#stableboy!curtis Everett x lady!reader | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jtargaryen18 · 3 days ago

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"You avoided the stables for another day, but your restless nature couldn't deny going for a ride any longer."

Hear me out. On a certain level, I think she knew exactly what ride she was craving. Good Lord. Curtis couldn't be more perfect for this gem of a story. He was throwing me some serious Heathcliff vibes here. He understands their statuses just fine. But he knows who he is and he knows what he wants. 🔥

Is it just me, or can you just picture him thinking about her late every night in his quarters. The possessiveness, the sense of self worth. I love this portrayal of him so much. He's gorgeous and domineering. Girl, what took you so long? Seriously.

I can't wait to see how this turns out. Though damn you for cutting it off right there lol We just got there and... You're all like...

And I'm here going...

Wonderful 😊 I can't wait to read the rest ❤️

Love Over Gold

pairing: Curtis Everett x reader

Summary: Being a lady has its disadvantages, with its expectations and rules you weren't allowed to be the person you truly want to be. Freedom wasn't in the cards for you, but you take your moments when you can. Luckily, your head groom keeps quiet when you act out. In return you ignore his lack of obedience. He might be the only one you feel yourself with.

Word count: 4.027

Warnings: some pushing of boundaries, mention of scars caused by beatings, different class systems of the regency era (and therefore unfair treatment and expectations).

Notes: another Lord au story! But Curtis isn't a Lord this time, so let's see what happens! Please let me know if you liked it because it makes me very happy and often motivates me to write more☺️

Masterlist * Lord au Masterlist

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You slowed your horse down as soon as your house came into sight, petting the flank of the shiny black beauty you called your own. Given to you on your 16th birthday, though your father might regret it by now.

She was feisty, but then, so were you, your mother always used to say. There was nothing more you loved than riding. Especially if it meant avoiding your other duties. And there were plenty now you've gotten older.

You were getting prepared to run your own household, but you were in need of a husband first.

You were in no rush however, since there were no male heirs left in the family, only a distant female cousin, and she only inherited after your death. It was important to choose well.

Men mostly bored you. They talked about hunting, or playing cards, or how much they spend on their library, and yet never seemed to read any of the books they purchased. They sipped wine and nibbled on their food and they had excellent manners. Conversation never drifted to important things, and if it ever did, it was quickly swapped since you, as a woman, were delicate and couldn't understand such important matters.

The thought of having to spend the rest of your days speaking about absolutely nothing filled you with dread. You liked horses, and you liked watching them be trained. You even had a good hand with them yourself, but ever since turning 18, you had been denied the task. It wasn't for a lady to behave so. You had servants for that.

You liked learning about the property and how much it made every year, how to spend and how to save. What worked on the land and what did not. Yet again, you were persuaded to take up embroidery or perhaps painting.

Your father allowed you to ride. Perhaps with the insight you would get too unruly otherwise - you did after all take after his temper - and you took the chance every opportunity you got.

Arriving at the stable you handed over your reigns to the head groom. Curtis had arrived as a boy and started from the bottom all the way up to this position. He worked hard, showed a wide display of skills but had taken a liking to tending to the horses. After old Jameson had retired he had been given the position.

He was often pensive. While his eyes were bright blue, they often looked overshadowed, creating the idea they were much darker than they were. He sounded gruff, and he was often quiet to many, giving the impression he was a harsh man. But you've seen how gently he handled your horse and you always suspected a kind heart underneath the grime.

“Make sure to give her an extra carrot, will you, Curtis? She's behaved excellently today. In fact, give her two! She deserves it.” You told him, petting the dark fur lovingly. “You did so well, girl. I can't wait to go out together again. Maybe tomorrow, if I can shake off Fetcher.”

“I'm sure Mrs. Fletcher will be pleased to hear you call her by that name.” His deep voice sounded near you as he watched you stroke the silky fur.

You looked up at him, “Did she not fetch me things?”

He did not fall for your sweet voice. He had seen you grow up as an unruly child to an unruly lady. Mrs. Fletcher had been the last of governesses, and the one that turned out to be somewhat keeping you in order. You resented that about her. The woman had found ways to put the fear in you, and you'd never forgiven her for it.

Your poor mother had been spared all this by being overcome by fever in your 12th year and your father had been left to handle the burden on his own. He had shown less patience for any trouble you caused, but you had the suspicion that deep down he enjoyed it much the same. Seeing himself in you, if you believed your old grandmama. He had been an equally unruly child. But he had been a boy, and that was his savior. You had no such luck.

“That woman deserves something extra next Christmas after all she's put up with.”

You raised your eyebrows. Honestly, it wasn't how a servant was supposed to speak with you. Had you informed your father he would have been belted, or sent away. Curtis and you had an understanding however, you left him alone and he never told anyone he had seen you swim in your undergarments several years ago. The thought still made your cheeks burn. If your father knew, you would never hear the end of it. Being seen in such a state of undress, by a male servant no less, would be its own scandal.

In your defense it had been a warm day and you were sick of the heavy clothing you were forced to wear. It had been a good thing Curtis had caught you after all, since you needed help getting dressed again, the 15 buttons on the back much harder to close then open.

