Page 98 of Master of Paradise
"I like to play with you."
She reached for a towel and stepped from thetub. "Dry me," she invited.
He was beside her instantly, lifting her hairand applying the towel to the seductive curve of her back. Hekissed her shoulders. "Tell me more about this game."
She laughed. "It involves a secret... and aprize..."
"Like a treasure hunt?" He turned her to facehim and gently toweled her breasts. The nipples stood erect likehard little fruits, inviting his taste, and his mouth could notresist.
She picked up the wispy nightgown, consideredfor a moment, then rejected it. "I shall be naked as a true PaganGoddess." She lifted her hair with her arms, then let it cascadeabout her shoulders like a silken waterfall. She stretched withfeline grace, then lay down supine on top of the bedcovers.
He quickly threw aside the towel and came toher.
Before he reached her, she took the goblet ofwine and drank from it. She knew he would be able to detect therewas something in it, so in a flash of brilliance she slowly,erotically tipped the goblet and let the wine trickle over herbreasts.
His tongue and his mouth licked and suckedthe red rivulets as they ran lower and lower, filling her navel,then spilling over her belly down to the triangle below. He groanedas he drank every last drop of the powerful aphrodisiac. The wineleft a burning sensation in his mouth, but he was too far gone withdesire to take special notice.
As he murmured love words, his voice wasthick with his great need. His blood coursed along his veins likeliquid fire, pulsing in his neck, his chest, and his groin until hewas light-headed. His cock felt swollen to the limit; its headready to burst if any more blood rushed into it.
Nicholas ceased to think, only to feel-- toenjoy to the full the unbelievable pleasure Amanda's body gave him.He plunged into her tightness, hearing her cry of pleasure onlydimly.
She wrapped her legs about him tightly andlocked them behind his back, then opened her mouth to receive histongue. She also had drunk a little of the aphrodisiac and wasfeelings the effects of the unholy passion it had aroused.
He plunged deeper and she adjusted her bodyto his to accommodate his engorged sex.
She gashed his back with her nails, and thenit happened. She felt him lose complete control as he stiffened,then plunged and thrust as he spilled his seed into her.
He lay sprawled on her, totally spent,fighting for his breath, then he lay still and as his sensesreturned he said, "My God, what did you put in the wine?"
She whispered, "That's the secret."
He sat up and stared at her as his suspicionstook hold "Have you been down to the cabins again? To that damnedvoodoo woman?" he demanded.
She made a pouting little moue with her lips."'Twas only a love potion."
"Do you realize you've drugged us both?" heshouted in frustration. "I've probably just given you a child!"
"That's the prize," she whispered.
The fire was already returning to his loins."Amanda, you are the most willful... maddening... tempting...sensual creature in the world." She ran her finger over his lipsand down his neck, then traced it all the way down his body."Purely and absolutely," he said with a groan.
In Charleston, Virginia threw open her housefor the Charity Ball to raise money for the war. The city hadcompletely run out of foodstuffs that were imported. There was nocoffee, tea, wine, beef, lamb, cheese, but anything homegrown wasstill available.
The South had no shortage of flowers, soVirginia's house was filled with them. Confederate banners andflags decorated the rooms. The affair was well-attended by militarymen of every rank. Sabers glittered and banged against shiningboots; spurs jangled along the waxed floors, and the gray uniformswere immaculate.
Virginia served bourbon made from mash andhome-made rye whisky, and fruit punch for the ladies. No newclothes for either men or women were available in the shops, somany establishments had already closed their doors. Each womanattending had refurbished a gown she had worn before, and wore itproudly as a banner for the cause.
Jennifer was glowing. She was on the arm ofBeau Hampden, already an officer, and she passed from one group toanother showing off her engagement ring.
Amanda was amazed at how many people Nicholasknew. Of course they were all business connections, as he'd been inthe import/export business in Charleston for five years. Everyperson he passed seemed to want to engage him in conversation, soPhilip became Amanda's partner in the dancing, and her escort tosupper and the charity auction.
As Amanda glimpsed Nicholas across the room,she reflected that she had never been happier. In spite of the factthat the times were frightening, the future uncertain, and theblockade running in which Nicholas was involved was deadlydangerous, the two of them were falling more deeply in love eachday. In her heart's center she was almost certain that she wascarrying his child, and it filled her with joy to believe she wasso close to achieving her hearts desire. Nicholas, their baby, andParadise. What more could any woman want, ever?
Philip was dancing with his mother whenJennifer spied Mandy standing alone. Jennifer's color was high andshe tossed her blonde curls indignantly. "I'm surprised at AuntVirginia being so insensitive to your feelings, Amanda."
Amanda's fan paused. She looked an inquiry atJennifer and waited for her to explain.
"It's considered shocking form to invite aman's wife and mistress to the same affair. It's an open insult!"fumed Jennifer.
