Lord William threw himself into a chair by the fire and glared morosely into the flames.

'You won't believe it, Alex!' he sighed heavily.

'What won't I believe?' Asked the man opposite him. His name was Viscount Alexander Harris and he was William's best friend. Together they managed to scandalise society with their behaviour - drinking, gambling and womanising.

William's blue eyes were suddenly bright with anger, 'It has been made clear to me that if I wish my political career to progress any further, I must take a wife.'

Alex chuckled, but stopped at his friend's black look, 'Oh, come on, Will, dear chap, it had to happen sooner or later.'

'I'd rather it never happened. But to be brow beaten into doing so...'

'Yes, but we fellows have to produce that all important heir.'

'True,' William mused, 'And once I've produced one, I can always take a mistress to take care of my needs.'

William's face suddenly brightened, 'You have cheered me up, my friend.'

'Who is the lucky girl to be? No doubt there will be even more pushy Mamas presenting their little darlings to you than usual at any gathering.'

'Oh, God,' William grimaced and leant forward in his chair, 'you have to help me, Alex. Find me a chit of good breeding, a sizeable fortune and looks that are passable.'

Alec raised an eyebrow; 'You would really trust me with finding your future wife for you?'

William nodded, 'Yes, I would.'

'O.k, you're on. Now are we going to Whites or not?'

William smiled, 'Of course. Have to make the most of my freedom while I can.'

The two gentlemen left for the club for another evening of drinking and gambling.

***

Elizabeth Summers, a young lady in her first Season, had been summoned to see her parents in the drawing room. She had no idea what the meeting was about, but it sounded serious and she frowned as her maid finished dressing her.

'Oh, Miss, don't frown so. The Master will only get cross and you'll be sent to your room without any supper again.'

Elizabeth humphed. But the maid was right. Her father, Hank Summers needed only a minor excuse to find fault with his eldest daughter. The blonde young lady had spent numerous evenings in her room without supper for daring to express her opinion about something.

'I just wonder why they want to see me, Hattie. It can't be of the good.'

'Now, now, Miss. Everything will work out fine.'

Elizabeth said nothing. What was the point? She couldn't shake off a feeling of impending doom. Reluctantly she left the sanctuary of her room and went downstairs to greet her parents.

To her surprise they had a gentleman caller. She recognized him from one of the soirees she had been to, but she couldn't put a name to the face.

'Elizabeth, my dear,' said her Father, 'Come and meet Viscount Harris. He has brought us some splendid news.'

Elizabeth curtsied at Alexander and they all sat down. She looked at her father expectantly.

'His Lordship has come on behalf of his friend, Lord William and has expressed Lord William's intentions towards you. I have given my permission for him to court you, Elizabeth and an announcement of your engagement will be made in a month's time. Isn't it wonderful news?'

Elizabeth was stunned. She recognized Lord William's name immediately and her blood turned to ice at hearing it. He was one of the worst womanisers in society and far too handsome for his own good. He had cheekbones that no man had any business possessing and on any other man would have looked effeminate. Instead they added to his feline grace. She had seen him only once at a party, surrounded by simpering misses and had vowed then to have nothing to do with him. She was quite sure that William hadn't even noticed her so why he should suddenly ask her hand in marriage, she was at a loss to understand. But then he'd sent his friend to do it, hadn't he? He couldn't even be bothered to come himself she fumed silently.

Outwardly, she gave a smile that didn't reach her eyes and agreed with her father that 'yes' it was wonderful news. She then had to sit through afternoon tea, making polite conversation with her parents and Viscount Harris. Sometimes it was so unfair being a woman. You never had any say in what happened to you.

***

William was bored already. Lady Dorrington's ball was proving to be a drab affair. There were the same old people and he had the usual trying experience of Mamas pushing their insipid daughters at him. Whereas William used to find it amusing how many women threw themselves at him, now he found it all quite tedious. And somewhere here this evening was his bride to be. William had absolutely no interest in meeting the chit, although he knew he'd have to force himself to spend some time with her if their betrothal announcement was to be believed in a month's time.

William grimaced. He didn't have to yet though, and he wandered out of the crowded room. He wanted some time alone to himself and sneaked into the dining room. He was astonished to see a young blonde girl at the other end of the room lean across the table and pluck a strawberry from the display.

