A Lady or a Cock Whore? Ch. 07

It was just before dawn when Arya woke from a dream, jerking awake and practically hitting Eric in the face. Luckily he dodged the blow, and she realized that he was awake, and had probably been watching her. She blushed, unsure why she felt so uncomfortable with that.

He seemed to realize that she was aware of his peeking and blushed slightly, too, which made Arya smile. Her sassy attitude reared up a bit now that she knew he was feeling as bashful as she.

"See something you like?" she teased.

His eyebrows wiggled and he replied, "many things", as his fingers trailed down her arm.

He drew it up and down a few times, drawing out a satisfied sigh from Arya who found the touch as calming as it was erotic. Goosebumps raised up on her arm and she shivered, which did not escape Eric. His eyes glowed and his hips moved involuntarily, jerking forward so that his hard cock pressed briefly against her thigh.

Arya drew in a breath, feeling hesitant and shy and excited all at once. But she could hear birds chirping and knew that the sun would rise soon, and the servants with it. She couldn't bear the thought of Shaela's accusation that Arya was seducing Eric to be proven all too correct, so she drew back from his suddenly grasping hands, knowing she had to get back to her room before anyone figured out where she had spent the night.

Eric grumbled a bit, unwilling to let her go once he sensed her intention. After one last, quick grope - which she playfully batted away - he released her. She sat up, turned so that her legs were dangling over the side of the bed, and glanced back over her shoulder at him.

The sight of her sex-messed hair, wide, innocent eyes, and the curved smile on her cherry-red lips made Eric's cock twitch in a sudden burst of quick throbs that drew out an accompanying moan. Her gaze lowered and he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear; it had been partially blocking her face and he was having none of that. She looked up at his touch, flushed and aroused by the sound of his groan and his clear sexual interest, and he sat up as well as he drew closer to her and ran tender fingers across her jawbone.

Arya shivered and Eric's eyes were positively predatory, but he forced himself to take a breath to ground himself. There will be time for more of that later, he thought to himself. He kissed her, surprisingly chaste and gentle as he touched her, then nodded his head. She understood his meaning and stood up, smoothing down her rumpled dressing gown. He sat on the edge of the bed and watched her attempt to wrangle her hair into a braid, admiring the way her hard nipples moved underneath the lacy cloth that covered them.

Arya met his eyes. "I guess it's goodbye for now, then," she said a bit awkwardly. He grinned.

"I'll see you in a few hours," he replied, still admiring her. It almost sounded more like a threat than a promise, and Arya knew she was drenched with wetness at the thought of more to come.

Unable to help herself, Arya leaned forward and kissed him one last time before she left, her arms wrapping around his neck and her hair falling like curtains on either side of their faces as she slipped her tongue into his mouth.

He was far less gentle this time; it was as though her taking initiative had freed him somehow. Eric grabbed her hips roughly and pulled her forward as he deepened the kiss, and she could feel his hardness pressing against her. She moaned, loving the feeling of it. She wanted nothing more than to release him, touch him, tease him, and she once again couldn't help her hands from reaching for him as they moved from his neck to his lower stomach. Her fingertips grazed his cock and he gasped into her mouth, his hands tightening almost painfully as they encircled her waist.

He withdrew his lips and looked up at her, his hips gyrating slightly as he groaned, "God you're such a fucking tease. I thought you were supposed to be leaving!"

Arya didn't think she'd ever heard anything quite as sexy as his voice thick with lust.

Still mindlessly moving against her, he whispered, "I think you need to go... as much as it kills me to say," he added, frustration flashing briefly in his eyes.

Arya nodded vigorously, her heart racing, knowing that after another moment or two of this she would drown once more, unable to think or even breathe. As he released his grip she practically bolted out of his room, only remembering at the last second that her actions needed to be silent and stealthy. She opened the door as quietly as she could, looking back once more to say a final goodbye. Eric was sitting on the edge of the bed watching her, his hand tightly grasping the outline of his cock. He squeezed once, twice, a shudder running through him as she held his gaze.

Lust still threatening to take her, Arya instantly turned and peeked down the hall, looking right then left as she listened intently, before slipping out the door and shutting it gently behind her.