You sometimes still felt his fingers brushing your undershirt as he struggled with the tiny nubs, but he eventually got them all. You remember laying suffering in bed that night, thinking he was going to tell anyone and it would get to your father. But he had not spoken a word and in time you were convinced he never would.

It was unspoken between you two that certain things were better left as it was. You with your occasional uncouth behavior, him and the way he never seemed to completely bow to the nobility.

You had the thought before he secretly despised the upper class. You could not be sure, and you could not ask. He might work for your family, but his mind was his own, and you could respect that.

“The woman is enjoying her power over me a little too much,” you mumbled. Soured at the reprimand.

“Power? As she works for you? Tell me, what do children of the wealthy really have to suffer?”

You stilled for an answer. Because the first thought of ‘off to bed with no supper, not allowed to visit a ball, or writing lines if your studies were disappointing’, somehow faded with the realisation that for children like he had been, things were much more dreadful. You had often seen him being hit by the other workers if he didn't behave or made a mistake. You suddenly felt foolish.

“She's making me feel bad often,” you mumbled.

“And it never lasted an hour. Now go on, back to the house, your father's looking for you, you're late for dinner.”

Oh no. Quickly you gathered your skirts and, very unladylike, you hastened towards the big building ahead of the stables. You weren't going to hear the end of it.

You sneaked out of the house unnoticed. It had been a few days since you weren't allowed to go horseback riding until you could behave and be back in time. You missed Flight, you were often not even missing a day to even see her. The guilt had crept up and you couldn't stand it any longer. Quietly, you had sneaked downstairs and hurried down the lane towards the stables. You hoped not to have been spotted, but so far no one stopped you, so even if they had, they had decided to not interfere.

You were relieved to see the wooden building and quickly opened the door.

There she was, her brown eyes watching you as you came up to her.

“There you are girl, did you miss me as well? Father is horribly cruel separating us. He even threatened to take you away, but I told him I would never forgive him. And I think he knew I meant it,” you told her quietly as you stroked her soft muzzle.

She sighed a little as you petted her gently, the warm breath ghosting over your hand so familiar to you.

“Maybe tomorrow I can manage to persuade him again to allow me to have an outing with you, but I fear he's still a little angry.”

“Not as angry as when he finds out you left your room in your nightwear to go sneak off into the night.”

You shrieked at the sudden voice. Turning around, hand pressed against your chest, you saw Curtis in front of you, holding a lamp to cast light on the both of you. You promptly forgot what you were going to say as you took a better look at him.

He had forgotten to put on a shirt, his pants were loose on his hips like he had forgotten to tighten them, and you followed the hair that had been generously spread around his chest and belly, leading down in a finishing trail towards…your eyes shot up to his.

He was watching you watch him. You didn't read his expression as the light danced around his face, making him look almost sinister. Was he angry?

“I just needed to see her.” You whispered.

“I thought someone had broken in.”

You forgot he slept inside the building, in a room especially for him to keep watch over the horses if need be.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.”

He grumbled what sounded like a laugh and you realized how foolish the idea seemed of you scaring him. Even if you had been someone with ill intentions, he could easily overpower you. His muscles were plenty and thick from all the hard work. Clean skin gleaming in the flame’s light. So much skin, all for your curious eyes to see.

“Never seen a man before?” He rumbled and you pressed your hands to your burning cheeks.

You had, in fact, not seen a man like this before. Both in this state of undress, and what you suspected, not with this build either.

“I,” you fell silent, not knowing what to say, feeling awfully warm like you were getting a cold perhaps.

“Shouldn't you rush back, in the dark of the night, hoping no one catches what you've been doing? So you can slip into your bed pretending you haven't seen me. But I guess that makes us even now. Since I've seen you before.”

You gawked like a fish, your mouth opening comically. Never had he ever spoken about it, not even to you. And now, now he wished to bring it up?

“That was an accident.”

“Like this is? And yet I can still see your eyes looking at me,” he neared you suddenly. He looked so intimidating to you, now you were here alone, in the night, with no one around as a chaperone.

“You keep staring at me. Are you that curious about a man's body? Have you never seen one? Or are the men you know nothing like me? They probably never lifted a finger to do any hard work. And work is the only way to look like this.” He spat out almost angry.

You were enthralled all the same. His words, his body so close you felt the heat seeping into your skin, and his smell which was clean and so very pleasant. You looked up at him with big eyes. A man had never been this close to you, unless it was your own father. You knew you should step away, rush back, yet you seemed frozen.

He hung his lantern on the spike next to your horse’s stall, and his fingers touched your cheek. You gasped. His hand felt so warm, and it was so big on your face.

“A lady shouldn't be staring at a man like this. But then, you've never really been a lady, have you,” he whispered, breath blowing over your skin with every word.

He didn't wait for an answer, as he closed the gap and pressed his mouth on yours.

Your knees buckled, but he held you up. He did not pull back as you had expected, he continued to stroke your lips with his as his thumb caressed your cheek tenderly.

Your heart was beating so fast you thought it would soon give up and you would depart this world. His chest was pressed against yours, all those firm muscles against your soft breasts. And even lower, something hard against your belly.

He moved against you, grumbling softly.

