Whispers in the Garden

Day 3: Semi-Public Sex/Outside – "Whispers in the Garden"

The Bridgerton estate glittered in the soft glow of countless chandeliers as the ball carried on inside, music drifting through the open windows into the gardens below. The night air was crisp, a stark contrast to the warmth and vibrancy of the ballroom. And yet, despite the lively chatter and laughter that filled the halls, Eloise Bridgerton had found herself far from the crowd, drawn to the quiet solitude of the gardens.

Her feet moved soundlessly over the gravel path, the cool evening breeze stirring the leaves of the hedges as she walked deeper into the maze of greenery. She needed space to breathe, to think—to escape the stifling expectations of the evening. But no matter how far she wandered from the grand ballroom, one thought followed her relentlessly: Cressida Cowper.

The argument they'd had—short, sharp, and heated—echoed in her mind, replaying with every step she took. It had started over something trivial, or at least that's what it had seemed at first. A passing comment about Penelope Featherington, a veiled insult perhaps, but one that had struck too close to home for Eloise's liking.

"You're so protective of her," Cressida had said, her voice laced with something unspoken. "One might think you cared for her more than anyone else."

"And what of it?" Eloise had snapped, her temper flaring. "She's my friend."

"And yet, it's always Penelope," Cressida had murmured, her eyes dark with something Eloise hadn't been able to name. "Is there room for anyone else in your heart?"

It was that question—those words—that had unsettled Eloise the most. The way Cressida had said them, her voice tight with emotion, as if she were asking for something more, something Eloise had never realized was at stake.

Eloise hadn't stayed to answer. Instead, she'd turned on her heel and fled into the gardens, needing space to sort through the strange emotions that Cressida always seemed to provoke in her.

But she wasn't alone for long.

Eloise's heart jumped as she heard the soft rustle of fabric behind her, and she turned sharply, her breath catching in her throat as she saw Cressida emerging from the shadows. The pale moonlight bathed her in an almost ethereal glow, her ballgown shimmering as she moved with a quiet grace that made Eloise's heart race.

"Eloise," Cressida said softly, her voice low and calm, though there was an edge to it that Eloise couldn't quite place. "Running off again? You're making a habit of it."

Eloise clenched her hands into fists at her sides, the frustration she'd felt earlier flaring up once more. "I needed air. Is that so terrible?"

Cressida took a step closer, her eyes never leaving Eloise's. "No. But you didn't need to leave because of me."

"You didn't exactly make it easy to stay," Eloise shot back, though her voice lacked the bite it had held earlier. She was acutely aware of how close Cressida was now, the scent of her perfume filling the space between them. It made Eloise's head spin, her thoughts jumbling together in a way that left her feeling unmoored.

Cressida's eyes softened, but there was something predatory in her gaze, something that made Eloise feel as though she were being drawn into a trap she didn't know how to escape. "Eloise," she murmured, stepping even closer, until the hem of her gown brushed against Eloise's, "I didn't mean to upset you."

The apology was unexpected, and it took Eloise a moment to process it. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she struggled to keep her composure. But before she could respond, Cressida closed the distance between them, her hand coming up to gently cup Eloise's face.

Eloise froze, her entire body going still at the touch. Cressida's fingers were soft, her palm warm against Eloise's cheek, and the closeness—the intimacy of it—made Eloise's stomach twist in ways she didn't understand.

"You don't need to be so angry," Cressida whispered, her voice low, her breath warm against Eloise's lips. "You don't need to push me away."

Eloise opened her mouth to respond, but the words never came. Before she could speak, Cressida's lips were on hers, soft and insistent, stealing the breath from her lungs. The kiss was sudden, unexpected, and it sent a shockwave of sensation through Eloise's body that left her trembling.

For a moment, Eloise stood frozen, her mind racing, unable to comprehend what was happening. But then, slowly, she found herself kissing Cressida back, her lips moving against hers with a tentative urgency that surprised even her.

The kiss deepened, and Cressida's hands slid down Eloise's arms, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together, the heat between them palpable even through the layers of fabric that separated them. Eloise's heart raced, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and desire as Cressida's tongue brushed against her lips, coaxing them open.

Cressida pulled back just enough to speak, her voice hushed but filled with intent. "I've wanted to kiss you for so long," she admitted, her breath ghosting over Eloise's lips. "I've wanted you."

