She gazed into the blue fire of his eyes. Her arm moved slowly around his neck, pulling him downward to kiss him again. She longed for the touch of his body on hers. His hands started moving over her as if in a fever. The cool night air seemed startling against the heat of her body, and his. She thrilled at the sound of his in-drawn breath when her hands moved beneath his shirt and caressed his back. The ecstasy of his feather light touch sent tremors racing through her body. She became lost in a world of spiraling passion and cared about nothing but the wonderful sensations. Nicolette gasped as the shivers of delight raced through her.
He recaptured her lips then covered her body with his. She instinctively opened her legs wide to cuddle his hardness. She heard him gasp at the contact and moaned, as the ache deep inside intensified. She felt deliciously sinful as her hips caressed him. His groans of pleasure encouraged her to a passionate response of her own. She felt no fear, because somehow this seemed right. She loved him and wanted whatever would come.
Suddenly Jamie moved away, and keen disappointment stirred. Her gaze slowly traveled over him, hungry to see the masculine beauty. His body so tempting that it was almost painful not to reach out to him. She looked lower, her curiosity blazed far too hotly to deny, and her eyes widened at the sight of his arousal. Then she looked up and noted the sparkle in his eyes.
Jamie noted her perusal and laughed, "My perfect Goddess. I shall have to remember how primitive you can be."
His fingertip caressed her lower lip, and Nicolette gasped. The light touch sent a lightning bolt through her as she yearned for more. The cool breeze on her burning body did little to diminish the raging fire in her belly.
"I want you as I have wanted no other woman. You will be my wife, Nicolette. Nothing can keep you from me. You will be mine tonight."
Her heart soared at his words, but the haze of pleasure was beyond her experience. The desire she felt burned for release, and she could think of nothing else but his words of passion.
"Show me what to do, how to love you."
His deep, rumbling voice, sent shivers down her arms when he spoke, "I can deny my feelings no longer! You tempt me beyond all reason, lass." His lips moved back to hers as his tongue mated with her own, "You have driven me to the gates of heaven, sweet Goddess, and I can wait no longer to make you mine." He gazed into her eyes, "I love you as no man has ever loved a woman."
Her passion melded with his, spiraling to an unparalleled zenith of contentment and joy. Never had she felt so complete, or so loved.
~ * ~
Later, they clung together, exhausted, and lay for a long time, listening to the sounds of the night, neither wanting the moment to end.
Slowly reason returned, "Jamie, I am such a wanton! Are you sure you want me for your wife."
His booming laughter echoed through the gardens, "Lass, after the most beautiful moment I’ve ever experienced how could you believe that I would not want a temptress like you for my wife? It’s every man’s dream to love a fiery Goddess!"
Jamie moved away, looking deep into her eyes, and she blushed. His gaze moved to her lips, then down to her breasts and back again. He smiled, "Aye, a temptress, a siren that calls to me with more than her song." He took a deep breath. "I would have such joy again, but alas I must control my desire," he pulled her to her feet.
"Aye, what a shame it is to cover your beauty," he smiled and brushed a kiss across her lips again. Jamie laughed as he looked down, "A barefoot goddess! Where are your shoes and stockings? Did you leave those in your room?"
Nicolette nodded, suddenly sad, a single tear moving down her cheek. Her life had changed forever, for now she was a woman and she felt a fleeting sadness for the loss of her innocence.
"I’m sorry, lass, but it could not be helped. There will be no pain the next time. Aye, and now you are no longer a child." He pulled her into his arms, and kissed her again.
When he re-buttoned his trousers Nicolette could not force her gaze from him, and he smiled.
Jamie walked to the small table and poured two goblets of wine, returning he handed her both goblets. He reached down for his silk shirt, pulled out the lace kerchief from the sleeve, took her hand, wound it around their wrists then spoke a few words.
Nicolette giggled, "What are you doing? You speak in a tongue I do not understand."
"We have a custom at home. All you need to know is that I give a sacred vow to you, and now before almighty God, you are truly mine."
