Hands upon her back urged her limp body forward and she flopped against his chest, the warm strength of it drawing her back to reality. She opened one eye, then the other and angled her head to glance up at him. His jaw filled most of her vision but he lifted his head a fraction so as to gaze down at her, a skewed smile on his lips.
“Forgive me,” she breathed. “You have not yet had your pleasure.”
“Not to worry, lass, I intend to take it. But I think you’ll be no good where you are.”
“Aye, you have drained me, but I am no weak maiden. You may take your pleasure now.”
“I will take it, Ellise, just as I shall bring you more,” he vowed with such seriousness that Ellise had to bury her face against his chest to prevent her giggle.
Never had she met a man who took bedsport so seriously. The few she had known cared not for her pleasure, yet he took it upon himself as if it were some kind of duty. It delighted her that he should care so much for her needs at the same time as saddening her. This warrior needed to learn to take a break from duty.
Wriggling against the hardness inside her, Ellise slid her lips across his chest and licked a nipple. His hands threaded into her hair and she felt this rise and fall of his chest increase. She did the same to the other nipple, still working her hips in a circular motion. Her knight would lose control. Ellise would make sure of it.
She glanced up to see the veins in his neck tighten as he fought for restraint and impulsively she licked her way up before nibbling on his ear. Her breath against his skin made him shudder and he groaned.
“Ellise, you wish to torment me?”
“Nay,” she whispered against his ear, “I wish to break you.”
She sucked on his lobe for emphasis and came back to sitting. She allowed her hands to trail over her breasts, down and down until the tips of her fingers pressed over her sensitive folds. A strange sound, like a roar came up from him yet it was quiet and almost whispered.
In a whirl of lips and hands, he pulled her face to his and seized her mouth in a demanding kiss. The breath was sucked from her. Ellise tried to keep up but he moved too swiftly, removing his hands from her hair and grasping her buttocks. He flipped her over, their bodies breaking apart briefly as James pinned her legs around his hips.
A look at his expression made her chest compress, not with fear but with elation. She had broken the brave bold warrior. She, the simple peasant girl, had snapped through his control. It excited and thrilled her.
“Ellise, forgive me.”
With one swift lunge, he sheathed himself in her.
“You…need…no…forgiveness…” she grated out as he pressed forward, again and again.
The pleasure built once more as they moved as one, Ellise bucking into his every thrust. His green gaze held hers, potent and powerful, and Ellise was hit with the sense that they were exchanging more than just pleasure. An understanding ran between them. A sense of no longer being two individuals but one entity. The idea saddened her, for it could never be, but the press of his lips against her chin and mouth swiftly banished the emotion, replacing it with wonder as pulses of gratification streamed through her.
Her name came from his lips, a sound that promised to remain forever with her and he moved harder and faster until they reached the peak together. Their cries mingled in the air until they collapsed. James rested his head in the crook of her neck, heavy breaths blowing in her hair and she massaged his back, following each muscle.
“You have broken me, sweet Ellise,” he whispered hoarsely. “Does that please you?”
“Aye.” Ellise grinned and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “Aye, it pleases me very much.”
Chapter Three
James twisted in his sheets as the heat of summer pervaded the room. He woke already damp with perspiration, eyes gritty from lack of sleep. Rubbing them, he groaned as heavy snoring echoed through the wall and threatened to shake the candelabras from the roof. Rolling off the sleeping pallet, James forced himself up and tugged on his chausses before slipping his feet into leather boots.
He glanced into the guard’s quarters to see that only the night watchmen remained. All others were at their station. Aside from him. But this was the second morn this sennight he’d slept late. And the damned soldiers let him, likely fearing their captain’s wrath.
The rough texture of too much stubble greeted him as he rubbed a hand over his jawline. Aye, he needed a shave. And a bath. His father would be heartily ashamed of him; he hardly fitted the image of a captain. Late, unkempt, tired. He needed to get a grip.
