Genesis in Bloom (5 page)

Perhaps that was a bit drastic, she amended. She would still see Alex, but she would also see other men as well. Handsome men such as Captain Murdoch, who would teach her all manner of sensual delights. Now that she had a taste for sex, she wanted more of it. There was also her underlying desire to feel everything her mother had felt while working in this place.

A knock on the door disturbed her thoughts. She slid into a robe and hurried across the room, thinking it might be Alex returning to visit her again. The thought sent an erotic charge through her body.

When she opened the door, she was disappointed to find one of the housemaids standing in the hallway.

The maid curtsied to her. "Good morning, Miss Kelly. It's time for me to change the sheets and clean the room. As soon as you're dressed, Madame wishes to speak with you."

"Thank you. I'll be down as soon as possible."

"Very well. I'll inform her you're on your way."

Genesis closed the door and looked at the bed where she had spent so many blissful hours with Alex. For the first time, she noticed the blood on the sheets.
Her
blood.
Her
passage from girlhood into womanhood. She was happy she had given her virginity to him. Of all men, she had chosen a patient, skillful lover who had brought her to orgasm multiple times. She held the memory close to her heart.

* * * *

"You've barely lost your virginity and men are already fighting over you." Madame Colette shook her head. "How this brings back memories of your dear mother."

"I slept with my first customer last night," said Genesis. "And now I'm ready to see other clients."

The older woman gave a merry chuckle. "So I've heard. What am I going to do with you, young lady?"

"Do you know who the Earl of Landower is? He's one of the wealthiest men in England, and he paid me an unheard of sum of money for your time last night. Then he offered me a king's ransom to insure you were exclusively at his beck and call. I was at a loss because I had no desire to offend him."

"But that's not fair to the other clients." Genesis knew she couldn't spend night after night with Alex because it would be too easy to fall in love with those beautiful emerald eyes and full sensuous mouth.

"Therein lies the problem." Colette sighed and put her fingers to her temples in a dramatic gesture. "Captain Murdoch is also infatuated with your beauty, and he's determined to spend the remainder of his military leave with you. He's no mere Army officer for his family is also one of the richest in England. I have no desire to offend him either."

"I wish to see Captain Murdoch this evening."

"And so you shall. I explained to Alex he may see you the following evening. I've decided to book your services on a day-by-day basis so as not to offend either gentleman. I convinced the earl he couldn't monopolize all your time because there were others who wish to sample your charms."

"What did he say?" Genesis bit her lip, wishing she hadn't asked.

Madame raised an eyebrow and wagged a finger at her. "Are you growing fond of the man who took your virginity?"

"No," Genesis said quickly. "I was merely curious."

"Hmm. Well, let's just say he wasn't happy with my decision. I lost a fortune by not agreeing to his demands. At the same time, I couldn't offend Captain Murdoch either. His family is powerful, and they have many friends who travel from England to visit Le Petit Palais."

"I'm sorry to have caused you trouble."

Colette shrugged. "It's the nature of the business. Men were ready to fight duels over your mother, but I hope it won't come to that in your case. I'm too old to deal with young stallions with a fire in their blood." She leaned forward, resting her palms on the desk. "Now you must tell me how on earth you met two such attractive rogues in one night. I thought you were going to remain in your room and read."

Genesis sighed and told her the story.

Colette's eyes widened in surprise. "So Alex walked into your room by mistake?"

"It would seem so."

She laughed so hard tears came to her eyes. "And your cries during orgasm brought Captain Murdoch to your door?"

"My girl, you have certainly had an auspicious debut as a courtesan."

"It sounds like you've gotten yourself into a quandary." Gregory took a bite of the
Crêpe Suzette
on his plate. "Falling in love with a courtesan isn't the smartest decision you've ever made."

They sat at a sidewalk cafe, drinking the rich, sweet coffee Alex preferred.

"I'm not in love with her," said Alex. "I'm—"

Imprisoned, enslaved, ensnared.

"I just want to continue seeing her. However, she views me as just another client."

"She's not interested in becoming your exclusive mistress?"