Adrenaline pumped through Arya's veins but she made it to her room without hindrance, her mind replaying their tryst over and over as she flopped onto her bed. She could hardly believe it! After days of being treated more like a sister than the sensual being he had previously treated her as, it felt unreal and extremely satisfying to have been so passionately and unexpectedly intimate with Eric.

She quickly stripped so that she could look at her body, needing to see physical proof of their lovemaking. There were some bruises forming already from where he had grasped her tightly in his lustful haze, and where he had suckled and bit her skin, and she ran her fingers over each mark with a sense of wonder.

Why do I love them? she asked herself. She poked one and winced, but found it strangely satisfying. It made everything feel more tangible, and that was as exciting as it was nerve-wracking. It felt like a mark or a brand of some kind, and while the imagery of a branded animal made her nervous, it was a mark that only she and Eric would recognize or even know was there; and that knowledge made her heart flutter.

She examined every one of them in a full-length mirror by the dresser, plotting them like points on a map as she relived the journey his hands, lips, and tongue had traveled. "Ours," she whispered aloud, feeling a deep thrumming in her chest as she claimed them. It was similar to the warm feeling that had arisen when reuniting with Luc recently, a feeling of familiarity and... love? But different. It felt sharper, unique in some way that Arya couldn't define. But having never been in love before, Arya was ignorant of its import and dismissed the feeling, sleepiness suddenly crashing over her like a wave.

She curled up in her bed, still naked, running her hands along her skin like he had: just the fingertips, and oh so lightly.

I definitely need to ask him to do that again, she thought to herself with a smile as she fell contentedly asleep.

______________________________________________________________

Arya woke late, startled by a soft but insistent knocking on her door. She blushed as she took in her naked form and rushed to throw on a dressing gown as she called, "Just a moment!"

She was soon opening the door, and felt instantly queasy as Claire's face looked sternly down upon her. She gulped, irrationally fearing for a moment that Claire could read on her face the signs of her encounter with Eric the night before. She quickly inventoried the bruises she had mapped out, relieved that none were readily visible.

She tried to arrange her face into a welcoming expression, but suspected that it looked more like a grimace than a smile.

"Good morning," Claire began, an eyebrow quirking slightly as she took in Arya's strange expression. "You missed breakfast and Eric and I began to grow concerned. Are you feeling well?" Her gaze swept over Arya and the girl blanched, realizing that she still smelled a bit like sex.

"Yes, I'm feeling quite well, thank you. I just... overslept a bit I suppose. I apologize for inconveniencing you."

"It was no inconvenience," Claire replied. "At least, far less inconvenient than other happenings this morning."

"Oh?" Arya asked, curious but distracted by her racing thoughts and desire to bathe - even if it was a quick, cold bath, she didn't care. She was just terrified that Claire would figure everything out before Arya could scrub away the damning evidence.

Her attention was instantly recaptured, though, as Claire informed her calmly, "We had to let one of the servants go this morning. And it always causes such a ruckus when they refuse to leave quietly."

Arya stiffened. "Who did you let go?" she asked, trying to sound politely curious but not too interested.

She had the nervous suspicion that Claire saw through her as the woman's eyes bore into hers. "Shaela," she finally said, still watching Arya intently for a reaction.

She was not disappointed when Arya's face twitched and the grimace re-appeared.

"So it is true, then," she commented softly.

"I- what is true?" Arya asked quickly.

Claire continued to stare at her appraisingly, then gestured towards the bedroom behind Arya. "Mind if I come in?"

"O-of course."

The girl moved out of Claire's way and the woman swept with great dignity into the room, perching atop one of the sitting chairs by the empty fireplace. Arya sat across from her, tense and visibly stiff as she crossed her arms over her chest in a defensive posture.

Claire sighed, looking away at last as her own discomfort became apparent. "My maid noticed someone walking the hallways late last night, Lady Arya."

Arya felt her heart stop.

