Midnight Caller (Moonlight Romance) (8 page)

Mrs. Dimshire rubbed her back. “Relax, my dear. Sit down and think about your statement.” Her voice was kind, but it carried the tinge of authority. Emma obeyed.

The officer handed Emma a piece of paper and a pen. “Thank you,” she whispered.

The officer nodded. He flicked an uneasy glance at Mrs. Dimshire. “How can I help you, ma’am?”

“You can tell me what evidence you have against Frederick,” she said, strong, demanding, and almost accusatory.

The officer rubbed the side of his chin. “Well, we really don’t have any evidence. At least not at the moment.”

“I see. So it is just Mr. Hawthorne’s word against Mrs. Bennett’s. How do you expect to build a case based on that? I know Frederick personally, and I will vouch for his character.”

The officer’s cheeks turned pink.

“I know the judge,” Mrs. Dimshire continued. “I’m sure he will not be pleased you are wasting his time.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the officer said sheepishly. “But I can’t just dismiss Mr. Hawthorne’s account.”

Emma stood and thrust her statement in the officer’s face. “Here! Read mine. And I have evidence. You’ve seen my roof. What more proof do you want?”

The officer swallowed hard. “He could have worked on your roof earlier. There was plenty of time for him to work for you and set the fire. After all the barn was just around the corner.”

Mrs. Dimshire walked over to the officer and smiled. “You do not have to call Mr. Hawthorne a liar. It was dark; maybe he believes he really saw Frederick. I know there are many men who would match his description. Just go down to the docks.” Her voice had softened to a smooth, conciliatory tone. She was trying a different approach. “Just kindly inform Mr. Hawthorne you did not have enough evidence to put Frederick on trial and release him.”

The officer rubbed his eyebrow. The three people looked at each other, waiting for something to happen. If the officer didn’t release Frederick, Mrs. Dimshire would convince the judge to drop the case—hopefully. Emma tapped her fingers on her chest. The longer Frederick was in jail the longer they were apart and her body was already ravenous for his touch.

They couldn’t give Mr. Hawthorne the satisfaction of a trial. Oh Lord. Was that his plan? Was Mr. Hawthorne going to tell the whole courtroom that she and Frederick…?

“All right,” the officer said at last. Emma let out a heavy sigh.

Thank God.

The two women waited and when Frederick walked into the office his eyes widened, but he did not say a word. His hands were thrust in the pockets of his coat and he rested his weight on his right foot.

“You’re free to go, boy,” the officer said. “But I will be keeping an eye on you.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir,” Frederick said.

Emma opened the door, and Frederick bolted outside as if he was afraid the officer was going to change his mind.

Mrs. Dimshire strolled outside with her usual confidence and grace. The shine in her eyes told Emma she was proud of her persuasive prowess. “Frederick,” Mrs. Dimshire called sweetly.

Frederick turned around, politely averting his eyes. “Yes, ma’am?”

“They treat you well in jail?”

Frederick glanced down at his clothes and pulled on the bottom of his coat to straighten it. “Yes and the coffee was tolerable.” He laughed as if he was trying to cheer himself up. “Thank you for securing my release. I hope it didn’t cost you too much.”

Mrs. Dimshire tilted her head and gave him a flirtatious smile. “Nothing at all. Of course I would have greased some palms if need be.”

Frederick blushed and bowed his head. “Thank you, ma’am.” His voice was so quiet it was almost a whisper.

“I heard the
Comet
will be docked for a few days. If you are looking for work, I’m sure I can find something for you to do.”

Emma’s stomach rolled into a tight ball. Jealousy ripped through her. She didn’t want Frederick sleeping with Mrs. Dimshire.

“I’m afraid I haven’t finished helping Mrs. Bennett.”

“Ah, another time then.” She nodded to Emma with a sparkle in her eye. “Good day.”

Emma wanted to reach out and grab Frederick’s hand and pull her to him, but she couldn’t do that in public. It was shocking; Mrs. Dimshire had acted so brazenly. People might have seen. Of course if they did, they probably wouldn’t have the gumption to say anything. Mrs. Dimshire was a formidable woman.

