a j cove - the invisible rose

8/2/2019 A J Cove - The Invisible Rose

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InvisibleRose

A.J.Cove2006

www.cobblestonepress.com


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InvisibleRose

2

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsare

productsoftheauthorsimaginationorareusedfictitiouslyandarenotto

beconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,

organizations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

InvisibleRose

Copyright2006A.J.Cove

ISBN: 9781600880742

CoverArtist:SimonBoxer

Editor:TracySeybold

ExcerptfromFireandIcebyVivienneKing

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproduced

electronicallyorinprintwithoutwrittenpermission,exceptinthecaseof

briefquotationsembodiedinreviews.

CobblestonePress,LLC

www.cobblestonepress.com


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A.J.Cove

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Dedication

ThisbookisdedicatedtomyfriendKristal,whobelievedinmywriting

abilityfromthestart.MayshealwaysknowhowmuchIappreciateher

supportandfriendship.


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InvisibleRose

4

ChapterOne

Gabriella!

Doshishotfromherbed,tangledinhersheets,thenfellheadlong

onthefloorinaheap.Sheblinkedinthedimearlymorninglight,

attemptingtodeterminewhathaddisturbedherdeliciousdreams.She

didnthavelongtowaitbeforediscoveringthesource.

Gabriella,yougetoutherethisinstant,younglady!

HerfatherwasyellingforGabriellaagain.EverytimeGabriella

tookanewloversomewomandiscoveredthetwotogether,wordgot

backtothekingandchaosreignedinthecastle.Wouldheroldersister

everlearn?

Doshidisentangledherselfandtiptoedtoherdoor.Shepressedan

eartothecoolpanelandlistenedintently.Onlyfivemaidsworkedthis

floorandallofthemshouldhavebeenbelowcollectingtheircharges

breakfastorretrievingcleandressesandlinenfromthelaundry,butDoshi

heardmanyofthemhurryingalongthepassage.Theinhabitantsof

GlamdireCastlewereeagertoseethislatestepisodeinthecontinuing

sagaoftheWildRose.Doshiwasnoexception.

Whensheheardhersistersdooropen,Doshicrackedopenher

owntotakeapeek.Thekingshouldbedistractedenoughthatshecould

getagoodlookandabetterlisten.

Father,letmeexplain,Gabriellapouted,herheadbowed.

Doshinotedthescowlmarringherfathersfeatures.Thenormally

handsomemanoffiftyoddyearswasobviouslybeyondhisendurance.In


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A.J.Cove

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spiteofhisanger,Doshicouldnthelpthesurgeofloveshefeltforher

onlyparent.Evenatthisearlyhour,hewasperfectlydressedinthe

obligatoryroyalgreenrobes,asymboloftheprosperityoftheGlamdire

Kingdom.Herfather,KingofGlamdire,tookhisroleasleadervery

seriously.Hewouldneverbecaughtinastateofundress,evenatsix

thirtyinthemorning.

Doshihopedtosomedayfindamanastall,handsome,

distinguishedandfearlessasherfather.Shewantedamanwhoknewhis

dutyanddiditwithoutqualms,nomatterwhostoodagainsthim.She

hadntyetfoundsuchaparagon.Andsoattwentysixyearsold,shewas

stillavirgin,toherdisgust.

Ofcourse,thatwasntthecasewiththeWildRose.Shedhadmorethanherfairshareofmen.Thatwastheproblem.Doshisgazeslidtoher

lessthaninnocentsister.Gabriellastoodbeforetheirfatherinafloor

lengthfilmywhitenightgown.Hergloriouschestnuthairhungfree

halfwaytoherwaist.Howcouldshestandtherewithwideblueeyes

lookingasinnocentasanewbornfawn?Itwasinconceivable,knowing

whatshedbeenuptothenightbeforeandmanynightsprevious.

Dontbother,Gabriella!Herfatherjerkedahandthroughhis

ownlocks,whichmatchedGabriellas.Ihaveraisedawhoreinmyown

castle.

Gabriellagasped.Father.

No!Dontdenyit.Wevebeenthroughthisahundredtimes.

Whatisitaboutyou?Idontunderstandtheseurgesyouhave.What

makesyousleeparoundthisway?Thekingpacedafewstepsawayand

thenturnedback.Maybeifyourmotherwasalive

Father,Imsorry.Idontknowwhatcameoverme,Gabriella

attempted.

Illtellyouwhatcameoveryou.Lust.Pureandsimplelustcame

overyou.Youshouldbesettinganexampleforyourlittlesister,

Gabriella.Gabriellashandslidtoherwaist.Doshicouldimaginewhatshe

wasabouttosayandsteeledherselfagainstthehurtfulwords.


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InvisibleRose

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Doshi?Pah.ShesonlytwoyearsyoungerthanIamandshe

couldntgetamanifyoupaidonetotakeher.

Dontyoudaretalkaboutyoursisterthatway,Gabriella.He

graspedhisdaughtersarmandshookher.Doshiisaverybeautiful

woman.Shejusthastroublebelievingit.Youshouldbehelpingherbuild

herconfidenceratherthantearingherdown.

Doshiblinkedawaytears.Hersisterwasright,thoughherwords

stung.Shewasnotconfident.Butwhocouldbe,withsuchaglorious

beautyforasister?Themothersofprominentmenhadlongdebatedthe

faultsofthetwoprincesses.Gabriellawastooloose.Doshiwastooplain.

Thatdidntstopsuitorsfromcoming,shethoughtbitterly.

ProsperitywasntthesymbolofGlamdirefornothing.Herfatherskingdomwastherichestinthefreeworld.Anykingdomthatalliedwith

itthroughmarriagewasboundtoprosperunderherfathersgolden

touch.

Gabriellacrossedherarms.Well,itsobviousyouloveDoshimore

thanyouloveme.

Herfatherdeflatedvisiblyandhisvoicegentled.Gabriella,you

knowthatsnottrue.

DontI?

Doshidropped

her

gaze.

Even

she,

with

her

low

self

esteem,

knew

herfatherpreferredhertoGabriella.Yet,surelyhersisterrealizedhow

harditwasfortheirfathertooverlookherpromiscuousactivities.

Althoughherfatherandmothersmarriagehadbeenarranged,the

twohadfalleninlovewithoneanother.Neithercoulddreamofbeing

withanother.Itwasthisperfectrelationshipshedreamedofoneday

having.Notthatshedidntdreamofhavingwildintimaterelations.She

did.Butherhusbandwouldprovidethat,orsoshehoped.

Shesighedandleanedherheadagainstthedoorframe.Therewas

nouselyingtoherself.DoshihadlistenedtoGabriellaandhermaid

discussingherintimateadventuresandhadoftendreamedoftakingalover.


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Thekingglancedup,noticingDoshiandtheservants.Allofyou

getbacktowork,hebellowed,loudenoughtobeheardthroughoutthe

wholecastle.Thenhisvoicegentled.Doshi,getbackinyourroom.

Assheturnedtoobey,Doshisawherfatherclasphersisterselbow

anddirectherinsideherroom.Sheshookherhead.Hersisterwasinfor

atleastanhourslecture.Shehadalsowithstoodhershareoftheroyal

speeches.However,herownindiscretionsranalongthelinesoftripping

andsplashinghotsoupalloverthequeenofaneighboringkingdomor

sittingonthespectaclesofapotentialmate.

Shepaddedacrossherexpansiveroomandfloppeddownonher

bed.Anunladylikegruntescapedherlipsasshestaredupattheceiling,

whichwasornatelypaintedwithaforestsceneandstream,cleverlydesignedtoappeartobemoving.

Shesighedinfrustration.Shewasnotnormallysoclumsy.Yet

everytimeherfatherbroughtamantothecastleforher,shelostallsense

ofgrace.Withoutfail,shemanagedtoalienatethem.Notthatanyofthem

measureduptoherdreamoftheperfectmate.

MaybeIdoitonpurpose,shesurmisedaloud.

Dowhat,yourhighness?Hermaid,Lin,slippedincarryingafull

trayofhotchocolate,eggs,sausageandtoast.Ithadbeenherchosen

breakfastevery

day

for

years.

She

ate

it

in

her

room

when

she

was

not

commandedtojoinherfatheratthebreakfasttablewithhersisterandher

fathersleadadvisor.

Shesatupandswungherlegsoverthesideofthebed.Doyou

thinkImboring,Lin?

Themaidsgazedroppedtothetrayandbacktohercharge.You?

Never.

Veryfunny,Lin.Doshigrinned.

Thepetiteservantplacedhertrayonatablenearthebedandbegan

arrangingthegreensilkpillowssoshecouldeatherbreakfastinbed.

Watchingher,theprincessthoughtevenherownmaidoutshoneher.Linsdelicatelimbswereasgracefulasanyprincess.Hersable

hair,thoughpinnedatthenapeofherneck,wassilkywithgentlewisps

thatcurledaboutherovalface,accentuatingsweetalmondeyes.Doshi


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InvisibleRose

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hadoftenseenthemaleservantsoglingLinasshestrolledbytheminthe

halls.

Mistress,mayIspeakplainly?Linpausedinherministrations.

Youalwaysdo.

Well.ThegirlreachedoutahandtostrokeDoshiswildmane.I

thinkyoucouldbeasbeautifulasPrincessGabriellaifyoutried.

Doshirolledhereyes.Thatsabsurd,Lin.Nooneinthekingdom

isasbeautifulastheWildRose.

Youare,Lininsisted.Yourepracticallytwins.

DoshiguffawedandLinsnosecrinkledasifshesmelled

somethingrepulsive.Doshicoveredhermouth.Toolate,sheremembered

whatturnedpeopleoffabouther.Shecouldnthelpit.IfshewereasbeautifulasGabriella,maybeshecouldbemoreconfidentaroundothers.

Maybethenshewouldbenoticedforsomethingotherthanherfrequent

mishaps.

Ifyouhadmoreconfidence,youdbejustasdynamicasyour

sister,Linclaimed.Youhavethesamerichchestnuthair.

Mineisfrizzy.

Youhavethesamebrightblueeyes.

Minearentsobright.

Andyou

even

have

the

same

voice,

Lin

insisted.

Doshislumpedoverherplate,stuffinghermouthwithegg.

FoolishLin.Youforgetwheremysisterisgracepersonified,Iamclumsy

andgarish.Whileshehascreamyskinwithoutablemish,Imcursedwith

asprinklingoffrecklesovermynoseandhairthatssowild,itlooks

worsethananoldmop.Letsnotforget,shehasaneckaslongasaswans

andmineisthickandshort.Shecancharmthehardestheart.Icantcharm

thesoftest.Doshipushedawayheremptyplateanddraggedanapkin

acrossherlips.Iacceptmylotinlife,Lin.Iamcontent.

Oh,yourhighness,youknowyouarenot.

Doshistraightenedherbackandnarrowedhereyesinherbestimitationofherfather.Youdarecontradictme,Lin?


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No,yourhighness,ofcoursenot.Thegirlwasproperlyhumbled,

thoughDoshithoughtshecaughtaglimpseofamusementlurkinginher

eyes.Imsayingyoucouldstandabitofconfidenceinyourbeauty.

Ihavenobeauty!Doshisnapped.ShehatedthinkingLindidnt

respecther.Toberoyaltywithnopresencewaspointless.

Iwouldneverwanttodispleaseyou,yourhighness.Linsvoice

washesitant.Youmustseeyouhavethesamefigureasyoursister.

Doshisgazedroppedtoherbody.

Youbothhavethesamemeasurements.Yourethesameheight.

Youhave,Linhesitatedagainasherhandsrosetogestureaboveher

bosoms.

Doshireddened.thesameblessings,Linfinishedcreatively.

Suddenly,Doshiburstoutlaughing.Iguessyourerightthere,

Lin.Thedifferenceisthatmysisterflauntsherbosomsbyhavingher

dressescutaslowasthelawallows,whichisprettylowifyouaskme.

Yes,andyoursarehigherthananuns.Linapparentlycouldnot

bitehersassytongue.

Doshiglaredather.Freespeechover.Shesprungfromthebed.

Imreadytogooutforaride,Lin.Myhabitplease.

Yes,of

course,

your

highness.