Eloise's mind reeled, her heart pounding as she tried to process what was happening. She had never thought of Cressida in this way—had never considered the possibility of this kind of intimacy between them. And yet, standing here in the shadows of the garden, with Cressida's lips on hers and her hands holding her close, Eloise couldn't deny the rush of heat that surged through her veins.

"I… I don't know what to say," Eloise whispered, her voice shaky.

"You don't need to say anything," Cressida murmured, her lips brushing against Eloise's neck, sending shivers down her spine. "Just let me."

Eloise's breath caught as Cressida's hands moved lower, sliding down her waist to the curve of her hips, pulling her closer still. Her mind screamed that this was wrong, that they were standing in the open, just steps away from the ballroom where everyone else was. But her body—her body betrayed her, responding to Cressida's touch with a heat that left her trembling.

"You're a virgin, aren't you?" Cressida whispered against her ear, her voice filled with something both tender and possessive.

Eloise's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing at the question. She had never been with anyone in this way—had never even kissed someone with such intensity before tonight. And yet, she found herself nodding, unable to speak.

Cressida pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Eloise's face. "It's alright," she whispered, her fingers gently brushing over Eloise's lips. "You can trust me."

"I've touched myself before," Eloise admitted, her voice barely a whisper, her breath hitching as Cressida's hands slid down to the hem of her gown, slowly hiking it up.

Cressida smiled, a soft, almost predatory curve of her lips. "Then you know what it feels like… but this will be different."

Eloise's breath hitched as Cressida pressed her up against the trunk of a nearby tree, the rough bark digging into her back as her gown was lifted higher, exposing her legs to the cool night air. The contrast between the cold air and the heat of Cressida's body pressed against her was intoxicating, making Eloise's head spin.

Cressida's fingers brushed against the soft skin of her inner thigh, slowly making their way higher, teasingly close to where Eloise ached for her touch. Eloise's body trembled, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she braced herself against the tree, her mind racing with anticipation and nervousness.

"Is it alright?" Cressida whispered, her lips brushing against Eloise's ear as her fingers hovered just above her entrance, waiting for permission.

Eloise hesitated for only a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. But then, with a shaky breath, she nodded, her voice trembling as she said, "Yes."

Cressida didn't hesitate. With a slow, deliberate movement, she slid her fingers inside Eloise, her touch gentle but firm, her larger fingers stretching her in a way that made Eloise gasp.

Eloise's body tensed, a soft hiss escaping her lips as the unfamiliar sensation of being stretched by Cressida's fingers made her body clench instinctively. It wasn't painful, but it was overwhelming, her body unused to this kind of intrusion.

"Are you alright?" Cressida asked softly, her voice filled with concern as she paused, her fingers still inside Eloise.

Eloise nodded, though her breath was shaky. "It's just… different," she whispered, her body slowly adjusting to the sensation. "But I'm okay."

"Don't worry," Cressida murmured, her lips pressing a soft kiss to Eloise's neck. "It'll feel better in a moment."

Eloise's breath was shaky, her body trembling against the tree as Cressida's fingers remained still inside her, giving her time to adjust. The stretch of Cressida's fingers was unfamiliar, and the sensation was overwhelming, but not unpleasant. As her body relaxed, the discomfort began to ebb, replaced by something deeper, something that made her pulse quicken.

Cressida's lips continued their slow exploration of Eloise's neck, trailing soft, teasing kisses along her skin. Her free hand slid up Eloise's waist, brushing lightly over her ribs, sending shivers through her. The combination of Cressida's mouth on her neck and her fingers deep inside her was almost too much for Eloise to process, and yet her body responded instinctively, the heat building between her thighs.

"See?" Cressida whispered against her ear, her breath warm and intimate. "I told you… it feels good, doesn't it?"

Eloise's breath hitched, her heart pounding as Cressida's fingers began to move, slowly at first, exploring her with careful precision. The initial tension in Eloise's body began to melt away, replaced by a growing heat that spread through her core, making her hips shift slightly, unconsciously seeking more.

"It's… yes," Eloise whispered, her voice breathless as she leaned back against the tree for support. The bark dug into her back, but she barely noticed. All she could focus on was the way Cressida's fingers moved inside her, slow and deliberate, coaxing pleasure from her in ways she had never experienced before.

