“You too,” she managed to say before his lips were back on hers.
It seemed as though her entire life had been building to this point. Part of her worried, they were moving too fast, that they should slow down and savor it but she didn’t want to. She wanted to be his, for now and for always.
He yanked his shirt off over his head and Caroline couldn’t help but stare. Muscles rippled across his massive chest. She ran her hands over his warm skin over and over, relishing the feel. But it wasn’t enough. Somehow, she wanted more.
Picking her up, he deposited her on the bed and dispensed of the rest of her clothing and then his. For the first time, fear trickled down her spine. He was a large man…everywhere.
She bit her lip and he gave her an apologetic smile. “I don’t know how else to go about it, but I’ll be as gentle as I can.”
She nodded, and though she was afraid, at least a little, she gave him a tremulous smile. “I’m ready.”
On hands and knees he climbed up the bed, skimming his skin along hers in the most delicious way. When his lips reached hers, his hand trailed back down her body. He first tweaked each of her nipples, sending shivers all over and the ache between her thighs returned.
As his hands skimmed lower, she found herself straining to meet it and when it did touch the folds of her sex, a cry of satisfaction burst from her lips. His fingers worked over her until she was writhing from it, building toward some goal and when one of his fingers slipped inside her, she jolted from the feeling of fullness and satisfaction that came with it.
Slipping his digit back out, he opened her and began to slowly slip inside his member. It was so much more of everything that she cringed and tensed with the pain. He stilled and by degrees she adjusted to the size. Then he slid a little further in.
It took forever, but inch by inch he slipped inside her until he was fully encased, her body relaxed. Despite the pain, there was joy too, at being joined in such a way. When he started to move out, she made to protest, her arms tightening around his neck but he moved back in and some of the pain was replaced with delightful pleasure.
“Oh,” she rasped out as he somehow contorted his body to take one of her nipples in his mouth. “Ooohh,” she gasped as he slid in and out again.
And then she was lost. Pleasure built inside her to an almost painful height as they moved together until she shattered around him. At her cry of lust, he grunted out his own climax. Their bodies twined together, their lips joined in erratic kisses as they slowly floated down.
Tom collapsed to the side of her and pulled her body against his. She gave a soft giggle as she burrowed into him.
The bed, which had looked large enough, was suddenly quite small with him in it. It suited her perfectly. There was nowhere to be but snuggled together. “That was…”
“Amazing,” he laughed.
“Perfect,” she added.
Her eyes drifted closed, she was suddenly so sleepy. Her body cradled against his and the rocking of the boat had her drifting off.
A knock at the door had her eyes flying open. Tom jerked next to her body and she realized he had had the same reaction.
“Who’s it?” his voice slurred.
“I’m from the galley, sir. Come with your lunch, I did,” a chipper sailor answered from the hall.
“Just a second.” Tom got out of bed and pulled the covers over her body. Yanking on his pants, he didn’t even bother to lace them.
Looking back at her to make sure she was covered, he winked as he went to the door and opened it a crack.
He must have deemed the sailor true, because he slid the door open just enough to fit the tray. Reaching out with his hands, he grabbed it and took a step back, then closed the door before the man could even say, “If you need anything else.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled but he was already turning back to her.
“That was quick.” She grinned as she sat up, pulling the covers to keep her breasts covered.
“He was trying to have a look in. If he had succeeded I would have been forced to knock him unconscious.” Tom set the tray on the end of the bed and grabbed a crust of bread, handing it to her.
Caroline almost laughed but the look on his face was serious. “How could he see past you? You’re enormous.”
He chuckled, leaning over to give her a warm kiss. “You’re beautiful.”
She blushed a little. “I’m sorry your father wasn’t at the wedding. Do you think he will be disappointed to have missed it?” She bit her lip. What she really worried about was would he hold it against her.
“I’m sure he will be.” Tom grimaced. “But he’ll be glad to know we found each other.”
“Will he, will he like me less for it? I know it was all very quick. I wouldn’t want him to think that I—”
He held up his hand. “Fairfields have quick weddings. Don’t ask me why. But at least we had a ceremony in a church and we consummated after the marriage. I don’t think either of my brothers managed that.”
