Relaxing her tense shoulders, she stroked her hand down her mare’s neck. “I did not cheat. I did no more than any other man would do.”
His heavy lidded eyes dropped to her lips, his gaze smoldering. “Despite your attire, you look like no man I have ever seen.”
Kat felt her breath stop. Alex was going to kiss her. She read his intent before he dipped his head, his black hair falling in front of his shoulders. Slowly, his sculpted, sensual lips came closer. Closer. Her breath hitched. His nostrils flared. Closer. Desire arced between them, her lips tingling with anticipation. Then he stopped, his mouth inches away from hers. He hovered above her, his breath warm and sweet against her lips. Her anger long forgotten, she wanted to surrender, her need for this man a growing obsession, the masculinity he exuded irresistible.
Indeed, the desire was so strong to surrender everything for a few moments of pleasure—even her pride and self-respect—that Kat suddenly panicked. She raised her hand and shoved Alex away, but in a sudden movement he lunged at her, wrapping both arms around her torso. His chest collided with hers and his forward momentum knocked them off their horses, just as an arrow whizzed past and embedded into a tree trunk with a distinct thunk behind them. They landed with a bone jarring thump in the ditch—air whooshed from her lungs and she lay stunned, trying to inhale a deep breath without success.
Untangling his legs from her skirts, her husband grabbed her around the waist, scooped her up as easily as a goose down bolster, and smacked Zeus’s rump yelling, “Yaaa.” Zeus took off, Lightning following behind. Kat still breathless, Alex half carried, half dragged her into the stand of trees.
Their mounts charged deeper into the trees and disappeared, but Alex pulled her behind the nearest beech. He pressed her face against the trunk, his body covering her back and shielding her body. Air suddenly rushed into her lungs and she gulped each breath greedily.
Her surge of fear from the attack metamorphosed into danger of another kind. A hush descended, not a creature or leaf stirred, except for wisps of her loosened hair where Alex panted against her neck and cheek. Still, against her will, her body reacted to his nearness and her nipples peaked with excitement.
Alex absorbed a ripple of tension going through Kat as he held her close. Despite the danger that stalked them, or perhaps because of it, he could not resist taking just a taste. He kissed the back of her moist neck and cupped her breast, squeezing the lush flesh. Her erect nipple abraded his palm, scorching his tingling flesh. Alex groaned. Kat cursed.
With extreme reluctance he pulled away. “We will continue this later.” Peering from behind the tree, he gazed across an open field at a collection of low-lying, dilapidated buildings where the arrow must have come from. “Stay here. I shall return shortly.”
Without seeing if she obeyed him, he dashed across the road and into the field, bent low to the ground.
It seemed his enemy had made his first move. Which brought up another possible problem he had not thought of before.
Is Kat a target now because of her connection to me? Alex wondered. Or, had the timing of the attack been purely coincidental?
Kat stopped outside the door of an abandoned cottage Alex had entered and saw him poking around in a pile of rotted wood in one corner. “Did you find aught amiss?”
He spun around, a scowl on his face. “What are you doing here?” he exploded. “I told you not to move.” Then he sheathed his sword.
She gave an unladylike snort. “I don’t take kindly to commands, Sir Alex. And since when have I ever obeyed one of your orders, especially when danger is afoot? Do not expect me to start now.”
Tension flared between them as they both remembered the day of their betrothal when an assassin had attacked Alex on Montclair lands. Alex had been furious that day, too, when she rescued him from the murdering whoreson. She shot the man in the arse with an arrow and had no regrets about her actions.
Alex stepped out of the cottage, grabbed her arm and propelled her back towards the road. “You are incorrigible.”
“And you are a boor.” Kat tugged on her arm as he practically dragged her away. “Alex! Release my arm. You need not haul me about as though I’m a criminal.”
He released her and slowed his steps to match her slower pace. “Aye, you are right. I am being a boor. Are you hungry?”
Caught off guard by his apology, she responded without thought. “I am fam—” Kat stopped mid-sentence, but not before she realized how neatly he had trapped her.