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InvisibleRose

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ChapterTwo

Doshiclickedherheelsagainsthermaressidesandleaned

forwardinthesaddle.Onemoresprintandshedreturntothecastle.She

laughedoutloudatthethoughtofLinsfacewhenshesawDoshiswild

hairandflushedcheeks.Shedriddenoutwithoutachaperoneora

coveringforherhair.Herfatherwouldbefuriousifheknew,butshe

didntcare.Sheneededtimetoherself.Sheneededtofeelfreeofallthe

obligationsandhusbandhunting.

Sheheadedfullspeedintothetreesalongawellwornpathshed

takeneverydayforyears.Shesmirkedconfidently,knowingalowwall

wascoming

up

and

that

Fireflight

would

take

it

expertly,

as

usual.

Asherhorselefttheground,shesawamangallopingtowardher

ontheotherside.Fireflightclearedthewall,butthenshiedawayfromthe

unfamiliarstallion.Herhorserearedandpawedtheair,sendingher

flyingbackwardandlandingwithahardthumpontheground.

Beforeshecouldclearherbefuddledmind,themanleaptfromhis

horseandrushedtoherside.Areyouallright,miss?Imsorry.Ididnt

seeyou.

Hishandonherelbowsentinexplicableshardsofdelightracing

alongherlimbs.Shepeekedupathimthroughhererrantlocks.Ashe

helpedhertoherfeet,shefeltherselfdrowninginthewarmthand

kindnessofthemostbeautifulhazeleyesshedeverseen.

Suddenly,sherememberedherstateofdress.Shemustlookasight

withherwildmaneandmudcakedgown.Thoughthegentlemanwore


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plainclothes,everythreadwascleanandhissilkenblondhairwaspulled

neatlybackfromhisface.

Areyousureyoureallright?hequeriedagain.

Shestillhadntfoundhervoice.Sheopenedhermouthtoanswer

andthenshutitwhensheheardmorehorsescoming.Itsoundedlikea

smallarmyandDoshiwasntreadytoexposeherselftotheircurious

gazes.Besides,itmightgetbacktothekingandshedidntliketomake

himangrywithher.

Shepulledfromthemanssolicitousholdandranforherhorse.

Withanunladylikehoistofherskirts,shetuckedafootintothestirrups

andflungherselfintothesaddle,gallopingawayasquicklyaspossible.

Shedidntdarelookbacktoseeifhefollowedorevenithewatchedhergo.Hisheadyscentwasstillinhernostrils,fodderforhernextfantasy.

*****

Youcanforgetit,Father.Imnotgettingmarried.Gabriellas

usuallyflawlesscomplexionwasmottled.

Doshiimitatedhersistersperfectmannersanddelicatelybitintoa

biscuitwhilewatchingthedramaplayingbeforeher.

Youwill,

and

that

settles

it,

Gabriella.

The

king

tossed

down

his

napkinandshovedbackfromthetable.Aservantheldthechairin

preparationoftherisingleaderofGlamdire.Iwillhaveyousettled

beforethisyearisout,onewayoranother.

No,Father.IwillnotmarryPrinceTarin.Iamnevergetting

married.Herblueeyesflasheddefiantly.Iamhavingtoomuchfun.

Doshigasped.Hersisterdidntoftenadmitshewasactuallyhaving

affairstotheirfather.Shewasdefiantanddemandedherfreedom.She

flauntedtheruleoftravelingwithmorethanherpersonalmaid,butstill

practiceddeniabilityinthefaceofheramorousactivities.

Thekingpaused.Heturnedanarrowedlookuponhisolderdaughter.Gabriellavisiblypaled.Doshishookherhead.Foolishgirl.Sheshouldnthavesaidthat.


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InvisibleRose

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Gabriella,youbelieveyouvefooledme.ButIhavemany

advisors.

Spies.Iknowthatmyoldestdaughter,aroyalprincessofGlamdire,is

calledtheWildRosebecauseherreputationissotarnishedwithhermany

affairs.DontpresumethatIamasillyoldman,Gabriella,whoknows

nothingofwhatshappeninginmyownkingdom,nottomentionmy

ownhousehold.

Hisvoicerosesteadily,whileGabriellapaledsomuchDoshifeared

shewouldfaint.ButGabriellawasasstrongwilledastheirfatherand

quicklyrecovered.Shewouldnotbackdownfromthekingstemper.

Imagrownwoman,Father.Imtwentyeightyearsold.IcanlivemylifeasIplease.

TherearesocietalrulesmyrulesGabriella.

Yes,wellShetoyedwithherbiscuit,shreddingitbetween

twitchingfingers.

Doshisuspectedhersisterknewifshepushedtheirfathertoofar,

hewouldtakestepsneitherofthemcouldanticipate.KingLagrinwas

wellknownforhisgreataffectionforhisdaughters,buthewasalso

reputedtorulewithanironfist.Thedaythatrigidforcewasturnedupon

hisfamily

was

not

something

Doshi

looked

forward

to.

Ifyoudefymeinthis,Gabriella,Ipromiseyouwillregretit.You

willmarryPrinceTarin.Ihavealreadysentamissiveaskingthathe

attendusheresothetwoofyoucangettoknowoneanotherbeforethe

wedding.Now,ladies,pleaseexcuseme.Ihavemuchtodo.

ThekingleftthetableandDoshisatnibbling,watchinghersister.

Gabriella,alwayssunnyandcharming,wasbroodingsilently,ashadow

darkeningherperfectfeatures.

Gabriella?Doshiventured.Whatwillyoudo?

Hersisterignoredher.DoshiglanceddownthetabletoDraylin,

herfathersheadadvisor,ashesatspearingsmallpotatoes.Heseemedcompletelyunmovedbythedramathathadjusttakenplace.

Unexpectedly,Gabriellaglancedup,hereyesglowing.Well,I

guessIdbetterdowhatFatherhascommandedme,Mouse.


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Doshiwasleery.Thatlookdoesntseemveryobedienttome.

Gabriellagrinnedprettily.OnceIammarriedtoPrinceTarinIwill

befreetodoexactlyasIplease,withouttheselecturesaboutpropriety.

Wonthehaveanythingtosayaboutit?

Hersistershrugged.IllmakeanagreementbeforewesayourI

dos.Besides,menhavemistressesallthetime.WhatdoesitmatterifIdo

likewise?

Atthesametime,DoshiandGabriellaturnedtheireyesupon

Draylin.SurelyhedtattleaboutGabriellasplan.Shedbeenstupidto

mentionitinfrontofhim.

Gabriella,alwaysselfassured,blewakisstoDraylin.Doshi

watchedhimblushandreturnhiseyestohisplate.Washeoneofhersistersconquests?Theadvisorhadalwaysseemedtoostraightlacedfor

that.Theknowledgeshockedherandbroughthimdownalevelinher

estimation.

*****

Doshithoughtherfathershappysmilecouldntgetanywideras

hecommandedaweddingcoordinatorbroughttothecastletohandlethe

upcomingnuptials.

The

ink

on

the

note

to

Prince

Tarin

had

barely

dried

andthepostmanwasjustturningdownthelanebeforeherfatherordered

extramaidstoprepareGabriellaforherbigday.

Herheadspunwiththeflurriedactivity,whilehersistersoakedup

theconstantattentionwithease.

Whatifhedecideshedoesntwanttomarryyou?Sheperched

ontheedgeofhersistersbedwhilethemaidsbathedGabriellainher

dailyritualofmineraloilsandsweetscents.

Doshi,youaresostupid,Iwonderhowyoucanbeinthisfamily,

Gabriellasneered.Wearepromisedtooneanother.Thatsasgoodas

married.ButdoesheknowyouretheWildRose?

Fathersaidhedoes,didnthe?

Yes,butdoeshereallyknow?


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InvisibleRose

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Shutup,Doshi!Gabriellasloshedwateroverthesideofhertub.

Iletyoucomeinhere,Mouse,butdontthinkIwontthrowyououtif

yougetonmynerves.

Doshiquietedherrampanttongue.Shedalwaysknownher

penchantforaskingendlessquestionsbuggedhersister,butshecouldnt

helpit.Herfatherhadtoldheritwasgoodthatshequestionedtheworld

aroundher.ItwouldleadherfurtherthanGabriellawouldeverimagine

going.Sofar,Fatherhadbeenwrong,shegrumpedsilently.

SoonGabriellastoodandsteppedoutofherbath.Twomaids

rushedforwardtodrythepamperedprincess.Doshipeekedupather

sistersnakedformjustafewfeetaway.LinhadsaidsheandGabriella

hadtheexactsamemeasurements.SeeingGabriellasfullbosom,taperedwaist,flatbellyandlongshapelylegsmadeDoshidoubtthatstatement.

Notthatsheeverexaminedherownfigure.Sheexpectedittobeasplain

asherfaceandcouldntbringherselftofindoutforsure.

Itwashardnottonoticethatherownblessings,asLinhadputit,

wereasfullashersisters,butthatdidntmeanshefeltconfidentenough

toflauntthemasGabrielladid.Wereshetowearthosethin,figure

huggingdressesinGabriellaswardrobe,shedcollapsewith

embarrassmentthefirsttimeamansgazedroppedtohernakedflesh.

Moretimes

than

she

allowed

herself

to

remember,

shed

stumbled

upon

Gabriellaandoneofhermeninaprivatealcove.Hedhavehishandor

mouthwhicheverhewasinthemoodforcoveringhersistersexposed

nipples.

HerheatedthoughtsmadeDoshisfaceflameandshefannedit

quicklybeforeanyonenoticed.Shestoodupandhurriedtothewindow

seattohideherstateofexcitement.Hoistingherselfontheseat,she

leanedoutoftheopenwindow.Abreezecooledherflamingface,

returninghertosomenormalcy.

Ifshecouldjusthavesomeoneofherown,someonetopleaseher

asGabriellawaspleasedbyhervariousmen.Itwouldnttakemorethanone,shefigured.Justone,asinglemantosatisfytheburningacheshe

experiencedeachnightshelaydowninherbedaloneandanoldmaid.


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Tearsburnedhereyes.Whatifshenevermetsomeone?She

couldntmaintainasenseofdecorumlongenoughtocaptureamans

attentionformorethanfiveminutes,letalonesnarehimintomarriage.

Andofcourseherchoiceswerealreadylimited.KingLagrincouldnot

countenancehisdaughtersmarryinganythinglessthanroyalty,evenifit

wasthriceremovedfromthethrone.Bah!

ShewasgoingtoliveherlifeaspatheticauntytoGabriellas

children.Lifewascertainlyunfair.Shedvisitedtownjustlastweekwith

anentireentourageofprotectors.Sherolledhereyesremembering.Shed

noticedeventhecommonwomenhadbeaus.

Idgiveupthiscastleforthat,shewhisperedintothewind.Just

once.Oneexperience.Shepeeredoutontothemistcoveredlandscapeandsawawoman

strollingalongtheedgesofthemaze.Atfirst,shethoughtitmightbe

someonesheknew,butshechangedhermindwhenthewomanturned

backtowardthecastle.Herplainbrowndresstransformedtoabrilliant

skyblue,withglintsoflightflashingoveritlikefirefliesdancinginsilk.

Shestoppedbeneaththewindow,butDoshistillcouldntplaceher.

Themistfollowedher,shieldingheridentityfromDoshiscuriousgaze.

Themysteriouswomantiltedherheadandlookedup.Herpink

bowlips

did

not

move,

but

Doshi

smind

filled

with

her

gentle

voice.

I

willgiveyouagift,Doshi.Onethatwillhelpyoutofindtruelove.Your

giftwillgrowwithyouandbecomeapartofyou.Ifyouarebrave,you

willlearntocontrolit,andeventuallyitwillbeaninheritancetoyour

children.

Havingnoideawhattomakeofthisstatement,Doshididnot

reply.Shewatchedtransfixedasthewomanreturnedtothegardenand

slowlyfadedfromview.

Doshi!Closethatblastedwindow!Imfreezing!Gabriellawas

veryunprincesslikerightnow.Wheredidthatstupidgirlgo?

Doshiturnedbackintotheroom,thinkinghersisterwasreferringtooneoftheyoungerservants.Shehadntseenanyofthelittleones

attending.Theywerentallowedabovestairsuntiltheywerefullytrained.