"She came to me this morning and shared that she was feeling immensely guilty. She suspected that it was you, and apparently you were the topic of conversation as you neared the servant's quarters. She told me that Shaela had spoken several untruths and uttered more than one insult regarding you and your... intentions." Arya turned beet red, but Claire continued without pause, "My maid asked for my forgiveness for not stopping Shaela from spreading lies, and while she did not receive my forgiveness, she did not receive punishment either. I appreciate honesty, as you know." Claire's eyes penetrated Arya's soul once more as she tried to read the younger woman.

Arya nodded silently.

"Mmm. Well I informed my brother, of course, and he spoke with her shortly afterwards."

"I see."

There was a quiet moment before Arya broke the awkward silence, realizing that Claire wasn't about to continue. "She caused a ruckus, you said?"

"Yes."

Claire frowned deeply as she remembered the unpleasant scene. She had heard the conversation between Eric and Shaela through the closed door to her brother's study (though she would never admit to eavesdropping), and had been shocked by what she heard. Initially, Shaela denied the accusation - as anyone would, of course. But when that failed, she tried to persuade Eric to reconsider his decision through other means. Claire's face had burned as she listened to the woman proposition her brother, the maid's language sounding unbearably crude and disgusting to her Mistress's ear as Shaela described all the ways she would let Eric take her.

Claire wasn't even sure what some of the words meant, but she felt that it was probably better she didn't know given the shocked silence that fell just before Eric's anger erupted a moment later.

"You accuse me of bringing whores to my estate and you were correct!" Claire had heard him shout. "You are worse than any prostitute! I knew it was a mistake to hire you, I had heard the rumors about how you let Lord Rosan's guards fuck your ass for some new dresses-"

Eric was unable to finish his tirade because the maid abruptly wrenched the door open, angry tears coursing down her face as she yelled back insults and accusations with equal indignation and scorn. With a hiss she had shoved Claire out of the way, looking as though she might strike the woman.

Manservants stood close guard as the maid gathered her things and left, screaming like a banshee all the while.

Claire had been relieved, honestly, that Arya had chosen today to sleep in. It was the most embarrassing incident she had experienced to date, and she shook her head in disgust at the unpleasantness of it all. "I must apologize, Arya, for whatever it is that horrible woman said about you. You have been the most lovely, obliging guest, and Eric is lucky to have you as a friend... as am I."

Arya felt a surge of affection and gratitude, and moved to take Claire's hand. "No Lady Claire, it is I who am grateful. Not everyone would have responded as you and Eric did, and I-" she stopped as her voice was choked with emotion.

After everything in the capital, she had grown used to women speaking ill of her, and not just servants. Her peers, those she once believed felt a sincere affection for her, had ultimately proven far crueler than Shaela. Arya had almost forgotten what it felt like to have another female speak up on her behalf, to take her side rather than stab her in the back.

Clarie seemed to understand, squeezing Arya's hand and smiling the most gentle smile Arya had seen on her face to date. "Come," she finally said, rising from her seat, "It is time to dress. I believe Eric has an outing planned for us."

Her brother was waiting impatiently by the stairs, feeling nervous, conflicted, and confused. His peaceful satisfaction and sense of camaraderie with Arya had faded with the morning light, his last hour or two of sleep plagued by nightmares and memories of loss and pain. The incident with Shaela had done nothing to cheer him, and he had taken a short walk already to calm his nerves and assess what he was feeling. He wasn't angry with Arya, he had intuited, and neither was he surprised by the affection he felt for her - he had known long before he invited her here that he respected and perhaps even cherished the girl. But he had been resolved to avoid physical contact, or limit it as best he could to kissing and perhaps mild groping, and he was angry with himself, now. He knew that had he not practically come in his pants, he would have fucked her.

As well intentioned as my invitation was, it was a mistake. She will want more - how could she not? I certainly do - but I can't do this. It's not fair...

... but FUCK I want her more than anyone I've ever known, he groaned to himself.

His thoughts were interrupted by the appearances of two women walking towards him, and as always his eyes were drawn instantly to Arya's face. She was flushed, eyes bright and a bead of sweat forming on her brow; and the knowledge that she was nervous only increased his own agitation. He had seen that look before on the faces of other women he had been with, and knew without a doubt that her feelings for him were growing.