“You’re serious?” Her mouth fell open. Charlotte had hinted at as much. Caroline didn’t have the most unblemished moral standing. She was glad to know her sister-in-laws were not perfect.
“You’ll meet him as soon as we’re done helping Nick. And I have a feeling my father won’t make it to Nick’s wedding either. Unless he is also traveling to Scotland.”
“Is Nick engaged?” she asked, completely confused now.
“Nope, but if we’re heading off to the rescue, there is a woman involved. You can be sure of it.”
She took a breath. It was time to talk about what they had been avoiding. Part of her didn’t want to know, but she was going to find out eventually. “Is magic involved?”
He paused, swallowing his bite of food. Then he set down the rest of his bread and took her hand. “Yes.”
“Do you use magic?” She tried to keep the worry off her face.
“Gads, no.” He shook his head. “And I’m thrilled you don’t either.”
“But others in your family…”
“Yes.” He nodded giving her hand a squeeze.
“I hope you understand that I might not be able to believe that magic is real.” She squeezed back. Even if Tom was completely mad, it didn’t change the way she felt about him.
But he didn’t look worried or upset. His eyebrows rose toward his hairline and his eyes danced. “You don’t have to believe me. Before this trip is done, you’ll see it for yourself.”
Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for reading the third installment of the Fairfield Fairy Tales. While Stealing a Lady’s Heart and Hunting for a Lady’s Heart are magical tales. I knew this one wouldn’t be. Tom, throughout all the stories, was the least enamored with magic and therefore, it made sense that his fairy tale would be one that didn’t include it. The Master Thief was the perfect choice. In the original story, the thief uses cunning and trickery to get what he wants, most especially his bride. And while Tom does that, I actually considered Caroline the master. She, more than anyone, has to help Crimson find his way.
Almost every story I write includes an epilogue but I have left it out of this one for the simple fact that Tom and Caroline will be in Nick’s story. We will get to see them through their first months of marriage. I hope you enjoyed this tale and I would love for you to consider reading the last installment, Nick’s story. It is tentatively titled, Enchanting a Lady’s Heart.
Enchanting a Lady’s Heart, the fourth fairy tale, will release in the boxset, Romance Entwined in October of 2018 and on its own, in January of 2019. I know Nick and Arianna would love for you to read their story!
All the best,
Tammy
To get all the latest news on hot releases and giveaways, subscribe to my newsletter! http://www.tammyandresen.com
More about Tammy
Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent
countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
What the Critics are saying:
“The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW
“While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.” http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
”… it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin
Find out more about Tammy:
http://tammyandresen.com
https://www.facebook.com/authortammyandresen
https://twitter.com/TammyAndresen
https://www.pinterest.com/tammy_andresen/
https://plus.google.com/+TammyAndresen/
Read more books from the Taming the Duke’s Heart Series!
Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart
Taming a Duke’s Wild Rose
Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady
Taming a Rake into a Lord
Taming a Savage Gentleman
Taming a Rogue Earl
Also available
Fairfield Fairy Tales
Stealing a Lady’s Heart Book 1
Hunting for a Lady’s Heart Book 2
Coming this fall:
Luring a Lord’s Love Book 4
Capturing a Lady’s Love Book 5
Wicked Earls Club
Wicked Earls Club
Earl of Sussex
A Laird to Love
My Enemy, My Earl
Heart of a Highlander
A Scot’s Surrender
My Laird’s Seduction
The Earl’s Forsaken Bride
Taming the Duke’s Heart
Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart
Taming a Duke’s Wild Rose
Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady
Taming a Rake into a Lord
Taming a Savage Gentleman
Taming a Rogue Earl
American Historical Romance
Lily in Bloom
Midnight Magic
The Golden Rules of Love
About the Author
More about Tammy
Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
What the Critics are saying:
“The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW
“While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.” http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
”… it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin
Find out more about Tammy:
http://tammyandresen.com
https://www.facebook.com/authortammyandresen
https://twitter.com/TammyAndresen
https://www.pinterest.com/tammy_andresen/
https://plus.google.com/+TammyAndresen/
Stealing a Lady’s Heart
Fairfield Fairy Tale
The Fairfield boys had scattered to the four winds. More precisely, their father, Baron Fairfield, had sent each of his four sons to learn a trade. The Baron grew poorer by the day. Should his house fall to ruin, his sons would have something to fall back on, a means to support themselves and help reestablish his title.