Alex nodded. “’Tis good I brought a large repast, then. I remember what a great appetite you have.” His eyes devoured her, clearly conveying he was not referring to her hunger for food.
Embarrassed, Kat raised her chin. “How would you know what kind of appetite I have? Perhaps I have changed. You have been gone—”
Alex bent down, wagging a finger in her face. “Ahh…Ahh…Ahh. We have a bargain, remember?”
She snapped her mouth shut. Alex smiled with devilish pleasure.
Damn. Damn. Damn. Did I leave any out? she wondered. Oh, aye, DAMNATION!
“Did you find anything back at the cottage? Who do you think shot the arrow?”
“It was most likely a hungry serf poaching his next meal. He’s probably long gone by now. Speaking of which, why do we not find a spot to partake of the repast I packed? I know of a nice private glade not far from here.”
When they approached the road, Alex placed two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Not long after, Kat heard their horses approach through the trees. Zeus drew up before them first, followed by her ‘loyal’ mount. Almost as though in contrition, Lightning nudged her nose against Kat in greeting. She grabbed her mare’s reins, unable to blame her for her desertion. It seemed males of any species enjoyed dominating their female counterparts, be they sire or husband.
Alex indicated the horses with a nod of his head. “Shall we?”
Kat shrugged. As if she had a choice.
“Good. I’m famished, too,” he said dryly. “Let’s be on our way.”
He grabbed her waist to lift her onto her mount, but held her suspended in the air. His warm hands penetrated through layers of linen and wool like a brand. “No more tricks, Kat. We are going to have a pleasant ride and then share a meal before we have to return to court. Do I have your promise?”
The heat of him scorched her, his fingers skimming the plush underside of her breasts. “Aye, just put me on my blasted horse!”
Kat nearly sighed aloud when he did as she bid. The man was a temptation the likes of which a nun could not resist. But she must find a way to do so. They kicked their mounts into a trot, Alex leading the way.
Riding along a narrow track, which was the southern boundary of Hampstead manor, Alex pointed up ahead to the woods of Chalcots. “There is a little-used cart track in the woods up ahead beyond the next bend. It will take us to the glade I told you about.”
Kat nodded her head in understanding and followed him when he turned right onto an overgrown track and entered Chalcots woods. The trees closely abutted both sides of the track, and forced their horses to walk single file. Kat was perfectly happy with this situation, until she realized she had an unimpeded view of Alex’s strong broad back and his long dark hair, which hung down to the top of his shoulders.
She remembered running her fingers through the blue-black strands on their wedding night. Silky and thick, it had brushed her cheeks as he came over her, curtaining her face, giving her the illusion they were the only two people on earth. That she was safe and no harm would ever endanger her as long as they were one.
They were bitter memories now, for she knew it had just been a cruel trick of her imagination. As long as they were married, she would never be safe from heartbreak. She needed stability with a man who wanted her not only for her beauty, but her intelligence and strengths as well. A man who would love her unconditionally for who she was, and not what he wanted her to be.
Alex selfishly thought of only what he wanted and expected her to be
obedient to his every command, as though she had not an intelligent thought or was incapable of defending herself. She could never be the kind of woman he wanted. But she had always been different and had long accepted that her unorthodox behavior and beliefs alienated her from her peers.
“You appear lost in your thoughts. Care to share them?”
At his question, Kat gazed around and saw Alex had dismounted. Surrounded by woodland, they stood in a small yard before a stone and wooden structure two stories high. The stone foundation rose six feet high and had shuttered windows on either side of the door. The upper story was of wattle and daub construction. The building looked to be at least a century old, except for a recent addition onto the structure that included a chimney. On the other side of the courtyard, a large, open shed held three stalls.
It looked like a secluded abode for lovers. Kat bristled at his arrogant assumption.
Alex watched Kat study her surroundings, wondering what was going through that facile mind of hers. Then a muscle in her cheek began to twitch and her fists clenched, sure signs of agitation. Alex sighed inwardly, perplexed by what had triggered her hot temper this time. She never kept him guessing for long.