"You're doing so well," Cressida murmured, her lips brushing against Eloise's ear, her tone laced with praise that sent a shiver through Eloise's body. "You're so beautiful like this."

Eloise's cheeks flushed at the compliment, her breath coming in shallow bursts as Cressida's fingers moved faster, the rhythm becoming more insistent. Every movement, every soft touch sent waves of pleasure rolling through her, building slowly, steadily, until Eloise felt like she was on the edge of something she couldn't quite name.

"Does it feel good?" Cressida asked, her voice soft but filled with authority as she pressed her body closer to Eloise's, her lips hovering just above hers.

"Yes," Eloise gasped, her hands gripping the fabric of Cressida's gown as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality. "It feels… so good."

Cressida's smile deepened, her fingers curling slightly inside Eloise, hitting a spot that made her gasp, her entire body trembling in response. "Good," Cressida whispered, her breath hot against Eloise's lips. "You deserve to feel this."

Eloise's mind was spinning, the world around them fading into the background as Cressida's fingers worked her closer and closer to the edge. The sensation was overwhelming, every touch sending sparks of pleasure through her, and yet, there was something almost too intense about it, something that left Eloise teetering on the brink of control.

Cressida's free hand slid up Eloise's body, brushing over her breasts, her thumb teasing the sensitive skin through the fabric of her gown. Eloise's breath hitched, her body arching into Cressida's touch, craving more, needing more.

"You're so responsive," Cressida murmured, her voice filled with admiration as she continued to stroke Eloise's body, her fingers moving in perfect rhythm. "So perfect."

Eloise's heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she felt herself being pulled closer and closer to the edge. Every touch, every whispered word sent her spiraling further into a haze of pleasure, her mind unable to keep up with the intensity of it all.

And yet, just as she felt herself nearing the point of no return, Cressida slowed her movements, her fingers stilling inside her, leaving Eloise trembling and gasping for breath.

"Wait," Cressida whispered softly, her lips brushing against Eloise's ear. "Not yet."

Eloise's eyes fluttered open, her body still trembling, her mind reeling from the sudden halt in sensation. She wanted more—needed more—and yet, Cressida held her firmly, her fingers remaining still, as if to remind Eloise who was in control.

"Do you trust me?" Cressida asked, her voice low and intimate, her breath warm against Eloise's skin.

Eloise's heart pounded in her chest, her breath shallow as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

Cressida's smile softened, her fingers shifting slightly inside Eloise, sending another wave of pleasure coursing through her. "Good," she whispered. "Then let me take my time with you."

Eloise's breath hitched, her body trembling as Cressida's fingers began to move again, slow and deliberate, each touch calculated to keep Eloise on the edge without letting her fall over. The sensation was maddening, her body aching for release, and yet Cressida held her firmly in place, controlling every moment with a precision that left Eloise gasping for breath.

"You feel so good," Cressida murmured, her voice filled with admiration as her fingers continued their slow, torturous exploration of Eloise's body. "Do you know how beautiful you are like this?"

Eloise's head fell back against the tree, her breath coming in shallow bursts as her body trembled uncontrollably. She had never felt anything like this before—the pleasure, the intensity, the overwhelming sensation of being completely at Cressida's mercy. And yet, there was something deeply intoxicating about it, something that made her want to give in completely, to let Cressida take control.

"Please," Eloise whispered, her voice trembling as her hands gripped Cressida's gown. "Please, Cressida… I need…"

"I know," Cressida whispered, her lips brushing against Eloise's neck as her fingers quickened their pace, bringing Eloise back to the edge once more. "But not yet, my love. Not yet."

Eloise's body trembled, her breath coming in ragged gasps as Cressida's fingers moved faster, her touch growing more insistent. Every movement, every touch sent Eloise spiraling further into a haze of pleasure, her mind barely able to keep up with the overwhelming sensation.

"Just a little longer," Cressida whispered, her voice low and commanding as her fingers curled inside Eloise, hitting the spot that made her gasp. "You can do it. You can wait."

Eloise's body tensed, her breath catching in her throat as she fought to hold on, her mind spinning from the intensity of it all. She was so close, so desperately close, and yet Cressida kept her on the edge, refusing to let her fall over just yet.

"Cressida," Eloise gasped, her voice filled with both desperation and need. "Please…"

Cressida smiled, her fingers moving with deliberate precision, keeping Eloise right where she wanted her, teetering on the edge of release without letting her fall.