If this was how you were to die, you thought it would be okay. Not the worst death. Would have been nice to extend it a little longer, however. You just had your first kiss. Something your husband should get, but it was probably better that Curtis stole it. He seemed to know what he was doing.

Husband…. You pushed him back suddenly, ashamed of the situation.

“We can't. I'm not…I can't be with you.” You gasped, as you pressed your hands together like a prayer in front of you. “This isn't proper, I need to go back.”

His face darkened. “Then go little filly, back to safety. And be more careful next time. Don't forget, I'm not a gentleman, I have no such manners.”

You looked at him once more, you meant it in a composed manner but your eyes got caught on his heaving chest and, even lower, a firmness in his pants that suddenly caught your curiosity. But you didn't linger any longer, you turned and rushed out of the stable, running like the dogs were chasing you like a trespasser. You did not care if anyone caught you, you just needed to be in the safety of your room. And it was with luck no one did see you, perhaps you had enough excitement for the night.

Exhaustion filled you for the coming days as at night your head was filled with the visual of that broad chest and the way his dark eyes had set upon you. You tried not to go near the stables, but when you were taking your daily walks, your eyes seemed to search for him in the distance and sometimes he stopped working and just looked at you.

It was unnerving.

Fetcher had sent for the doctor, believing you unwell with how little you ate and the random hot flashes you experienced, but the man found nothing wrong. Healthy as ever, just make sure you get fresh air and perhaps a lighter diet for the upcoming week?

Your father forgot about his anger instantly and you were free to do as you pleased, as long as you were careful. His worry turning him softer and more forgiving.

You avoided the stables for another day, but your restless nature couldn't deny going for a ride any longer.

You marched towards your stable, to your horse, and ordered the stable boy to ready her. As you waited, Curtis appeared inside and told the boy to go clean up the other stalls. You didn't refuse his presence because you did not want to draw suspicion.

He finished the task the boy started and turned to you expectedly. Huffing, you unlocked your crossed arms and stepped towards him. You didn't need the help to get up, having done it since you were nine, but his big hands grabbed your waist and lifted you to speed up the process. Flustered, you settled yourself firmly in the saddle. Now, it was common to ride on a ladies saddle, but here, in the privacy of your home, you rode like a man. You found you were much more balanced this way and thought it unfair women had to sit coyly while it prevented any real racing.

As it were, Curtis helped your foot into the stirrups, his other hand sliding up your calf. Your breath stopped as you looked down and watched him do it. He didn't even look at you. Then he moved to the other side and placed your other foot. Again, his touch lingered, but this time stroking higher even. You shivered. You should say something! It was indecent!

When his eyes looked up and caught yours, all thoughts stopped.

He knew what he was doing, he was teasing you! How dare he?

You grabbed your whip and spit at him: “Touch me once more and I will touch you with this!”

He was unimpressed. Neither did he speak. You huffed again in anger and turned your horse, urging it to go faster. You couldn't wait to be away from him.

Off to freedom. Away from reality. And away from those blue eyes that seemed to find you when you didn't want them.

Riding helped. The wind as you galloped, the will to choose what path to take. Your horse as you worked together in perfect unison. It was a breath of relief and all too soon it ended. It cleared your mind off all things awful, and when you returned you felt calmer.

Curtis just needed to know his place. He thought he could take advantage of you, like you were some weak willed maiden, not his future mistress. Perhaps you would fire him if you were running this estate! You would not lose your composure, however. You were going to be calm yet firm. And he would listen to you!

When you arrived it was only the stable boy who you found. After you asked for his superior, you were told he had retired to his personal quarters for a quick luncheon.

You thanked the boy and swiftly stepped towards the room. You were full of determination, it could not wait.

You knocked but quickly opened the door and caught him midbite of what appeared to be a plate of bread with some cheese and ham.

“I will not be treated this way!” You told him, your nose up in the air to appear taller than you were as you tried to look down at him.

“Treated like what?” he calmly asked, not dumbfounded at all.

“Like some…some slattern!” you hissed, slightly embarrassed to use the vulgar word in front of a man.

He stood up and immediately you lost your advantage as he towered over you.

“I was not aware I treated you as such. No,” he wiped his mouth from any remaining grease and crumbs. “I believe I treated you as a woman. Maybe you don't know the difference because those jolterheads would never treat you that way. They wouldn't even be allowed to touch your hand, but I touched much more. And it terrifies you that you liked it.”

You tried again. “How dare you!” You raised your hand to slap him but he swiftly caught it and pulled you against him.

“In here, in my personal quarters, you and I are no different. Just a man and a woman alone. And I will not be treated with any disrespect.”

You swallowed as his deep voice reached you, the anger so evident in every word. “Let go of me! You brute! I am your Mistress, and you will not touch me!” You struggled pointlessly against the strength holding you.

“I work for you, does this mean you own me?” he told you. “Are you claiming me as yours, filly?”

Why did he make it seem completely different than you meant? And why was your heart beating so rapidly again.

“ Unhand me, I do not feel well.”

“You're feeling what every woman feels when she's near a real man.” He placed his hand on your heart. “Or even feel at all. How fast it is beating. Are you that scared of me? Are you scared at all?” His voice had turned into a soft murmur and you pushed your face nearer to hear him better. Or so you told yourself.

