Page 22 of Traveling with Gentlemen
CHAPTER7
THE PERFORMANCE
Istretched under starlight, smiling at the prowling strike of a bow against strings, the music of the hunt. Voices carried on conversation cheerfully around the courtyard, the countess’s party more than satisfied with the earlier entertainment of the evening. When Amon and I had first discussed how we might bargain against the countess's desire for him, he'd suggested that our performance be private, just for her eyes. But in truth I was more comfortable with this crowd, with being just one more spectacle for their enjoyment.
Claws clicked softly against smooth stone, and I arched on the platform at the center of the courtyard. Auguste, Booker, and Mr. Tanner stood to the side of the countess's throne-like seat, Auguste's head bowed to the woman, listening as she spoke into his ear. A purr and a huff of breath skidded over my ankle, bared where my skirt was pulled back to my knees. Auguste stood at last, staring over me and nodding once. He had the information we'd sought, deemed it worth our bargain.
And at the signal an enormous figure leapt up onto the platform, heavy paws bracing between my spread legs, huge wings flapping and beating cool, fragrant air down onto me. I shivered and sat up on my elbows, smiling at Amon. He was on all four paws, his long lion’s tail switching in the air. He was regal and stunning, and with one quick glance at our audience, I knew it was not simply the countess and I who were riveted to him.
"Hello, my love," I said, lifting one arm to reach for him.
Amon leaned in, muscular shoulders hunching and bringing his face to my palm, nuzzling into the touch.
"Are you certain, my star?" Amon whispered.
And it wasn't about the countess, or what vengeance she might seek if we reneged now that we had the information we'd come for. I simply didn't want to stopnow.
"Of course I am," I said, quick and simple.
Amon sighed. "Very well. What are you wearing under that glorious gown?"
I smiled at him, laying back again and lowering my hands to the skirt. "What I usually wear."
Amon chuckled and settled down onto his haunches, wings folding and eyebrows rising in invitation. "Show me."
I rubbed my feet against his furred sides and gathered fabric in my fists, pulling up the layers of dress and lacy petticoats to a great pile at my waist, exposing myself. To Amon, who purred and rustled his wings in anticipation. His gaze flicked to those who surrounded us in the courtyard, narrowing slightly, and I grinned at the possessive growl that rose in his throat.
"They see nothing. They mean nothing," I murmured, lifting my knees and spreading my legs farther apart, body begging.
Amon shook his head. "They will see your pleasure. They way you possess me."
"They will see the wayyouplease me. They will see the way you possessme," I said.
Amon smiled at that, but only briefly. He rose up and dove forward, body bowing and wings stretching. His eyes held mine as he bent to devour me, only until his mouth latched onto my cunt, and then my eyes fell shut as I cried out with relief.
I'd grown more patient in recent months, and I'd behaved myself at this party, enjoyed the many displays of flesh and sex and torrid desire, but it had left me eager for the conclusion, forthis.I arched into Amon's starving mouth, his probing tongue, and a heavy paw shifted, pinning me down at my belly. I moaned at the weight of him, the way it stole my breath, and my hands clutched at his hair.
Amon's tongue bristled against my sensitive flesh, burrowed into my opening as I squirmed and tangled silky locks in my fists. His nose, now broad and feline, huffed hot air against my clit and then nuzzled into the eager bud. He was determined, and I suspected it was as much for my pleasure as it was to hurry the performance.
"I love you," I gasped, to soothe him, and it was that declaration that stirred up whispers around us.
Amon purred into my core, the sound trembling through me and drawing a ragged cry from my lips. His wings beat as my cunt clutched around his tongue, and the motion bucked him into me. I repeated the words, pleaded his name, and Amon's feast grew slow and languid. He was only thinking of me now, and he loved to torment me, to tease me. His claws flexed, digging into the skirt of my dress, and I arched my back, pushing myself into the pressure of him. Their sharp points caught the threads of the fine fabric and I grinned, reaching for the skirt.
I pulled hard, and theripstartled momentary silence, the shredded skirt tossed open on either side of me, spilling over the edges of the platform. Amon looked up, his face glossy, and I giggled at the surprise on his face. Behind me, in the crowd, Auguste muttered French curses.
"We were going to have to tear it anyway," I said softly.
Amon grinned and laughed and then bent again, kissing over my hips and licking around my belly button as I sighed. His paw reached up, and he looked to me, gaze glowing, as two claws caught at my collar. I nodded, and he growled, tearing open the front of the dress, shredding through the laces of my corset. I laughed, the sound giddy and bright, my breasts bouncing, and Amon caught his breath, staring at the ruined gown and the faint pink scratches running down my chest.
"I'm fine," I soothed, reaching for him, tugging him closer by the shoulders.
He was magnificent as he shifted to stand over me, the experience new in this unfamiliar form. I glanced down the length of his belly and found his cock, red and curved at the tip exposing itself out of a swollen sheath, leaking arousal onto my thighs, the slick droplet scorching.
"Esther," Amon breathed.
I looked up and found doubt and worry on his furrowed brow, and my hands smoothed up his shoulders around his jaw. "You are beautiful, my love. My sphinx." I stroked one foot up his back leg to the strong, furred hind. His hair was thicker there, softer, and I bit my lip, thinking about the simpler teasing pleasure of running my fingers through that fur. I wanted to cuddle him, study him, learn every inch of him. "I love you," I mouthed to him, and the furrow of concern smoothed away.
He bent and his legs brushed against the sides of my breasts, curious and tantalizing. His mouth met mine and I hummed at my own flavor on his tongue. I'd interrupted his goal but I found I didn't care, not as my hands searched his frame. Amon sank down until he was hovering over me, our skin just barely touching, and I whined and pushed myself into him, gasping at the sensation of his furred belly against my wet and aching pussy.
