Chapter Text
Observing the duke's unravelling was a fascinating spectacle. Since she met him, he had exuded an air of composed control, but now, in the midst of conflict with his elder brother, that veneer cracked and crumbled, revealing raw emotion beneath. It was as though his brother possessed a unique ability to effortlessly ignite the flames of his temper, transforming the normally stoic duke into a portrait of fury.
Upon their arrival at the stately manor, the weight of tension that had hung heavy in the air seemed to dissipate, if only momentarily, as Eddie extended his invitation for a drink. Susie accepted, intrigued by the prospect of witnessing further developments alongside the dashing captain. They retreated to the sanctuary of the library, where Eddie expertly poured a round of scotch, his movements precise yet betraying a hint of tension in his grip on the glass.
"My brother is a bloody idiot," Eddie muttered, punctuating his statement with a sip of his drink. Susie nodded knowingly, acknowledging the validity of his assessment. "Yes, quite easy to see why you inherited everything instead of him," she remarked.
Eddie swiftly drained his glass, the remnants of adrenaline from the evening's events still coursing through his veins, evident in the tightness of his jaw and the frustration evident in his low groan. "I feel like punching something," he confessed, a raw edge to his voice.
"Hmm," Susie responded, her expression reflecting a seasoned understanding of men in such heightened states. "It’s the adrenaline. You need physical release." Her gaze lingered on him, silently conveying her readiness to offer whatever solace he sought.
Eddie considered her words, his eyes flickering with a newfound interest as he regarded her. "Are you offering?" he inquired, the suggestion heavy with implication.
Susie met his gaze evenly, her own demeanour poised yet subtly inviting. "Why not?" she replied, a note of playful challenge underlying her words.
Rising from his seat, Eddie closed the distance between them, his proximity sparking a palpable tension in the air. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a kiss filled with a fervour born of pent-up emotion, his fingers tangling in her hair as they explored the contours of her mouth with a practiced finesse.
Breaking the kiss, Eddie's suggestion hung between them, laden with promise. "I reckon we'd be more comfortable in my bedroom, wouldn't you agree?" he proposed, his tone suggestive of a shared desire for intimacy.
Susie's pulse quickened in response to the anticipation ignited by their passionate exchange, her resolve strengthened by the undeniable allure of Eddie's embrace. "Lead the way," she acquiesced.
Eddie reached out, gently clasping Susie's hand within his own, his touch warm. With a small smile, he guided her up the staircase, each step echoing softly against the walls as they ascended to the upper floor.
"So, this is the Duke's bedchamber?" Susie inquired, her gaze wandering around the room with a curious flicker in her eyes. The space seemed to embody every stereotype she held about the quarters of nobility. Dark wooden furniture adorned the room, with a prominent four-poster bed standing as the centrepiece. A plush couch and coffee table were strategically placed before a crackling fireplace, exuding an air of cosy sophistication. Nearby, armchairs encircled a small round table, inviting intimate conversations. Her gaze then drifted towards the bookshelves that lined the walls, their shelves stacked with an eclectic assortment of modern literature. The books seemed to beckon her, promising glimpses into the mind of the duke through the pages he had chosen to keep within his sanctum. Susie made a mental note to explore them later, eager to uncover the hidden facets of Eddie's personality nestled within the printed words.
"Technically, yes," Eddie affirmed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he surveyed his surroundings with a sense of familiarity. "But my father's bedroom is down the hall. This is my room. Not sure when, if, I’ll ever take my father’s room.”
Despite the room's apparent lack of distinctive character, there was a strange allure in knowing that she was stepping into the sanctuary of Eddie’s adolescence. "Ah, so this is your childhood bedroom, then? No posters of half-naked women?” she teased, her tone playful as she glanced around the room once more.
Eddie reached out, gently clasping Susie's hand within his own, his touch warm. With a small smile, he guided her up the staircase, each step echoing softly against the walls as they ascended to the upper floor.