"Jamie, you do not understand, something horrible has happened. I’m frightened. There is so much that stands in our way. It is not that simple! I cannot be yours."
He shook his head, "What happened here tonight has made you mine forever. Nothing can change that."
"I love you, Jamie, but there are other things that may keep us apart."
Jamie smiled, "Nay lass, I will take care of you, everything, and everyone else, if necessary. If you will but trust me and tell me what is wrong I promise I can help."
He kissed her, and she felt delicious, as the liquid warmth spread through her again. She stood on her toes then took his head in her hands. "But my darling, I would never let you be hurt in any way. I would protect you, as well."
Jamie laughed, "As it should be, we will protect each other for the rest of our lives, because now we are hand-fasted. You belong to me Nicolette, body and soul. Tonight you are my wife."
"Hand-fasted. What does that mean?" she gazed into his eyes, and her lips seemed to be drawn to his. Her finger moved to trace his lower lip, and when she could resist no longer she kissed him again, her body trembling.
Jamie pulled away, "Goddess, have mercy on a mere mortal, another kiss like that and I will nay be able to leave you." He laughed, grabbed her hand and put the goblets down. "Come. I think it’s time for you to be in bed. Alone!"
Ten
Jamie sighed then took a sip of hot tea that burned his tongue. "Aggghh!"
"What’s wrong with you? Your groggy and you’ve barely spoken since coming down. You could be better company," Laurent smiled as he stirred a spoon of sugar into his tea. "Tell me, did you keep Nicolette up very late?"
Jamie gazed out the open window, drifting deep into thought. What could he say? He hated half-truths as much as lies, but he could never tell Laurent about his evening. He wondered how his friend would react if he knew what happened last night? Indeed, at this very moment would they be in a glade in the woods with their swords drawn, ready for battle? Instead, he remained in this cozy, sun filled room.
"Honor..." he whispered. To him their moments together had been completely honest. Nicolette was now his, body and soul. He would protect her with his life and give everything within his power to make her happy. Aye, perhaps in the eyes of the world it had not been a proper wedding, but in his opinion his pledge was far more binding than many of those given before an altar.
He sighed again. Last night, after returning to his room, he could think of nothing but Nicolette. He wanted to go to her, to spend every moment for the rest of his life with her. Instead, he spent the night at war with his desire. After much soul searching, he forced himself to stay away and would until their formal wedding ceremony, yet, even now, the thought of her caused arousal.
The delicious aroma of freshly baked sweet breads permeated his senses. He took a sip of hot tea to clear his mind. He took another sip then looked up to see Laurent waiting expectantly for a reply. He cleared his throat. "I spent..."
"The Marquis de Berges is here, my Lord." Henri announced.
Relief flowed over him like a cool rain in the heat of summer, when Henri suddenly became his deliverance. He smothered a laugh when he noted the look of utter surprise on Laurent’s face at the announcement.
Obviously uncertain of his welcome, de Berges refused to wait for an invitation and boldly followed Henri into the breakfast room.
Curiosity consumed him as he scrutinized the man, who squirmed under his direct gaze. Jamie found the sight annoying. How could Nic
olette have been enamored of such a jackanapes?
Jamie smiled slowly as his gaze slid to Laurent. He found it amusing that his friend could wear much the same clothing, appear equally as elegant, yet maintain an air of virility, while this man appeared to be a simpering coward. For a moment he felt disgust, then relief as he realized that Nicolette could never be happy with such a milksop.
Jamie took another sip of the hot, steamy tea, savoring the awareness it brought, then forced himself to appear interested as he listened to Philippe’s thin, weak voice. It was a struggle. The man irritated him beyond belief.
"Laurent, my old friend, it has been so very long! Please forgive my intrusion," for the first time Philippe seemed to notice they were eating. "Gentlemen, do not let me interrupt. I will only stay a moment. I have just now heard the news of Nicolette’s betrothal. I have come to make peace and offer my felicitations for the joyful event."