She popped the whole strawberry into her mouth and closed her eyes in pleasure as she chewed. She was a pretty little thing and William found himself envying the piece of fruit. Some juice escaped from her lips and her small tongue darted out to retrieve it.

Oblivious to the erotic picture she made, Elizabeth started when a deep voice drawled,

'Caught red handed! Whatever will our hostess say when she finds someone has stolen her table decoration?'

Elizabeth gasped and stared at the man who had spoken. She certainly hadn't expected anyone else to be in the room. She'd only meant to be there a moment, but she hadn't been able to resist taking one of the delicious strawberries. And to be caught by the very man she wished to avoid tonight!

Hard hazel eyes glared at him, 'I'm sure you're quite the gentleman and would not betray a lady's secret,' she said deceptively softly.

William was surprised to see icy eyes staring at him. Normally girls swooned at his feet wherever he went and he found it a novelty that this chit didn't. He stepped closer to her,

'If I am to keep your secret, I should know your name,' he said flirtatiously.

One fine eyebrow raised and then the girl looked at the empty wine glass in his hand,

'I think my lord must be more foxed than he thinks if he cannot remember who I am,' she said brittlely and left him in an angry swish of skirts.

Frowning, William turned to Alex who had just entered the room and heard the last exchange between the pair.

'Who was that with the sharp tongue?' He asked incredulously.

Alex chuckled and slapped his friend on the back, 'That, my friend, was your bride to be!'

William quirked a scarred eyebrow, 'How intriguing,' he said. No wonder the chit hadn't been amused when he'd asked her name.

'Perhaps you should tell me a little more about her.'

'I thought you weren't interested,' Alex said in amusement.

'Just humour me,' replied William.

***

Everyone was sat down to supper and William found himself next to a very flustered hostess,

'I'm so sorry, Lord William,' said Lady Dorrington, 'I don't know how it happened. The maid must have mixed the place names up.'

William frowned, 'What do you mean, my dear Lady Dorrington?'

'Well, I meant for you to sit next to Elizabeth Summers of course, as I heard about your interest in her, but for some reason she's next to Peter Stanford. I can only apologise.'

William smiled at his hostess, 'Not to worry. These things can't be helped,' he said and then looked down the table, his eyes narrowing on the golden-haired girl. So that's what she'd been doing in the supper room. She'd switched place names so that she wouldn't have to sit next to him! He couldn't help but admire her audacity and had to admit that she had peaked his interest. Perhaps he'd honour her with a dance after supper. After all she couldn't refuse him.

***

Elizabeth was flushed after several dances and fanned herself to cool down. Then she looked up in horror to see Lord William coming towards her. She was still furious that he hadn't even recognised her or known her when he had supposedly asked for her hand. Well, it was obvious now that he hadn't known whom he'd asked. His friend had chosen for him. She looked at the dashing figure he cut as he strode purposely towards her, his handsome face the envy of men and target of women. Not her though. She really wasn't interested. And she'd be damned if she'd dance with him.

Elizabeth wiped a hand theatrically across her brow and turned pathetically to her Mother, “I’m feeling rather faint, Mama. Can we go home, do you think?”

Her Mother was instantly all concern, “Oh, dear, yes. We’ll leave immediately.”

They stood up to leave just as William reached them.

“Leaving so soon, ladies?” But I wished to dance with Elizabeth. Surely you’ll stay for this set?”

Elizabeth looked demurely down and swayed slightly next to her Mother.

“I’m afraid Elizabeth is not feeling very well, Lord William. That is why we are leaving,” said Joyce Summers.

William looked at Elizabeth suspiciously, “Well, I’m sorry to hear that. Another time maybe. I hope you feel better soon, Elizabeth,” he said softly.

As they turned to go, Elizabeth gave a brief triumphant smile and William saw. He knew it - the little minx! She was feigning illness.

“Mrs summers?” He drawled and Joyce turned back.

“May I call on Elizabeth tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course. I’m sure she’ll be feeling better by then.”

William watched as they left, wondering why he found the Summers chit so appealing and why the idea of marriage suddenly wasn’t quite so abhorrent.

