XXIII. Hunting Friends and Fiends-3

He took another step forward and she allowed herself to be trapped. His breath warmed the side of her face, his sigh clear in her ear. There it was again. The insatiable fire gnawing at her flesh. His lips grazed the side of her face, warming her skin with his breath. She leaned closer against the wall and he followed suit, pressing his entire form against her. Their wet clothing and warm skin offered sensations she could not grasp. "Alice..." he whispered, his lips brushing against hers, a gentle prologue to an inevitable hungry onslaught. His hands went to her nape and he tilted her head up to meet his eyes. She stared back into the emerald depths of his gaze. He leaned closer and planted his lips against hers. His tongue urged her mouth to open. And when she did, she did not expect what happened next. He was gentle. No hungry, devouring kiss. He was simply kissing her as if afraid she would break. His mouth trailed down her throat and Alice let out a shaky breath, her hands pulling at his drenched shirt, finding their way underneath. She let out a throaty sigh when skin finally touched skin. He growled against her throat and lifted her up, pinning her against the wall, to devour one breast over her wet shirt. He teased her, suckling hard until she whimpered and writhed against him. His expert hands managed to unbutton enough to free one breast which he immediately covered with his mouth, warming her skin, arousing the peak with his hot tongue. "I am selfish. I cannot let you go," he growled in her ear, putting her down, briskly opening her breeches, covering her mouth with his when she opened her mouth to say something. Then he took her hand, guiding it to his groin where the evidence of his arousal was screaming for release. Alice's breathing came out raggedy when he turned her around to face the wall, pinning her there. Her breeches slid down to the floor as he lifted her hips back against his. For a moment, he froze behind her as if silently waiting for her to escape. But Alice waited with a small whimper and it was answer enough. His breathing was rough as he pushed against her. His hand pulled her head back as he ground behind her, claiming her mouth with the hunger she was familiar with. He was doing too many things with his hands and her mind could hardly contain them. Alice's cry was muffled by his mouth as he pushed harder. "Stop," she whimpered, but not wanting to stop. She wanted this forever, yet she said it again. "Stop, please." He stiffened against her and Alice turned her head away to hide her tears. She briskly wiped it with the back of her hand and moved her hips. He pulled out of her and she almost—almost—begged him not to. But she had her senses back. She wanted this man, but not like this. Not when all he wanted was just... this. There was no release this time. It was their punishment, Alice thought as she shivered with lust and need. Her body yearned to be touched by him again, but her mind was stronger now. "This shall be the last time, my lord," she coldly uttered as she pulled her breeches back into place. "Alice, forgive me." His voice was filled with dread and self-contempt. "I did not—" She turned to find him looking at her, face filled with anguish at what he had just done to her. "Do not apologize for had I not allowed it to happen, you would be on the floor with a bullet in your head. But as I have said, this is the last time." She lifted her chin. "The last time," she repeated, voice shaking. He did not stop her when she turned away. Walking over to grab her rifle, Alice walked out of the cabin and into the rain where she let the tears fall freely. ***** He had been following Alice in a good distance, knowing full well it would be stupid to try to convince her to go back to the cabin after what he did. As they trudged the slippery path, Harold kept cursing himself. Why did he do it? He acted like a lust-filled young man who had just had his first lay and could not wait to get more. She did not deserve it. What he did was disgusting. He would not blame her if she thought so as well. He looked on. She was determined to escape him. Was that why she decided to leave Wickhurst? To escape him? The rain came to a sudden stop just as they neared the edge of the forest where everyone else was waiting for them. Dozens of sheds were put up earlier to protect everyone from the heat of the sun and the possible rain, so it was no surprise to see as many people still there waiting when Harold emerged from the forest, completely drenched. A few other hunters were running out of the forest as well, having given up the hunt. Alice crossed the distance to where Eva was waiting for her, wrap at the ready. The other hunters also had warm cloths waiting for them and they all ran for them, shivering. But Harold took his time, watching Eva wrap Alice in dry cloth, whispering something in her ear. Harold began to walk faster, sensing something was not right by the look on Eva's face. He noticed Theobald also standing behind Eva, looking rather angry. That caused Harold to frown. He looked at the others and found the women looking at no one else but Alice. Some of them whispered as they watched. Eva saw him approach and pulled Alice closer to her. She then whispered something to Theobald who nodded and turned to meet Harold. Alice looked over her shoulder to find everyone still shamelessly ogling her and then her eyes met Harold for a second before she turned to Eva and allowed the woman to usher her away from the shed to the direction of the carriages. "What? What the bloody hell is happening?" Harold demanded at Theobald as the man drew close. Theobald waited until he was close enough to nonchalantly whisper, "Eva is taking Alice home, I am afraid." "She is drenched, of course she should. But why is everyone glaring at—" he stopped when he realized that everyone's eyes were on him now that Alice was gone. "Why are they staring at me? They try to pretend not to, but they are doing a very poor job." Theobald placed his hand on Harold's shoulder and turned him away from everyone. "I believe it is best you stay away from Alice, my friend, if you do not want the rumors to grow worse." Harold frowned. "What in tarnation are you talking about? What rumors?" Theobald winced and groaned, uncomfortable with the situation. He clucked his tongue and said, "Just trust me. We will discuss this on our way home. You should get dry first—" Harold was getting angry. "I swear to God, Theobald, if you—" "Alice is no longer the Lady Ice," his friend hissed near his ear. "She is now the Jewel Mistress." He leaned away from Harold. "Since four hours ago if you wish to know." "The Jewel Mistress? Why in the bloody hell—" "You are wise, Harold. I am sure you can figure it out without me telling you." "I am currently not in the state to think clearly, Theobald." "You are an Everard." "And?" "You mine jewels." Harold glared at his friend. "You cannot be bloody serious." Theobald merely nodded. "Well, apparently, everyone now knows of your trip to Langworthy months ago. And the short visit at Henry House with Alice." "What!" Theobald pulled him to the side as more hunters emerged from the forest. "Everyone now believes she is your mistress, Harry."