Surprise registered on Laurent’s face. A muscle twitched in Jamie’s jaw as he remembered de Berges had boasted of his own betrothal to Nicolette in Paris. Suspicion burst into full bloom as he wondered about the strange social call.
"Philippe, this is quite a surprise. Please, won’t you join us," Laurent waved his hand and servants appeared with trays of food, hot chocolate, and tea. "Did you know that I have recently been in Paris?" Laurent looked at Jamie and winked. "Although I did not see you there, I have heard a great deal of you."
Philippe’s face turned bright red, he choked, and tea splattered across the table. A servant rushed from behind him to help, but Philippe roughly pushed him away. "Excuse me. What a breach of etiquette! No matter, what was I saying?" Philippe laughed. "Of course. Well, we might as well speak of it since I have heard the rumors myself. I cannot understand how those stories began, but I suppose that it was your uncle, John Pierre. After all, he has been quite concerned about Nicolette’s future. He felt that a match between our families would be beneficial. I must say that I have never taken the matter seriously. I hope you understand."
Laurent nodded, "Of course I understand considering the discord that exists between us. However, Nicolette’s betrothal has been planned for several years. As for the lack of offers, I have heard gossip on that subject myself."
Philippe flushed then smiled, and Jamie felt his skin crawl. The man’s crooked teeth gave him an almost sinister appearance. He took a snuffbox from his pocket, inhaled, and used a flowing white handkerchief with yards of lace to dab his nose. Jamie grinned. The man seemed almost effeminate.
"I understand John Pierre promised your father on his death bed that he would protect Nicolette. He has been quite concerned with the fact that she is nearly nineteen and not married."
"You must be mistaken. John Pierre was in Paris when my father died," Laurent took a sip of tea. "No matter. You may tell my uncle that he can quit worrying," Laurent smiled.
"Let me introduce Nicolette’s fiancé. This is the Earl of Skye, Laird Jamie MacQueen of the Clan MacQueen, and my very good friend." he nodded. "Jamie, this is our neighbor the Marquis Philippe de Berges."
"Pleasure," Jamie gave a curt nod of his head. "So tell me, did you come from Paris simply to attend the betrothal ball?" Jamie glanced at Laurent and caught the quick grin at his reply.
Philippe gave another crooked smile, and the unease Jamie felt earlier flooded back. There was more to this man than could be seen on the surface, something that he couldn’t define.
"No, not at all, Monsieur. I returned home on business, and happened to meet Nicolette while she was out riding yesterday. She told me of the betrothal. I decided it was time to let the past be just that, and I wished her well."
Jamie watched Laurent. The tension conveyed by his body seemed barely contained. Laurent held his napkin to his lips, and for a moment Jamie thought he noted a smile in his eyes.
"Certainly. That is quite magnanimous of you. You were out of touch while visiting Paris, and I can imagine your surprise with our news." Laurent smiled again, "Now, tell me, how are things in the assembly."
Jamie stood, "I can see that you two have much to discuss." He could barely contain his anger as he left the room. How could the little vixen keep her meeting with Philippe a secret? What was she planning? Did she think to marry the imbecile even now?
Jamie marched up the stairs to her bedchamber, then opened the door violently.
Marie gasped, "Monsieur, you frightened me."
Jamie’s gaze never left Nicolette’s, "Please forgive me, ladies."
Nicolette stood in her chemise. Her upper body covered by her glorious red gold hair, looking every inch an angry Goddess as she whipped around to face him.
"Marie, you may leave us," Jamie’s voice soft, yet menacingly silky.
"Marie, you may stay," Nicolette’s voice wobbled slightly.
"Marie, you will leave!" It was an unmistakable command.
Marie glanced at Jamie, then toward Nicolette, and walked quickly to the door, making a wide curve around him as she passed.
"My lady, I have so much to do, if you will please excuse me."
"Marie! Marie come back here at once!"
Marie giggled and scurried away.
Nicolette gazed into his eyes, "I can see why she rushed to leave. Your anger is quite obvious." She sounded furious, then confused, "Why are you doing this? And why have you come into my bedchamber unannounced?" Her voice shook, "And you didn’t knock! How dare you!"