***

Elizabeth rode alongside Lord William through the park, while a groom followed at a discreet distance behind. She had tried in vain to look poorly this morning, but her parents hadn’t listened. She would be a good daughter for them and ride with Lord William. Elizabeth didn’t intend making it pleasant for him though. She answered all of his questions with monosymbolic replies and could almost hear him gnashing his teeth together. She hid a smile. Perhaps this was fun after all.

William clenched his jaw in frustration. Perhaps he had been wrong about the girl. The conversation between them was stilted to say the least and he saw none of the fire of last night. Then he saw Elizabeth hide a smile and he knew she was deliberately provoking him. Well, if the chit wanted to play games, she was out of her depth.

William looked briefly behind, saw the groom was pre-occupied for the moment and smacked Elizabeth’s horse on the rump. Her horse broke into a run and William took off after her. He knew she was an excellent horsewoman, so he had no fears about her safety.

The groom was left far behind on his inferior horse and by the time Elizabeth’s horse had been controlled, she found herself alone with William in a small copse of trees. Speechless with rage, she whirled her horse around,

“You did that on purpose! Are you insane?” She shouted.

“Alone at last!” William drawled and leaning over the two horses, he pulled Elizabeth to him. He crushed her lips with his, devouring her mouth and holding her tightly against his chest.

Elizabeth was taken by surprise. She suddenly found herself crushed against a hard chest, the athletic body unmistakeable in the riding clothes. Her mouth was invaded by his tongue and she was shocked to find she enjoyed the sensation. He seemed to like tasting her, as his tongue dipped in several times. Then suddenly he pulled away and Elizabeth felt bereft.

William looked at her swollen lips and glazed eyes and smirked in triumph,

'I knew there was fire in the ice queen,' he said.

Elizabeth sat up straight on her horse, reality shocking her into action. She slapped William hard around the face,

'How dare you, Sir!' She spat and rode off to find the groom.

William held a hand to his red cheek and smiled. Oh he dared all right. Having tasted her delights, William couldn't wait to bed his wife to be. And she wasn't as indifferent to him as she'd like to believe.

***

Elizabeth paced back and forth in her room. What was she going to do? Just one kiss and she'd become putty in his hands. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. Damn the man. But oh, what a kiss! Her lips still tingled from where he'd caressed, crushed and devoured them with his own. And there had been a strange sensation she'd felt that started in her belly and seemed to flood her being. It had made her want more. But more of what?

Elizabeth frowned. Was that how it was supposed to be between a man and wife? She wasn't sure if she liked losing control like that, no matter how pleasurable the experience. Which of course she hadn't found! Lord William's kiss had been like kissing.......kissing a frog. There! Elizabeth stopped pacing. Satisfied that she was in no way attracted to the man, she rang for the maid to help prepare her for tonight's party.

***

Elizabeth knew she wouldn't be able to avoid William tonight, but she intended putting off the encounter for as long as possible. As soon as she could, she wandered out of the main room and headed down an empty corridor; pretending to marvel at the portraits on the wall. What she certainly wasn't expecting was to be grabbed and pulled into a room. Before she could react, she heard the door being locked behind her.

Elizabeth whirled around to find William casually leaning against the door.

'You!' She spluttered. The man was insufferable.

'Me!' He said in amusement. God, she was beautiful. Her golden hair was piled up, with soft curls either side of her face. Her body was displayed to perfection in a pale blue gown with just a glimpse of cleavage tantalizingly showing. And her lovely hazel eyes held their usual glacial expression for him. Well, it was time to melt the ice queen.

William eased himself away from the door and Elizabeth instinctively took a step back.

'Why have you locked the door, my Lord? Do you intend stealing more kisses?' She asked scornfully.

William's eyes looked at her lips, 'Stolen kisses are always the sweetest,' he purred.

Elizabeth gulped in panic. He clearly intended to ravish her, 'I'll scream,' she threatened.

He shrugged, 'Go ahead, Luv. It'll put you in a compromising position and I'll have to marry you then to save your reputation. And that's not what you want, is it Elizabeth?'

'No. I never want to marry you!'

Blue eyes mesmerised her with their hot look, 'And why is that, Pet? Why are you so against me?'