“I can't stop thinking about the kiss we shared,” he whispered. “I am forbidden in your house unless your father calls for me, and yet all I want to do is go up your window, and feast my eyes upon you laying in bed, in that nightgown you exposed to me.”

You could only blink as you heard him make his confession. As his fingers slipped under the lace covering your bosom, stroking the top of your breast.

“I could make you feel things you never have before. I could make you crazy with want. To desire me until it's all you think about. Our bodies entwining as man and woman should. We would be equal, just us and our feelings, undeniable.”

Your father would kill him. You would be shamed. This could never happen. Every thought however was squashed as his hands formed around your breast and your knees buckled. You could only hold onto him, as he squeezed the soft flesh, his fingers finding your nipple and you gasped with the sensation that followed.

“Have you any idea how long I watched you? How much you teased me with your presence? Ever since that forbidden swim, where you let me dress you, did you even think of how it haunted me?” He rumbled as his other hand plucked the ribbons off your dress loose. And all you could do was stand there and let it happen.

“How I thought of having you, just like this? How I would undress you, and loosen your hair until it was spread out in my bed. And the sound I could pull out of you. I will make sure you will never want another. That you will crave me every time you turn away from me. I will drive you just as mad as you did me!”

He kissed you hardly, not giving you any room to pull back back, his hands pushing the fabric off of you until you were covered in your undergarments and corset, and even that didn't seem to be enough. His hands kept trying to remove something, even if your hands tried to prevent it, he was successful and even your corset fell to the ground. Both of his hands were on you and you moaned. It felt pleasant to feel them, warm and surprisingly gentle, as he stroked the fire inside of you.

When he pressed his naked chest - when did that happen? - to yours, you shivered. He kept pressing kisses on your lips, your neck, even your breasts.

You should be ashamed, but it felt so good. You grabbed onto him, your hands exploring his chest, feeling the muscles on his back as you pulled him nearer.

“If I could have you just once I could die a satisfied man. Will you give me that? Just once.”

You couldn't even answer, mind twirling with a need for something you didn't yet understand.

He picked you up and you yelped until he smothered the noise with his lips again. He carried you easily, another display of his strength and it made you feel so safe, even if he was a danger at the moment. Something hard pressed against your womanhood and instead of fear you felt excited. You felt so good right now, you didn't think to stop. You didn't think of anything but the feeling of his body against yours.

He looked magnificent naked. Every part of him was strong. He had more scars than you could count, some of them angry looking and you wondered how many of them were accidents or inflicted. You were against physical punishment, no matter if you had threatened to hit him before, both of you knowing you would never actually go along with it, and the thought he went through any of it hurt your heart, you kissed the skin over his heart, like you could personally apologize for all what he went through, and the way he looked at you afterwards made you swallow with the intensity of it.

His fingers touched you between your legs, and although heat spread there as well as the rest of your body, you wished to feel like this forever. And when he pushed inside of you, kissing your face as you cried out with the sudden pain, nothing would ever be the same again.

Part 2

Taglist:

@watermeezer @thezombieprostitute @rnurse-kole

#lord au #Curtis Everett x reader #stableboy!curtis Everett x lady!reader #Curtis Everett x female reader #Curtis Everett x you #Chris Evans fanfiction #love over gold #lord Curtis Everett

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theinheriteddutchess · 2 days ago

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Love Over Gold

Part 2

Pairing: Curtis Everett x reader

Word count: 5.090

Warnings: I seriously can't think of one. Some love making. Expectations fitting the time for a lady.

Notes: second part! Let me know if you liked it💕💕 still working on the other lord au's!

Masterlist * Lord au Masterlist

Part 1

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“Stop fidgeting so much,” your father scolded you at breakfast.

You tried, but you had been sore ever since that night. Looking down at your eggs, you felt heat creep up your neck remembering everything.

How he had seen you as only a husband should. How he felt... no! No one could ever find out! You could not marry him. It was impossible. It was only once. He had only asked for one time. You gave that to him. Now you could move on.

Only, it wasn't as easy, as every time you went outside you felt his eyes on you. You tried your best to fill your days with pointless tasks and silly conversation, only to find you often thought of him in the little time you had where you weren't occupied.

And you couldn't resist visiting your favorite horse. But you felt real proud of yourself that you were able to avoid speaking to him. The times you had to, you weren't alone, and he couldn't speak to you the way he wanted to.

And yet.

Every time you were alone, your thoughts would not leave you be. The memories of his skin on yours, the sweat underneath your hands as you’d grabbed him while he moved inside of you.

You blushed. You pinched your arm real hard to try and punish yourself for the sick thoughts he arose in you.

It was not to be. And you had to accept that!

Distraction was needed. But how to go about it? Reading bored you. And you had never been a great painter. Gardening wasn't anything more than plucking a flower for a bouquet, since getting dirty wasn't lady like, and you had servants for these tasks.

The only thing that cleared your head was riding, but it was increasingly harder to pretend Curtis wasn't affecting you. It was sheer stubbornness that you were able to hide it. But for how long?

You matched over at the stable, everyone sliding away their eyes to avoid contact at the fierce expression you wore. As you reached your beautiful horse, you froze.