Her beautiful wide eyes blazed down at him. “How dare you bring me here? You assume too much if you think I shall step one foot in there so you can have an intimate setting to seduce me.”
Alex held up his hands in innocence. “You misunderstand. I intend no such thing. The lodge is locked and I don’t have a key. There’s a small dell with a pond just through those trees.” He pointed the way.
Before she could rebuff him, he slid his hands around her waist and helped her down. Hands still at her waist, he said, “I can control my base urges if you can.”
Although it was faint, she colored prettily.
“See that you do,” she said and stepped away. Turning back to the building, no doubt trying to hide her embarrassment, she added, “What manner of dwelling is this anyway? I ride this way nearly every day and never knew it was here.”
“’Tis a little-known, old hunting lodge built by the first Plantagenet king, Henry II. Edward came here quite often to hunt in his bachelor years. Though rarely used now, it is kept in readiness whenever the king and queen are in residence at Westminster Palace.”
She turned back to face him, her brows raised in question. “You have been here before?”
“Aye, long ago.” Alex moved to his horse and removed the leather satchel tied to the back of his saddle. “While I cool down the horses, why do you not find a spot by the pond?” He held out the satchel to Kat. “There is plenty of food in here, along with a blanket and wineskin.”
With a grunt, she purloined it from his hands, slung the strap over her shoulder, and spun around. He watched her with appreciative eyes as she stalked off. Her pretty green tunic was cinched at her waist with a braided silver girdle. He had a lot to teach his wife if she thought that being out of doors instead of within four walls would prevent him from seducing her.
Alex seized their horses’ reins and guided them to the shed. Anxious to return to Kat as swiftly as he could, he removed the saddles, rubbed their sweaty coats with straw, and gave them cool water. There was no telling what mischief Kat would brew up while unattended.
Chapter 12
Alex quickly finished tending the horses and headed for the pond. When he exited the copse of trees and entered the glade, Kat was sitting on the blanket next to the water’s edge, leaning back on her elbows and staring up at the sky. Her glorious black hair, held by a silver circlet and veil, hung loosely down her back and trailed across the grass. She hummed softly, sweetly.
She stopped humming, turning her head at his approach. “I did as you requested,” she said, patting the blanket. The wineskin lay next to her hip, but everything else remained packed. Now, why was he suspicious at her sweet tone?
Alex nodded and sat beside her on the blanket, one knee bent up. “I had no idea you could sing. You have a charming voice.”
She scrunched up her nose and even that was endearing. His once plain wife was bewitching him. “Nay, I cannot carry a tune, but I can hum a decent melody.”
“I have never heard that tune before. Does it have a name?”
She looked at him quickly then turned her head, smiling slightly. Alex was warned immediately. “’Tis naught, really,” she said, “just a little tune Sir Luc composed for me. He is a marvelous harp player, by the by.”
Alex stiffened and sat up, furious, wanting to throttle her for bringing up Sir Luc. Then he relaxed with effort, knowing she had done it apurpose to bestir his anger.
“Very clever, Kat.” She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise and something else indefinable. “But there is naught you can say or do that will make me angry enough to end this delightful interlude with you. ’Tis nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of court, so you may as well enjoy the outing.”
She smiled, shrugging. “Very well. But I don’t have to like it. As you know, I was famished,” she said, her eyes unblinking. “I hope you don’t mind that I ate without you while you settled our horses. I could not resist the delicious smells emanating from the satchel.”
Alex grunted and reached for the wine, realizing just then how thirsty he was. But when he picked it up he got his first inkling of unease. Still, he tipped the wineskin back and squeezed it. He took no more than a few swallows when the well ran dry, so to speak. Unable to comprehend what his senses were telling him, incredulous, he squeezed it once more. Not a drop squirted out. Then he heard Kat cough beside him.
