A Rose Between the Thornes Read online

  Her cunt clenched, and her juices flowed. Who was he? How dare he speak so, to bring such erotic and heat-making thoughts to my mind? Her nipples peaked under her thin silks, and she saw by the way his eyes drifted down, he noticed also. Damn him. Now I am wet and wanting and no chance to remedy the situation. I fear I may need to feel a headache shortly. I have to seek solitude, it seems, to assuage my desire.

  “You.” Sophia endeavored to make the tone as cold as she could muster. Really, will this evening ever end? “Are a whippersnapper.”

  He leaned forward, and whispered in her ear.

  “Oh, I am. A whip snapper. Is that what you want, my love? A whip across the globes of your arse? To feel the sting and the pleasure before we fuck you? It can be arranged. In as many ways and times as you desire. Ah.” He straightened, leaving her flustered and with no come back. “Mama.”

  Mama? Sophia tried to collect her wayward thoughts away from the heat making visions in her brain to look at the lady in an elaborate turban bearing down on them. Did he really say we and not I?

  Estella, Lady Mardanelly, their hostess, stopped and accepted kisses from the gentleman, who Sophia saw, now she almost had her wits about her, was more than presentable. He was tall, and slim, with perfectly styled dark hair, and deep, deep, almost black eyes. If she had been poetic she would say they were “to drown in.” With immaculate evening clothes and an intricately and perfectly tied cravat, he was elegance personified.

  “Jasper.” Lady Mardanelly greeted the man who stood next to her, and accepted Sophia’s curtsey. “Where is Nathaniel?”

  Sophia watched as his cheeks reddened slightly. “He was called away briefly, Mama, he will be here in a trice.”

  “Hmm, make sure he is. Your papa is absent as usual. You need to make your presence known. Twins.” She turned to Sophia. “Identical. Share everything. Always watching each other’s backs.”

  His eyes twinkled and one eyelid closed so briefly Sophia wondered if she had imagined the wink. “Ah, you are so right; we do as you say.”

  Share everything? I am undone. How Sophia wished to put her hands to her face, for she was sure it must be more than rose colored. Instead, she could do nothing but smile, and listen, as her nemesis continued. “And we will continue to do so, Mama, never fear.”

  Jasper kissed his parent’s hand with a flourish and a warmth his exaggerated gesture couldn’t hide. Lady Mardanelly patted his cheek in an absent manner and with a brief smile at Sophia drifted away to chat to another group of guests.

  Once she was out of earshot Jasper turned to Sophia. His grin should have warned her; it was wild, wicked and full of male appreciation. “Especially when we are fucking our lady,” he said, in such a low tone for her ears alone. That, she decided was lucky, for he continued. “Although perhaps that is watching our fronts? Who knows? It will be a pleasure to hear your views as we pleasure you. And...,” he paused. “As Mama says, we share. Always. Everything. And everyone.”

  ***

  Jasper Thorne, Viscount Steele, heir, by five minutes over his twin Nathaniel, to The Earl of Mardanelly, watched a range of emotions cross Sophia’s face. Had I read her wrongly? He thought not.

  Earlier in the season, Nat passed on the message circulating the clubs from Berry and Ran. A stark, simple, and implied threat. Keep away from Rose Sophia. It had roused both their interests, even though no sane person wished to tangle with either of those gentlemen. Both were renowned for their ability to fight without any regard to good gamesmanship. Nor, it was whispered, did they have any reason to suppose any fracas they were involved in would be investigated.

  The lady may be several years older than them, but the first time Jasper had seen her, many years before, his interest was piqued. In the strange way that he and his twin communicated, he had known Nat felt the same. Now, back within, well if not quite the bosom of the ton, but definitely the body, both, on seeing her again knew their feelings had not changed. And so the Rose between the Thorne’s campaign began. The only viable conclusion, in their minds, was to feel Rose Sophia sandwiched between them as they fucked her in every way imaginable, and a few more besides.