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InvisibleRose

16

Gabriella,nowencasedinaloungingrobe,swepthergazeoverher

largeboudoir.Doshiseyesfollowedhersisters.Therehadbeenany

numberoftimesshedhiddenoutinhersistersroomasachildtospyon

her.Theyhadneverbeenveryclose.OutgoingGabriellahadneverhad

patienceforDoshissocialineptness.

Maybeshewentout,PrincessGabriella,oneofthemaidsoffered.

Well,thatisodd.Ineverevenheardmysisterleave.Gabriella

spunaroundonhervanitychairandfacedhermirror.Ohwell,Doshi

wasbeingherannoyingselfanyway.

DoshigawkedatGabriella.Shewasstandingrighthere.Why

coudntGabriellaseeher?Puzzled,sheglancedintothemirror,onlyto

slapahandoverhermouth.Shewastransparent!

Herheartslammedagainstherchestandherbreathingquickened.

Impossibly,shecouldseestraightthroughherselftothebedcurtains

behindher.Oneofthemaidsmovedawayfromthebathtubinthecorner

andcameupbehindhergatheringtowels.

Beforeshecouldmove,themaidcrashedintoher,shovingherinto

anothermaid,whohitthefloorwithDoshiontopofher.Sherolledaway,

halfexpectingaprofuseapology,followedbyhandsliftingherfromthe

floor.It

wouldn

tcome,

of

course.

She

was

invisible.

Instead,

the

one

maid

beratedtheotherforbeingaclumsyoafwhilethefirstclaimedtohave

bangedintosomething.

Doshistaredupatthemfromthefloor.Sheglanceddownather

hands,turningthemoverandover.Shepattedthemagainstherlapand

feltthecurveofherlegs.Thensheinchedherhandbeneathoneofthe

maidslongdressandwrappedherfingersaroundthewomansankle.

Themaidjumped,screamingandtossedthebowlofpowdershe

washoldingstraightintoGabriellasface.Gabriellascreeched,flailing

backinherchairandthencatapultingbackwardtolandinaheaponthe

floor.Bothmaidsdovetoretrievetheprincess,butGabriellaslappedtheirhandsawayangrily.

Youdbetterhaveagoodexplanationforwhyyoudidthat,

Mary!


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A.J.Cove

17

Oh,Imsosorry,yourhighness.Marywept,stilltryingtohelp

herchargetoherfeet.Somethinggrabbedmyankle.

Wedonothavemice,Mary.Comeupwithabetterexcuse.

ThemaidcontinuedtoweepasDoshilookedoninshock.Wet

streaksoftearsmadetrailswherethepowderhadcoveredherface.It

wasntamouse,Princess.Itwasahand.Itgrabbedme.

DoshimovedtostanddirectlyinfrontofGabriella,staringclosely

intoGabriellasface.Gabrielladidntseeheratall,thoughDoshicould

stillseeherownoutline.Itwasamazing.

DoshiwouldhavemovedwhenMarytriedtohelpGabriellaclean

offthepowder,butGabriellawavedheraway.

No,Idontwantyourhelp.Goandgetmewarmwater.Ihavetorewash.

MaryhurriedtodoGabriellasbiddingwhileDoshistoodwatching

hersister.Theothermaidsstoodinacornerwhisperingtogether.

Shutup!Gabriellayelled.Themaidsscattered,gatheringspilled

towels,discardedclothingandboltingfromtheroom.

GabriellareturnedtohervanitychairandDoshicrouchedbeside

her.Sheconsideredspeaking,butdidntwanttoscarehersister.Besides,

herownfearofwhatwashappeningchokedherthroat.Shethoughtifshe

triedspeaking,

she

might

burst

out

crying

and

Gabriella

would

leave

her

herealone.

So,insteadshesatclosetohersisteronthestoolthemaidhad

abandoned.Sheleanedatranslucentelbowontheedgeofthevanityand

watchedGabriellacleanherface.Tinydotsstoodoutonherpaleskin.

Doshileanedinclosertohavealook.Thedotsclusteredathernose

andspreadoutacrosshercheeks.

Freckles!sheyelledsuddenly.

Gabriellasurgedupfromherchairwithascream.Shefrantically

searchedtheroom.Idontknowwhatgameyouretryingtopull,Doshi,

butitwontwork.Youretoooldforthis.Comeout,Mouse.Doshislappedahandacrossherlips.Shednevermeanttofrighten

hersister.ButshehatedbeingcalledMouse.Gabriellaknewitanddidit

anyway.


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InvisibleRose

18

Whilehersistercontinuedtosearch,asifshethoughtDoshiwas

dartingfromplacetoplace,DoshisnatchedthepepperfromGabriellas

breakfasttrayandaddedahealthysprinklingtothepowderstillleft

insidehersisterssupply.Itwasachildishthingtodo,butshedeservedit.

AsMaryslippedbackintotheroomwithfreshwater,Doshi

squeezedout.Shewouldntbetheretoseehersistersneezeoverandover

again,buttheredpuffyeyesatdinnerlaterwouldberewardenough.

DoshireturnedtoherownroomacrossthehallfromGabriellas.

Sheglancedupanddownthehallbeforeenteringsothatnoneofthe

maidswouldthinkaghostwasonthelooseinGlamdireCastle.There

wasenoughmadnesswithoutthatingredientaddedtothemix.

*****

Doshishiftedfromonefoottotheotherasshestareddownatthe

floor.Whathadmadeherthinkshecouldeverpullthisoff?Themoment

shesteppedfootinsidetheballroomtheglitter,thefinery,andthe

snobbishconfidenceoftheotherwomenhadhercoweringinafarcorner.

Ofcourse,thispartywasspecificallytointroducePrinceTarinand

Gabriella,soshecouldbecomfortableintheknowledgethatnoone

wouldnotice

should

she

make

anervous

faux

pas.

All

eyes

would

be

on

theprinceandhersister.Doshimightevenbebraveenoughtoriska

danceortwotonight.

SheglancedatGabriellasfaircomplexion.Nofrecklesinsight.

Somehow,hersisterhaddiscoveredawaytocoverthemandhadnt

sharedtheknowledge.Feelingitwastoolatenow,shehadntaskedLinto

findoutthesecret.Everyoneknewshewasimperfect.

Yourhighness.DoshiglanceduptofindDraylinofferinghis

arm.Sheacceptedreluctantly.Wouldyoupreferanotherpartner,one

moreprestigious?Thereseemedtobecriticisminhisvoice.

Itsnotthat,shewhispered.Imnotgoodatdancingincrowds,peoplewaitingformetomakeamistake.

Hepulledherclose.Dontworryaboutthat,princess.Yoursister

isinlooks,asusual.Alleyeswillbeonher.


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19

Herstartledgazerosetoherpartner.Surelyhehadntmeanttobe

sorude.Buthiseyesfollowedhersister,whowasholdingcourtrather

thandancing.Atleasttenmensurroundedher,eachelbowingtheother

aside.

Doshifrowned.Thenperhapsyoushouldjoinher,too.She

pulledfromhisarmsandhurriedfromtheroom,ignoringhimwhenhe

calledafterher.

Whenshegainedthehall,sheheardDraylinsvoicecomingcloser.

Hednodoubtrememberedhispositioninherfathershouseholdand

wantedtomakeup.Shefadedfromviewjustasheturnedintothehall.

Shehadtodartsidewaysinordertomisscollidingwiththelargeman.

WhenDraylindisappeareddownthehall,shereturnedtotheballroom.Alreadyshefeltconfidencesurgethroughherandwas

determinedtohavefun.Shedhavetobecareful,ofcourse.Theroomwas

alreadygettingcrowdedandmoreguestswerearriving.

DoshisidleduptotwomenassemblednotfarfromGabriellas

crowd.Shelistenedshamelesslytotheirconversation.

Well,whatmanhasnthadher?onefellowinabrightorange

ensembleasked.Sheisgoodinbed.

Illtellyouwhohasnt.You,thatswho,saidanother.What

makes

you

think

Ihavent?

the

man

in

orange

queried

angrily.

Whatkindoftattoodoesshehaveonherrightarsecheek?The

secondmanwouldnotbedeterredfromhisinvestigation.

Tattoo?

Irestmycase.

Doshigiggled.Hersisterdidnthaveatattoo.Neitherofthese

idiotshadbeenwithhersister.

ThemencontinuedtoargueoverthemeritsoftheWildRoseand

shemovedontoother,moreinformed,conversations.Beforeshecould

findonethatinterestedher,ahushcameovertheentireroom.Sheturnedherattentiontowardtheballroomdoors.

Itwashim,themanshedmetinthewoodswhenshedfallenoff

herhorseandlookedsuchafright.Hewasstillthemostbeautifulman


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InvisibleRose

20

shedeverseenandnowhewasstandingintheentranceofherfathers

ballroom.Hissilkyblondhair,defyingconvention,hungpasthis

shoulders,framingastrongjawline,anarrownoseandthoseenigmatic

hazeleyesthatshesuspectedcouldseeintothebendsoflightwhereshe

hid.Shewasdrawntohisside,takinginhisheightofoversixfeet,his

broadshouldersandchestandhisrichlyappointedattire.

Shepausedinfrontofhim,lipspartedandheadheldbacktostare

toherheartscontent.Hisscentwasheady,makingherminddancewith

dreamsoflyingnakedwithhiminthegarden.Shesteppedcloser,risking

exposureandliftedahandtobrushaspeckofdustfromhisjacket,His

handfollowedhersasifhedfelthertouch.

Suddenly,recognitioncameintohiseyesasheglancedoutoverherhead.ShethoughthedseentheWildRose.Insteadhebowedtoward

Doshisfather,whichputhislipsveryclosetoherupturnedface.Your

majesty.

Withsuddenboldness,sheroseupontohertoesandpressedher

lipslightlytohis.Hepulledback,shockandconfusiondarkeninghis

features.Herfirstkissandhedidntevenknowwhathadhappenedto

him.Shesmiledinspiteoftheknowledge.Thewarmthspreadingfrom

herlipstotherestofherbodymadetheexperienceworthit.

Areyou

all

right,

Prince

Tarin?

her

father

asked.

PrinceTarin?Thiswashersistersintended?Shedbeenso

absorbedbyhisfeaturesshedmissedtheannouncementofhisname.

Yes,IjustthoughtInevermind.Istheresomewherewecan

talk?

Doshicouldntmove.Devastationwashedoverher.Shedbegunto

useherpowers,hopingtofindsomeoneforherself.Yet,themost

beautifulmanintheworld,onewhodmakeanexcellenthusband,was

alreadypromisedtohersister.Itcouldntbehappening.Thishadtobea

terriblenightmare.


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21

ChapterThree

DoshilayatPrinceTarinsfeetonthecarpetedfloor.Shecouldnt

risklyingonthecouchforfearofmakinganimprintthatherfatherorthe

princewouldinvestigate.Hereyeswereclosedasshesleepilylistenedto

thedeeptimberofhisvoice.

Yourmajesty,Icannotstaylongtonight. Heloweredhisvoice. I

haveanurgentfamilymattertoattendto.Ibelieveitwouldbeeasierto

resolveifIwereinaquietersettingforthetimebeing.Imustalsobe

concernedforthesafetyofyourfamily,especiallyPrincessGabriella.

Thekingleanedforward,concernonhisface. Iwillnotdemandto

knowwhat

your

business

is.

Iknow

your

father

and

trust

you

are

an

honorableman,PrinceTarin.Butwouldntyoufeelsaferinsidethecastle?

Thestonewallsarefortified.Guardspatrolthearearegularly.Iassure

you,Glamdireissafe.

Doshiopenedhereyes,notingthepinksuffusingPrinceTarins

cheeksbeneathhisdeeptan. Imeanyounodisrespect,yourmajesty.

However,thesituationisdelicate.Iwouldnotwishtogiveyouthewrong

impression,shouldthedetailsbeexposed.

Doshisfatherharrumphed,butacceptedPrinceTarinswordsand

theprincebreathedasighofrelief.

Kindness.Shehearditinhisvoice.Doshiclimbedupbesidehim.

Sheleanedclose,watchingthewayhislipsformedthewordshespoke,

andthesweepofhislasheswhenheblinked.


