Free Tycoon by Joanna Shupe

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    Never dreamt it could be like this, that another human being could turn her inside out this way. Could steal the breath from her lungs and the reason from her brain. Then his hand returned to her breast, his warm palm kneading the soft mound over her corset, and her back bowed, her body desperate for his touch.
    He broke off, breathing hard, and found her eyes. His irises were now a deep blue, bright with lust. “Do you want me to stop?”
    â€œNo, and if you do, I might throw you off this train.”
    His lips curved into a small smile. “Then let me pleasure you. I promise you’ll enjoy it.”
    Would he mount her? Confused but eager, she nodded. “You’ve been so kind and patient, and you’ve never lied to me. I trust you, Ted.”
    A flicker of something passed over his face but vanished quickly as he removed his coat and tossed it aside. “May I undress you?”
    Nerves collected in her throat, making it hard to swallow. Was she truly about to do this? “Yes, if I may undress you as well.”
    â€œWe’ll get to that. Let’s start with you.”
    * * *
    Hands shaking, Ted slid his fingers to the neck of her blue shirtwaist and began unfastening the buttons. Had he lost his mind? Probably. Most definitely. Regardless, he planned to pleasure her while keeping his trousers on. Under no circumstances would he take her innocence.
    Glimpses of pale, creamy skin emerged as he opened the fabric at her throat. The tiny pearl buttons proved difficult but he was determined. If she wanted toe curling, then by God he would give her toe curling. As long as he remained in control, then she would remain chaste.
    An ivory corset cover peeked out, a pale pink corset underneath. The corset pushed up the delectable small mounds of her breasts, and he grew even harder, his erection pushing against his clothing. Mercy, she was lovely. He’d be lucky not to spend in his trousers before this was over.
    He pushed the shirtwaist off her shoulders and down her arms. A few small buttons and the corset cover lifted over her head. Unable to resist, his palms dragged over her ribs, over the heavy corset, feeling the shape of her, learning her. The backs of his knuckles swept the tops of her breasts, rising and falling with her swift breaths.
    â€œMay I remove your skirts?” Never had one answer seemed so damned important. Please say yes.
    She bit her lip but relaxed onto the mattress, rolled over onto her stomach, and presented him with her back. The towel filled with ice fell to the floor, unnoticed, as he stared at her slim shoulders and trim waist.
    Dear God. Swallowing hard, his fingers went to work. Untying. Unbuttoning. Uncovering. The room fell quiet except for the sound of their breath and the whisper of cotton. The layers went quickly: the outer skirt, a cushion-style bustle, petticoat. All that remained was her corset, chemise, drawers, and stockings. He loosened the strings of her corset and said, “Roll over.”
    She obeyed, her eyes dark and focused on his face as he began working her corset open. The fastenings popped as he descended carefully. Slowly. He wanted her to anticipate his touch as much as he burned to caress her. Did she have any idea of the things he’d like to do to her?
    Doubtful. Farm girl or no, what she’d seen had to do with procreation—not pleasure. And Ted meant to show her everything to do with the latter.
    When the last fastening came free, he pushed apart the stiff garment and just stared at her. Small, high breasts with rosy nipples that had already puckered beneath her chemise, begging for his mouth. He could hardly wait to suck them, to see how sensitive they were, to learn the taste of her skin.
    He leisurely traced her collarbone with one finger, then down her breastbone between the valley of her still-clothed breasts. The urge to pounce, to take her hard and fast, screamed in his groin. He struggled to maintain control.