  Jasper and Nathaniel watched, waited, and began to plot. They supported the adage to know your target well was to ensure success, and they intended to succeed. It was easy to extract information from the tabbies and dowagers of the ton if you knew how to go about it, and the twins were experts. Over several months they gradually began to learn how well loved the lady was. It didn’t stop their plans when, to their dismay, it was not as easy as they had supposed to learn much more. She was elusive, avoiding soirees and balls whenever possible. For every social event she appeared at where gentlemen were in attendance there were three she did not. As the gossips were at pains to point out, her enjoyment lay in nuncheon parties, poetry readings, and other all-women affairs. At a loss to understand why, eventually it had been Nat who saw the pattern emerging.

  “She plays decoy for her niece,” he exclaimed one night as they watched Sophia at the card table. “She makes her presence known, so the tabbies believe Hermione is chaperoned. First she plays a few hands of cards for chicken stakes, gossips to those who notice such things, and then retires, her duty done. That way she protects Hermione and her activities as best she can.”

  Jasper nodded. Very few people were privy to exactly what Hermione was doing. Only a long-standing friendship between the twins and Ran, and the knowledge of their own predilections, had given them any inkling. And the presumption was they would ward off as much speculation as possible regarding relationship between Hermione, Berry, and Ran. Which indeed, they did.

  It was a given that if ever they resumed their activities, began in England and honed on the continent, Berry and Ran would return the favor—as long as it didn’t involve Sophia.

  Jasper knew it was unlikely Sophia recognized either of them. Sent abroad several years earlier for one misdemeanor too many, they had found the continent much more suited to their admittedly extreme tastes. They had so much enjoyment that they deferred their return until commands demanding their presence immediately or be cut off permanently became ever more frequent. At last they reluctantly heeded them and returned. Though neither gave a fig for convention, Jasper accepted it was his duty to return and take up the reigns of the estate. He knew Nat would not leave him to do so alone and for this he was thankful. Jasper may be the heir by law but as far as he was concerned, the role, the money and the worries fell to the two of them. They shared everything, including whenever possible, women.

  And now? The thrill of the chase was once more about to commence.

  “May I escort you to supper?” He bowed low and watched her through hooded eyes. “I feel sure—” he paused and smiled—”you are hungry for several things.”

  “You presume too much.” How he loved that fiery glare, those sparkling eyes, even the tapping foot. “I do not want to be here, with or without you. I wish to leave. I am not hungry.”

  Lady Mardanelly, who hovered nearby, picked up on her last sentence. “Come now, my dear, I’m sure your appetite will be whetted by what we have to offer. Jasper, be you so kind as to escort Lady Symons and ensure she wants for nothing?”

  He could have laughed aloud at the look on Sophia’s face as she also picked up on the unconscious double entendre.

  “It will be my pleasure,” he assured his parent, and offered his arm to Sophia who perforce had to take it. As soon as they were out of earshot of his mama he spoke. “To whet my lady’s appetite. And to add to your pleasure. To make sure you want for nothing, and are satisfied in all matters.” His cock stirred at the thought of the delights he felt were sure to come. Ruthlessly he suppressed it; the enjoyment of her flesh—all their flesh—must wait. First they needed to entice Sophia, intrigue her, and give her no get out.

  “You are taking this jape too far.” Her voice was not as stern as he supposed she meant. Rather it was interested, and yearning. Amused, he waited for her to con
tinue. “I am not interested, not at all.” Interesting. Her back was ramrod straight. Her lush lips were pursed and disapproving. Her uneven breath, and the hard nipples pressed against the soft material of her gown gave lie to her statement.

  “My dear, I am neither a half-wit nor a blockhead,” Jasper drawled in the best manner of a gentleman of his standing. “This is no jape, this is what is to happen. You may seek to deceive yourself as to your interest, but you cannot do so to me. Your body gives you away. If I were to lift your skirts and plunge my fingers into your cunt, they would be coated in your essence.” He wondered how she would respond to his crude words. The pictures that filled his mind sent a streak of heat through his body. Soon, I will do just that.