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InvisibleRose

22

Sheplacedhernosehalfaninchfromhisneckandbreatheddeeply

ofhismanlyscent.Thiswaswhatitwouldbelikeifhewerehers,she

thought.Shedspendeveningssittingonhislap,listeningtohimtelling

herabouthisday.

Doyousmellsomething?heaskedherfather.

Smell?

Yes.Somethinglikeroses?

Doshismiledandleanedback.Sheworeroseperfume.Ifshedidnt

leaveherprincemightthinkhewaslosinghismind.Shecouldneverlive

withthat.Shestoodslowlyandreturnedtothefloor.

Herosealltoosoonandshefollowedherfatherandtheprinceto

thelibrarydoor.Yourmajesty,IwillbestayingattheMajesticArmsintownifyou

needtoreachme.Pleasegivemyregardstoyourdaughtersandassure

themIwillbehonoredtomeetthemsoon.

Iwill,PrinceTarin.Andshouldyouneedmyassistance,Iamjust

amessengeraway.

Doshishiveredinthecoolnightairwhichblewinwhenaservant

openedthefrontdoor.Theprincescrestcoveredthewaitingcarriageand

guardsstoodatattention.Shegazedlonginglyasheboardedandthey

movedoff.

Itwasthenthatshedecidedtoventurebeyondwallsofherhome.

*****

Theprincewasbathing!

Faceflaming,Doshifacedthecorner,hopinghedfinishsoon.Hed

dismissedhisservantsandguardsstoodoutsidethedoor,soshedidnt

dareleavetheroom.Ifsheexitednow,theydbecomesuspicious.Riding

in,clingingtothebackofLadyLydiescarriageandsneakingbytheclerk

hadnotpreparedherforthis.Periodically,shepeekedoverhershoulderatthegodlikeman

calmlysloshingsoapandwateroverhistautmuscles.Shecaughther

bottomlipbetweenherteethandmovedcloser.


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Boldly,sherestedherchinonthesideofhistubandstaredathis

barechest.Bubblesformedandslidseductivelydownthetannedskin.

Shereachedouttopopafewandfinallyallowedonetinyfingertipto

touchhiswarmflesh.Whenhedidntreactwithmuchmorethanasigh,

sheglancedtowardhisface.Heappearedtobesleeping.

Shedippedallofherfingersinthesudsandbeganapatternthat

sweptfromoneshouldertotheotherandthendippeddownwarduntilit

reachedhisnavel.Frankly,shewasafraidtoventuredeeper.

Hepaledandhishazeleyesopenedtostarerightather,Whoare

you?Andhowdidyougetinhere?

Squeakinginterror,shescrambledawayonhandsandknees.The

princetackledherwithpredatoryspeedandpressedhisheavywetbodydownuntilshewaspinnedinplace.

Shebegantocry.

Dont,hewhispered.Dontcry.Iwonthurtyou.

Shesniffled.CCanyouseeme?

No.IsensedyourlocationbythenoiseyoumadeandIwas

right.

Hiswarmbreathblewwispsofherhairacrossherface.She

wiggledbeneathhim,strugglingtofreeherself.Shecriedoutinfearwhen

shefelt

his

naked

erection

against

her,

as

he

pressed

her

face

first

on

the

floor.

Iwillletyouupassoonasyoutellmewhoyouare.

Theprincesvoicewasgentle,notangry.Shewonderedthatheso

readilybelievedinherexistenceratherthanthinkhimselfcrazy.And

beyondthat,discoveringaninvisiblewomaninonesroomwas

disconcerting.Hedidntappeartobeshakenupatall.

Ihaveagift, shesuppliedweakly.

Thatsobvious.Tryagain, hedemanded.

Shethoughtfast.Shedidntwanthimtoknowwhoshewas,lesthe

tellherfatherandshebeshamedbeyondrepair.IamRose.

Rose?

Yes.


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InvisibleRose

24

Shewaitedforhimtodemandalastnameoranexplanationof

howshedgottenthere.Nodemandswereforthcoming.Herolledaway

andstood.Shesatupandtookhisblindlyofferedhand. Whyarentyou

shockedatmyinvisibility?Youseemtoexpectmehere,orwereyou

waitingforsomeoneelse?

PrinceTarinhesitated. LetsjustsayIamfamiliarwiththis

particulargift.

Shedidntthinkshecouldgetanymoreoutofhimthanthisvague

answer.Shemovedtoanearbychairandsatuneasilyontheedgeofthe

seat.Atfirstsheturnedawayfromhisnakednessandthenrealizedhe

couldntseeherwatchinghim.

Hergazedrifteddownhisbody.Hisshoulderswerebroad,hisstomachtightinsixstackedripples.Hestoodfirmwithhispowerfullegs

apartandshecouldntlookawayfromhisthickerection.Herstunned

gazetookinthelongsolidcurve,fromthebasetotheroundedhead.She

caughtherlipbetweenherteeth,havingneverseenamannaked.Itwas

bothenlighteningandthrilling.

Whatareyoudoing,Rose?Theprincesexpressiontoldherhe

wasawareofherbreathlessinterest.Isntthatwhathedwantedwhen

hedposedforher?

Herfears

momentarily

gone,

she

sassed

him

as

Lin

would

have.

Imlookingatyournakedbody.Whatelse?

Ah.Andwasityouwhokissedmeattheballtonight?

Ididnthavetokissyou,yourhighness.Iwasstandinginfrontof

youandyoubentforward.Whatelsewereourmouthstodo,butmeet?

Whatelse,indeed?Tellme,Rose,whatdoyoulooklike?

Doshistiffened.Shesmoothedherflyawayhair,thenyankedon

thebackofherdresswishingitwerentcrushedanddamp.

Ihavethefeelingyourelamentingyourruineddress.Sendme

thebillforanewone.

Icouldntdothat.Hegrinnedandtookaseatonanearbycouch,crossingoneleg

overtheotherandplacinganarmalongthebackofthechair.Hepatted

thespacebesidehim.Comesitbymeandletstalk.


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A.J.Cove

25

Dontyouwanttoputsomeclothesonfirst?

MustI?heprotested.Ilikewalkingaroundinthenude.A

princemustconformtomanyrulesandregulationswhichdictatehis

everyarticleofclothing.WhenIvejusthadmybath,Iliketokickaway

theobligationsandimagineImanordinarymanforafewmoments.

Shemovedtojoinhim.Iknowexactlywhatyoumean,your

highness.

Heheldupafinger.RememberIamjustaregularman.Youmust

callmeTarinwhileImnaked.

Shegiggled.Allright,Tarin.Thenamewasbutteronhertongue.

Shelovedsayingitandwouldhavechanteditafewmoretimesifshe

didntthinkshedalarmhim.So,mysweetRose,whatareyoudoinghere?

Visiting.

Helaughed.Youstillhaventtoldmewhatyoulooklike.He

heldupahand.No,letmeguess.

Tarinpositionedbothhandsnearherheadandslowlybrought

themdownjustinchesfromherformasifhewerereadingheraura.

Richchestnuthair,flashingblueeyesthesweetlipsIalready

knowabout.Ohyes,andadelectablebody.AmIclose?

Doshisheart

sank.

She

did

match

his

description,

but

something

toldherhebelievedshewasGabriella.Itwasherownfaultforcalling

herselfRose.

Tearsfilledhereyesandshestood.Shedbetterstopplayingthis

gamenow,beforeitwastoolate.Hestoodalso.

Areyouleaving,Rose?DidIoffendyouinsomeway?

No.Sheattemptedtokeepthetearsandhurtfromhervoice.Id

bettergetbackbeforetheydiscoverImgone.

Hegaveaslightbow.Ofcourse.Andwillyoucomeagain?Ihope

so.

Shemovedtowardthedoor.Idontthinkthatsagoodidea.Shehesitatedamomentlonger. MayIaskyouaquestion?

Henodded. Youmay.


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InvisibleRose

26

Whywerentyoumoreafraid?Whydidyoutakeforgrantedmy

invisibility?

Theprinceseemedtobeweighinghiswords.Finally,hespoke.

Generationsago,therewasamaninmyfamilywhohadthepowerof

invisibilityorrathersomethingsimilar.Inhiscase,hecouldwalkthrough

walls.Isuspect,thoughIhavenotprovenityet,thatoneofmyfamily

membershasinheritedthisgift.Ithoughtatfirstthatyoumightbehim.

Doshiseyesgrewwide.Sothatwaswhyhewasntsurprised.She

wonderedifitwasthissamepersonwhoddelayedhismeetingwith

Gabriella.Hedidntfeelmovedtosharethedetailswithherfather,sohe

probablywouldnttellher.Itwastimeforhertogetbackanyway.

Shetouchedthedoorknobandthenglancedback,memorizinghisnakednessforherfantasiesonlonelynights.Willyoudistracttheguards,

please?

What,nowalkingthroughwalls?

Hegrinnedathisjoke,butsteppedforwardtoassist.Doshislipped

outandrandownthehalltothestairs.Unfortunately,LadyLydiehad

alreadyleft,soshewasforcedtowalkallthewayhome.

*****

Doshistoodintheprincesroomwatchinghimonceagain.Shed

beenunabletoresisthishandsomefaceandmuscularbody.Shelongedto

runherfingersoverhissilkysoftskin.

Servantscameandwent.Advisorsmetwithhimatasmall

mahoganytableinonecornerofthelargeroom.Theprinceglanced

pointedlyinherdirectiononceortwiceandheseemedmoreimpatient

today.Oftenhestoodupfromameetinganddismissedtheattendees

abruptly.Butassoonastheyleft,newonescameandmonopolizedhis

time.

Atonepoint,hestoodandcircledtheroomslowly,mutteringtohimself.Shecouldntfigureoutwhathewasdoinguntilhenearedher.I

knowyourehere,hemurmuredsoftly.Pleasedontleave.Iwillmake

timeforus.


27/80

A.J.Cove

27

Herheartskippedabeat.Couldhefeelher?No.Itwastheroses

herperfume.DespitethereminderoftheWildRose,shewaited.She

wantedtotalkwithhim.Shewantedtohearhimcallherhissweet.

Nearlyanhourpassedbeforeheorderedeveryoneout.He

slammedthedoorbehindthelastpersonandlockedittight.

Shewaitedwhilethetensiondrainedfromhisface.

Comehere,mysweet.

Shehurriedforward.Tarinreachedout,findinghershouldersand

dragginghertohisbodybeforeencirclingherinhisarms.Shegasped

whenhislipsfoundfirsthercheekandthenhermouth.

Theheatfromhislipsspreadoverherentirebody.Shepressed

tightlyagainsthim,feelinghisstifferectionagainstherbelly.Whenhishandslidtoherrearanddraggedherupoffherfeet,agroanofneedwas

wrenchedfromherthroat.

Rose.

Realitywasanicysplashacrossherfaceandshewiggledtofree

herselffromhishold.Please,letgo.

Hesetheronherfeet,butkeptholdofherhands.Imgladyou

cameback.

Ishouldnthave.Ishouldbegoing.

No,please

dont,

Rose.

He

led

her

to

the

couch.

We

should

get

toknowoneanother.

Shedbeenafoolforcominghere.Hewashersistersintended,for

goodnesssake.Sheshouldnotbelustingoverhim.Sheheldback.No,I

cantstay.

Wellbehaveourselves.Ipromise.Hischarminggrinweakened

herresolve.Wecanwalkinthegarden.Icantseduceyouwiththe

guardspresent.

Still,shehesitated.Butwecanttalk.Theyllthinkyourecrazy.

Hewavedherprotestaside.Thatsnotaproblem.Ioftentalkto

myselfwhenImrehearsingaspeech.Wontyoucomeoutwithme,honey?

Sheshuthereyesandswayedtowardhim.Ifonlyshewashis

honey.Yes,Iwillwalkwithyou.


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InvisibleRose

28

Great!

Hetuckedherhandinthecrookofhisarmandledheroutthe

door.Hepausedtogivecommandstohisguards.Iamgoingtowalkin

thegarden.Twoguardsonly.Dropbacktwentyfeet.

Theguardsbowed.Ofcourse,yourhighness.

*****

TimeslippedbyquicklyasDoshistrolledalongattheprincesside.