Granted, it had been a warm day. But the sight of his shirtless back was something that rose a heat in you, that felt like you were going to combust on the spot.

“I-,” you mumbled softly, eyes wide and vulnerable.

He turned his head. The intensity in his eyes stirred you even more. Dark hooded, and a look that told you everything you'd been feeling, he felt.

“I think I need a chaperone today,” the words were out of your mouth before you thought of the consequences.

He stood up straight, eyeing you, then he nodded politely. You watched him prepare your horse and his own, put on a shirt and then he reached out to you to help you to your seat.

His warm hands not too shy to gently move over your calves as he did so.

You had trouble breathing, and cursed your corset.

But you went, without a word. He was following you slightly behind, like a good servant. You rode faster and faster until you were out of sight, and then you let loose. Urging Flight to go full speed you felt your heart beat with the excitement to be free at last again, away from prying eyes and judging mouths. Yet, aware of the man that was right behind you. No, not anymore, as he had made his way to your side, like an equal.

You tried shaking him off, tricking him by changing paths, trying to stay ahead, but he kept up with you easily. Like he knew what you were trying to do and watched every indication of what your next decision would be.

It was both infuriating as remarkable. You turned your head and saw him watching you intensely.

And then, you slowed…petting your horse gently to calm her and praise her affectionately.

There was a beautiful place in front of you. Trees overhanging with blossoms, untouched grass, and far away from your house it was unlikely any person would simply stroll here.

By the time you had gotten off your horse, he was right there. Not a moment later had your feet touched the ground, before he had turned you to press his mouth on yours. And without further thought you reciprocated.

His big strong hands grabbed your waist and pulled you closer. No other man would ever be so forward and unapologetic about it. You had always been amazed at the defiant look you could sometimes spot in his eyes, a silent confidence you could understand. Both of you were born into your circumstances, and both of you wished to leave those conditions behind.

You weren't foolish enough to want to turn away from your wealth. As a woman you were in a lucky position of inheriting your father's assets, nowhere else would you get these opportunities. But the chains you wore everyday made you fantasize of a different life. One where you could be yourself and be appreciated for your mind and not for your delicate features.

A woman was to be seen and not heard. Just like a servant.

Curtis understood you better than anyone else in this house ever tried to.

And you understood him. His low status didn't mean he wasn’t intelligent, or driven. He looked rough, he was often silent, but you saw the kindness in his hands when he handled the horses. Or when you saw him teach the son of the cook how to train the dogs.

There was a warm heart underneath those hard, firm, muscles. Your hands reached out to touch them as you simply couldn't resist, and he took in a deep breath before he kissed you again and his own hands started loosening your dress.

It wasn't long before you were naked, and you admired him in the warm beams of the sun. His tanned skin on full display. His beautiful chest, covered in hair, the trail that led to his manhood. You still worried while the sensations that cursed through you, that you were doing something forbidden. But it didn't feel wrong.

It felt like you were truly alive for the first time. Seen. Curtis didn't want anything from you but you. He looked at you and he saw all your flaws and still wanted you.

Your breath hitched, the emotions too much for a moment. So you grabbed him firmly and pulled him near again. The warmth of his skin on yours, feeling that big appendage against your belly, knowing how it would feel inside of you.

You shivered. You couldn't wait, you wanted him now. Your hands reached for it, but it was cruelly stopped by his own.

“Don't. I won't last,” he grumbled.

You looked up and once your eyes caught, you noticed the desperation in them.

“Then take me,” you told him.

He growled softly and his hands grabbed both of your buttcheeks and lifted you up to turn and push you against the tree behind him. Your legs automatically wrapping around his waist.

His hands reached down to feel between your legs, pleased to find you more than willing. He touched you until you whined, and then whined harder when he pulled back, robbing you of that wonderful feeling he had gifted you before.

It didn't take long before you felt him pressing against you. Feeling that resistance as he pushed then pulled back softly, until it slid in with a little effort.

You hissed, still not used to the feeling, but more than willing to receive him again. You grabbed his face and bit his lip.

He pulled his head back in surprise but his eyes only darkened as he saw the expression on your face.

“You thought you could avoid me?” he leaned his head against yours as he watched you. “Ignore me after what we shared.”

“You told me ‘one night’,” you argued stubbornly, even as he jostled you as he pistoned inside of you.

He huffed. “I lied. I will never stop wanting you.”

“W-When.” You stuttered, eyes closed to feel everything fully, not wanting this moment to end.

“When did I know I wanted you?”

You nodded desperately.

“When you tried to order me around when we were young and when I refused I saw that look in your eyes. You were impressed, and you never told anyone.”

“I was testing you,” you confessed. “I wanted to know if you'd obey me.”

“Always, unless you order me.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I want to give you everything, but only as equals.”

You felt the tree rub painfully at your back but what he was doing to you felt too good to stop. “I think you've always been my equal.”

“But I knew then. You don't like someone bowing and giving you false compliments. You need someone to challenge you.”

“And you think you're that person?” You couldn't help teasing, even as he was taking you.

“I'm the person you need.” He grumbled and miraculously quickened even more.

