Almost, Completely His

Chapter 10

Arthur

I grabbed a champagne flute from a nearby tray and sipped on it as slowly as I could. It was too early in the night to start drinking heavily, I’d have to wait until much later to be careless with my liquor.

The Finley family was known for their extravagant parties and grand house. They were amazing hosts and great, but scandalous, things happened at their events. People should know to stay away from a night at their home but the thrill of scandal, unlimited supply of liquor and good food was far too good to give up.

I stood far off by the walls and watched as young men and women either flirted with or dismissed one another. Fortune hungry men chased after young available ladies and showered them with empty compliments and low handed charms. Eager and hopeless girls smiled at every man that looked at them and forced pleasant conversations and quick dances.

It was sad really, to see how the marriage market ran. It was rare for me to see a couple, young or old, look at one another with genuine care. It was even rarer to see passion and respect.

“Good evening my lord.” I heard a seductive whisper and felt a hand on my shoulder.

I turned around and Eleanor Finley was smiling at me. Her pale blonde hair was in a neat bun and expensive jewelry hung from her neck and ears. Her dress hung low which allowed men to see the shadows and curves of her bosom.

“Good evening Lady Finley.”

She laughed professionally and her blue eyes were mischievous. “You and I both know I’m not a lady.”

Despite being in a large crowd I grinned back and replied openly. “Of course not. I have had the scratches on my back to prove it.”

She gave me a coy smile. “And I’d be happy to give you some more. That is, that we are still able to keep our activities a secret.”

Eleanor and I had been sleeping together for years. I met her at one of her parent’s parties three years ago. She was 18 when we met and she was eager and hungry for adventures. She was alluring, seductive and willing. When we snuck into her bedroom mid party I knew she was far from innocent. Her tongue, lips and hips were experienced , probably as much as mine.

We kept our activities a secret and brief for the past three years. We didn’t see eachother often but when we did we took advantage of it.

“Why don’t we take a stroll around the room my lord?” She smiled wickedly.

This was our routine, scouting a way out for later. “Of course.” I held out my arm and she placed hers inside.

As we walked around she put on a face of innocence but would lean in every now and then to whisper delicious things in my ear. The woman had a talent for seduction I’d give her that, and a quick 30 minutes with her would be fun.

Lord knows I needed the release.

For the past three weeks had been torture. Celeste did her best to avoid me and to respect her wishes I did the same. Whenever I thought I had made progress and my attraction for her had ceased, I’d see her or catch her lingering citrus smell signaling that she was nearby and my body would go into a frenzy.

But I couldn’t go to her, i wouldn’t.

Eleanor led to me a dark corner and through a door that opened to a small office.

“No one comes in here.” She whispered, tugging my jacket off.

“As if you cared, if I recall, you get a thrill at the idea of someone watching.” I said as I hiked up her skirts.

She grinned as she kissed my neck. “I’d like to put my talents on display.”

She was ready for me, her legs open and hips rocking against mine, signaling for me to enter her. Her slim body and lilac smell used to turn me on immediately but for some reason it didn’t do much anymore.

“What’s the matter?” She asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

When I didn’t say anything she slid her hand into my trousers and began stroking me gently. I hardened quickly and she grinned. I closed my eyes, trying to find my usual rhythm with her but I couldn’t. I kissed her, trying to find enjoyment but my mind was somewhere else. I was wishing that her bone straight, blonde hair was dark, wild curls instead, and that her tall lean figure was smaller and fuller. And that the lilac scent of her skin was a citrus smell instead.

Even then, in a moment of physical intimacy, Celeste overpowered everything else.

I pulled away quickly, Eleanor’s face was confused. “What is it my lord?”

I buttoned my trousers and grabbed my jacket from the floor.

“Nothing Eleanor, I’m just, not in the right headspace tonight.”

“Right headspace?” She spat out. Her skirts eyes still up and her legs open. “What does that mean?”

I fixed my hair and then walked over to her. I set her skirts right. “It means I can’t please you the way I used to tonight.”

“And why is that?” Her blue eyes were angry.

I tried to come up with a good excuse but I just shrugged. “I’m not sure.” I leaned down to kiss her hand. “I do apologize, I hope to see you out at the party Eleanor.”

Eleanor stood baffled in the darkness as I made my way out.

I walked down the same hall I had been led down from and as I turned the corner, I heard bickering coming from the opposite direction that led to the gardens.

A man and a woman’s voice were loud and my ears caught the end of their argument.

“How dare you speak to me that way?! Have you no respect?” The man’s voice was furious. “I am a man of great importance!”

“I don’t bloody care who you think you are! You are in no right to demand anything from me!” The woman shot back.

It sounded like the usual spousal argument I heard far too often.

I was about to make my leave when I heard a very familiar tone and phrase ring in the air.

“You empty headed fool ! You have no regard for others!”

Celeste?!

What was she doing down there?! And who was she arguing with?!

I heard a roar of manly anger that was laced with threat and before I knew what I was doing I was running in their direction.