Shecouldnotresiststaringupintohisface.Hisgazewassomewhatoff

centeredfromwhereshewas,butitdidntmatter.Sheknewhewas

lookingather.Foronceinherlife,amanadeliciouslyhandsomemanwaslookingatherandnothersister.

Tellme,hesaid,interruptingherhappythoughts.Whatisyour

realname?Wheredoyoucomefrom?

Shehedged,unreadytoadmitheridentity.Spendingthistimewith

PrinceTarinwasafulfillmentofyearsoffantasy. Doesitmatter,my

prince?ThinkofmeassimplyRose.Iamyourinvisiblefriend,awoman

whofindsyourcompanyenjoyable.

Heconsideredthesuggestionwithafrown.Allright,Iagree.

Sheremembered

her

sisters

plan

to

have

affairs

after

she

married

Tarin,andwonderedabouthisthoughtsonthesubject.Itiscommonfor

mentohavemistressesevenaftertheymarry.

Shepeeredupathimthroughherlashestogaugehisreaction.His

mouthtightenedandheturnedaway.Shefeltabandoned.

Areyousayingyouwantmeninyourbedafteryourmarriage?

SinceIamnottheWildRose,itdoesntmatter,doesit?

Hestoppedwalkingandreachedforher.Hedraggedheragainst

himandshetrembledathisstrength.Hecouldsnapherinhalfifhe

chose.

Dontplaygameswithme.Idontlikeit.Shebegantotrembleandcry.Shetriedstiflinghersnifflesbut

failed.Instantlyhisholdgentled.Hewrappedanarmaboutherwaistand


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A.J.Cove

29

lookedtowardhisguardswhopretendednottonoticetheirprince

fightingwithaninvisibleperson.

Stay!hebarkedandpulledherbehindaclusteroftrees.Im

sorry.Ididntmeantohurtyou.IsimplybelieveNevermind.Wewill

useourtimetogettoknowoneanother.Possiblyouropinionswill

change.

Sheknewsheshouldleave,butcouldntpullaway.Shelongedto

feelhistouchjustalittlelonger,totastehislipsoncemore.Heseemedto

senseherlongingandloweredhisheadtohers.Sheadjustedherselfto

meethislipsandmeltedunderthegentleteasingofhistongue.

HepressedheragainsthimwhileshementallybeggedGabriellato

forgiveher.Justonemorekiss,Gabriella,andthenyoucanhavehimback.Justonemore,myprince.

Tarinliftedheragainandthistimeshewrappedherlegsaround

hiswaist.Shewasgratefultheexpansivematerialofherdressallowedthe

wantonmove.Sheslippedherfingersintohishair,savoringthetasteof

hismouth.Theirtonguesintertwinedforlongblissfulmomentsthatsent

herpulseracingintooverdrive.

Honey,Iwantyourighthere,rightnow,hedemanded.

Shegaspedandthenbegantopullawayagain.No,wecant.

Yes,Rose.

His

voice

was

thick.

His

hold

tightened

when

she

tried

togetdown.

Sheshookherhead.Wecant.

Suddenly,herprotestsgotthroughtohimandhereleasedher.She

sawtheangerinhiseyes.Hepacedouttotheopeningandglanced

towardtheguards,thenreturnedtoherside.Again,hissightwasoffand

shepositionedherselftofacehim.

Idontunderstand,Rose.YouwantmeasmuchasIwantyou.

Shebackedawayandglancedupatthesky,notingthatitwas

gettinglateandtheskywasdarkening.Today,shehadpaidanoldfarmer

todriveouttowardthecastlewhenheglimpsedahankietiedonabushneartheplacehedlefthiscart.Shehadnointentionofshowingherselfto

thefarmer,butatleastshewouldntriskherlifebybeingrunoverby


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InvisibleRose

30

someunsuspectingdriverwhodidntseeherwalkingalongtheroad.Still,

sheneededtoleavenow.

Imsorry,yourhighness.Imustleave.

Hervoicewasstiffwithanger.Theprincesfacereflectedher

mood.Hiseyesdarkenedandhisbrowcreased.Gabriellastoodbetween

them.Shewantedtomakelovewithhimmorethananything.Howcould

shebetrayGabriellathatway,havinganaffairwithherhusbandtobe?

Beforeyougo,Iwanttotellyousomething.

Whatisthat?shewhispered.

ShouldIdecidetomarrytheWildRose,myrequirementsare

simple.Shewillgivebirthtomyheirsmyheirsandthenshemaydowhatevershechoosesafterthat.

Aghast,shenoddedasifhecouldseeherandthenplungedinto

thetreeswithtearsofbewildermentstreamingdownhercheeks.


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31

ChapterFour

Doshilayonherbed,replayingTarinswords.Whatanidiotshe

hadbeentothinktheprincewastheperfectman.Shedthoughthe

wantedloveasmuchasshedid.Howfoolish.Shewhimperedandrolledovertoherside,buryingherfacebeneathherarm.Hewastheperfect

manforGabriella.Shewouldbeabletocontinueheraffairsaftershed

givenhimhisheirs.Itwouldbetheidealsolution.

Afterthat,Iguesshellcontinuewithhisownmistresses.Thats

whatmendo,afterall.

Whatsthat,yourhighness?

Doshijumped

at

the

sound

of

Lins

voice

and

looked

up

to

see

her

maidenteringtheroom.Nothing,Lin.

Willyouhidefromtheworldinyourroomallday?Ineedto

clean.

Youdisrespectme,Lin,Doshitoldhermaid.Donotforget

yourselfagain.

Lincurtsied,hergazeloweredtothefloor.Doshirolledhereyes,

knowingtheservantwasntsorry.Itwasherhonestythatappealedto

Doshiinthefirstplace.Allservantsbowedenoughtoscrapethegroundif

itmeanttheycouldserveroyalty.LinwasnotswayedbyDoshisblood.

Thatmadeherinvaluable.

Sheslidtotheedgeofherbedandthenstood,avertingherface.

Theoutspokenmaiddidntneedtoseethatshehadbeencrying.Fine,

Lin.Imgettingoutofyourway.


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32

Gabriellasvoicefloatedoutasshepassedtheyellowdayroom.

ShepausedoutsidewonderingifshedareddiscussTarinwithhersister.

Ithadbeenaweeksinceshelastvisitedtheprince.Fromwhatshed

learnedfromherfathersprivatemeetings,itwouldbeatleasttwomore

beforetheprincecametothecastle.Shemissedhimsorely.

Comehere,Mouse.TellthisbuffoonhowperfectIlookinthis

newdress!GabriellabeganherinsultsthesecondDoshipushedopenthe

door.

OfcoursetheWildRosewascorrect.Thedeepbluemuslindraped

solowacrossGabriellasbosomthatDoshicouldseethebeginningsofher

areoles.Anymanwhosawherinitwouldbeherslaveinsidetwo

seconds.Shelookedliketheloosewomanshewas,yetthatwasthelookGabriellawasgoingfor,soitdidntmatter.

Iwouldntsayyoulookbeautiful,Gabriella.Doshistepped

insidetheroombutstoodnearthedoor.Butdontworry.Whenthemen

seeyouinthat,theywillfighteachotherfortheprivilegeoftakingitoff

you.

See!Gabriellabeamed.Doshiknewshedwonpointsinher

admissiontohersister.Theselfcenteredwomanwouldprobablymake

timetospeakwithher.

Doshiwaded

through

discarded

tissue

paper,

material

and

boxes

to

findaseatnearhersister.SheploppedunladylikeonacouchwhileMary

helpedGabriellabackintoherformergown.

Thedresswillbereadytomorrownight,yourhighness,the

seamstresstoldherbeforebundlingawayeverythingandbustlingoutof

theroom.

Doshishookherhead.Gabriellasbedroomwaslargeandhadits

ownsittingroom,butthatwasntenoughforGabriella.Shewantedthe

biggeryellowdrawingroomasherpersonalfittingroomwhenshewas

beingmeasuredfornewclothes.Doshihadneglectedtogetanythingnew

forthelastmonthorso.Well,Mouse?


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33

DoshieyedMary,Gabriellaspersonalmaid.Sheknewtheservant

wascompletelyloyaltoGabriellaandwouldnotrepeatanythingshe

heard.WhatdoyouthinkofPrinceTarinhavingaffairs?

Gabriellaslaughwasagentlemelody.OhMouse.Youresucha

baby.

Doshifrowned.

Icouldcarelessifhehasmistresses.Becauseyoucanbesure,little

sister,Iintendtohavemymen.Sheclosedhereyesbriefly.Justone

isntenough.Oneisgoodatthis.Anotherisgoodatthat.

Whatifyoufoundonewhowasgoodateverything?

Dontbestupid.Suchamandoesnotexist.

DoshihadnoexperiencewithmenotherthanthepassionatekissesshedsharedwithTarin.Yet,shefeltsurehecouldsatisfyhereverysexual

need.Andshehadplentyofneedsthatwerentbeingsatisfied.Her

fantasiesweremanyandvaried,andsinceshedmettheprince,hed

starredineveryone.

Herbodyburnedjustthinkingofhim.Shefidgetedandsqueezed

herlegstogetherbeneathherdress.Moisturebuiltathercenter.She

didntknowmuchaboutmen,butshedseenhersisterintheactmany

timesbefore.Sheknewthewaysamansbodyconnectedwithawomans

andached

for

Tarins

to

connect

with

hers.

Beforetheheatcausedhertoexplode,shedartedupfromthe

couchandbeatahastyexit,hopingacoolbathwouldcalmherraging

desire.Linwouldhavetocleansomeothertime.

*****

DoshistoodinGabriellasdarkroom.Itwasunusualforhersister

togetsick,buttodayshedtakentoherbed.Herpoorsistersclogged

noseandstrenuouscoughechoedinthesilence.Maryhadbeenordered

fromtheroombyaverygrumpypatientunabletotoleratetheconstantcoddling.

NowDoshicreptinvisiblethroughtheroomtolocatetwoitems.

Shehadspiedonhersisterdaysagotolearnthesecretofcoveringher


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34

frecklesandtonightGabriellasnewdresshadbeendeliveredandstood

waitinginsideherwardrobe.

Shepilferedthesmallcasewhichheldhersistersfoundationand

stuckitinsidethedeeppocketsofherloungingdress.Next,sheeased

openthenearestwardrobetosearchforthebluemuslin.Herheart

poundedsoloudlyinherchestshecouldnthearanythingaboveit.She

couldonlyhopeMarywouldntdisobeyordersandreturntocheckon

Gabriella.

TonightshewouldvisitTarinagain.Thismightbeheroneand

onlychancetomakelovetoaman.AsGabriellawasfondoftellingher,

shewasnotgettinganyyounger.IfGabrielladidntcareifherfuture

husbandhadaffairs,thenwhyshouldshe?Besides,noagreementhadbeensigned.Thekinghadexplainedthattheprincewouldmakehisfinal

decisiononcehemetGabriellainperson.Hehadntmetheryet.

Tonight,shewhisperedintothedarknessassheletherselfoutof

hersistersroom.Iwillbecomeawoman.Ihope.

*****

DoshiwatchedTarinashepouredoverastackofpapers.His

furrowedbrow

told

her

he

was

concentrating

deeply

and

she

was

loath

to

disturbhim.Shedavoidedwearingherrosescentedperfumeforthelast

fewdays.Hewasunawareofherpresence.

Beforeshecouldmakeherselfknown,awomanslippedquietly

intotheroomandtiptoedupbehindhim.Shewasscantilydressedina

garmentthatwasnearlyastransparentasDoshi.Sheslippedherhands

aroundTarinsheadtocoverhiseyes.Adelicategiggleescapedherasshe

pressedherverylargebosomagainsthisback.

Idhopedyoudcomeagain,hebreathed

JealousyflaredinDoshi.Healreadyhadamistress!Sheclenched

herfistsathersidesandglanceddownatthedressshedstolen.Somuchtroublefornothing.Hehadntmissedheratall.PrinceTarinwasjustlike

alltherest.Hedalreadyfoundanotherwomansinceshedturnedhim

down.


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Humiliationtwistedinherbelly.Shemovedtowardthedooras

Tarinstoodandfacedthewoman.