“Ma’am,” Frederick said, drawing her attention. “May I go to the
Comet
for a little while before coming to work? I’d like to see my brother. I’m sure he’s worried about me.”

“Yes, that will be fine. I’ll be waiting for you.” Her thighs clenched in anticipation. By the time the sun went down she’d be wild with desire.

Before her thoughts dissipated under his skilled touch she needed to rehearse her speech for turning their tryst into something more serious, more permanent. Delivering those words in a convincing manner would be a performance of a lifetime. Would Frederick believe her?

* * * *

Emma opened the back door, grabbed Frederick’s hand, and pulled him inside. “No playing around,” she said. “We’re going to the bedroom.”

Frederick beamed. “Yes, ma’am.” He stepped on the heels of his shoes walking out of them.

She helped him wrest the corset and dress from her body, leaving them in a violet puddle on the floor. “Faster,” she breathed. She couldn’t wait to feel his muscled chest against her body.

Frederick lifted her into his arms as if she didn’t weigh more than a daisy and carried her to the bed. A little disgruntled, she realized she was still clad in her thin silk camisole and drawers. Emma tugged at the buttons on his vest, tugged at the collar of his coat, and tugged at his trousers. He leaned over her and captured her mouth as he shed his coat, vest, and then his shirt.

Heart pounding, Emma struggled to unfasten his trousers and then she pushed them down, freeing his arousal.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again,” Frederick said huskily.

His breath tickled her ear. “You promised me you’d come back.” She ravished his lips.

“What do you want me to do?” he asked when she came up for air.

Emma stared at his nakedness and then at her undergarments. “We can’t do anything until I’m undressed.”

Frederick laughed and helped her out of her camisole and drawers. Pausing, he quickly put on his rubber condom. She reached up and pulled him to her, guiding him on top of her. His cock brushed against her entrance and he groaned.

Her hands explored his arms and back. “Let my hair down,” she panted.

“But it’s so lovely.” Despite his compliment, he obeyed, running his fingers through her hair undoing all the pins she had so carefully placed.

She arched into his touch rubbing against him. “You promised me a new position,” she said with brazen glee.

“Yes, I did.” He held onto her and rolled so she was on top. “Sit on top of me.” She rose up, looking into his gorgeous eyes. He gently parted her legs until her thighs lay on either side of his hips. He reached forward and cupped her lower cheeks with his large hands, guiding her up. He held his erection upright, the head pressed against her entrance. “Farther down.”

At first, she took him in just a little and experimented with lifting up and down at this new angle. It felt different…but good, as her body stretched around him, welcoming his cock inside. From the pained look of concentration on Frederick’s face, he wished she’d quit dillydallying. He kept his body still underneath her but arched his back, tossing his dark head back into her pillow. “Emma, you’re killing me. Please. More.”

The shock of it—of being filled by him in this way—almost overrode the thrill of being the one in charge. For the first time in Emma’s life, she was giddy during love play. She began to ride him deeper, faster, each raising and lowering of her hips making his eyes burn darker with passion. Passion she wanted him to feel only for her. At last, she had to have his full length inside her. She slid all the way down and moaned overcome with pleasure. Now she understood the reason for his urgency. The sensation was heavenly!

She rocked her hips forward, wet silk sliding over hot steel. Even though she sat atop him, his weight inside her felt heavy, complete. There was no part of her he did not reach. He lifted his hips slightly and changed the angle and she wanted to roar. Instead she leaned her hands on his chest and mewled. They set a comfortable rhythm. The longer they rocked, the deeper their connection. They hadn’t spoken a word but she felt his heat—his rough and tender touch. That was a language of its own.

One of his hands left her hip and brushed across her breasts. “Oh, more.” He played with her nipple. Her pleasure steadily built. She rocked faster, opening herself so his thrusts went deeper. The pressure built until she wanted to scream. Legs trembling, she bit her lip to hold the scream back and rode him into a fervent bliss. Her release shook her so hard she doubled over gasping Frederick’s name.

His long, low moan made her soul rejoice. He went stiff, his brown chest taut and coated with a fine sheen of sweat. She watched the ecstasy swell over him, and reveled in the knowledge she had given him that. And he had again given her the attention she craved, satisfying her body.