It was too much for you, you felt everything straining as wave after wave of pressure washed over you and you felt him exclaim as another heat shot through you. He was shaking until he stilled.

You stayed in that position for a while. His head pressed in the crook of your neck. But when he finally looked up his eyes were soft and slightly concerned.

“We need to make plans on how to continue.”

You smiled teasingly. “Already planning the next rendezvous?”

He didn't smile back, this was serious.

“You might already be pregnant.”

You froze. Pregnant. Something that happened between a man and a wife. Something you shouldn't be until you were married.

You would’ve been considered ruined before, but being pregnant… Your father might not live through the scandal. Surely you would be sent away?

“I-.” You started but anxiety caused your throat to squeeze, and you didn't get the words out.

His hands found your belly and laid over it possessively. “I might already be in here.”

Why were his words not only frightening, but creating a desire in you not formerly known. A child, both part of you and Curtis. He would make a good father, you knew that. You weren't sure about yourself, but he would help you.

But it couldn't be. You'd be poor. Even worse, Curtis would have no job, no means to provide for your family. What were you to do?

You could marry hastily, let another man believe it was his child, but even if you were to succeed, you were not sure you had the spirit for it. It would be unfair to deny Curtis his child, and you had no desire to lay with another man. Nor raise a family with them.

This was a disaster. And you couldn't discuss it with anyone else in fear word would come out.

“I don't want to leave my home,” you confessed.

His face was grim while he thought. “If you choose me, you might have to. I do not have the income to give you what you're used to, and your father might not accept this. And will surely send me away. There's only few options we have.”

And it wasn't easy hearing how little say you had in them.

You could run away and live in poverty, trying to put any skill you had to use to make some money alongside him. And it was to result in either dying in poverty, or perhaps your father would come around and give you some allowance or perhaps ask you to return.

Or stay and tell your father, or wait until you started to show and be exposed for your indecency. And you'd either be accepted but forever a paria, or you’d be sent away. Either forgotten, or until you gave birth and returned like nothing happened.

Whatever it was, you weren't sure you wanted to be without Curtis anymore. You found his presence pleasurable, and even if he wasn't providing any pleasure like he had been lately, you found him enjoyable to be around, and mostly you enjoyed how he tested you like a person. He never thought you were foolish for being a woman. And the more you were alone with him, the more you realized you could feel comfortable in his presence, be yourself.

Your circumstances would never be favorable, even if the two of you had not turned to physical touch, he was beneath you, there was no way around it. While other gentlemen had perhaps taken a lowly wife, and raised their status, it wasn't as easy when it was a woman.

He would never be considered a gentleman unless he was presented with a title, by favoritism or earned it by being useful for the crown. As it was, it didn't seem likely Curtis would gain it, working in the stables.

You bit your lip and contemplated. You were in agony of what to do.

“It will be your decision,” he told you shortly, looking tense.

The only decision you could make in this situation. “I will not deny you your child,” was all you said. Because the thought of wounding him that deeply was disturbing you highly. And honestly, you weren't sure if he would accept it. He might cause a scene and exposed the whole affair by doing so. You did not think he wanted to hurt you, but if he wanted you and this child, a man can do many irrational things if he were to get upset.

“Then we either tell your father, or we will leave. But either way, I think it might be best not to wait until we are found out.”

You nodded, feeling fear creep into your heart. This was not be an easy conversation.

At dinner you could not eat anything. Your stomach was unsettled, and all the food made you nauseous. You kept your eyes firmly on your plate as your thoughts tumbled over each other. Curtis was going to talk to your father after dinner. He had asked for a meeting. Your father thought it was about the horses.

You did not have high hopes for it going well. And yet, you knew it needed to happen. If you were with child - and what a terrifying thought that was - then there needed to be made haste.

You wished to excuse yourself, but you couldn't disappear forever, and if Curtis was brave enough to face your father, you needed to as well.

Time never passed so slowly, however, you felt like every second crawled through your body.

When your father finally dabbed his mouth with a napkin and leaned back, letting the servants clear the table, you felt your heart beat out of your chest. Resisting the urge to run to your room, you watched him get up and declared he would retreat to the drawing room.

Curtis would arrive soon.

While your father was behind closed doors and you nervously paced up and down the hall, waiting for him to arrive, you wrung your hands until they hurt. You only imagined your father’s reactions, and in none of them it ended with him embracing you lovingly.

Suddenly the reality of your actions became all too clear, and shame coursed through you. You had wronged your family name. You were supposed to hold yourself away from men until you married, and while it had been easy with so many of them, Curtis had become your downfall.

You heard him arrive. You heard him greet your father, and the greeting he got in return. Then the door closed. You dared getting nearer. As much as you could. The murmuring did not settle your nervous heartbeat.

And then, voices raised. Shouting even. You heard Curtis' low voice raise, but he stayed calm. Seemed determined not to yell back at your father, his master.

You pressed your lips together, thinking rapidly of what to say when the time came to face your father, but you weren't left with much of it, for the door opened and your father already shouted for you.

You rushed over and the look in his eyes made yours lower to the floor.

“Inside, and close the door!” He nodded at you.

You obeyed quickly.

