Matronly Duties (26 page)

I turn and practically launch myself into his lap, kissing him fiercely, hoping he can feel my love for him through the kiss.

“I love you so much,” I declare. “And I promise I will take good care of both your hearts.”

We make out for a little while longer before Howard says, “We should be getting back or they’ll be sending out a search party for us.”

Reluctantly we break apart, but the look on his face tells me he’ll make up for it later.

The rest of the day seems to be an exercise in control. As much fun as it is spending the day with family without the usual worries, Howard seems to have taken it upon himself to tease me mercilessly. His casual touches are driving me wild—his hand caressing my thigh under the dinner table or pulling me in for a quick kiss when no one is looking. I am so worked up by the end of the day that I am close to throwing all decorum out the window and jumping him right then and there.

When everyone starts saying their good nights, I am ecstatic. Howard stands and pulls me to my feet.

“Good night, everyone,” he says, practically dragging me out of the room.

We barely make it to the end of the hall before we are all over one another. He pushes me against the wall hard and fast, his hands everywhere yet never quite touching where I want them to. He kisses his way from my collarbone towards my lips, each kiss hard yet gentle. For a brief second it enters my mind that there might be a mark later, but those thoughts disappear the moment his lips claim mine.

His need for me is potent and, like any drug, I just can’t get enough. We both seem to have been holding back in our previous interactions and are finally letting loose. I claw at his clothes, trying to ground myself by holding on to him but also wanting desperately to rid him of them.

Understanding what I am trying to do, Howard pulls away from my embrace for a brief second to yank his shirt over his head. It is in this brief second of separation that I gather my wits a little.

“Bedroom, please.”

It would be extremely embarrassing if we were caught in flagrante in the hallway.

Howard picks me up and darts into our room, kicking the door shut behind us and setting me down on the edge of our bed. It appears the brief reprieve has allowed Howard to gather his wits as well, and his previously lustful looks are now full of concern. Kneeling in front of me, he takes both my hands in his.

“If this isn’t what you want, you need to tell me now.”

His caring words only make my heartbeat race and my desire for him increase. “Howard, there is nothing more I want to do right now than to make love to you. Please, show me you love me.”

His face lights up with a beautiful smile, and his lips meet mine again. This time the frenzied nature is gone. This kiss is soft and slow, almost worshipful, which turns me on just as much.

I am so lost in his kiss that I don’t even notice he is unbuttoning my shirt until the cool air hits my skin. The electric feel of his gentle caress sends another pulse of arousal coursing through me, and I can’t help but arch my body towards him in offering.

After removing my shirt and bra, he takes advantage of my offer, his mouth working its way down, starting at my chin and kiss by kiss getting lower until I can feel him at the waist of my pants. He looks at me with an unmistakeable question in his expression.

“Don’t stop.” The need to have his mouth on me is foreign but intoxicating at the same time.

He undoes my pants and, as eager to get them off as he is, I reach down to help him push them over my hips. Once my pants and undies are gone, I help rid Howard of his. Though I have seen him naked before, in this instant he is nothing but magnificent. His skin is flushed pink with passion, his manhood is standing tall and proud, and his muscles are filled with tension as if he is going to pounce on me at any moment.

A moan escapes my lips at the thought of him pouncing on me. I suspect the look I give him conveys how I feel, because two seconds later he is hovering over me like he is ready to devour me.

With a brief nod, I let him know I’m willing, and devour me he does. There is barely an inch of skin left untouched. His kisses and caresses are little sparks that only intensify the fire burning inside me. He moves his hand between us and down, massaging the spot that he is so adept at using to bring me pleasure. I am fairly sure that at any given moment he could make me explode if he wanted to, but he seems content to keep me teetering on the edge, never falling over.

“Please!” I beg, hoping he understands what I’m begging for.

There’s an almost evil glint in his eyes, but there is something enticing about it, too.

“You are so beautiful,” Howard murmurs.

I whimper in reply, too blissed out to give a proper answer.

Looking at me with a mixture of lust and concern, he says, “I need you, Beth. Please.”

I answer with a quick nod, then pull him in for a kiss, hoping he can feel my passion for him.