But could he satisfy her heart? Would it even be possible for her to lure him away from Mrs. Dimshire? Until her flirtatious display at the jail, the old woman had never entered her equation. But she had money and likely paid him more than a dollar a visit. Frederick had said he wanted money.

Was wealth more important to him than everything she had to offer?

Emma collapsed on top of him, and Frederick held her close. They panted with the aftershocks of their lovemaking. His hands moved from her hips to circling her tiny waist. Her sated expression sent shivers rippling from his core. She was his angel: beautiful, flawless.

She rested her head on his shoulder and he smoothed out the tangles in her hair. Their chests pressed together, the beat of her heart keeping time with his own.

He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering on her soft skin. “Do you want to lie down?” he whispered.

She barely shook her head. “No.”

He continued to hold her. The strong scent of their combined juices perfumed the air. He inhaled deeply.

She raised her head and chastely kissed the tip of his nose. He laughed and then she laughed. He eased himself onto his back, taking her with him. After taking off his condom, he relaxed ready to cuddle like usual.

She scurried away from his embrace, kneeling between his legs.

Frederick gave her a questioning gaze.

She giggled, mischief flashing in her eyes. Picking up his softening rod, she stroked it back to life.

Ooh, her fingers knew what to do. His surprise was soon replaced with pleasure. His head tipped back on the pillow and he arched into her hand. She took her time dragging him to the edge. He panted and squeezed his eyes shut.

“Emma, I’m coming,” he warned in a ragged breath. She didn’t move and he drenched her hand.

“I wanted to give you that.”

She was the first woman who had. Emotion welled in him and he tamped it back down. “You’re an expert.”

Emma’s shoulders bounced, half glee, half shrug. “My husband taught me. Often times that was all he wanted.”

She wiped his juices on his shaft, getting him ready for her again. He sighed.

This felt so right…and yet he knew better. Sorrow wrapped around his organs and squeezed, jerking him out of his daze and back to his senses. He was testing fate, but he wanted this to last a little longer.

He nestled next to her, wrapping an arm protectively around her middle. She looked into his eyes with pure passion. She wiggled closer and kissed him, trying to devour his lips.

He kissed her back, mingling his fingers in her hair. She tasted like honey.

“Frederick,” she said, looking into his eyes, “I don’t want you to go.”

Her words tempted his desire to ask for a deeper connection to her than a dollar of his time. He didn’t want her to just be his client. But he knew to ask would be a death sentence. “We have a few more hours.”

“I want more than a few hours.”

Frederick’s breath stalled in his lungs. What was she asking?

“I have to go at first light.”

She pouted, looking absolutely adorable. “Then let’s make the most of our time together.” He took the condom out of his coat pocket, washed it, and put it back on, then rolled over her, pinning her to the mattress. She wrapped her legs around him and he plunged into her again. Claiming her as his.

She kept her eyes on him with each thrust. He dragged in and out slowly wanting time to stand still.

“Stop teasing me,” she breathed.

He brushed his hand across her cheek and increased his pace. “Yes, ma’am.” His lips spread into a smile, trying to hold back a laugh. She was beautiful even when she was bossy. The perfect woman.

Her body thrashed against the sheets and her eyes rolled back. “Yes, Frederick,” she moaned.

He loved watching her release, fully giving herself to him.

He just loved her. Period.

Damn. He had done the unthinkable. He had fallen in love with a white woman, with a client. He was paid to pleasure her, but she provided him with so much joy he could hardly contain himself. He needed to end this now, for her safety and for his.

He lay on top of her and feathered kisses from her throat to her heaving bosom. She was exhausted from her second rapture. Her delicate body sunk into the sheets. He wetted a rag and carefully cleaned her up before seeing to himself. Leaving her would be like digging out his heart with shovel. But he knew he had to do it.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” she asked.

He let out a sigh and sat up, shaking his head. “No.”

“But you said the
Comet
was in for repairs.”

“Yes, for two more days. But I have other things to attend to.”

Sorrow clouded Emma’s eyes. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he had to keep her safe.

“When will I see you again?”

“I don’t know.”

“Frederick, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice stinging with alarm.