Alex shrugged. "To tell you the truth, I hesitate to ask her."

"Why? I've never known a woman to refuse you anything."

"I'm not sure she would even consider my offer because she is determined to pursue the life of a high-class prostitute." He took a sip of his coffee before turning a speculative gaze on his friend. "You have connections at the brothel. Perhaps you can discover something about her by asking the other women."

Gregory gave him a wicked grin. "I'll handle that assignment with the personal, hands-on attention it requires."

"I'm sure you will. I questioned Madame Colette, but she revealed nothing of interest. Unless you count the information that Captain Murdoch comes from a wealthy family."

"Ah yes, your rival for the lady's hand and all her other delicious parts."

"Don't remind me." Alex scowled. "How can I avoid becoming just another number on her dance card?"

"Perhaps you should court her with flowers and candy."

"I left flowers for her this morning."

"That's a start."

"Perhaps the key to understanding her will come when I discover something about her personal life. She said her parents were dead, but that might be a lie."

"She sounds like an intriguing puzzle."

Alex's smile held a tinge of admiration. "She may seem as delicate and fragile as a rose, but there's a core of steel in her spine."

"When do you see her again?"

"Tomorrow night. She has an appointment with Murdoch this evening." Alex slammed his spoon into the empty cup. "What am I doing to do, Gregory? I don't want her to see other men. I want her all for myself."

"Then I'm afraid you have a serious problem."

* * * *

Genesis petted Napoleon, the spoiled, midnight black cat who lived on the grounds. He was decked out in a faux diamond collar which gave him an aristocratic appearance. Lately, he had the habit of climbing into her room from the large tree outside the window. She often kept the window open day and night because she enjoyed the fresh air. Napoleon appreciated the treats she pilfered for him from the kitchen, and now seemed devoted to her.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Genesis whispered in his ear. The obese cat purred loudly as he gave her a bored stare.

"Let me guess," she continued. "You probably have a different female under every bush and tree, much like your human counterparts who frequent this place."

"You have him pegged," said Sylvie, her closest friend in the brothel.

"They're all the same, aren't they? Every oversexed, unfaithful male of the species."

"Here's to oversexed, handsome men." Sylvie giggled as she sipped a glass of white wine. "Without them, I'd be out of a job and probably begging on the street. Not to mention deprived of the pleasures of the flesh."

Genesis smiled. "I must agree I'm enamored of my first taste of the pleasures of the flesh."

"So tonight you're seeing Captain Murdoch? Is he as handsome as Lord Alexander?" She plowed on without waiting for an answer. "I saw the earl leave your room this morning wearing a dark scowl and a determined expression. Nevertheless, he had the face of a fallen angel."

"Have you ever met him?" A frisson of jealousy sliced through Genesis as she looked at her beautiful companion. She fought against the emotion because she had no claims on Alex, and he had none on her.

Sylvie sighed. "Alas no, for I heard last night was his first visit to Le Petit Palais. Of course, I know
of
him because he's a regular customer at the Moulin Rouge. One of my friends dances there, and she told me of his good looks and generous tips."

"I'm sure he's quite generous." Genesis glanced at the bouquet of roses on the dresser. "I wonder how many women have received flowers from him?"

"He seems quite taken with you. After all, he requested another appointment tomorrow night. Now, will you please answer my question?"

"What question is that?"

"I asked you what Captain Murdoch looked like."

"Oh, he's very handsome. Tall, dark-haired, broad-shouldered."

"Mmm, I envy you. The client I had last night resembled a small, white rat."

Genesis laughed. "I'm sure I'll have my share of white rats as time goes on."

Sylvie stretched her arms over her head. "I must have a nap before this evening's gentleman caller."

Genesis envied her friend's lush figure and sense of style. Sylvie was an artist with make-up and wore her clothes with an assured confidence. Her brown eyes tilted at the corners and shimmered with golden flecks of color, reminding one of a feline's mysterious and luminous stare.

She hesitated, wondering how she could frame her question. "I wish to know everything about sex," she began.

Sylvie raised an inquiring brow. "Doesn't everyone?"

