Dark Passions

7.

The next time Derek opened his eyes, he was alone in the bed, the rumpled sheets the only testimony that Meredith had been there. He buried his head in the pillow and smiled - the sweet lavender scent that still clung there also reminded him of her. Stretching, he winced at the feel of the ache in his body from the physical intensity of the previous night. That brought a satisfied grin to his lips, and he pushed himself up and out of bed. The memory of Meredith danced in his thoughts- her sweet smile and delightful body, surrendering to him so willingly - as he crossed the room to the window.

He looked out on a glorious morning. The sky was a brilliant bowl of blue, the sun already high in the sky. Obviously, he had slept much longer than normal - the first time he'd been totally relaxed in months. His gaze swept the courtyard, and the surrounding area, subconsciously searching for her. But there was no sign of her, or the twins. He shook his head - he needed to take Satan out for a good ride today. He'd been away too long, the horse would need it. Maybe today would be a good day to take Meredith for a ride as well. He wondered how she was doing right now - was she regretting last night?

Pulling on riding clothes, he strode across the room and summoned the maid to clear away the remnants of last night's food and drink, and to bring some breakfast. He was ravenously hungry, but not just for food.

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In the classroom, Meredith gave the boys their books, instructing them to read quietly for a time. Her head pounded, and her eyes felt dry and gritty. If only she could rest her head on her hands for a moment, she thought. She had slipped away from Derek's bed after their last encounter, leaving him sleeping peacefully. Her body still ached - her legs, her back, and her breasts, all reminded her just how good last night had been. She still tingled with the memory of his cock filling her, driving deeply into her, taking her to heights of bliss she never thought possible. Oh, she was no virgin, but he made her realize things she had never dreamed of. Things his hands and his mouth had done to her again and again, making her feel erotic and wicked at the same time. He said there was so much more to teach her - what more could there be? And was it sinful of her to want him so badly again, to want him to show her these things?

She sighed, realizing that someone in her position could never marry someone such as Derek. He would have to wed soon, she supposed, to produce an heir. Would have to wed some daughter of nobility, even if he didn't love her. That was the way it was done. Then she chided herself - only one night with the man and she was hearing wedding bells. Her mother hadn't raised her to be so silly.

Then the boys started to fidget, and she looked up. Derek stood at the door, leaning against the frame, his arms crossed, his head tilted as he looked in at her. Her heart jumped as their eyes met, and he started to walk towards her. "M'lord," she said, getting up as he approached. "Good morning." She curtsied, and he took her hand as she stood up.

He raised her hand to his lips, as usual, but his tongue grazed her knuckles. He smiled warmly. "Good morning, indeed, Miss Grey." She blushed hotly, her thoughts swirling with images of him above her, their bodies joined in the early morning light. "You're looking especially lovely today," he told her, watching the pink tinting her cheeks. "Such a wonderful glow about you".

"M'lord, you are very kind," she said, retreating behind the desk. He followed her, his fingers brushing her waist. She shook her head slightly, giving the twins a meaningful look, before looking back at him. It wouldn't do at all for him to be touching her like that in front of the children.

With an amused smile, he nodded at her and backed away slightly. Meredith took a shaky breath, as she looked at him. His damp hair curled at the collar of his shirt, and the stubble of the early morning had been shaved away. She longed to touch his face, and she busied herself with the books on the desk to keep her hands busy.

"Would you like to go on that horseback ride today, Miss Grey?"

"What? Oh, m'lord, I don't think Lady Kate would..." she started to say, but he waved away her concern.

"My sister agreed to you should ride Mistral. She said you've been working hard and need some fresh air. She even has a riding outfit that belonged to Elizabeth that should fit you." His comment was only partially true. Kate had given him a stern look when he'd talked to her earlier.

"Didn't I tell you to stay away from Miss Grey?" she asked, as she oversaw the gardeners tending the roses.

"Kate, don't worry. Miss Grey is a lovely young woman, and I want to put her at ease here. I think a ride on Mistral would be good for her. And Mistral needs the exercise." He inspected his riding crop as he talked, feigning indifference.

"Derek, I know you too well. She's intriguing you right now, and you can't resist that. But you can't steal her away every time you wish."

He tapped his riding crop against his leg. "I admit, she does intrigue me. I think we should know more about her, and I would like to take this opportunity to do so." He smiled innocently at her. "I promise to behave like a perfect gentleman."

Kate threw her hands up in the air in surrender, laughing at him. "Very well, do as you wish. You always do in the end, at any rate."

"Oh, well if Lady Kate agreed, then I would love to join you," Meredith replied. "Shall I meet you at the stable then as soon as I'm ready?"

"Yes, Miss Grey. I will arrange for a basket of food to take along, and we can have some lunch while we're out. John will have Mistral ready for you by the time you get there." His words were formal, but the look in his eyes devoured her, and went straight to her core. He took one of her hands, and his thumb caressed her palm, sending little arrows of desire through her body. Then he lifted her hand and kissed her fingertips, before letting her go. "Until later, Miss Grey." He turned and headed for the door, taking hold of the boys in each hand as he passed by. "Let's go, I think I heard there's some new puppies out in the stable" The twins leaped up and down happily, as they pulled their uncle towards the hallway, leaving Meredith alone to pull her thoughts together.