Determined to no longer contemplate the fate of a certain woman, he shoved aside the lingering memory of obscure dreams and stepped out of the shadows of the quarters into the bright morning light. People and animals filled the courtyard, the day well under way and James almost stumbled into several pigs as they were herded toward the kitchens.
The well sat to one side of the bailey and he had to wait as the twins—Mary and Margaret—drew water. He scowled and folded his arms as they eyed him with a giggle, buckets in hand.
“Good morrow, sir,” Mary greeted him.
“Good morrow, Mary.”
“I am Margaret! I do believe his mind is addled from lack of sleep,” Mary said, nudging her identical sister, who laughed.
“Aye, our fair Captain is in need of some rest and a good bath, methinks.”
James narrowed his eyes at Mary. The maids had worked at Thornewall for many years and James was well accustomed to their teasing and tricks. Though to the untrained eye they looked the same in their tight wimples and pale blue gowns, they would not fool him.
“‘Tis why I am here, is it not, Mary. I know you well enough. You have the finer figure while your sister has the finer face.”
“Och, ye’ve never known how to take a jest, but ye are worse than ever,” Mary grumbled as her cheeks flushed.
They turned their noses up, giving James a small sense of satisfaction. “Good day to ye, Captain,” they said simultaneously.
James cursed under his breath as the maids sauntered past him. He was loath to admit it, but he had been in ill humor ever since his return from Durham. Mary had shared his bed occasionally before he went and she’d been put out when he declined her company upon his homecoming.
Of course, Ellise having left him before he had even awoken did not help matters. Indeed, she was the sensible one. What would he have done with her? He could hardly have returned to Thornewall with a thief on his arm, but he would have liked to have done something to aid her. Found her a job mayhap.
Waking up with her in his arms might have been nice, too.
What a lovesick fool he sounded. The sooner he forgot the damned woman, the better.
He dragged up the bucket from the well and propped it on the stone side. A bath would have to wait. He needed to see to his duties. Thankful the day was already warm, he scooped up some water and scrubbed his chest before bending over and pouring the rest over his head. The sharp shock of cold water cleared his fatigue while he swept away the drops. He blinked as he straightened and rubbed his eyes.
God’s blood, he had truly gone mad.
Lucy, the Lord’s wife, caught sight of him and smiled before tugging on the arm of the woman who accompanied her. As they neared, James conceded that he hadn’t gone mad. The dark-haired, beautiful lass was indeed Ellise.
James stood rigidly as they approached, acutely aware of his bare chest. Both women had seen his chest. Lucy had tended to several scratches he’d garnered during weapons practice and to catch him washing at the well was no unusual thing, but Ellise’s presence thoroughly disconcerted him. He settled on an expression of cool courtesy and watched closely for any reaction.
Her brown eyes widened briefly but she matched his cool expression with one of her own, lush lips pulled into a polite smile.
“Good morrow, James,” Lucy greeted, one hand resting on her ample stomach. Pregnancy suited Lucy, making her usually pale skin
vibrant and setting off her fair hair.
“My lady.” He dipped his head. “Forgive my state of undress, it seems the men did not think it necessary to wake me this morn.”
Lucy waved her hand. “Och, ‘tis no matter. Though I would not let the Lord catch you late again. His behavior is more like that of a wounded boar than that of a lord these days.”
“Lord Dominic is concerned for you, and ‘tis only right he should be. A wife carrying two babes at once is enough to concern any husband.”
Lucy grinned. “Well, that is why I have Lady Ellise to help me now.” She tugged on Ellise’s arm. “She will aid me with my duties and has a great knowledge of herbs. She will help bring these babes safely into the world, will you not?”
“Aye, my lady. That I will.” Ellise offered James a tilted smile, her gaze connecting brashly with his.