You?Imean,LadyDalia,youshouldnotbehere.Hearingthe

surpriseinTarinsvoice,Doshipaused.

LadyDaliapouted.Butmyprince,wehadamomentinthedining

roomtonight.Iknowwedid.

Amoment?Heshookhishead.Imsorry.Imnotsurewhatyou

mean.Howdidyougetpastmyguards?

Oh,theyknewIwasntabouttoharmyou.Imaveryinfluential

person,youknow.Thecatpracticallypurred,rubbingherselfagainstthe

prince.ThoughDoshinowknewtheprincehadntinvitedtheslut,she

couldntshakeherjealousy.ShesearchedforsomethingtogetridofLadyDalia,thengrinned

whensherememberedthestickpeninherpurse.Sheretrieveditand

lookedforaplacetoleavethepursewhileshehandledthelady.Assoon

asitlostcontactwithherbody,thepursewouldbevisible.Abucketofice

onaservingtabletoonesideoftheroomwoulddonicely.Whenher

fingerslefttheglitteringmaterial,thepurseappeared.Shesmileddownat

itandthenherexpressionhardened.Theladydeservedwhatshegot,

attemptingtoseduceherprince.

Shebrandished

the

pin

as

she

glided

on

soft

slippers

behind

the

lady.Shedidntdoubtherpinwouldmakecontactsincethewomanwas

nearlynaked.

Daliapoutedassheranahandboldlyovertheprincesbarechest.

Doshisawredandjerkedherhandforwardintothelaceandcotton.

Immediately,LadyDaliayelpedandjumpedagainsttheprince.Doshi

jabbedheragain.Thistime,LadyDaliajoggedaroundtheroomholding

herbottominaveryuncivilizedfashion.

Doshislappedahandacrosshermouthtostifleherlaugh.Shecast

aglanceatTarinandknewbythewonderandexcitementinhiseyesthat

hewasawareofherpresence.Feelingpossessive,shebrushedfingertipsalonghischest,tanglingherfingersinthesilkyhairthere.Hegavea

fleetinglookofpleasurebeforeheturnedbacktoLadyDalia.


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36

Ithinkitsbestthatyouleave,myLady.Iwouldntwanttoruin

yourreputation.Hehookedahandaroundherelbowandfairlydragged

hertowardthedoor.

ButbutThecrestfallenexpressiononherfacewascomical.

Doshiarrangedherselfonthecouchtoawaitherprincesreturn.

Shelistenedashegaveinstructionstohisguardsnottobedisturbed

again.

Sheclosedhereyesandslowedherbreathing,willingherselfto

becomemorevisible.Hercontrolwasincreasing.Thosefirstfewnights,

shedpoppedinandoutuntilfinallymasteringhergift.Now,shecould

adjustthevolumeoftransparencywithathoughtandherwill.Now,she

hopedtoappearbeforeTarininoutlinesothathecouldseeherbasicform,butnotidentifyher.

Tarinlockedthedoorandturnedtofaceher.Shewaitednervously,

hopinghecouldsee.

Rose!Tarinrushedforward.Icanseeyou!Hestared,stroking

herface.Honey,youresobeautiful.

Sheblushed.Shedneverbeencalledbeautiful.Noonehadever

seenheroutsidetheshadowofGabriella,shesupposed.

ButIcanseerightthroughyou.Tarinsgazehaddroppedtoher

almostbare

breasts.

She

lifted

ahand

to

cover

them.

Quickly,

she

faded

fromhisview.

Pleasedont,Rose.Iwanttoseeyou.Hesearchedblindlyforher,

butshehadmovedaway.

Imafraid.Shehesitated.Youwouldntfindmeattractiveifyou

couldseemyflawsmoreclearly.

ButIjusthave.Youarebeautiful,honey.Hemovedtowardher,

hishandsstretchedoutbeforehim.

Shewantednothingmorethantofeelhisarmsencirclingher.She

droppedhergazefromhisfacetohisbarechest.Shewantedtostrokethe

blondcurlyhairagain.Followingherthoughts,shereachedouttostrokehim.Shefelttheshudderthatrippledoverhisbodyandcontinuedher

explorationlowertothebandofhispants.

Rose.


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37

Shetuggedathisbuttonsandloweredhistrousers.Amemoryof

hisnakednessflashedinhermind,heatingherflesh.Shehadtoseethat

again.Whennothinghinderedherinspection,hereyesdrankinhisform,

followingeverycarvedangle,everycontour.Alreadyhewaserectand

sheboldlyreachedforhisshaft,fascinatedwithitsshape.

Herfeatheredtouchtracedtheveinsupwardandbumpedoverthe

head.Shedraggedinatremblingbreathwhenherfingerstoppedonthe

slightindentationatthetop.

Tarinseyesclosed.Hisjawtightenedandhetippedhishead

backwardbeforeclosinghishandoverhers.Rose,youmustnottease

me.

Imnot,shebreathed.Iwantedtoseewhatitfeltlike.MayItouchitagain?Sheknewshesoundedlikeaninexperiencedchild.

Heattemptedtofocusonherandthengrinned.Youmaystrokeit

toyourheartscontent,honey.ButonlyafterIhavehadthepleasureof

watchingyoustripbeforeme.

Shegasped.Didshedare?Shedstolenhersistersnewdress,put

onfoundation.Shedevenshellackedherunkempthairwithsomejelly

likestuffshedfoundonhersistersvanity.Therewasnoturningback

now.Shewasntatease.

Allright,

but

you

must

promise

not

to

touch

until

Im

ready.

Agreed.Hemovedtothecouch,recliningcalmlyasheddone

thatfirstdayshemethiminhisroom.Shewonderedathiscompletelack

ofmodesty.Shesupposedthosebornwithperfectbodiesdidntneed

modesty.Gabriellawasjustasconfident.

Whenshewassurehewassettled,shestoodseveralfeetaway

fromtheprinceandgraduallyincreasedherdepthuntilshewasalmost

visible.Doyouseeme?

Yes.Theprinceleanedforward.CouldInothavealittlemore?

Shesmiled.No,thatsallfornow,myprince.ShallIremovethe

dress?Yes,hedemanded.Slowly.

Shehadfoundnewboldnesswithherinvisibility,butstripping

beforetheprinceofLockmoorwasnotsuchaseasytask.Whatifhedidnt


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InvisibleRose

38

likeherbody?Wouldhebedisappointedinherbosom,herhips?And

whatifshemessedupcompletelylater?Makinglovewitharealmanwas

afarcryfromherimaginarylovers.

Imwaiting,heremindedher.

Shereacheduptotheshouldersofthedresssheworeandtugged

downward.Gabriellahadalwayshadherclothesmadetobeeasily

removed.Therewerenoendlessrowsoftinybuttonstofightwith,justa

delicateelasticbandholdingthethinmaterialupoverherfullbosom.

Taringaspedwhensheexposedhernipples,alreadytightwith

awareness.Theyroseandfell,seemingtomesmerizehimwithevery

breathshetook.Nervesandexcitementmingledtomakeherfeelshewas

onfire.Thematerialofthedresswaslight,butshefeltitweighedheavyonherblazingskin.

Momentslater,shewasnaked.Tarinhadntmovedhiseyesfrom

herforasecond.Shewonderedifhedevenblinked.

Areyouallright?sheasked.

No,Ihaveneverseenawomanasalluringasyou,honey.He

heldoutahand.Comeheretome.

Shemovedtotakehishand,gratefulsinceshewasntsureshe

couldstandupmuchlonger.Buthekeptherfromsittingwhenshewould

havejoined

him

on

the

couch.

He

stood

to

cup

her

face

and

plant

sweet

kissesonherlips,hereyes,hercheeks.Shemeltedagainsthim,breathing

inhisscent.

Yourenotwearingyourperfume.Ididntknowyouwerehereat

first.

Yes,Iwantedtosurpriseyou.Shedidntwanthimthinkingof

theWildRosewhileshewaswithhim.

Imissit,theroses.Shetriedpullingaway,butheheldtight.

Yourscent,honey.EverytimeIsmellit,Iwillremember.

Itwaspreciselywhatshehadintendedtoavoid.Nowshecouldnt

wearitagainwhenhecametovisitthecastle.Hiskissesbeganaslowandtitillatingdescentdownherquivering

body.Hepausedathernipples,sucklingandplayinghistongueabout

themuntilshemewledlikeakitten,tugginghisheadcloser.


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Hisseekingtonguedippedintohernavelbrieflybeforehe

venturedevenlower.Panicked,sheyankedtoohardathishair,tryingto

keephimfromhisaim.Heyelpedandglancedupather,surprised.

Icannotpleaseyou,honey,ifyouholdontomyhairthatway.

Irrationalfearparalyzedher,closingherthroat.Shecouldnot

respond.Hereachedforherhandsandunfurledherfingers.Holdingher

handsathersides,hecontinuedhisministrations.

Shecouldnotlookawayasshewatchedherloversheaddip

betweenherlegs.Asecondafterward,shefelthiswettongueslideover

thesensitivefoldsofhercenteruntilitslidinsideher.Herlegscollapsed

attheonslaughtofsensation.

Beforeshecouldfall,Tarincaughtherandliftedhertothecouch.Helaidheronherback,withalookofamanstarved,andbowedagain

betweenherlegs.Shethrashed,overwhelmedbythepleasure.Neverin

herwildestfantasieshadshethoughtitcouldbethisway.

ShefeltherselfgrowingwetterattheskillfullashingofTarins

tongueagainstherbud.Oninstinct,sheraisedherlegshighertogivehim

betteraccess.Hetookadvantageofthemovebydippingdeeperinside

her,histonguemakinglappingsoundsthatonlyheightenedherneed.

Gabriellamusthavebeenmad,Doshithought.Onceshed

confessedthe

first

time

hurt,

but

this

was

heaven.

There

was

no

pain,

only

pleasure.Shehadtroublekeepingherhipsstill.Whenhemovedtocover

thetinysensitivebudatthetopofherwomanhoodandsuckedagainstit,

shenearlywailed.

Sheplantedherheelsonhisback,tangledherfingersinhishair

againtoyankhimforward.Ifshedidntreachthatsomethingthatpeak

shewasclimbingandthencrashdownoverthesideofit,shedgoinsane.

Sheneededit.

Tarin,please,shebegged.

Heraisedhismouthonlylongenoughtomutter,Almost,honey.

Almost.Sheyankeddownhisheadagainandwriggledagainsthistongue.

Herheadthrashedfromsidetosideasshecalledouthisnameagainand

again.


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InvisibleRose

40

Dothatagain,Tarin.

Hismouthcloseddownonherandsheexploded.Herbodyrocked

hardagainsthimasshegaspedforbreath.Shedmadeittothatplaceand

wavesofsensationrushedacrossherbellyandoutalongherlimbs

repeatedlyuntilshelayexhaustedagainstthecouch.

Hereyeswereclosed,butsheopenedthemwhenshefelthim

strokehercheek.Tarinlaybracedaboveher,hisnakedbodylessthanan

inchfromherown.

Areyouallright?

Shenodded.Yes.

Taringrinned.Good.Nowthebestpart.Hegatheredherinhis

armsandcarriedhertothebed.Helaidherdownandfollowed,positioninghimselfatherside.Wellgoveryslowly.Thennothingwill

comparetothedelightourbodieswillshare.

Shenodded,nottrustinghervoiceastremorsstillrockedherbody.

ShestiffenedwhenTarinslidahandupherthighandpusheditout.He

benttoplantakissonhertenderskin.Relax,honey.

Shenoddedagainandwilledhermusclestocomply.Whenhe

raisedhimselfaboveherandfittedhisstifferectionagainstherfolds,lust

tookchargeofherfear.Sheopenedtohimasmuchaspossibleandthen

grippedhis

shoulders

when

he

penetrated

her.

She

sucked

in

aragged

breathatthepain,unwillingtocryout.Hisfirstfewstrokeswere

uncomfortable,butgraduallythepainfaded,replacedbywavesand

wavesofpuredelight.

Areyouallright,honey?hegaspedbetweenslowthrusts.

Yes.Iyes.Herfingerstightenedonhisshouldersandshe

raisedherhipsfromthemattresstomeethisrhythm.

