Page 45 of Legacy of Succession

“They’re my favorite flowers. The garden where I grew up had loads of them.” Memories of my father being the one to put me in this position surface, and a tear escapes my eye.

“Wait here,” Nicholas orders and disappears back outside. I take a look around. It’s small and secluded — a place for bringing a book and lounging on the daybed in the center of the room. White blinds are at all the windows, but this place is private, and they don’t need to be drawn. The daybed is covered in a white blanket. Oakfield Hall is masculine to the extreme, but this place is feminine. Nicholas returns with a few more roses in his hands. He pulls the petals off and strews them over the bed.

“This place isn’t like the rest of Oakfield Hall.”

“No, my mother had it built. She wanted a place to escape when my father had his mistresses over. He at least did one nice thing for her.”

He pats the bed for me to go to him. I do and stand between his legs.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asks.

“Am I sure I want you to strip me naked and make love to me, or fuck me? However, it is you roll.” I chuckle to diffuse the sudden tension that pools in my stomach.

“This is your first time. I’m going to be gentle. The fucking can come later.”

“Sounds good to me.”

He reaches up and strokes my face.

“Things will change.”

“I know.”

“She won’t have died in vain.”

“We’ll always honor her.”

I lean forward, and we kiss slowly. He pulls me onto the bed and lays me down.

We part lips, and he pulls the t-shirt that I’m wearing over my head. I sit up a little, so he can remove my bra. I’m not big breasted, but that doesn’t seem to bother Nicholas as he instantly buries his head between them.

“Delicious.” He flicks my nipple, and I moan low in my throat. I’ve always had a sensitive body, but around Nicholas, everything seems to double in sensation. I’m vibrating underneath him with the need for more. He flips me over and places the same kisses on my back. I feel him tense when he sees some of the bruising and deeper wounds, which haven’t fully healed, yet. He pays particular attention to them as if apologizing for being a part of their infliction. I’ve long since forgiven him.

My jeans are next to be removed and then my knickers. He steps back and drops his suit jacket to the floor. I’ve never seen him without it and lick my lips at the sight. He pulls the left sleeve of his shirt toward him and unhooks the cufflink. He places it on a table, next to the daybed, and does the same with the other one.

“Do you always wear suits?” I ask while he removes his shirt and places that on the table as well. I take in his chest. It's defined with chiseled muscles and taper’s down to a place of hidden promises in his trousers.

“I feel like I have, lately. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt, but unfortunately the position often requires a certain dress code.”

“I want to see you in jeans,” I blurt out, and he smiles. “Are you liking what you see, Victoria?”

“Maybe,” I tease.

“Well, how about this?” He undoes his belt and then the zipper of his trousers, which he then lowers. Between my thighs starts to throb just at the sight of him in tight boxers. He kicks off his shoes and removes his trousers and socks. Next thing I know, he’s back on top of me, kissing down my body.

“Isn’t the underwear coming off?” I ask.

“Soon. If I take them off right now, I won’t be able to take this slowly. I’m not going to risk hurting you anymore.” The ‘anymore’ is said with poignant emotion. I need to reassure him that I’m not going to fall apart.

“I’m not broken. You’ve made me stronger, if anything.”

“I’m still not prepared to risk that fact when it comes to carnal activities. Now shush and let me be the master here. I want to make you feel good.”

I lay back and shut my eyes as Nicholas puts his head between my thighs. Before long, I’m coming on his face in a much-needed release. I know I’m mourning the loss of my friend, but she’s been the catalyst to bring about change. No more women will be harmed as a result of the sacrifices that she's made in her life.

Nicholas slides up my body and kisses my lips. He tastes of me, and it’s decadent and totally wicked. I forget, for a second, who I am and why I’m here.

“Last chance to say no.” His eyes flicker with fear, a concern that he’ll hurt me or worse.

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