Everyone but the Baron himself knew that it would take more than his sons learning a trade to save his barony. It would take a miracle.
All was not lost for the Fairfields, however. For miracles don’t always happen suddenly. Sometimes they creep along, winding their path with the course of men. And they stay with the men who are truly worthy.
So it happened on May the 25th, the year 1812, that the four Fairfield Brothers made their way home. Each returning from a different direction. Each having traveled a different path. Each bringing a different skill from his new trade. Each reaching the final crossroad before their home in Cumbria at the exact same moment.
It was astonishing to come upon one another in such a way after four years but Graham, the third brother and the handsomest in that rugged, manly way, recovered first.
“You have all gotten fatter and uglier,” he chuckled good-naturedly as he climbed off his horse. His brothers did the same and they embraced as they laughed, hugged, and teased one another.
William, the oldest, was also tall and broad but more serious and less handsome. He was second to speak, “It is good to see all of you but we should head on to Father’s house.”
Thomas, the second brother and Nickolas, the youngest, agreed and the brothers started up the long drive to their father’s home, Harlington Manor, chattering and laughing as if they had never parted.
The men approached the large, crumbling manor. Their father appeared on the balcony. “My sons, the four winds have blown you back to me,” their father called with delight.
And indeed the winds had. And not just for a happy family, but for a purpose.
“Just in time. The Prince Regent’s beloved cousin is passing through on her trip to Scotland. We must entertain her along her journey and your presence will make this stop all the merrier,” Baron Fairfield called before disappearing from view.
The four sons waited for their father on the drive, but worry now marked each of their faces. The manor was in even more disrepair than when they had left. It was hardly fit to entertain the upper crust of society. Not to mention, the cost of such a visit, even for a few days, could be expensive if the lady was particular.
But to refuse the Prince Regent would be unheard of and so there was nothing to do but help their father prepare.
Baron Fairfield stepped out the massive front entrance as the wagons full of gifts began pulling into the circular drive. Each son would bestow items he had earned from his trade onto his father.
William had studied under a great huntsman. He had brought wagons of pelts and cured meat to feed the family. The pelts could be used or sold and would bring a nice sum to the manor.
Thomas, the second son, had studied in the art of building. He could now fashion anything out of wood or stone. Wagons of lumber began rolling up the drive and Thomas would begin the arduous process of repairing the crumbling manor.
Graham had studied under a locksmith. He could fashion a safe with the most sophisticated of locking mechanisms and he could pick the most complicated of locks. Men of his trade were sometimes associated with thieves because of their skills but Graham had studied with a man of honor. Only a single wagon rolled up for Graham to gif
t his father. In it was a large safe of the best quality. “It is for all the riches we will yet acquire Father,” Graham assured the patriarch of his family.
His father slapped his third son on the back. “Truly, it is a blessed day that brings you all back to me.”
His final son had studied with a merchant. Nickolas Fairfield had learned the ins and outs of negotiating for goods and spent most of his time in ships seeing to the transport of merchandise. Wagons of items from all over the world began to arrive.
Baron Fairfield laughed with delight. The few servants who remained began unloading the goods. The four sons, not afraid of hard work, began to help.
When the work was done, the family sat down to a meal. It had been prepared in a hurry but was filled with delights that had rarely been seen in Cumbria. As the hungry men ate their fill, they turned to conversation.
William spoke first. Never one to linger over words, he was direct and to the point. “Who comes to visit, Father, and why have they traveled so far north?”
“Lady Charlotte Beaumont, first cousin to The Prince Regent and daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. She is favored among her family both for her position and wealth and her great beauty. I am sure she is accustomed to the finest life has to offer. I hope she will not mind our humble offerings.” The Baron grimaced slightly. “Her dear friend has married a Scot, or so I have been told. Lady Beaumont travels to see her friend who is about to deliver her first child. Her stay should be brief.”
Graham cocked a jaunty grin. “A beauty, huh? This gets more interesting.” He grabbed an apple and took a large bite as he lounged in his chair.
Entrapping a Lord's Love: A Regency Fairy Tale (Fairfield Fairy Tales Book 3) Page 8