Therumblinginhisthroatseemedtosignalanincreaseinhis

speed.Shemovedbeneathhim,lovingthesensationofhisextendedshaft

slidinginandoutofher.

Soonsherecognizedtheclimbtothatultimateexplosion.Sherockedandbuckedagainsthim,herquiveringlimbsdemandingmore.He

drovedeeperandfasteruntilshescreamed,andheclampedahandover

hermouthtomuffleherenthusiasticrelease.Beforeshecouldcomedown


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A.J.Cove

41

fromtheheightofpassion,hejerkedandshefeltdeliciouswarmthspread

overherabdomen.

Now,honey,hegaspedhoarselyashecollapsedtohersideand

pulledherintohisembrace.Whatdidyouthinkofthat?

Shecurledherselfcloser,tuckingherheadbeneathhischinwith

herlipsagainsthischestbeforesheanswered.IthinkIwilllikedoing

thatasoftenaspossible.

Hisholdtightenedandhisgrowltoldherheagreedcompletely.


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42

ChapterFive

DoshilaycurvedintoTarinsarms,enjoyingthewarmthofhis

embraceandtheafterglowofhislovemaking.Rememberingtheirlimited

timetogether,sheburiedherfaceinhisthroat,feelingthebeatofhispulse

thumpagainstherlips.Thishasbeenwonderful,butourtimeisnearing

anend.

Itdoesnthavetoend.Youcouldadmittomewhoyoureally

are.Tarinsatup,pullingherwithhimtohislap.Icouldwork

somethingout.

What?Whatwillyouworkout,myprince?

Forus

to

continue

seeing

each

other.

At

least

for

awhile.

Shestood,retrievingherdressfromachair,thesoftmaterialfading

themomentherhandstouchedit.Thesepasttwoweekshavebeenmore

thanIcouldhaveimagined.ButIknowyourepromisedtomarry

GabriellaLagrin,PrincessofGlamdire.Shestruggledtoholdbackher

tears.Thisisafantasy.Itcannotlast.

Hesighedandrosetodressaswell.Youareright.Iamallbut

promisedtoanother.AndifIwerenotanhonorableman,Iwouldeither

breakmypromiseoraskyoutobecomemymistress.

Soyourefinewithagreeingtomarryawomanyouhavent

seen?

Heshrugged.Itisthewayofourworld,ofroyalty.Ifour

kingdomsaretosurvive,wemustdothatwhichhastobedoneinorderto

ensureafuture.


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43

Youdontreallymeanthat.Shefrowned.Itsoundssoheartless.

Iknowyouarentlikethat,Tarin.

Doyou?Hereachedouttofindher.Doshimovedfurtheraway

andhedroppedhisarmtohisside.Youdontknowmesowell,Rose.

AndIdontknowyou.Otherwise,youdshowyourselftome.

I

Heheldupahand.No,dontprotest.Iveheardyour

explanations.Iacceptthingsastheyare.Inanothertime,wemighthave

beenmorethanlovers.Wereaperfectmatch.

Inbed.

Inallways.

Ivehiddentheentiretimewevebeentogether.Youlookafoolridingalongsideariderlesshorse.

Itwasyourownchoice.

Shewalkedaroundtothefootofthebed.Andnowyouregoing

toGlamdire.Thismustend.Shegesturedtotherumpledsheets,hishalf

nakednessashestoodholdinghisshirtinhishands.Hewassobeautiful.

Herheartconstrictedatherloss.

Youcouldvisitmeatthecastleforawhile.Hefrowned.

Althoughitwillbenexttoimpossibletogetyouinside.Iknowhowitis

athome

in

Lockmoor.

Not

amoments

rest

from

the

servants,

advisors,

anddignitariesunderfoot.Imthankfultohavehadthistimewithyou,to

knowyoubeforethechaos.Iwillfiguresomethingout.

Hergazedroppedtothefloorandsheshookherhead.Itcannot

be,butIwouldnotchangeanything.Thesetwoweekswillstayinmy

memoryforever.Thepentuptearsspilledfromhereyesandshesankto

thefloor,coveringherface.

Hearingher,Tarinleapttohersideanddraggedherontohislap.

Honey,dont.

Shecouldnthelpit.Stupidwomanthatshewas,shedfallenin

lovewithhim.Itbrokeherheartbeyondbearingtoknowhewouldmarryhersister.Shewouldforeverbethelessersister,theonenotsoughtafter.

Nomanwouldeverbreakhisheartoverloveofher.Tarinwantedonly


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InvisibleRose

44

thephysicalpleasurehedenjoyed,somethingheprobablydidntexpect

toreceivefromahighbornfemale.Itwastoomuchtobear.

Onemoredaytogether,beforeIgotoGlamdire,hewhispered.

Onemoreperfectday.

*****

Doshisighedandclimbeddownfromherwindowseatasshe

heardLinentertheroomtohelpherdress.Aclamorinthehalldrewher

attention.

Whatsthatnoise,Lin?

Hermaidchuckled,placingthebasinofwatershewascarryingonatablenearthedoor.JustPrincessGabriellathrowingatantrum.

Whatisitaboutthistime?Doshiglanceddownatherdress,

notingthewrinkles.Herfatherwouldbefuriousifshedidntchange

beforemeetinghernewestprospectformarriage.Shesighedagain.

Linpinnedherwithaspeculativeglance,somethingshedbeen

doingveryoftenlately.Doshihopedherachingheartwasnottooobvious

andturnedawaytoinspectherwardrobe.Shefeltasnakedasshehad

beenwithTarinundertheknowingwomansgaze.

Shesangry

that

the

prince

is

delayed

another

few

days.

Anotherfew?

Yes.Theprincesservantjustleft.

Doshistarted.Justleft?

Themaidnodded,acuriouslookinhereyes.

Doshiturnedherback,pretendingshewasntthatinterested.Lin,

Ineedtotakecareofsomething.Illbebackinjustamoment.Shelifted

herdressandhurriedtowardthedoor.

Butyourhighness

Itllonlytakeasecond.Doshihurriedontiptoespasthersisters

bedroomdoorandscurrieddownthestairsasfastasherlayersofshiftswouldallowhertogo.Whenshecametothedoorleadingoutside,she

checkedthatshewasntobservedandfadedtoinvisibility.


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45

Ignoringladylikeconventions,sherandownthelongdriveleading

tothefrontgatesinthecastlewallsurroundingherfathersproperty.Just

asshereachedtheguardhouse,sheheardthetelltaleclopofthecarriage

Tarinhadsentwithhismessage.

Sheletherselfoutandreachedthevehiclejustastheservant

wrenchedopenthecarriagedoorandleftitajarwhileheraidedthewild

flowersjustoutsideGlamdire.

Idontseewhyhishighnesshastohavetheseparticularflowers.

Whatssospecialaboutthem?theservantgrumbled.

Doshipressedahandtoherlipstostiflehergigglesandquickly

searchedthecushionsofthewellappointedcarriage.Shefoundthenote

tuckedjustwheresheandTarinhadarrangedittobe.Shescannedthenote.Honey,Iwillmeetyoutonightattheagreedtime,

despitecertainsetbacksinmyplans.Iwillnotallowmyfamilyproblemstointerferewithourlastnight.Lookforthecarriageatsix.Lovinglyyours,Tarin.

Sheallowedherselfonlyamomenttopresshisnotetoherbosom

beforeshepennedahurriedresponse.Iwillbethere.Waitforme.Allmylove,Rose.

Shereturnedtoherroomatamoresedatepace,dreamingofher

timewithTarin.HowfarshehadcomefromthatfirstnightwhenTarin

firstmade

love

to

her.

Gabriella

had

been

right

about

the

pain,

but

it

had

beenbrief.Afterward,thepleasurewasunending.Shewasthrilledtofind

thatwildexplosioncouldhappenagainandagain.

Tonightwouldbeevenmoreexciting.Tarinhadmentionedshe

coulddothingstohimwithhermouth.Shewaseagertolearn.Partsof

hisincrediblebodylookedsotasty.Shethoughtshemightfaintifshe

didntgethertonguetheresoon.

Come,princess.Letmechangeyourdress.Hismajestywillbe

furiousifyoushowupsowrinkled.Linworkedatthelonglineof

buttonswhileDoshistoodwaiting,stilldeepinthoughtsofherlover.

*****


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InvisibleRose

46

Morelisofgoodstock,Doshi,descendedfromroyalty.Hisfamily

datesbacktoLotarofRainmire.Hewouldmakeafinehusband.

Doshiblinkedrapidlytokeepherselffromfallingasleep.Her

fatherdronedonaboutthisparagonofbluebloodintheirdrawingroom.

Shecouldseelittlemeritintheyoungmanbeyondhisexcellentmanner

anddress.

Hisravenhairwasperfectlyinplace.Hispantaloonsclungfirmly

tounderdevelopedlegmusclesandthebrightpurplewaistcoatand

jacket,whilethefinestquality,couldpossiblycauseretinaldamagewith

itsbrilliance.

Sheattemptednottooglethepeasizedmolehangingatthetipof

hisnose.Thethoughtofhavingtostareacrossthebreakfasttableatthatthingeachmorningmadeherstomachdoflipflops.Shejustcouldntdo

it.

Doshi,doservetea.

Yes,father.

Shemovedtoobeythoughshewasntreallyexpectedtoserve

anything.Shewasaprincess,afterall.Herjobwastooverseetheservant

presenttodothepouring.Sheliftedtheheavycontainerwithoutthinking.

Stumbling,shedumpedtheentirepotofsteamingteainthelapofLord

DooncyMorel.

Moreljumpedtohisfeet,screamingandwavinghisarms.His

flyingarmsmackedthepotfromherhandandsentitsailingacrossthe

roomwhereitsmashedagainstthefarwall.Shewatchedinshockasa

narrowstreamoftearanslowlydownovertherosewallpaper,probably

stainingitbeyondrepair.

ThekingsgrowlmatchedthatofanyhedusedonGabriellaafter

shedbeencaughtwithyetanotherman.Doshi!

Shequaked,duckingherheadandawaitingherfatherslecture.

Buthewouldnotdoitinfrontofhisguest.Gotoyourroom,young

lady.Yes,father.

*****


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47

Lin,itreallyisntfunny.Doshihalfheartedlyreprimandedher

servant.

Linbentnearlyinhalf,clutchingherstomachashergiggles

erupted,calmed,andtheneruptedagain.Itis.Oh,yourhighness.Idont

meantolaugh,butLordMorel

Doshiburstoutlaughing,coveringhermouth.Fallingflatacross

herbed,sheshookfromheadtotoeinhermirth,wishingshecouldshare

itwithTarin.Hedlaugh,too.PoorMorelhadbeensored,hoppingfrom

foottofootwithhisperfectlypointedshoesandhisperfecthairnever

moving.Shelaughedharder.Itwasunnaturalthatamancouldbeso

ordered,evenwithateastainspreadingacrosshisthinlegs.Lin,stopit.Imhumiliatedenough.

Yes,yourhighness.ButLinseyeswerefullofinnerlaughter.She

gatheredDoshisstaineddressinherarmsandturnedtoleave.Dont

worry.Hismajestystilladoresyoubest.Shewinkedimpertinentlyand

lefttheroom.

*****

Doshisat

back

against

the

luxurious

squabs

of

Tarins

carriage.

Shedalreadyletdownthewindowsonbothsides,riskingthedrivers

notice.Theoppressivescentofthewildflowersintheenclosedspacewas

makingherheadspin,andsherefusedtobesickonherlastnightwith

Tarin.

Ithadbeentrickyeasingopenthecarriagedoorwhiletheservant

pickedinthefield.Onewouldhavethoughthedleavethedooropento

avoidmishapwiththelargebundleofblossoms.Nosuchforethoughthad

enteredthemansmind.

Shefoundherselfstrugglingtododgethepokingflowersasthe

mantriedtomakeuphismindaboutthebestplacetolaythem.Finally,hedecidedonalocationandslammedthedoorclosedbeforehoppingon

topthecarriageandheadingbacktotheinn.