“I love you, so much.” His words are almost like a prayer.

Slowly he pushes his way inside me. He fills me, stretching me full, and it is so good. I keep my eyes on his, anchoring myself so I don’t get lost in the sensation. His gaze is so full of love and lust that it is almost overwhelming.

Needing to kiss him, I grab his neck and pull him to me. He is more than willing to do what I ask, and when my lips meet his, it’s like I am suddenly complete, connected to him in every way possible.

Having him inside me but not moving is maddening. Hoping to spur him into action, I put my legs around his waist and buck my hips.

“Oh God,” he cries out, putting a hand on my hips to still them. “Just give me a sec, please.”

I do as he asks, but while I wait, I kiss him, lavishing my attention anywhere I can reach. I am caught off guard when he finally starts to move. I cry out, not able to contain the pleasure. I never knew anything could feel like this, and with each thrust, it only gets better and better.

With my arms and legs wrapped around him, it’s like I am hanging on for dear life, like if I let go I am going to explode into a million pieces. Howard is the only thing holding me together.

He moves with more intensity, groaning softly in my ear with each thrust. I shudder and moan in answer as the new pace inches me closer to my peak. Howard grips my hip tightly, pressing up on his other elbow until we’re eye to eye. Then, as if he’s reading my mind, he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Let go, beautiful.”

It’s as if I have no choice but to obey.

“Howard!” I cry out as a tidal wave of ecstasy washes over me.

Barely a second later he calls out my name as he shudders inside me.

“I love you,” we both say at the same time. After kissing me soundly, he collapses on the bed beside me.

I lie and bask in the satiated feeling. Never have I felt as content as I do right now.

Howard pulls me tight against his side, and I huddle in safe in his arms. “Merry Christmas,” he whispers, tucking my hair behind my ear.

Merry Christmas indeed. This may be the best one ever.

Chapter 23

The brush of a thumb over my nipple rouses me. I try to pretend I’m still asleep, but when he gives my nipple a little tug I can’t stop the gasp that slips from my lips.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

I open my eyes to find him staring at me. His hair is all rumpled from sleep, and a cheeky grin lights up his face.

“Morning.”

His hand moves to my other breast, giving it the same treatment before his lips replace his hands. The soft wet heat of his mouth is exquisite and I arch my back trying to get closer to him.

“I love the way you wake me up.”

Howard stops his ministrations and smiles. “I love being able to wake you up.”

Every day since Christmas it’s been like this, the pleasure of his hands or mouth waking me from slumber. We fool around until we are both satisfied, then get up and start our day.

His lips return to my skin, and he starts kissing his way towards my navel. He’s almost to my mound when the lights go out.

Oh, no. Not now.

Yesterday, the settlement lost power for four hours after government technicians discovered where we were siphoning electricity from and shut off the supply. It wasn’t a huge deal because it was just a matter of flicking a switch to use a different source. But Howard had to hike out to the switch, and right now I want him to finish what he is doing.

Thankfully, the lights flicker back on and stay that way.

Howard kisses his way down my body until he gets to my vagina, parting my lips and sliding his tongue inside.

“Oh my, oh, so good.” I never expected anything to feel better than making love to Howard until he introduced me to the joys of oral sex.

The slide of his silky smooth tongue over my clitoris sends sparks of ecstasy coursing through me, and my hips buck into him. He alternates between flicking his tongue and sucking. Each is equally enjoyable and sends me hurtling towards my climax.

As fun as it is reaching my peak with his tongue on me, this morning I want to feel him inside me. I tug his hair progressively harder until he lifts his head.

“What?” he asks, sounding like a grumpy kid who had his toy taken away.

“I want you inside me.”

“Oh, well, why didn’t you say?” He rolls his eyes then winks.

I give him a little tap on the shoulder. “Cheeky bugger.”

“I’ll give you cheeky.” He lines himself up with my entrance and drives home.

“Oh my. Yes!”

The sensation of him filling me is one I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. Fortunately, it’s an awesome feeling. He lowers himself down until we are skin to skin, and I put my arms around his neck, drawing his lips to mine.

“I love you,” I say right before I kiss him.