Genesis blushed as she spoke the words. "What I'm curious about, what I wish to know is, have you ever been with another woman?"

"But of course."

"You have? Tell me what it's like."

Sylvie was silent a moment. "It's different than a man. Softer, gentler, depending on the woman. On a purely physical level our bodies respond to stimulation, whether it comes from a man or woman. However, I much prefer a thick, hard cock attached to a darkly handsome man."

"Then you would definitely appreciate Captain Murdoch."

Sylvie took another sip of wine. "I'm getting aroused just imagining him."

"Would you like to meet him? You could be here when he arrives tonight."

Sylvie's eyes glittered with excitement. "I would like that very much."

Genesis cleared her throat. "May I ask you another question?"

"If I wanted to experience sex with another woman—"

Before she could finish the thought, her friend leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "I suddenly feel like my nap can wait."

Sylvie kissed her with full, pillowy lips which were soft and gentle, not firm like Alex's strong, insistent mouth.

"Lay on the bed so I can rub your back," she whispered.

Nervousness and excitement warred within Genesis as she stretched herself out on the mattress. She gasped as Sylvie straddled her hips and massaged her shoulders with delicate, yet firm fingers.

"You're so tense," she said. "Just relax."

"I'm trying to relax."

Sylvie began to hum a lullaby, and her voice soothed the tight muscles of Genesis's shoulders. After a few moments, she finally relaxed, closed her eyes, and drifted into sleep.

As her eyelids fluttered open, she saw her friend's nude body on the bed next to hers.

Touching her cheek, Sylvie asked in a quiet voice, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Genesis swallowed her fears. "Yes, I do."

"Then let's get these clothes off you."

Sylvie helped her undress, taking her time as she removed each item of clothing. Genesis's gaze was drawn to Sylvie's large breasts and dark-hued nipples, and a hot flush of desire shot through her system. Her breath came in short bursts as she hesitantly cupped Sylvie's breast in her hand and then stroked the thick, distended nipple.

Sylvie lowered her head and took one of Genesis's taut, hard nipples in her mouth. She sucked on it until Genesis jutted her hips forward, demanding more stimulation for her throbbing clitoris. Sylvie thrust a finger between her legs and stroked the swollen, straining bud.

"Lay back on the bed," she ordered.

Genesis did as she was told.

"Spread your legs." Sylvie placed a hand on the mound between her thighs. Her voice was deep with desire as she asked, "Have you ever touched yourself there?"

"Then you must try it. When there's no one available, you'll be able to satisfy yourself."

Genesis tentatively stroked her swollen clitoris with her middle finger. Liking the way it felt, she increased the pressure until a moan escaped her lips.

"That feels good, doesn't it?" Sylvie moved between her thighs as her tongue captured the swollen clitoris. It slid across the moist surface, driving Genesis wild with pleasure.

Her chest tightened as she lifted her hips, thrusting them toward Sylvie as the other girl licked her slick skin and the soft folds of her pussy. She closed her eyes as intense sensations overwhelmed her. The urge to reach climax was a driving force which couldn't be ignored. Thrusting her hips wildly, she arched her back at every touch of Sylvie's tongue on her fevered flesh.

Finally, her body was wracked with a stabbing pleasure which shot through her nerve endings like a runaway train. She couldn't control her cry of delight as she came with a fierce explosion of ecstasy.

Sylvie's voice was a husky whisper. "I can see why your cries of pleasure brought Captain Murdoch to this room."

Genesis pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her mouth and tasting herself on the other girl's lips. She brushed Sylvie's hardened nipple and gave it a gentle pinch. As she ran her tongue over the distended peak, she played with the other breast, kneading and squeezing it.

"Tell me if I'm too rough with you," she said.

Sylvie giggled. "You sound like a man."

"If I were a man, I'd fuck you hard because your body is absolutely glorious."

Genesis sought the swollen bud between her friend's thighs which gave such pleasure. She touched it with hesitant strokes and then lowered her mouth to lick it. It tasted delicious, and the scent of Sylvie's pussy was a powerful aphrodisiac. The more she tasted it, the more she wanted to taste it.