Her hand covered her mouth, but she could not prevent a giggle from escaping. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I had a bit of the wine, too, while I waited for you.”
Alex roared with sick comprehension. He tossed the wineskin aside and lunged for the leather satchel. He emptied it on the blanket and found wrapped inside a linen towel all that remained of the feast—one gristly chicken leg, a small chunk of hard bread, and a measly piece of cheese, bruised at that.
Red-faced, he turned on her. Her giggles did little to calm him. “By God, woman,” he yelled. “I packed enough to feed the bellies of five grown men. There is no way you could have eaten everything. What have you done with it?”
His stomach growled at that moment, sending Kat into another fit of laughter, tears leaking from her eyes. She sat up, clutching her stomach and gasped out, “Nay, ’tis my…prodigious appetite, you see. ’Tis the only thing…I am guilty of.”
Another rumble sounded, only this time it was the beginnings of laughter at the back of his throat as Alex began to see the humor of the situation. He joined in her laughter, albeit much more restrained, but it felt good after years of having to curtail his voice, to constantly be on his guard to never reveal any kind of emotion.
Stunned at his laughter, she stared at him, her big eyes crystalline silver. She was so enchanting, his stomach clenched with desire.
“Well, it seems you have had a great laugh at my expense. Do you not know how dangerous it is to provoke a hungry beast?”
She chuckled again. “’Twas naught but a harmless jest.”
“Mayhap, but I am still famished, with naught left but scraps fit only for the dogs.”
“We should return to court, then. I’m sure some winsome kitchen maid will take pity on you and sneak you something from the castle larder.” She brushed her hands and made to rise, but Alex was quicker and threw his leg over hers. He straddled her, pinning her thighs beneath him.
“What are you doing?” Kat cried out, trying to buck him off. But her legs were trapped. “Have you gone mad?”
Alex smiled down at Kat. “Mayhap mad for you, but to answer your first question, I’m not ready to leave. I have as yet to dole out your punishment.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Nay, punishment seems much too harsh for the crime you committed.”
He tapped his finger on his chin. “I know,” he said, “I shall demand instead a forfeit of you.” Using the pad of
his thumb, he traced her lower lip. “I believe a kiss would be fair recompense for you eating my portion of our meal, leaving my appetite unappeased. Besides, you lost our race and I wish to claim my prize.”
Her eyes flashing, Kat grabbed his wrist and tugged it away from her mouth. “Never shall I grant you a kiss willingly.”
His hand, still held in her grip, moved lower to her chest. He grazed the back of his knuckles over her left nipple and watched it peak and thrust up against her tunic. Blood rushed downward, and his shaft hardened like a rock. “Mayhap I should just steal one instead.” His eyes never left her breast, a clear indication that if he kissed her it would not be on the mouth.
Kat’s eyes narrowed and she yanked on his hand. “Whatever you intend, I would not suggest it if you value your manhood.”
“Very well,” he sighed. “But I shall not let you off so easily. If you will not give me a forfeit, I insist that you be given a penance. And I know exactly what it shall be.”
Then he tickled her ribs. Knowing she was extremely ticklish, he tortured her with his fingers as she wiggled, gasping and laughing at once. Her wild laughter startled the birds in the trees into flight, while her struggles succeeded in scooting him up and over her, their loins touching and rubbing against one another. The resulting friction caused his cock to swell larger, and he quivered with need.
Kat took advantage of his distraction and he suddenly found himself on his back beneath her while she tickled him, seeking revenge. Unable to help himself, he laughed, but soon grabbed her hands, stopping her relentless fingers.
She straddled him, her loosened hair cascading down around them like a shimmery waterfall, blocking out the sun. Their hands linked together, Kat gazed down at him, smiling. He tried to keep his desire in check, to proceed slowly, but Kat atop him was temptation incarnate. He stared up into her eyes and slowly rotated his hips, his erection seeking her heat. He found it, stroked it as he lifted his hips and ground against her womanly center once more. Her eyes darkened. She moaned softly.
Vow of Seduction Page 13