And he was dismayed by the joy and smug feeling of conquest that reared its head as he recognized this truth.

He was more gruff than he meant to be as he informed them, "I'm sorry ladies but it appears that I need to make a trip to Veras. I shall be back tomorrow morning."

"Oh," Arya uttered, glancing at Claire in confusion.

Equally startled, Eric's sister demanded, "Why?"

Anger flashed in his eyes and both women were taken aback to see it. "Business," he replied tersely. Taking a breath to control himself, Eric shook his head. "I'm sorry, but it's important. I'll return soon."

"What about the grove?" Claire asked, brow furrowed in annoyance.

"You take her," he snapped.

His tone indicated that there was nothing more to say, and he bowed slightly to Arya before turning on his heel, his expression softening just a little as he met her gaze. He hated the confusion and disappointment he saw in her eyes, and wished that he could offer her some explanation. But he could not speak his mind freely in front of Claire, and there was no way to draw Arya away from her without it appearing suspicious.

What's there to say anyway? That we had too much fun, that it felt too good? That I don't want to stop? He rolled his eyes, the side of his mouth quirking up in a sarcastic smile. That would only make things worse, knowing her. Little tease. Serious once more, he reminded himself, No. It's best that I take a day to cool off, distract myself. And remind myself why we NEED to stop.

Ten minutes later he was cantering towards the city, relishing the sting of chill morning wind on his face. But after an hour, his path turned away from Veras. There was someplace else he needed to go first: Sophie's grave.

__________________________________________________________________

Arya, Claire, and a manservants sat on their horses in the most picturesque woodland setting Arya had ever seen. A clear blue pond was fed by a long series of small waterfalls, and surrounded by thick, bright green grass. Dotted amongst the grass were wildflowers, and the trees surrounding the meadow were willow and birch and dogwood, beautiful and delicate in their summer finery.

"Oh this is lovely!" Arya exclaimed, delighted by the scene before her. Claire returned her wide smile and the women dismounted with the aid of the manservant, a stocky, older man named Gavin.

Gavin had been hesitant to bring the women alone, since he was unfamiliar with weapons and felt that two high born ladies deserved an armored-to-the-teeth guard or two anytime they went anywhere - and Arya, in her heart, couldn't help but agree. A month or two ago she would have found the idea preposterous, but after all her run-ins and near calls with ruffians and rapists she was more than happy to accept any legitimate male company that was being offered. Luckily, Claire and even Gavin were very confident in the safety of their trek, and their confidence was proven justified.

Arya felt a startling jolt of pride to learn that it was due to Eric's skill and generosity as a landlord that almost all of the men and women on his land were provided for. None went without basic essentials, and while many were still poor, the rate of crime was extraordinarily low.

Arya's family's keep and surrounding land were probably more well-off than Eric's, she knew. She had to admit, though, that it was plagued with far more brigands and criminals than Eric's, despite the fact that her father was as kind and altruistic as they come! Though not particularly good with managing money or handling the essentials of owning extensive land, which Arya was learning to appreciate the necessity of. Since she could never own land, these were things she had never had to consider before; but the differences between Eric's estate and her family's home was more and more obvious the longer she stayed and the more she saw, and her respect for him continued to grow in tandem with these revelations.

I almost wish he WASN'T so great... she couldn't help grumbling to herself. It would make it far less easy to like him so much. The thought was quickly followed up by an Ugh! of annoyance. Stop thinking about him!!

Yeah as if that's going to happen... a tiny voice replied, as for the millionth time today she remembered the feeling of his nibbles on her neck and his fingers swirling around her clit.

And so it went, all afternoon. Intrusive thoughts and images, ghostly echoes of sensation and pleasure, and her consistently ineffectual efforts to block them out. Dinner was quiet, and both women retired to their rooms early to read before bed.

Arya pleasured herself before falling asleep that night, because as of today she had a new fantasy. It had been unwittingly catalyzed by Shaela, actually.

It had taken hours but Arya had finally convinced Claire to share what she had overheard during Eric and Shaela's conversation, pushing so hard that Claire reluctantly whispered the words "blow job" to Arya, admitting that she didn't know what it meant.