  She gasped, and her eyes shot fire. If she had a knife, he was in no doubt it would be between his ribs. He could see how she clenched and unclenched her fingers in rapid succession

  “If you were to do any such thing, not only would you be in exile again, you would be dead,” she retorted. She did not deny his assumption however, and her checks showed bright under the rogue. Would those other cheeks color so enticingly when his hand caressed them—and more?

  “You,” she continued, “are a—”

  She had no chance to finish. He pinched her arm in warning, for as they edged closer to the supper room, people were gradually moving nearer.

  “Ah, Nathaniel.” He raised his voice as his double appeared alongside. A look passed between them. “I am persuading Lady Symons she is indeed hungry and we are the very people to help her satisfy her appetite.”

  A sudden pain in his hand reminded him that the lady in question had sharp nails, which she used to good effect. Jasper saw the red crescents show starkly on his hand. That was one act he looked forward to chastising her for at a later date.

  Nat chuckled. “If you cannot tempt the lady, Jas, it seems your powers of persuasion are not as they once were.” With a brief wink at Jasper, he turned to Sophia. “Perhaps you would accompany me instead, my lady?”

  Jasper watched as Sophia looked his twin up and down. They had reached the supper room. He steered her toward a table to one side of the room, slightly apart from the rest, while glaring at a young cub who deemed it might be permissible to join them.

  “As, according to your mama, and confirmed by your brother, you share everything, I feel ‘twould be jumping from the frying pan to the fire,” Sophia replied. “Therefore I think not; and my nails are available to remind you also.” She curtsied and walked toward her niece. Jasper realized Hermione had been watching the interchange with interest.

  He nodded toward the women. “Do you think we can expect a visit from the hands-off wardens?” he asked Nat. His twin chuckled.

  “Who knows?” Nat replied. “Is she disinterested, or playing a deep game?”

  Jasper sighed. His body tingled with arousal and he was hard pressed not to show the evidence of it. “She has an unconscious desire to be caught. Her body language was such that she was excited and eager. However, her upbringing does not allow for such emotions. The ladies of the ton would never be so vulgar to show their feelings in public. Alas, also with most, not in private either.”

  Nat grinned. “Somehow, I don’t think that applies to Rose Sophia. I’m sure she will have no problems expressing her emotions. I look forward to it.” He leaned close to Jasper. “As soon as possible I hope, before my cock decides I am neglecting it and its needs.”

  “That goes without saying, for I am in the same boat. I think we need to arrange a game of cards. Will you see that a table is vacant for us?”

  He felt Nat’s eyes on him. “We do it openly,” he continued. “In theory above board, and for penny stakes. Only the three of us will know of the wager issued to her.” He whispered something in Nat’s ear.

  Nat grinned, pure devilment showed in it and his eyes. “And will we play fair?” Nat asked.

  “All’s fair in love and war, and this is both. Of course not.”

  Chapter Two

  “Have you spoken to your men?” Sophia demanded. She tried to keep her voice level as she addressed Hermione, but found it was difficult to keep her temper. Sophia’s body prickled with the intensity of her emotions. She may well be annoyed, but she was enervated. “Are they here?”

  “Not as yet. Why?” Hermione watched her closely and Sophia struggled to calm herself. Those young men may be agitating her, but she did not feel it behoove her to set the dogs on them just yet. Not until I discover just what they intend. “I had wondered,” Sophia said, “if they were to make an appearance here tonight.”

  “I think not. An alleged prior engagement at Edmund’s, no doubt hastily arranged when they realized there was to be a string quartet present.” Hermione laughed. “Cards hold more allure than violins.”

  As a scraping noise was to be heard from the back of the room, Sophia could not help but agree. She shuddered. Never a fan of string quartets, the thought of an hour or so of pretending interest was beyond her. What on earth could she do to spare herself?

  “Lord Cressley, on your right,” Hermione said in a warning tone. “I will not desert you.”