"So, this is the Duke's bedchamber?" Susie inquired, her gaze wandering around the room with a curious flicker in her eyes. The space seemed to embody every stereotype she held about the quarters of nobility. Dark wooden furniture adorned the room, with a prominent four-poster bed standing as the centrepiece. A plush couch and coffee table were strategically placed before a crackling fireplace, exuding an air of cosy sophistication. Nearby, armchairs encircled a small round table, inviting intimate conversations. Her gaze then drifted towards the bookshelves that lined the walls, their shelves stacked with an eclectic assortment of modern literature. The books seemed to beckon her, promising glimpses into the mind of the duke through the pages he had chosen to keep within his sanctum. Susie made a mental note to explore them later, eager to uncover the hidden facets of Eddie's personality nestled within the printed words.
"Technically, yes," Eddie affirmed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement as he surveyed his surroundings with a sense of familiarity. "But my father's bedroom is down the hall. This is my room. Not sure when, if, I’ll ever take my father’s room.”
Despite the room's apparent lack of distinctive character, there was a strange allure in knowing that she was stepping into the sanctuary of Eddie’s adolescence. "Ah, so this is your childhood bedroom, then? No posters of half-naked women?” she teased, her tone playful as she glanced around the room once more.
Eddie's gaze conveyed a depth that hinted at a complexity beyond the typical teenage experience. "Hardly. They would never have passed muster in this household."
With a gentle touch, he guided her to the bed, his hand tenderly clasping her waist. His fingers traced the line of her cheek, silently urging her to tilt her head towards him. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to her neck, each kiss a whispered promise of desire. Using his own body as a gentle force, he eased her onto the bed, stretching out beside her. As he showered her with affectionate, open-mouthed kisses, he murmured softly, "Anyway, I wasn’t much for posters as a teenager. I much preferred actual girls.”
Susie's lack of surprise only fuelled her playful demeanour. "And how many young girls found their way into this chamber under the cloak of darkness?" she teased, her tone laced with mischief.
Meanwhile, Eddie continued to pepper her neck with kisses, his lips trailing down to her clavicles, where they met the warmth of her skin and the cool touch of her necklaces. "Quite a few," he confessed, his voice husky with desire, " though none held the commanding presence that you do."
Susie chuckled, envisioning the inexperienced, wide-eyed teenage girls yearning to catch Edward Horniman’s attention in any way possible. She could almost see them, nervously sighing and whispering, hoping to make an impression. "I can only imagine those proper young ladies, trembling at your slightest caress, utterly clueless about the art of pleasure."
Eddie stopped kissing her and leaned back to look at her in the eye. "I'll have you know, Susan, that I've never received any complaints," he asserted with a self-assured grin.
Susie couldn't help but roll her eyes. It felt like she'd heard those words countless times over the past fifteen years. It seemed that all men had a knack for saying the same thing. "Ah, the age-old claim of men everywhere. But let me assure you, Your Grace, not every gentleman has managed to satisfy my desires. In fact, the best-looking ones, much like yourself, often fell short."
Eddie appeared to interpret her words as a challenge. "Well then, I suppose I'll have to demonstrate my capabilities," he remarked, a hint of playful determination in his voice.
"I suppose you shall," Susie replied, a teasing smile on her lips. She was more than happy to be proven wrong and, if she were honest with herself, the way he kissed her earlier was a tantalising preview of what was to come.
Eddie moved closer, his hands deftly working to remove her trousers with a practiced ease. He left her underwear on, opting instead to tease her through the thin, black lace. He kissed her intimately through the fabric, the sensation sending a jolt of pleasure through her body. She moaned softly, her hips instinctively arching towards him, seeking more of his touch. His mouth found her clit, and he sucked gently, the sensation amplified by the barrier of her underwear. Her body responded eagerly, each touch pushing her closer to the edge.
Unable to wait any longer, Susie quickly removed her top, eager to feel more of him. Eddie took this as his cue and slid her panties down, exposing her fully. He wasted no time, his mouth returning to her now bare skin. His tongue flicked over her clit as he slipped a finger inside her, the dual sensations making her gasp. She was embarrassingly wet, her arousal evident. It hadn't been long since she was with a man, but the previous encounter had been underwhelming. Eddie's skilful touch already far surpassed her last lover's attempts, and she hadn't realised just how desperate she was for a truly satisfying experience.