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InvisibleRose

48

Nowshefidgetedwithhergloves,anxioustoseeTarin,butstill

nervousthatshewouldsomehowdisappointhim.Shedlearnedquickly

whatitfeltlikewhenamanreachedhisownpeak.Sheknewthefirmness

ofhiminsideherlessenedandhecalledouthoneyrepeatedlyuntilthe

sensationseased.Shelongedtohearherownnameonhislips,butwas

gratefulhedidntcryoutRoseorGabriella.Shedidntthinkshecould

havestoodit.

Thesunwassettingbythetimeshereachedtheinn.Tonight,for

thefirsttime,shewouldspendafullnightinTarinsbed.Herbody

temperaturerosewithjustthethought.Assoonastheservantopenedthe

door,sheflickedawayhishatandjumpedtothegroundasheranto

chaseitintheslighteveningbreeze.Shesteppedawayfromthecarriageandglancedaroundher.The

princewasseveralfeetawaywithahopefullookonhisface.Fora

moment,sheconsideredpretendingshehadntcome,butthencouldnt

resistbrushingherselfagainsthim.Shefelthimgrowhardimmediately

andsighedwithsatisfaction.Therewasnodenyingherprincewanted

her.

Didyoumissme?shewhispered.

Desperately.

Herheart

banged

against

her

chest

and

she

quickly

tugged

at

his

armtoleadhiminside.Thenletsgonow.

Tarinstaredstraightahead,pretendinghewasalone.Shegrinned

upathim,gladhecouldntseethelovesickexpressionthatwassurelyon

herface.

Wouldyouliketohavedinnerfirst?Hesaiditwithoutmoving

hislips.

Sheshookherheadasifhecouldseeit.No,Iatesomethingbefore

Icame.Shehad,butnotmuch.WhocouldeatwhenamansuchasTarin

waswaiting?Herappetitehadcompletelyabandonedher.

Thelobbyoftheinnwascrowdedwithprestigiousguests.Lordsandladiescalledagreetingtotheprince,eachwantingtoimpressthe

otherswithbeingonintimatetermswithforeignroyalty.Shepressed

herselfclosertohissideinaneffortnottobumphisguards.Thereseemed


49/80

A.J.Cove

49

tobemanymoreofthemaroundhim.Shewouldaskwhywhenthey

werealone.

TheguardspressedcloserstillasTarinandDoshitookthestairsto

hisprivatefloor.Sheprotestedwithatinysoundwhenonebrushedtoo

closeandTarincommandedthemtodropbackapace.

Butyourhighness,theattemptonyourlife

Quiet!Tarinbarked.

Shejumpedatherprincesloudcommandandthentrembledwith

fearattheguardswords.Whatdidhemean,anattemptonTarinslife?

Hadsomeonetriedtokillhim?Herchestconstrictedatthethought.She

clutchedhishandtighterandhestrokedherswithhisthumb.

Finally,theywerelockedaloneinhisroom,theguardshavinginspecteditbeforetheyallowedthementrance.Somethingwasdefinitely

afoot.Tarinsguardswatchedhimcarefully,astheyshould,buttheywere

neverthiswatchfulandjumpy.Eachmanshandwascurvedarounda

weaponathiship,asifreadytokillanenemyattheleastprovocation.

Whathashappened,Tarin?Shewasnowinheroutlineform,so

heknewwhereshewas.

Hepulledheragainsthim,givingherabriefkiss.Nothingto

worryyourselfover,honey.Myguardsarealittleoverprotective,thats

all.

Shepulledawayandfadedsohecouldntseehershape.Youre

lying,myprince.

Hereachedtowardherblindly,butsheslippedaway.Hefrowned

whenhecouldntfeelher.Honey,comehereandshowyourself.

Shestoodbythewindow,armscrossed.Iwillassoonasyou

explainwhoistryingtokillyou.

Shegrinned,knowingTarinthoughtshewasnearthebed.He

searchedforherathisdesk,thecommodeandthewindow.Whenhe

didntmakecontact,heturnedtositdownandsighed.Fine.Afewdays

ago,oneofmymendiscoveredmysaddlebelthadbeencut,deliberately.Andjustthismorning,Ihadasmallcarriagemishap.

Shedartedacrosstheroomandthrewherselfintohisarms.No,

Tarin.Whoisit?Whyaretheydoingthis?Tearsfilledhereyes.


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InvisibleRose

50

Shh,honey.Hestrokedherhair.ThisiswhyIdidntwanttotell

you.Ididntwanttofrightenyou.

Shenuzzledbeneathhischinandwrappedherarmsaroundhis

waist,causinghimtoflinch.Whywouldanyonewanttoharmyou?You

haveareputationofbeingakindruler.Youvetakenonsomuch

responsibilityfromyourfathersincehessoill.Howcantheyfindfault

withthat?

Hepulledherarmsfromhiswaist.Itsjustthewaythingsare,

Rose.Itsimpossibletopleaseeveryone

Shenoticedhisgruntofpainwhenshemovedtohughimagain.

Shepulledback,eyeswidening.Whatisit?

Nothing,honey.Itsnotnothing!

Hesighedandthenremovedhisjacket,hiswaistcoatandshirt.She

criedoutwhenshesawthepurpledbruisesspreadingacrosshisleftside.

Shebegantocryagain,hatingtoseehiminpain.

Dont,Rose.Itsallright.Justasmallsouvenirfromtheaccident.

Youcalleditamishap.

Littlemorethanthat,hesaidwithasmile.

Shefeltherwonderfullastnightwithhimslipaway.Hertears

increased,dotting

the

front

of

her

dress

and

sliding

down

inside

the

tight

spacebetweenherbreasts.Atleastthistimeshewasntwearingoneofher

sistersdresses.Shedhadanewonemade,withthenecklinemuchlower

thanherusualstyleofdress,whilenotsoindecentasGabriellawore.And

itwaspointless.

Isthatanewdress,Rose?Isitlilac?Verypretty,honey.

Sheknewitwashardforhimtodistinguishthecolorssinceshe

blendedwiththebackgroundsoftheroom.Buthehadnoticed.Asmall

tinglingofjoybubbledinsideherathiswords

Youdontthinkitstoomodest?Sherestedaglovedhandagainst

theneckline.Aglanceupfoundherloverstaringdownathernowmoistcleavage.


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A.J.Cove

51

Notatall,hetoldher.Ilikeithigherlikethat.Itmakesmefeel

saferthatyouarentabouttopopoutinfrontofothermenwhenyoure

outandnotinvisible.Besides,Illhavethatoffofyouinafewminutes.

Shetrembledexcitedly.Shewishedhewouldripthenewdressoff

herrightnow.Withasoftgiggle,sheleanedcarefullytowardhisright

side,pressingherbosomagainsthisbarechest.Well,Imalways

invisiblewheninyourpresence,soitdoesntreallymatter.

Taringrippedherarmsanddraggedhercloser.Itmatters,Rose.I

donotwantyoudressingsolooselyanymore.Nolowerthanthis,his

nodindicatedherdress.Andyoushouldalwayswearashiftand

petticoatbeneath.

ShethoughtherlovewasinforashockwhenhesawGabriellaforthefirsttime.Shewasthemostdaringofwomenandherdressesreflected

it.Gabriellasetthestyleforallwomenwishingtoshowabitmoreflesh.

Shehadseenthebluemuslinonsomeonejustacoupledaysago.Ithad

beencut,ifpossible,evenlower.

Yes,myprince.Therewasnosensearguing.Notthatsheoften

did.Shelovedpleasinghim.Shallwespendtheeveningplayingcardsor

justtalking?

Hiseyebrowsrose.Youarejesting,Rose.Ourlastnightin

paradisebefore

the

onslaught

is

not

to

be

spent

playing

cards,

Iassure

you.

Butyourehurt.

Nottoohurttoteachyousomethingnew.

Hereyeswidenedwiththeprospectoftouchingandbeingtouched

byherlover.Shedbeenwaitingforthismomentseeminglyallherlife,

certainlyforthelasttwentyfourhoursormore.

Shestoodathispromptingandturnedherbacksohecouldundo

thebuttonsofherdress,wigglingimpatientlyathowlonghewastaking.

Now,Tarin.Now,shedemanded.

Patient,myheart.Tarinkissedthebackofherneckandallowedhistonguetotickleherheatedskinuntilshearchedherbackandpressed

herbottomagainsthim.Shefelthishardnessbulgingagainstherand

decidedtowaitnolonger.


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InvisibleRose

52

Shepulledfromhisgraspandswungaroundtofacehim.She

placedherhandsagainsthischestandpushedhimbackonthebed,

beforefollowinghimdownwithakneebetweenhislegs.

Careful,honey.

Shegrinneddownathim.Iwouldneverhurtthat.ItswhatIve

beencravingalldayandIjustcantwaitasecondlonger.

Withgreedyhands,Doshitoreattheclaspkeepingherfromher

treasure.Sheworkedthebuttonslooseandreachedinsidehispants,

alreadyfeelinghisshaftthrobbingtogetout.ShestareddownatTarins

hugeerection.Nowthatshehadcomethisfar,shewasntsurehowto

proceed.

HowdoIyouknow?Shewasallatonceembarrassed.HowdoIdowhatyoudidtome?

Shesawhishappygrin.Whatdoyouwanttodo,Rose?

Shebitherlip,hesitanttoadmitherintent.Iwanttohaveataste.I

wanttoputmytonguethereinthatgroove.Shewatchedtheshaftjump.

ShewasexcitingTarinwithherwords.Todaywasagreatdayfor

exploration.

Goahead,honey.

Hedidnthavetocommandhertwice.Sheloweredhermouthto

thethick

head.

Carefully,

she

swirled

her

tongue

around

the

tip

and

was

rewardedwithagroanofpleasurefromTarin.Knowingshewasonthe

righttrack,shecontinued.Sheranhertonguedownoverthelengthand

curveditalongtheshaftuntilshewasbackatthehead.

Shehatedthathermouthwastoosmalltogethiminside,soshe

suckedlightlyontheheadwhiledippinghertongueinthetinyholeon

thetop.Hebegantowritheandmoan,tanglinghisfingersinherhair.

Suddenly,desperatehungerenvelopedherhotbody.Shelovedthe

tasteandfeelofhiminhermouth,somoistandwarm.Shesuckedharder

atthetipandstrokedtheshaftbetweenherhands.Sherememberedthe

warmththatspreadthroughherwhenherloverexplodedinsideher,andshedesperatelywantedthatreleaseinhermouthnow.


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A.J.Cove

53

Sheworkedhimharder,determinedtohavethenectarshedbeen

dreamingabout.AndthenTarinshipsbuckedhigher.Hereachedoutto

pushheroff.

Letgo,honey.Icantholdback.

Sherefused.Hetriedagaintodisengagehermouth,thoughhewas

weakenedbyhispleasure.Shebrushedhishandawayandthenhe

releasedintohermouth.Theliquidshothardintothebackofherthroat.

Sheswallowedeverydrop,suckingformoreandlickingalongthesidesin

caseshedmissedanything.

Whenshefinished,sheglancedupathim,hopinghewasntangry.

Hestaredasifinaweofher.Comehere,hedemanded.

Sheclimbeduptolayatophim.IwassoafraidIdhurtyoubecauseyourmouthissosmallandImsobig.Hestrokedherhair.But

youareanatural,woman.

Shegrinnedandthengaveastartledsqueakwhenhewhippedout

fromunderhersothathestraddledherbodyfrombehind.Hepaddled

herbottomlightly.

NowthisisfordisobeyingmewhenItoldyoutostop.Hehiked

upherdressandreachedaroundthesideofherhipanddippedhis

fingersinsideherwarm,moistcenter.Yes,yourereadyforme.

Ratherthan

play

with

her

with

his

fingers

as

he

had

many

times

before,Tarinhoistedherhipsalittlehigherandthenplungedinsideher

frombehind.Shescreamedandburiedhermouthinhispillow.Herlover

thrustintohersohard,bangingagainstherrear,shethoughtshedfaint

fromtheoverloadinsensation.

Thesound!ThesoundtheirbodiesmadeasTarinslammedinside

hersoroughly,droveherwild.Shepushedbackagainsthim,bracingher

handsagainsttheheadboard.

Doyouwantmetostop,honey?

Never!Sheknewhewasonlyteasingher.Hewoulddrivedeep

insideheruntilhehadtocoverhe

a j cove - the invisible rose

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