James studied her. What in God’s name was she doing here? And acting as a lady-in-waiting to the mistress of Thornewall, at that. The gown she wore contrasted greatly with the last one he’d seen her in. This was no peasant’s gown, nor that of a serving girl. With fine detailing upon the sleeves and bodice, the green silk made her look like a noblewoman. Her dark hair was confined into a tightly wound braid with only a few strands framing her face. Elegant, beautiful…and a liar, James thought bitterly. Either she’d made a complete fool out of him and was really a noblewoman or she had somehow lied her way into Lucy’s graces.
He allowed his expression to harden as he ran his gaze deliberately from her delicate slippers to the top of her head. “Lady Ellise, is it?”
One eyebrow arched up as Ellise inclined her head toward him. “Aye, Lady Ellise. And you are Captain James. ‘Tis a pleasure meet you, Captain.”
“Likewise, my lady.” Damn, what a calm creature she was. No hint of fear that he might reveal all. And she stood perfectly content, whilst all he could do was remember what lay beneath the elegant gown and false façade. Lord, the very thought sent a surge of lust through him. He needed to escape her presence as swiftly as possible lest she see as much. “Forgive me, my ladies, but I must away. I have duties to see to.”
“And clothes to put on,” Ellise added with a grin as he turned away.
~***~
Ellise dropped her basket and propped hands on hips as she studied the herb garden. Nestled behind the kitchens, it received the benefit of sunlight all day and she turned her face up to the sun, sucking in a breath. Lavender and rosemary mingled in the air, masking the smells of animals and cooking. She allowed herself a small smile as she enjoyed the moment of freedom.
The gardens were well tended and nicely laid out, Ellise was pleased to note. She would find most of what she needed here. She nibbled on her lip as she surveyed what was on offer. Carrying twins was indeed a worry, even if Lucy did not seem concerned. She suspected Lucy’s bravery was more for her husband’s sake. She’d only met him briefly, but he certainly doted on her. The Lord of Thornewall had been wise to hire her services upon the recent discovery his wife was bearing twins. Ellise would do her best to ensure Lucy carried the babes safely and brought them into the world with as much ease as possible.
Snatching her basket once more, Ellise stepped over to a large rosemary bush and broke off several branches. Aye, it was a good thing indeed she was here. Her knowledge of herbs and her experience were unmatched by any other in Northumbria. Mayhap she sounded conceited, but it was true. She had aided Mamá in many childbirths when she was but a young girl and had been taught well. Only her mother’s knowledge had been better than hers, God rest her soul.
That deep, sickening sadness threatened to engulf her again as she considered her parents. Would life be so much different if they were still alive? Certainly she would never have been pushed into marrying Richard but she could hardly regret the marriage for it gave her a blessed son. A son she so wished she could hold at this very moment.
She rubbed her thumb across a rosemary branch and sniffed it, forcing herself back into a positive frame of mind as she kneeled to explore the other herbs. The rosemary would do well to help the Lady with the inevitable stomach ailments as the babes grew. Lucy seemed a kind mistress. Quiet at first, but Ellise suspected they could form a strong friendship. It was a pity she had to leave eventually. She could settle quite easily here.
A shadow cast over her and a shiver wracked her. What sort of game were the fates playing on her? Why did he have to be here? It was not as if the angelic knight did not already play on her mind every night. And now he was here in the flesh, at the place her dreams had shown her. She glanced behind. Leather boots filled her vision and she allowed her gaze to trail slowly up, as he had done to her previously. The sunlight made her squint and prevented her from making out his expression but from his glower earlier, she doubted it was one of welcome.
With a dismissive sniff, she turned back to her herbs and plucked a few more leaves.
“Ellise,” came his gruff voice. “Ellise,” he barked when she failed to respond.
Sighing, Ellise got to her feet and brushed both hands down her gown. Dios mio, she would never get used to wearing fine clothes again. She grimaced as she noted the streaks of dirt across the front of her bliaut before turning to face James.
“Captain, ‘tis a pleasure to see you again. And I am glad to see you found your clothes.”