When Eddie added a second finger, she couldn't help but arch her back, her body seeking to draw him deeper. The combined stimulation of his mouth on her clit and his fingers inside her was overwhelming. Her breath quickened, her body tensing as she teetered on the brink. It didn't take long before her orgasm crashed over her, her loud moans echoing through the room as she came hard, every muscle in her body tensing with the intensity of her release.
As she slowly came down from her high, she watched through half-lidded eyes as Eddie stood up and began to undress. His movements were unhurried, almost casual, but there was an undeniable sense of purpose in the way he peeled off his clothes. He lay down beside her, his body warm and solid against hers. Gently, he rubbed her lips with his thumb, his touch tender and reassuring. Leaning in close, he murmured in her ear, “Ready for round 2?”
Despite feeling utterly spent, her body thrummed with anticipation, eager for the promise of more pleasure. She looked into his eyes and nodded, slowly removing her bra to join him in complete nakedness. Eddie's eyes roamed over her exposed chest, his expression clearly showing his appreciation. Pleased by his reaction, she leaned in and kissed him. The taste of herself on his lips was unexpectedly arousing, heightening her desire. Eddie deepened the kiss, his hands wrapping around her waist to pull her closer. With a gentle but firm motion, he manoeuvred her on top of him. The shift in position surprised Susie, but she welcomed it. She enjoyed being on top, where she could control the angle and pace, ensuring a cock hit just the right spots. Sitting up, she wrapped her hand around his cock, marvelling at its thickness. It was one of the largest she had ever encountered, the kind of size that would typically come with a warning label. The sheer thickness made her wonder if the stretch might be too much, but she wasn’t one to back away from a challenge, especially given how skilled Eddie had proven to be.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she began to lower herself onto him. She moved slowly, allowing herself to adjust to his girth inch by inch. The initial stretch was intense, a mix of discomfort and pleasure that made her breathe deeply to accommodate him. Finally, she was fully seated on him, the sensation of being filled completely making her gasp. He was big, and the stretch was slightly painful, but it was manageable. Susie started to ride him at a slow, steady pace, her body gradually adjusting to his size. With each movement, she increased the speed, feeling more confident and aroused. Her hand found its way to her clit, and she began to stimulate herself, the dual sensations driving her wild. The pleasure from her fingers helped to overshadow any lingering discomfort, and she rode him harder, her movements becoming more urgent and demanding.
As she continued to ride him, the room filled with the sounds of their shared pleasure. Eddie's hands gripped her hips, guiding her movements as she lost herself in the rhythm. The intensity of the moment was overwhelming, her earlier exhaustion forgotten as she chased another climax, her body fully attuned to the sensations he was eliciting.
Eddie seemed to appreciate her efforts as he groaned, “Fuck, Susie, you’re amazing.”
Encouraged by his praise, Susie placed both hands firmly on his chest for leverage and began to ride him even harder. She shifted her hips slightly, finding just the right angle so the head of his cock hit that wonderful spot inside her with each thrust. Her movements became more urgent, each motion sending waves of pleasure through her body. Then she felt Eddie’s hand move to her sex, his index finger applying the perfect amount of pressure on her clit. The sensation was electric, amplifying her arousal to an almost unbearable level. Without any warning, the combined stimulation pushed her over the edge, and she came hard on him. Her inner muscles tightened around his cock, her body trembling with the force of her orgasm. Eddie's groan deepened, and she felt him thrust up into her one final time before he came as well, his release triggered by the intensity of her climax. The feeling of him pulsing inside her added to her own pleasure, creating a shared moment of bliss.
Breathing heavily, Susie pulled off him and collapsed onto his chest, her body spent but thoroughly satisfied. Eddie reached for the duvet and covered them both, his arms wrapping around her protectively. She snuggled against him, using his chest as a comfortable pillow. The warmth of his skin and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat were soothing, lulling her into a state of deep contentment. She placed a gentle kiss on his chest as a gesture of thanks. Moments later, with a peaceful smile on her face, Susie drifted off to sleep, feeling completely sated and secure in Eddie’s embrace.