She had to look away from him, 'You are not the man for me. You are a drunkard, a gambler and a skirt chaser. I wish for a man who I can trust and....and converse with....'

'That makes for a very safe and boring relationship, Elizabeth. I shall be honest with you. I was told to marry and didn't want to, but then I met you. There's a passion between us, Luv and I can't wait to bed you as my wife!'

Her head snapped up at that and she blushed, 'How dare you say such things to me!'

'Oh I dare,' he purred, 'And what's more, you're not immune to me. You enjoyed that kiss this morning too.'

'I most certainly did not!' She denied vehemently; her bosom heaving she was so angry.

William smiled. She was a provocative baggage.

'Your kiss made me feel ill,' she said brutally.

A raised scarred eyebrow was his only response. Then he pulled her to him and kissed her softly on the lips. Just that soft touch brought back the memory of his expert kiss and Elizabeth sagged in his arms, her legs for some silly reason refusing to work.

William groaned at the feel of her in his arms and deepened the kiss. Her lips were so soft and her breath hot and sweet. His hands tangled in her hair, angling her head so that he could reach all of her mouth.

Elizabeth's hands fluttered against his chest and then rested on the hard wall of muscle. Her lips clung helplessly to his. She moaned into his mouth as he used his tongue; it probed at her sensitive inner lips to widen them before plunging hard and fast, with determined erotic assault, into the warm velvet interior. She felt dazed by his kiss and was unaware of moving until she felt the solid wood of the door against her back.

William continued to plunder her mouth, before trailing hot kisses down her neck and over her shoulder. She tasted of vanilla and her skin was baby smooth. He couldn't get enough of her.

Before either of them realized, he had loosened her gown and her breasts were exposed to his view. He stared at the exquisite orbs, 'My God, you're beautiful,' he rasped, before lowering his mouth to them.

Elizabeth threw back her head, her mouth open in helpless rapture, as he began to kiss and suckle her breasts. It suddenly didn’t matter that she was behaving like a wanton with the very man she had sworn not to be seduced by. He lathed each nipple with his tongue before sucking hard on the tight buds. She looked down at his dark head pleasuring her and she nearly swooned with desire.

William slowly stopped what he was doing and pulled back to look at her. God, he’d lost complete control. He’d only intended a few kisses and ended up ravishing her. If he didn’t stop now, he’d end up taking her right here in this room and as pleasant as that may be; it wasn’t what he really wanted. He wanted to initiate his bride in the art of lovemaking in their actual bed. He leant his forehead against hers and couldn’t seem to help himself caressing her lovely breasts for a final time.

“What have you done to me, Elizabeth?” He groaned.

Glazed hazel eyes looked into his, “Pardon?” She said, confused with emotion.

William smiled at her reaction to him, as he eased her gown back into place, “I only meant to kiss you, Luv. But you drove me insane with desire.”

He stepped away from her to give her breathing space and time to compose herself.

Elizabeth blushed furiously. She was mortified by her behaviour. She had let this expert seducer kiss and fondle her as if she was some loose woman and he had seen parts of her that only her maid had ever seen!

Nervously, Elizabeth stepped away from the door with her head bowed. How could she possibly look him in the eye now? She didn’t want to see his triumph over her.

A hand gently cupped her chin and lifted her head up, “Are you okay, Elizabeth?” He asked huskily.

Surprised, she could only nod.

“I’m sorry,” he said before unlocking the door and leaving the room.

Elizabeth fell back against the door and bit her lip. Why had he apologised? Surely he wasn’t sorry for kissing her and making her feel like that - so completely out of control. It totally went against her opinion of the man. No, he would undoubtedly boast to his friends how he’d conquered her; suckled at her breasts like a babe. Elizabeth flushed once more as her nipples tingled. She vowed he would never touch her like that again. It only led to madness. She would marry him because she had no choice, but when he came to perform his husbandly duties on their wedding night, she would have a surprise for him.

***

The time came and went where Elizabeth and William’s betrothal was announced. Elizabeth became aware of all the envious looks thrown her way at any social gathering and would have been only too glad to trade places with someone. She had heard about William’s pursuit of a political career and was well aware that a marriage made him more respectable. The reason for their marriage had therefore become obvious. She was a convenience for him and no doubt once he’d produced his heir she’d be banished to the countryside while he continued to pursue pleasures of the flesh.