He moves away from our kiss too quickly, but he pulls out and then thrusts into me. I don’t care if he’s still kissing me or not because I’m having trouble breathing.

I’m so close to the edge that it doesn’t take much to send me flying. My body shakes with the intensity of the ecstasy coursing through me as Howard slides one hand between us, pressing down. I close my eyes and explode into a sea of blissful satisfaction. When I open my eyes again, Howard is staring at me.

“I love you,” he says, followed quickly by a moan. His hips still and his body shudders as he, too, reaches his climax.

Spent, he collapses on the bed beside me.

I roll over and cuddle into his side. Right in front of me is his newest scar. I run my fingers over it, still puckered and pink, and not quite healed. I sigh, thankful that today is New Year’s Eve. All preparations have been put on hold in favour of celebrations. This will be my first New Year’s celebration since I was a kid, and I am looking forward to it very, very much.

Unlike Christmas, which was very much a family affair, this will be a community event. Everyone has spent the day setting up for the party this evening.

I just can’t get over the fact that I will be going to a real party tonight. It is one of those things I missed out on while I was at MITI. There were never any parties—not for birthdays or anything.

After a quick bath and some breakfast, Howard and I make our way to the marquee where the party will be held. Preparations are in full swing. The men are cleaning and setting up while the women are off in a side area preparing food.

I move to join the women, but Howard’s hand around my waist stops me. “Where are you going?”

“To help with the food.”

“Not without my goodbye kiss first.”

He winks, and I can’t help but give him what he wants.

I tilt my head up, and he doesn’t hesitate in taking advantage of my offer. Before we realise what we are doing, we’re all but defiling one another in public. A couple of catcalls and wolf whistles from the tent alert us to the inappropriate nature of our display and we reluctantly pull apart.

“I have plans for you tonight,” he murmurs, his voice a near growl. “So you should probably head home as soon as you finish up here.”

“Oh, is that right?” I reply in mock defiance. “And what if I don’t want to?”

He leans in and whispers in my ear. “Oh, you’ll want to.” He grips my hips and pulls them tight against his, the hard length of his arousal obvious. Suddenly the idea of spending half a day preparing food isn’t so appealing.

***

I’m in the middle of a particularly sensual dream when I am woken by my love.

“What time is it?” I ask, still half asleep.

“A few minutes after six. We have just under an hour before we have to leave.”

I sit bolt upright in bed, now definitely awake. “That’s not long enough to get ready for my first party.”

Howard chuckles. “It’s a very casual affair. I’m pretty sure you could go in your pyjamas and no one would notice.”

“I certainly will not.” I hop out of bed, grab the outfit I organised earlier, and head for the washhouse, sticking out my tongue at him like a petulant child.

“You’ll pay for that,” he yells after me.

I just giggle and keep going.

Just after seven, I reappear, dressed and ready to go. I probably could have been ready sooner but the long soak in the tub was too good to give up quickly.

“Gorgeous,” Howard says as I walk towards him.

I do a little pirouette so he gets the full effect of the outfit. I’m wearing skin-tight black pants with a long-sleeve green shirt, but the rear has a V that is open all the way to my lower back. I pull my hair, which is down for a change, out of the way so he can see.

“Definitely worth the wait.”

He pulls me in for one of his panty-dropping kisses, and I seriously consider telling him not to worry about the party. I don’t, though, because deep down I’m looking forward to it—and what I want to do with Howard might be in the cards for later anyway.

When we arrive, we go in search of Margie and our parents. But things are slow going with nearly everyone in the crowd stopping us to say hello to Howard. Finally, we find our parents sitting together on the far side of the enormous spit on which the evening’s meal is cooking.

“Finally,” Mum exclaims when she catches sight of us. “We thought you’d gotten lost.”

“No, not lost,” I grumble. “More like waylaid by every person we passed.”

Rhonda chuckles at my statement. “He is a little popular, isn’t he?”

“You can say that ag—”

Howard cuts me off and says, “I only have eyes for you.”

I swoon—there is no other word for it. He always seems to know exactly what to say and when to say it to make me putty in his hands.

“Have you had anything to eat?” Mum asks.

I shake my head.

“Well, I suggest you start there because the pig on the spit is delicious.”