The following morning greeted her with the familiar sight of her bedroom, the soft light filtering in through the curtains. She stirred from her slumber, finding herself in the same position she had fallen asleep, cocooned within her blankets. With a sleepy stretch, she glanced around the room, her gaze landing on her trusty handbag nestled on the floor beside her. It beckoned to her, promising the connection to the outside world she craved.
With a determined reach, she retrieved her phone from the depths of her bag, fingers dancing over the screen as she delved into the digital realm of emails and messages. The urgent matter of Sticky Pete loomed over her thoughts, demanding her attention. Though she sensed movement nearby, she remained steadfast in her task, scrolling through the messages with single-minded focus.
“Mornin’,” Eddie said softly, his voice breaking the silence.
"Good morning," she replied absentmindedly, her mind still tethered to the ongoing conversation with Blanket. With a quick tap, she sent off her response before turning her full attention to Eddie.
"Blanket and Keith are heading to have a chat with Sticky Pete. Let's get ready and join them there," she suggested, her tone decisive as she began to formulate their plan of action. The urgency of the situation pulsed through her veins, propelling her into motion.
Eddie nodded in agreement, his assent evident as he gestured towards the bathroom. "Bathroom's through there. Fresh towels in the cupboard," he informed her, offering the practical assistance she needed in this moment.
"Ta," she acknowledged with a nod of gratitude, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed as she prepared to face the day. With purposeful strides, she made her way to the ensuite, the promise of a hot shower calling to her weary muscles.
As she stepped into the bathroom, a wave of warmth enveloped her, the spaciousness and brightness of the room a stark contrast to the chill of the morning air. The inviting ambiance tempted her with the allure of a leisurely soak in the luxurious bathtub, the promise of relaxation beckoning her to indulge. However, the pressing demands of the day tugged at her consciousness, reminding her of the tasks that awaited her beyond these walls. With a wistful sigh, she resigned herself to the reality of her schedule, forsaking the indulgence of a bath for the sake of efficiency.
Susie was greeted by Eddie when she emerged from the bathroom, clad only in a towel that hugged her curves. His eyes lingered on her, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Any chance you've got some makeup lying around from previous guests?" she asked him. She figured that he must have hosted female guests beyond his teenage years. She didn’t have time to go home to change, but she really needed to put on a bit of makeup to freshen up her face.
Eddie pondered her question for a moment before responding, his expression thoughtful. "Doubt it," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But if there is, it's likely well past its prime. Charly might have some in her bathroom. I'll show you once you're dressed," he offered, his practical suggestion a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty.
With a nod of understanding, Susie proceeded to dress quickly. It struck her as curious that he seemed to lack the typical signs of female visitors in his space. Considering his military background and frequent deployments, she reasoned that his opportunities for socialising may have been limited. Yet, Halstead had always been a constant in his life during his leaves. Whether by choice or circumstance, his solitude intrigued her, adding another layer to the enigma that was Eddie.
Once both were dressed and ready to face the day, Eddie led her to the adjacent bedroom, a space brimming with personality and charm. The walls adorned with art frames, decorative vases, and cherished photographs spoke volumes about the inhabitant's tastes and experiences, offering a glimpse into a life lived with purpose and passion.
Eddie gestured towards the door on the left, his demeanour hospitable as he extended an invitation. "Charly's bathroom. Help yourself to anything you need," he offered, his words a reassurance of his willingness to assist her in any way he could.
Susie nodded her thanks and disappeared into the bathroom. It mirrored Eddie’s in size but seemed to have accumulated more knick-knacks over time. Susie rifled through a couple of drawers until she stumbled upon a treasure trove of makeup. Charly had quite the collection, and Susie was confident she could find what she needed. After about fifteen minutes of diligent application, she felt satisfied with the result and ready to face the day.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Eddie greeted her with a small, appreciative smile. "Looks like you found what you needed."
"Charly's stash came in handy," Susie acknowledged with a grateful nod.
"Good to know for future reference," Eddie quipped, his implication hanging in the air.
"Hmm, we'll see," she replied coyly, a playful glint in her eye. She preferred to keep the duke on his toes, maintaining an air of mystery. In reality, she was quite open to the idea of a repeat performance, but she didn’t want Eddie to know that just yet. She had learned the importance of keeping her cards close to her chest in matters like these.