"You're doing so well," Cressida whispered, her lips brushing against Eloise's ear as her fingers continued their relentless rhythm. "Just a little longer, my love. I promise, it'll be worth it."

Eloise's body trembled, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts as Cressida's fingers moved inside her with relentless precision. She was so close, the pleasure building to a point that was almost unbearable, and yet Cressida held her just on the edge, teasing her, making her wait.

But then, with a soft murmur of praise, Cressida's fingers curled inside her once more, pressing against that spot that made Eloise gasp, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

"Now," Cressida whispered, her breath warm against Eloise's ear, her voice low and commanding. "Come for me, Eloise."

The words sent a shockwave through Eloise, her body tensing as the wave of pleasure crashed over her, overwhelming her in its intensity. She cried out, her hands gripping the fabric of Cressida's gown as her body shuddered violently, the release so powerful it left her gasping for breath, her mind spinning from the sheer force of it.

Cressida's fingers didn't stop, moving in perfect rhythm as Eloise's body convulsed around her, drawing out every last tremor of pleasure until Eloise was left trembling, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she clung to Cressida for support.

Slowly, gently, Cressida withdrew her fingers, her touch tender as she placed a soft kiss on Eloise's neck, her lips lingering there for a moment before she pulled back slightly to meet Eloise's gaze.

Eloise's eyes fluttered open, her breath still uneven, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at Cressida. The intensity of the moment—the way Cressida had touched her, the way she had spoken to her—left her feeling both exhilarated and utterly undone.

Cressida smiled, a soft, satisfied curve of her lips as she brushed a stray curl from Eloise's face, her fingers gentle as they trailed down her cheek.

"You're perfect," Cressida murmured, her voice filled with quiet reverence. "Absolutely perfect."

Eloise's cheeks flushed, her heart swelling at the praise as she leaned into Cressida's touch, her breath still shaky. Without thinking, she reached up, cupping Cressida's face in her hands and pulling her down into a soft, lingering kiss.

The kiss was different from the ones they had shared before—slower, more tender, but filled with the same heat that had sparked between them all night. Eloise's lips moved against Cressida's with a new sense of purpose, the taste of her lingering on her tongue, intoxicating and sweet.

When they finally pulled apart, Eloise's mind was still spinning, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at Cressida, her hands still resting on her shoulders. There was a question burning in her mind, one that she wasn't sure how to voice, but the words tumbled from her lips before she could stop them.

"Should I… return the favor?" Eloise asked, her voice trembling slightly as she met Cressida's gaze.

For a moment, Cressida's eyes darkened with something primal, something that made Eloise's heart race, but then she smiled, her lips curving into a mischievous grin as she shook her head.

"We've already pushed our luck being out here," Cressida murmured, her voice filled with amusement as her hand gently squeezed Eloise's hip. "As much as I'd love to let you, I think perhaps we'd be wise not to tempt fate any further."

Eloise blinked, her mind still foggy from the aftermath of her release, her body tingling with the lingering sensation of Cressida's touch. She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Cressida leaned in closer, her lips brushing lightly against her ear.

"Unless," Cressida whispered, her voice low and filled with suggestion, "I were invited to stay the night. As a good friend, of course."

Eloise's breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening at the implication behind Cressida's words. The idea of Cressida in her room, of sharing a bed with her, sent a fresh wave of heat rushing through her body. She could barely think, her mind reeling at the possibilities that lay ahead if she took Cressida up on her offer.

Cressida pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting Eloise's with a knowing glint. "What do you say, Eloise?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with unmistakable desire. "Shall we continue this… conversation in a more private setting?"

Eloise's heart raced, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes."

Cressida's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she pressed one last kiss to Eloise's lips, soft but filled with promise. "Good," she murmured, her hand gently squeezing Eloise's as they slowly disentangled themselves, smoothing down their gowns and adjusting their appearances before heading back toward the estate.

As they made their way through the moonlit gardens, their steps quiet and measured, Eloise couldn't help but steal a glance at Cressida, her heart still fluttering with the remnants of their secret encounter. There was something thrilling, something deeply intoxicating about what had just happened—about what could happen once they were alone again, away from prying eyes.

And as they slipped back inside the Bridgerton estate, their hands brushing together in the shadows, Eloise knew that this was only the beginning.