As soon as you turned to face him, he was breathing heavily, like he was trying to keep himself as calm as he could. But it was difficult for him.

“Tell me my daughter did not shame me by fornicating with the help.”

Heat rushed to your face and tears sprung into the corners of your eyes. What were you to say? “I, I like Curtis very much, father.”

“ Like?! You like him very much? Even if he is inferior? Even if he is so low in rank there is no chance of him ever rising to our level?”

He was unnecessarily cruel. However, he was not wrong. Curtis had no chances in life to ever raise himself up to a respectable gentleman.

“He is the one I chose.”

It startled you when you spoke those words. There was no apology, pleading to make this all go away. You could have lied. You could have told him you had made a mistake. And yet, all you said was a confirmation.

“I know he's not of our standing. But he is smart and strong. He makes me feel…not so desperate.”

“What were you desperate for, daughter? Have I not given you everything?”

“You have been the most kind father, patient when I deserved none of it. But,” you hesitated for a moment. “I am not allowed to truly be myself. I am a woman. And I am not allowed to speak as I want and to be heard. To leave when I want. To do what I want. I am forced to embroider and paint and read silly novels. Because as a woman I am told I can't think too much. I know you haven't raised me like that papa, you have given me more freedom that any other would. Any husband of my standing will not allow me those freedoms, and will expect me to endure. But with Curtis, I feel myself. I don't need to pretend.”

“He is not worthy!” Your father shouted. But you saw the despair in his expression, not the anger. He knew your life would be filled with hardship if you left with Curtis.

“He is in my eyes.”

“Sir,” Curtis stood next to you, facing your father once more. “I might never be worthy in the eyes of the Gent, nor perhaps in yours, but I will love your daughter for the rest of my life. The way she deserves.”

“You have deviled her!” An accusing finger pointed into his direction accompanied the exclamation. Tears did fall after that. You could not hold them back any longer.

“Your daughter is not a thing that can be sullied,” Curtis now said coldly. “She is a woman full of thoughts and dreams, and the only thing she ever did wrong was laying eyes on me. I do not see myself beneath her, even if the whole world thinks I am, but I know I am not worthy. Because I could never give her everything she deserves.”

“Curtis…” you turned to him. “I don't want anything from you.”

“But with me, you will never know this” he waved around, meaning all the luxury you had grown up with. And though secretly it put fear in you to lose it, you realized you would. And you might never experienced it again.

“But I will have love. And I will have patience, and I will have laughter. And most of all, I would have you.”

“What do you know about love? You act like a child.” your father interrupted.

“You loved my mother.” You argued. “You loved me. And I will love Curtis. And I will love this child.” You put your hands on your belly.

Your father's eyes slid down to them, paling. “Is it too late? Can I not prevent you from this disaster? “He turned, overwhelmed with grief. Mumbling to himself you heard him continue. “We can send you away. Until the child is born, perhaps to my old friend O’Malley, I have helped him in the past with a tiny misdemeanor, it is fine he repay me. Yes, that might be a solution. We will tell everyone you've taken ill and need the seaside, like your mother, if the child needs to be born, we will make sure no one knows. Perhaps after I can find a decent husband. In a year, it will be in the past.”

“Father, no, I want this child.” You did not know if there was a child, but if you did not speak of the possibility he would have send Curtis away, as easily as a thieving maid. Never to speak of again. A child would make him face the situation.

“You do not know what you want. You are deceived.”

“I am not. Have you ever found me to be fickle? I might be a bit rash but never this foolish. I never meant to hurt you, father, I know I have shamed you, but my feelings were strong. They are. Please.”

He turned back, eyes red, but dry. He was still thinking, but you noticed the grief that overtook him. “You will be a fallen woman. Ridiculed. Is that what you want? He might leave you. And you like him now but he has nothing to offer. What can he give you, love? What did that buy in life without the help of your family?”

“I work hard, and I will make sure she has food on her plate every day. And I will not leave her. I am a man of my word. I planned to marry her the moment she gave me a chance.”

He made it seem like he had longed for it for a long time. You eyed him, once again stunned. The fierce look in his eyes, while he told you father what he really felt.

“This is not a foolish decision. Not on my part. I know I have betrayed your trust, my Lord, but I can't betray my heart. And your daughter has all of it.”

Your father deflated. He took to a chair and sank down , staring at the carpet deep in thought.

“You will not rid of the child?” He asked you softly.

You shook your head, closing your eyes, preparing to be disinherited and thrown out.

“I can't let you stay here and marry him.”

A sob left you and you felt Curtis’ warm hand on your back. Inappropriate as it may seem, you reveled in the comfort it gave you.

“People will notice. I can not let you shame our family so. I will need to send you away. Let you have the child unnoticed.” He got up and went to get paper and ink. He began to write furiously. “You will leave,” he told Curtis, continuing writing, and then grabbing a fresh piece and write some more.

“Papa, please no!” You cried. “I won't part from him.”

He then looked up. “You have deeply wronged me, daughter. And I do not pretend I am not ashamed. You were foolish and irresponsible. But you have done it, and I can't protect you anymore.”

He hated you, you were convinced.

“You can't stay here, and you can't have this child in our society.”

He crushed you with every word.

