Free Scarlet Masquerade by Jett Abbott

her hardened nipples pressing against her bodice?
    “Please, why must you stand? I am no one special. Didn’t we have this conversation the other night at dinner?” Alexandra asked, sitting across from the beautiful woman.
    “Of course. My apologies,” Clarissa said, dropping her head submissively.
    “Oh my dear, you really need to get a backbone,” Alexandra chuckled. “Or you will be the object of affection of every eligible man, and some not so eligible men, in the city.
    “Excuse me?” Clarissa sat pondering Alexandra’s statement.
    “My dear Mademoiselle, men love submissive women. It allows them to train you to their liking.” Alexandra motioned for the waiter. “Besides, you are not ready for marriage are you?”
    “Excuse me?” Once again, Clarissa was on the receiving end of yet another question by this seductively, sexy woman.
    “Perhaps it is you that I should be concerned with, Madam Locke. I hear many interesting things about you.” Clarissa blushed when Alexandra steadied her gaze on Clarissa’s breasts.
    “Touché. See, you can volley across the court.” Alexandra smiled, pouring the tea that had been deposited on their table. “So your boyfriend, De Marcus. Will he be joining us?” Looking up from tossing a sugar cube in her tea, she smiled demurely.
    “He is not my boyfriend. We had this conversation the other night, remember?” Clarissa said, stirring her tea fervently. “Perhaps this was a mistake, Madam. If you will excuse me—”
    “Please, forgive me, Clarissa.” A hand stopped Clarissa from getting up. “I don’t know when to stop baiting such beautiful women. I promise to behave if you will stay. Otherwise, we will just have to make a date for another time.”
    “What makes you think I would do that?”
    “Again, I am being presumptuous. See, I don’t know when to stop.” Alexandra sat back in her chair staring at Clarissa. “You are not a prisoner here, Clarissa. You may leave if you would like. I hope you don’t, but I understand if I am too forward for someone so beautiful and so young.”
    Clarissa stared into Alexandra’s blue eyes and felt drawn to them. She wondered what power this woman had over her to make her want to stay, to continue the repartee they were exchanging. Clarissa’s goose bumps returned as she watched Alexandra slide her tongue over her top lip, then close her mouth in a pout.
    “Oh mon ami, you are cold. Let me call the waiter. No, wait, here. You can wear my shawl. It should keep you warmer.” The soft cashmere shawl slid down Clarissa’s arms and enveloped her with a scent she remembered from the other evening, honeysuckle. “There. Are you warmer?”
    “Yes, thank you, Madam.”
    “Please, call me Alexandra. We are friends, no?” Alexandra’s eyes twinkled when she smiled at Clarissa. Clarissa felt like she was cheese in the clutches of a very smooth mouse.
    “Yes, I would like to be friends.”
    “Good. Let’s order something. All of this friendship is making me hungry. Waiter.”
    An hour later, Clarissa and Alexandra had finished a light dinner and ended it with interesting conversation of Alexandra’s travels. Clarissa was enthralled with the tails of travel and adventure. Clarissa learned that Alexandra had been married only once. “Once was enough,” according to Alexandra, to know she wasn’t suited for it.
    “Well, perhaps next time you can come with me to my summer home. It is beautiful. The vineyards are heavy with grapes and we can relax and swim in the pool at the estate.” Clarissa felt Alexandra’s hands grasp hers and stroke her palms. “I usually have business during the day, but in the evening we can venture into the vineyards, eat grapes and swim in the pool. It will be fun.”
    “I would love to come. However, my father would not approve, I’m afraid.”
    “Perhaps I can speak with him on your behalf?”
    “I don’t think that will change his mind.”
    “I can be very persuasive. Trust