Jamie noted her fury and smiled. She did not think to cover herself and simply stood fearlessly facing him as lightning bolts flashed in her eyes.
The wildcat is back. Her eyes had turned dark emerald, the color he had come to expect when she was incensed. He took a deep breath. His anger had ebbed considerably, changing into something much more dangerous once he saw her perfect body in the silky white chemise. The peach of her skin glowed, and the deep rose tips of her breasts could be seen beneath the sheerness. Her beauty, yes even her very presence, seemed to have such a surprising, hypnotic, effect. He never knew what to expect when she was near, and he suddenly smiled at the contradiction. Jamie stood with his hands on his hips and his legs spread wide. His voice rumbled when he spoke, "Why did you not tell me he was here?"
"Who...Oh."
Nicolette lowered her eyes, and Jamie noted her cheeks flamed a bright pink. She was delicious even in deceit.
"I was frightened. Philippe said terrible things when he learned of our betrothal."
Her gaze moved back to his own, and Jamie watched her eyes carefully.
"Why did you not tell me of Philippe last evening?" his voice was nearly a whisper. Still there was no reply, "He is downstairs. He has come to offer felicitations."
Her emerald eyes no longer flashed with anger. No, there was something definitely very different in their depths and Jamie began to pace as he wondered what she was thinking.
"He what?" her voice sounded skeptical and strained, and the emerald fire glistened with sudden tears.
Again, he asked the question, "Why did you not tell me last night, Nicolette?"
"I could not!" she sounded as if she was near panic, and looked as though she might burst into tears. "He is so frightening. He’s promised to do something terrible." a single tear slowly moved down her cheek.
White-hot anger flashed through him, "He threatened you?"
She nodded.
"You should have told me. Why did you not trust me, Nicolette?" His anger exploded, "You will never see him again without speaking to me first." Furious, he slammed his palm against the bedpost, and his voice rose, "Remember, he can do nothing to us now, you are mine, body and soul. Have we not proven that fact? We have a true bond, one that is far beyond a simple betrothal."
"What do you mean?"
"Do I really have to remind you of last night," Jamie smiled. "If I have to move heaven and earth I will have you, and after what we shared last night how can you consider anything else?"
Her face flamed, "I am not yours, Jamie, even after wha
t happened."
"Indeed? I think I can prove otherwise." Jamie whispered, "Tell me, my sweet Goddess, have you considered that you could carry my child even now?"
Nicolette gasped then stepped back, "You must not speak of such things. How can you think of that now?"
Jamie smiled, "And why not my lady? You belong to me. I long to touch you."
"It is daylight!"
Jamie laughed, "And what does that have to do with anything?"
Nicolette blushed again, "I know you can prove that I want you, because I do" Her gaze moved to his lips, then back to his eyes. She lowered her gaze. The dark lashes fanning across her cheeks. "But Philippe can give me something I want very badly."
"And what has that jackanapes promised you?" Jamie took a step forward.
"He offers me what you cannot," Nicolette began to cry, then her fist moved to her mouth to hold back a sob.
Jamie found it difficult to watch her distress, and wanted nothing more than to pull her into the safety of his arms. Yet, considering her state of undress he could not hold her without wanting much more.
"What is it that I cannot give you, my sweet Goddess."
"You cannot give me this chateau, and you cannot protect Laurent," a sob escaped her.
"And Philippe can?" Jamie took her hand.
"Oui."
She sounded so much like a child when another heart wrenching sob burst from her that Jamie almost smiled.
"He said my uncle would soon become my guardian. He will give Philippe the chateau as part of my dowry."
"And what of Laurent?" he watched her very carefully. Her fear was so real he could see it in her eyes.
"He said so many terrible things!"
"And why must you have the chateau, my sweet, beautiful, Goddess?"
"I promised father I would never leave. If something happens to Laurent then the promise would be broken. I cannot allow them to take that away from Laurent. I am afraid Philippe will harm my brother...and you," her voice wobbled.
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