Elizabeth could not fault William on his behaviour towards her, however. Ever since that moment in the locked room, he’d been nothing but considerate and polite towards her. Never again had he made any attempts to kiss her and for some frustrating reason this annoyed her.

William looked across the room at Elizabeth. She was beautiful in a gown of glittering white and he felt proud that this woman was going to be his wife. He knew she was passionate and intelligent and she was never going to bore him. He found that he liked her sharp tongue and had enjoyed their verbal sparring sessions. They hadn’t argued lately, but he knew they would soon. Elizabeth had been far too quiet of late. He smiled, wondering what the little spitfire had in store for him.

***

The day of the wedding inevitably came and went and all too soon, Elizabeth found herself washed and changed for bed. She was supposed to wait in the bed, like a sacrificial lamb for her husband to come and have his way with her. But not Elizabeth. She pulled the curtains around the four-poster bed, so that William would have no idea what hit him until it was too late. Then she stood on the bed with a foil in her hand. If he tried to touch her, she’d cut his bits off.

William slowly opened the door to their bedroom and smiled when he saw the curtains drawn all around the bed. No doubt Elizabeth was very shy. Having half expected a vase aimed at his head, he still made his way cautiously into the room. He slowly undressed until he was just in his trousers and then he pulled back the curtains to get onto the bed.

The first thing he saw was the exquisite body of his wife, barely concealed in a flimsy gown and wrap, standing on the bed. William then noticed the mutinous look on her face and the foil in her hand. He raised an eyebrow,

“Are you going to make me right for my right to bed you, Elizabeth?” He drawled.

Averting her eyes from her husband's well-muscled and sculptured chest, Elizabeth raised her chin determinedly and flicked a long strand of golden hair over her shoulder.

'I don't intend for you to bed me at all, my lord. I thought I'd make that quite clear now. I will be the polite and dutiful wife in public so that you may have your political career, but that's all. You shall not come near my person!'

William looked into her defiant face and tried not to laugh. What else had he expected from his Elizabeth? He was sure she had no idea how desirable she looked standing there threatening him - half naked. He had never been so aroused in his life.

'Alright, Pet,' he said and disappeared back behind the curtain.

Elizabeth frowned and lowered her foil as she heard his steps walking away from the bed. She hadn't expected him to give in like that. Was she disappointed? No, of course not. She was about to step down from the bed, when suddenly the curtains started being torn down from around the bed. She gasped and saw William with a foil in his hand too.

'Come down and fight then, my lovely wife. I'm willing to do so for such a prize.'

Elizabeth blinked rapidly, 'You're insane!' She hissed.

'Nevertheless, it's what you wanted,' he said and flexed his foil.

Elizabeth jumped onto the floor, landing lightly on her feet. All right, if this was what he wanted. She raised her foil and the two began to parry.

They had been fighting for a good ten minutes, before Elizabeth realized that William was humouring her. He was clearly an expert fencer and could have won immediately. It made her furious and she started thrusting irrationally at him, letting her guard down in the process.

Grinning, William took the advantage and suddenly hit her foil hard, knocking it cleanly out of her hand. She watched in disappointment as it went skidding across the floor.

'You needn't have humoured me,' she huffed.

William continued to point his foil out towards her, 'On the contrary, my dear, you possess skill, which I'm intrigued to know where you learnt it - but you let your temper get the better of you. And now I'm going to claim my prize.....'

Elizabeth stood in shock, as the foil made several criss cross movements over her body. She looked down expecting to see blood, but there wasn't even a nick on her skin and she felt no pain. However, she did feel the stitching on her gown and wrap slowly tear, before separating into small pieces and fall from her body.

'Oh,' she gasped in embarrassment, as she suddenly stood naked before him.

She immediately covered herself as much as possible with her hands, but in vain. William could clearly see her lovely body and he felt himself grow hard at the sight.

Her long golden hair was in disarray around her flushed face; her small pale body was perfection itself - pert little breasts, feminine curves and shapely legs.

William threw his foil to one side and strode towards her.