“You will leave tomorrow, I will order the servants to pack your bags. I will send for the doctor in the morning, so whispers of scandal will not spread. I will inform close friends of your ailing health soon after. I'm sure rumors will do its job.”

Would you ever see him again? Will he even forgive you?

He walked towards Curtis and handed him some coin and one of the written letters. “You need to go to lord O’Malley and make preparations, make haste, it needs to be done as soon as she arrives.”

“What do you mean papa?” You questioned what Curtis seemed unable to word.

Confused, he turned to you. “You will go to the O’Malleys and they will find a minister to wed you. You will stay there to have the child. You will have an allowance, don't think it will be much. Enough to live comfortably with your husband and child. I will not let you starve.”

“Papa, will- will you come see me,” you sounded smally.

“I will not.” He spoke harshly. “I will need to find a new stable overseer, and I will be busy making sure no one finds out what happened to you.”

You threw yourself in Curtis' arms, knowing you had lost your father forever.

“After a year or two you can come back. By then I will hopefully have gained some sort of title for your husband. It will not be enough, but it will not be as grand a scandal as it will be now. Maybe a Baronet, maybe I can convince some people…well, it will be a long road and I do not know if I will succeed.”

“Father, what are you saying?” You exclaimed, hard to understand anything when so many words were spoken.

“I will not see you in poverty. My daughter. My grandchild. You're the last of us. If the child needs to come, let it come, but I will not put any more shame on our family. And I will not let your cousin get what is rightfully yours. Even with this…inconvenience. You will do what I say. Curtis will leave immediately to make preparations, you will follow tomorrow, you will marry as soon as you arrive and will wait until the child is born. You will not be seen in public until I have obscured a better position for him. Both of you will not cause any more of a stir.”

“If, and only if, I succeed will I allow you to come back. You can raise the child here and it will be accepted. If it's a boy it can inherit my title when he's of age.”

It was more than you could ask for. And yet…

“Father, look at me please?” you pleaded.

He obeyed.

You rushed to him. Grabbing his hand. “I love you papa,” you spoke so fiercely.

He frowned, hesitated, but patted your hand. “I love you too, but it will not be easy.”

You nodded. “It will not, because I will not see you everyday. But knowing you will do this for us, it will give me strength papa.”

“You will do this for my daughter,” he turned strict again as he faced Curtis. “I know you better than you think. You want to deny me this because of your pride. But as you said; my daughter deserves this and you can't give it to her. So let me. You want to be worthy? Let me make you worthy. And if you ever hurt her, you will not be seen or heard from ever again. I am not a man to be trifled with. And my words have meaning.”

Curtis tensed, but nodded. “I will do this for her.”

“As do I.”

And like a dream, everything was settled. You were rushed away to your room, ordered to sleep to gain strength for the journey. But your head was brimming with thoughts and worries.

Your father kept his word, and in the morning in a rush you were presented to the doctor, your belongings packed and before luncheon you were settled in a carriage. Off to unknown paths.

You were wed soon after arriving in a strange town, with people you never met as witnesses.

You were shipped off to a small cottage on the land of these people, only to be seen by them and their servants.

And you were with child, as Curtis had assumed.

You became bored out of your mind, as well as Curtis was. Grouchy and tense as he couldn't do much more than tend to the garden or chop wood for the fire. Mister O’Malley eventually took pity, and started taking advantage of his skill with horses, which benefitted himself as well as your mood, since your husband came home with satisfaction and not frustrations.

He was a loving father and a loving husband. His big hands ever so gently as he approached you. In awe of the son you gave him. It became clear soon he would long for a sibling for his firstborn. And you were tempted to, as you always were for him.

He made love to you as soon as you were able to, his eyes warm and satisfied as he took you in your shared bed. Not tiring of ever making you feel good and satisfied, as he seemed to worship every part of you.

Time passed, as it always does. You watched your son grow seemingly everyday, and watched your husband as he smiled at the family he had.

You talked between yourselves, under the sheets, whispers of what would happen. If it will happen. If you returned.

He would not be able to work, not really. As your husband, as part of the upper class. He would make decisions, but he could not return to the stables. To get dirty. Work with his hands.

But he would have you. As he claimed; he disliked the Gent, but he loved you.

And while you enjoyed the freedom, you were raised a certain way. And you weren't sure if you could survive in any other way. You were never as strong as Curtis was. But you weren't weak either.

And then the day came when your father sent you a letter.

He had made Curtis a Baronet. He did so by paying off a man’s debt, and was given his title to do with as he chose.

Some people might know, but eventually they would find another scandal to focus on.

Your son would be safe, he would inherit the estate and all the money he could ever wish for.

And you would raise him strong. Like his father.

Your future seemed much brighter after that day.

Feeling Curtis’s arms wrap around you, as he silently sneaked up on you, you heard his warm voice ask you. “Received good news, wife?”

You turned to him, smiling. “The best.”

The end.

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@watermeezer @thezombieprostitute @rnurse-kole

#lord au #Curtis Everett x reader #stableboy!curtis Everett x lady!reader #Curtis Everett x female reader #Curtis Everett x you #Chris Evans fanfiction #love over gold #lord Curtis Everett

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theinheriteddutchess · 19 days ago