  Sophia rolled her eyes. The self-important prosy peer was the last person she wanted to see. It was unfortunate with supper now occupying so many people it would be difficult to escape the onslaught of Lord Cressley and gain respite from the music now setting her teeth on edge.

  A different onslaught came to her rescue.

  “My dear Lady Symons.” The bow was all that was proper; the look in the eyes was not. “I believe you play cards? My brother has procured us a table.” He held out his arm. To the unobservant it was impossible to discern which twin addressed her. She looked closely, ah...perhaps it was in the eyes.

  “Shall we?” he asked. He nodded politely at Hermione who grinned. “May the best woman win.”

  Sophia laid her hand on his arm and allowed herself to be led towards the card room. Behind her she heard the gasp of disgust from Lord Cressley and a swiftly cut off giggle from Hermione. Then Hermione’s voice explaining Sophia was promised elsewhere reached her. She would thank her niece later.

  Her escort put his hand on the small of her back as they approached a table at one end of the room, where his double waited.

  “Next time I rescue you, I look forward to your thanks, shown in a myriad of ways,” her escort said. “My cock is eager and anticipates its participation.” His hand moved briefly down and gave her buttocks a swift caress. Such a brief statement of intent had her juices flowing. Before she decided how to reply, or indeed whether she should at all, he raised his voice. “Here is Lady Rose to play with us.” The smile that accompanied this statement showed her he had omitted what they would play on purpose. He stood back to allow his double to greet her.

  “Dear Rose.” The use of her name was accompanied by a grin of pure devilment. She chose not to respond. She may well be interested, her pulse jumping and her quim damp with the ideas flitting through her mind, but she had no intention of showing it. These men were clever. They needed no help in whatever game they chose to pursue. Again her hand was bowed over and kissed. “We thought to play.” He waited, before going on smoothly. “At present, cards with you. Do you desire it...” The pause this time stretched until he raised one eyebrow and gave a brief wicked grin. “...as much as we?”

  She looked from one to the other. How did people decide who was who? A swift perusal of each, from identical wicked grins, to immaculate smallclothes and perfectly tied cravats gave no hint. Was it the eyes?

  “For what are we playing gentlemen?” She allowed twin one to seat her, then waited until he had taken his own seat and twin two did likewise. “Penny stakes?”

  “Of course,” the man on her right answered suavely. “With a little side bet perhaps?”

  Sophia looked at him steadily and knew this was the twin she had been first introduced to and her surmise was correct. A slight, very slight, darker hue in his eyes gave him away. To most, she
assumed it would not be noticeable, so mild was it. To her, that delicate tint was glaringly obvious.

  “And what, my dear Jasper, do you think we should play for?” she asked using his first name deliberately. For as an older lady, surely that was acceptable? Did he realize the disparity in their ages? She saw by the look in his eyes he knew what she was trying to do. She felt the glance they exchanged rather than saw it.

  “Fucking.”

  She blinked. “I beg your pardon?” Had she heard aright?

  “Sex, in a manner we so choose, you and us,” Nathaniel replied. “Both of us. All of us. There is no negotiating on this. One night for each game you lose by. We play for one hour.”

  So they think I will lose. She fancied they might be in for a surprise. “And if I win?” she queried lightly. “Sex in the manner I so choose—if I do? Or a forfeit, from each of you, to be decided by me at a later date? No negotiation.”

  They may be telepathic, as she believed twins often were, however, the surprised look that passed between them was everything she could have wished for.

  “Of course, my lady,” Nathaniel said. She nodded, and turned to Jasper. “And you Jasper? What say you?”

  “I say, ‘tis a rare person who can tell us apart, something that bodes well for the future, perchance? You will know who is inside you, and where.”

  She could not help but chuckle. Truly they were incorrigible. “And our wager?” she prompted.

  “Be ready to enjoy all we decide to give,” he said. “For assuredly we will win.”

  A thought struck her. She knew this might not be as straightforward as she had first believed. They were devious. “You play as individuals? For two against one is surely not a fair division.”