I give Howard a questioning glance and he nods.

After we each devour a plate of the yummy food, we mingle with Mark and Estell, as well as Margie, Grant, Toby, and Ben. I even have a little cuddle with baby Bethanie while we talk to Mark and Estell. At some stage, a couple of guys put together a makeshift band and start playing music.

“Would you like to dance?” Howard asks.

I hesitate for a second. I’ve never danced before, and I’m worried I’ll be no good. The persistent beat of the music is contagious, though, so I tell him, “Yes, I would love to.”

The rest of the evening is a whirlwind of dancing and mingling, and before I know it, someone announces it is almost midnight.

Howard drags me out to the dance floor again, pulling me flush against him and guiding me skilfully in yet another dance I don’t know. The warmth of his body against mine and the confidence in which he swings us around to the music is intoxicating; it has me giddy with excitement.

The song stops halfway through and everyone starts counting down the seconds to midnight and the new year.

“Ten . . .”

I can barely concentrate on what is going on. Howard has me mesmerised with his stare.

“Seven . . .”

It conveys everything I need to know—that he loves me, desires me, and wants to do obscene things to me.

“Three . . .”

I return his gaze, telling him I feel exactly the same.

“Two . . . one . . .”

As choruses of “Happy New Year” go up around us, he kisses me with an almost frenzied intensity. I open myself to him and let him have whatever it is he needs.

“I love you, Beth. Happy New Year,” he says when we pull apart.

“I love you, too, so much. Happy New Year.”

“Let’s get out of here,” he suggests and the devilish look from earlier returns. I grab his hand and lead him towards the exit. Before we make it, a statuesque blonde with a small boy in her arms steps into our path.

“Hey, Howard,” she says, not even acknowledging me.

Howard is suddenly stock-still, tension emanating off him. “Amelia. What do you want?”

“I thought you might like to see your son before we head back to the city tomorrow.”

His son?
I’m hoping I’ve heard her incorrectly.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“Nevin here is Howard’s son.”

“You don’t know that for certain, Amelia. There are ten of us who could be father to him. And he looks nothing like me. Stop trying to stir up trouble.”

I turn to Howard. “But there’s a chance he could be your son?”

“Yeah,” he replies, his tone resigned.

I yank my hand out of his. If I thought it would make me feel better, I’d slap him. “How could you keep this from me?”

“It’s not important—”

“Not important! The fact that you could possibly have a child with another woman is not important? Are you kidding me?” The idea that something as significant as a child could be deemed unimportant reveals a whole side to him I’ve never seen.

Not wanting to have a complete meltdown in front of everyone, I walk out and head for home. When I think I’m far enough away that no one can see me, I break into a run.

Is all his talk about family and love an act?

I’m so lost in my thoughts I don’t even realise someone is behind me until a pair of arms wrap around me. I wriggle and kick, trying to escape, but they only hold me tighter.

“Will you stop, please?”

Howard’s voice breaks through my panic and I still. I don’t turn around, though; I don’t want to look at him.

“Thank you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Nevin. But honestly, he’s been one of the last things on my mind of late.”

“The fact that you possibly have a son is not something you even think about? If that’s the case, you’re not the man I thought you were.”

Howard forcefully turns me around to face him. “Please, listen. I don’t for one second think that boy is my son. He is the result of very poor judgement for a lot of people.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Do you want the plain facts? Because you’re not going to like what you hear.”

“Yes, please.”

“Nevin was conceived at a party. Amelia wanted to get pregnant, but as a second-generation traditionalist she isn’t a registered citizen, so she couldn’t go the formal route. Instead, as is typical of Amelia, she held a party with a lot of booze and then proceeded to have sex with every man she could.”

“What!” Until recently, the idea of having sex at all was such a foreign concept, but it had never even entered my consciousness that someone would do such an awful thing.

“She didn’t even tell anyone what she was doing, Beth. Not until after the fact. Believe me, I would never have participated if I’d known what she was doing. I was nineteen, young and stupid, and I have no other defence.”

“I—”

“Howard!”

Howard and I spin around at the sound of the loud, insistent voice. A man is running down the centre of the settlement. I recognise him but can’t remember his name.