love her?

  Chapter 4

  Jonathan ran his hand through his hair and clenched his teeth in frustration. He could not explain what came over him. He lost all control with Juliet. Was this what he was to become, a debaucher of innocents? Not just any innocent either, Juliet, his best and lifelong friend’s sister. As far back as he could remember Juliet was a steady constant in his life. Even if he had not taken her innocence, word of her being alone with him would ruin her. Now she was thoroughly ruined and by him. He was supposed to protect her, not deflower her!

  He slammed his fist into the tree next to the horses. The rain was steady but not as violent as it had been earlier. He tried to formulate a plan in his head for their next step. Clinton would worry if they did not return soon. He would have to explain to him why they have the dead body of the criminal in tow and not Olivia. Damn it all to hell, why did this have to happen? He could not bear to think of the hurt that he saw in Juliet’s eyes when he shook off her touch. He knew what happened meant everything to her.

  He should be enjoying the ton. Taking carriage rides in Hyde Park with all the available debutantes. Not standing in the middle of a forest, next to a run down house, getting drenched after making love to someone he should consider a sister. He felt his body tighten at the thought of their lovemaking. Juliet’s body was perfection. He could not place being as aroused by any other woman. When she touched him, he was lost. Although she was untried, her unbridled passion nearly put him over the edge.

  With a deep sigh, he made his way back into the house. He must face her. It was not like he had a choice in the matter. They must return home and tell the others the disappointing news of not having found Olivia. He squared his shoulders and prepared himself to be in complete control of his emotions. They must never make love again. Juliet deserved to be
loved and cherished by a husband. He was in no way ready for such a commitment.

  He slowly pushed open the door and peered in, unsure of what to expect. He doubted Juliet would be one to take to tears. She always proved herself to be made of much sterner stuff than most other silly girls. He was surprised to see she was still in the bed. Her back was to him and she made no move to indicate she heard his return.

  Unsure of whether he should say anything, he pushed the chest of drawer back in front of the door and sat down in the kitchen. The minutes slowly ticked by until finally, she rolled around to face him.

  She stood from the bed and allowed the covers to drop to the floor. She was completely unclothed. He turned his face from her and tried to remain calm. He did not know how he would resist any attempted seduction by her, for she was so lovely. He kept his head turned even as she came to a stop in front of him. She forced him to look at her by turning his head. He sucked in a deep breath at the sight of her luscious breasts. Her skin was creamy and flawless. He allowed his eyes to drop to her perfectly smooth stomach embraced by the slight swell of her hips. He looked up quickly when he came to rest on the triangle of hair at her center.

  God! Did she not know she played with fire? He was so overrun by emotions that he could almost feel her soft compliant body beneath him again. He felt his arousal straining against his pants. She straddled his hips and wrapped her arms around his neck. She cut off his protest by kissing him. Her skin was like satin. He ran his hands up and down her back in a slow motion taking in every inch of her softness. Her breasts molded to his chest and she fit perfectly in his arms as if she were made for him.

  He cupped her buttocks and pressed her harder into his erection and she gasped with pleasure. Before he was aware of it, his shirt was gone and they were skin to skin. He was lost yet again. He knew not what power she beheld, but he was bewitched. He lifted her, carried her to the bed, and laid her upon it. He soaked up the beautiful sight before him. Her perfectly round breasts and rosy nipples hardened to a peak begging for his caresses. He took one in his mouth and rolled his tongue over the strained tip. Juliet arched her back pressing herself deeper into him.