He didn’t respond to her jest, unless his deepening frown could be considered a reaction. He curled one hand around his sword. Whether he intended it to be a threatening move, Ellise didn’t know, but clearly he was displeased with her. Was it her presence that angered him or was it that she had snuck out of the inn after that one night?
“Ellise, what are you doing here?”
“Picking herbs.” She grabbed her basket and stepped past him, forcing him to turn so she could see him properly.
Aye, just as beautiful as she recalled. A little tired in appearance, with more stubble than before, but the hue of his skin had darkened and the summer sun picked out a few light strands in his hair, making the golden mix even more enticing. She remembered the silken feel of his locks between her fingers vividly. A rush of heat flowed into her cheeks. She remembered much of that night vividly. Did he recall it in as much detail as she? Or was she just another peasant girl to him?
Jaw tense, his hand flexed around his pommel. If she didn’t know better, Ellise would be readying herself to do battle with him.
“Nay, what are doing at Thornewall?” he asked.
“I am to look after the Lady. She explained as much this morn, Captain.”
“Ellise, you are not a wit, so do not pretend to be. How is it you came here? And how is it my mistress believes you to be a lady?”
“Sir, you do insult me. Here I thought you found my words quite diverting.”
“Diverting indeed. Do not change the subject.”
Ellise slanted her head and regarded him dismissively. “If you fear that I came here to chase you down, then you need fear no longer. I knew naught of your employment here and I hold you to no promises. ‘Twas one night, naught more, and I know well enough that was all it could ever be.”
His green gaze settled on her face, narrowing marginally but giving little away. “Indeed, naught more than one night…but, Ellise, you did not even do me the courtesy of staying the whole night.”
“And why would I? Mayhap you wished me to stay and profess my undying love for you? Does it flatter your ego to have naïve peasant girls fall at your feet? Forgive me, Captain, but I had no intention of being dismissed the next morn. Did you wish for one more tumble perhaps? Mayhap you regret taking me in, for I did not fully recompense you.”
His eyes hardened and he snatched suddenly at her arm, making her gasp. “I did not purchase you, Ellise. You were not my whore, so why should I complain of such a thing? I am not in the habit of paying lasses to share my bed. And you will remember that you offered yourself to me. I do not appreciate you implying otherwise.”
Ellise gulped. Her word
s had been harsh but his unexpected presence and angry expression forced the insults from her tongue. How could she admit that she feared his rejection? And of course he would have rejected her. A captain and a thief? Imposible. Not to mention she dare not risk him witnessing one of her visions.
He smirked. “Ah, a miracle indeed, I have silenced your bold tongue. Mayhap you will find it again so you can explain to me how you came to be in the position of lady-in-waiting to the lady of Thornewall.”
Ellise twisted in his hold and he released her, a flicker of regret flying across his face. “I am experienced in herbs and childbirth. I assure you your mistress could be in no better hands. It happened that word of the position reached Durham so I travelled directly to apply for the role. My circumstances in Durham were not so good, if you recall.”
“And what have you to say of your deceit? What is to prevent me from revealing you to be a fraud?”
“There is no deceit. I am a lady. My father a knight, my mother of a noble Spanish family. Alas, I am a destitute lady, but noble blood runs through my veins nonetheless.”
James’ shoulders dropped, the righteous stance of his body diminished slightly, though it did not make him any less impressive in his leather armor. And it did not help her forget about the body lying underneath it, either.
“You are a noble?”
“Aye.”
“Why did you not tell me?”
“What difference would it have made? I am poor. I have naught. My family’s name is all but gone. Would you not have taken my favors so readily had you known?”
James swept a hand through his hair and Ellise swallowed. The chivalrous man no doubt regretted their night together and it made her heart ache, for she could not bring herself to regret a single moment, as sweet and as brief as it was. If only she saw just a fragment of that man now. Now he was all indignant anger and cold righteousness.
The Borderland Legacy Page 34