“Don’t!” She croaked, ashamed of her nudity and worried about her body’s inevitable reaction to him.

William simply picked her up in his strong arms and headed for the bed.

“I’m afraid I can’t resist you, my love,” he said in amusement. He was aware of her slight trembling in his arms and intended being gentle with her.

Elizabeth found herself gently placed on the bed and her husband eyeing her body hungrily.

“Very, very nice,” he drawled softly. Then all at once his arm was around her waist and he was pulling her slowly, deliberately against his body. His mouth locked on hers, forcing her lips wide as he seduced her with his clever tongue. Elizabeth moved restlessly against him and moaned when a hand seared her breast with its heat.

William quickly lost his trousers, before pushing her back onto the pillows, shifting his length so that he was half atop her. Elizabeth found him solid warmth against her and everywhere their bare flesh touched she tingled.

She closed her eyes in pleasure as his mouth followed the soft line of her throat and continued to her breast. He licked, suckled and gently nibbled on each nipple, while tweaking and rubbing its twin.

Elizabeth moaned throatily, whilst arching her back, offering him better access to the sweet globes.

“Delicious,” William rasped and continued to move his warm lips down her body.

Elizabeth revelled in his touches and realized that the pants and moans she could hear were her own. She looked down at the dark head pleasuring her body and bit her lip. She couldn’t describe what she was feeling, as his hands and lips caressed her skin, but it felt wonderful. Shyly she began to caress his muscular shoulders and neck and delighted in his surprised moan of pleasure at her touch.

William went back up her body with his lips, before claiming her mouth again. He intoxicated her with deep kisses, before gently spreading her legs and caressing the folds of flesh between.

Elizabeth involuntarily jumped at that.

“Relax, Kitten,” he said and she did.

Somehow it felt right that his warm finger gently probed the folds before one finger actually slipped inside her most intimate place. She soon recovered from the shock of just where he was touching her and enjoyed the sensation. Indeed, she found herself raising her hips to meet his thrusting finger.

“Oh, my!” She gasped.

William smiled. She was so slick, tight and hot and he couldn’t wait to replace his finger with his manhood, but first he had to prepare her. He inserted a second finger and gently stretched her opening. Elizabeth’s eyes widened for a moment, but then closed in pleasure.

That was his undoing. William couldn’t take it anymore. He had to be in her. He withdrew his fingers and settled his weight between her legs. His hardened shaft nestled at her entrance, before slowly inserting.

Elizabeth gasped at the feel of something bigger and wider entering her and she hissed in slight pain as William broke through her barrier. But then she was lost in sensation as a finger rubbed her clitoris. It made more of her juices flow and made it easier for William to withdraw before thrusting back in.

William slowly built up the strength and speed of his thrusts, until Elizabeth caught onto the rhythm and met each thrust. The two climaxed together and he fell exhausted on top of her, before rolling to one side and gathering her to him. He kissed her on the lips quickly,

“I love you, Elizabeth,” he said quietly.

Hazel eyes looked into his, “Do you really mean it?” She asked, needing reassurance, “You’re not going to get your heir & then banish me to the countryside?”

He growled, “Yes, I do, you provocative baggage! I’ve never known anything like the way you make me feel, Elizabeth. One minute I want to break your beautiful neck you try my patience so much and the next I want to make passionate love to you. There will never be anyone else and that goes for you too. I’ll kill any man who even looks at you!”

She couldn’t help giggling, because she felt the same way.

He rolled over and pinned her beneath him, “And why is that so funny, Wife?”

She reached up a hand and stroked his handsome face, “Because that’s how you make me feel. Except I was so scared of my attraction to you that I behaved the way I did.”

“Well, never change. I liked it. It made me want you more.”

She smiled shyly, “I never knew it could be like that between a man and woman…”

“What we have is very special in that way, Elizabeth.”

“So special we can…do it again….?” She asked quietly and then worried that she was acting like a brazen hussy. Women were not supposed to enjoy the marriage bed.

Blue eyes darkened with need, “Whatever my wife wants,” he said with desire and kissed her thoroughly before needing air.

“I love you, William,” Elizabeth said breathlessly and then succumbed to her husband’s passionate embrace.