by Amber Dane
‘And well you should be!’ Darc yelled back but not with much effect this time for he was distracted by other things he was feeling now. And unprepared for her quick apology. It had been too long since he’d been close to her. God’s teeth! Why did she have to smell so good?
Caroline took his moment of distraction to continue. ‘As you can see with your own eyes no harm has befallen me. I am quite safe and sound.’
He grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her into a room off the hall. Mildred and another maid stepped out of the way as they passed. Darc slammed the door behind them. Caroline waited for him to shout some more, but he did not.
He hauled her up against him and kissed her hard. Caroline was breathless when he set her back down. He left her to stand on shaky legs as he walked over to the window.
‘I will not have you disobey me, Caroline.’
Caroline found her voice. ‘I told you I did not mean to. But if you recall during our last conversation you walked out without hearing what I had to say.’
He turned and faced her. His dark expression was one of passion and anger. She held her breath, waiting.
‘The conversation had ended when I walked out.’
She stepped to him and he could see the fire burning in her eyes and it reminded him of when they’d first met. ‘Does that mean I am to have no say in this marriage then?’
Darc inhaled sharply. ‘You will do as I say. Did you not say yourself you wished to be a good wife? Your own words.’ He reminded her harshly. Her eyes widening with hurt and the slump of her shoulders made him feel bad. He sighed, continuing. ‘What do you want from me, Caroline?’
She took a step away, shaking her head. ‘That we be cordial to one another if we are to survive this marriage.’
Darc did not like her acid filled tone, but he knew he had hurt her feelings. ‘Done. And I accept your apology.’
Caroline could only stare at him. She was hurt and mad. She asked, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her tone. ‘Will that be all?’
He bristled and looked out the window. ‘How do the families fare after your visits?’
She had not expected that. She swallowed and replied. ‘They are doing better. They missed their loved ones a great deal but they have deep faith in you that you will find and punish those behind the deaths.’
He was quiet for a long moment before he nodded. Then he asked her to tell him more. Caroline found herself eager to share and sat on the stool next to him. He said nothing as she went on with tales of this family and that one.
When she was finished, he faced her asking, ‘Do you know how to ride?’
She frowned. ‘Of course.’
‘Good. We will take a ride later today and introduce Kelbie to it.’
Caroline watched him walk to the door where he turned and said over his shoulder. ‘You can continue your visits to the village under heavier guard.’
Then he was gone leaving her smiling. Caroline was pleased he had given in and allowed her to venture back out to the village.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Today Darc found Caroline in the candle making hut. It had been two days since he’d agreed to allow her to return to the village. He learned she spent most of her time after the noonday meal down in the village. The guards heavy presence followed her every step.
In the past two days they had spent quite a bit of time together, mostly during their rides along the river. She was quite the horsewoman and Kelbie enjoyed the outings. She could not claim he kept her locked away now.
Now, Darc told himself he was checking on his tenants and not that he was following his wife around like a starved pup.
A front door led to the large space inside, but the rear was without a roof and fenced in to air out the dipping stands, fumes and smoke. Several candles burned atop a trestle in one corner and ones waiting to dry hung from the dip rack strung together. The aroma of wax and oil hung heavy in the air.
To Darc’s horror, he ended up with animal fat on his hands and making a candle of his own. How the fast-talking women and his wife managed to engage him in the process he had little time to ponder once he viewed the upside.
Aye, it was a good thing. She wanted him to be cordial then cordial he would continue to be, even if it meant forcing himself to do women’s work. He refused to admit he enjoyed any part of it. The expression upon her face as she looked at him was worth it all however. And the sound of her soft voice and sweet words could make him do anything. Darc grunted, irritated and surprised at the way he was acting.
With a jerk, he took his still warm candle stick and held it out to her for her inspection with a snap of his wrist.
After a long while, she said. ‘‘Tis sufficient.’
‘Your satisfaction is my goal, Caroline.’ He remarked coolly, his brows winged. ‘Cordial. Continuing to tell me untruths will not build our trust.’
Caroline swallowed and dropped her eyes to the candle. Was he truly that sensitive over his try at candle making? The thing was ugly, bumps and ridges in areas where it should have been smooth and even. Ah, if he wanted the truth, she would let him have it.
Him being here had made her nervous enough. She was a bit miffed that he had appeared. Had he come to the village to ascertain that she indeed was following his orders?
Feeling the heat of anger sting her cheeks, she lifted her eyes back to his. Those blue depths watched her with a steady gaze. Aye, that was why he had come. Cordial and trust, my arse! Caroline screamed inside.
But aloud she uttered, ‘I have seen worse, but ‘twill still burn. Your attempt is much appreciated, my lord.’ She said bitterly. ‘Mayhap on the morrow we shall try the bake house.’
He shocked her with his robust laughter as he threw his head back. That thick throat, muscles working made her fingers itch to reach out and touch his skin. Damn his hide for making her gaze linger there and for making her miss the sound of his laughter. She’d not heard that throaty sound since Rourke had been here. Her heart warmed over the sound of it and she fought to keep her feelings from showing in her eyes. ‘Twas bad enough her heart beat erratically these past couple of days in his attempt to be cordial and everywhere she looked. She did not want to admit how much she enjoyed it.
He gave her an unconvinced look then went and scrubbed his hands in the washbowl in the cleaning area. The other women nearby kept their eyes on their task, but Caroline knew they watched and listened.
Darc joined two of his men-at-arms at the exit, where he turned back to her and said sweetly, ‘Baking. Very good, wife. Very good.’
When he and the men were a good distance away the women looked in her direction. Their smiles warmed her heart even more.
Darc knew she was in the room before her sharp intake of breath caused a smile to spread upon his face. She did not want to be here with him, but she had little choice. He’d demanded her presence and it was his right. And he would not be denied. He did not quite understand her upset with him still. He had agreed and given in on her argument about the village and he thought he was handling this cordial part of her request rather well.
Yet he knew something still bothered her. Oh, she spoke politely and pleasant enough when they were together, though at times he heard the snappiness in her tone. And she gave a warm smile every now and then. But he knew something was not right.
He glanced in her direction, her side profile to him as she fidgeted with his clothes and other items sitting atop his trunk.
Darc turned his back to her and began to remove his tunic and hose across the room. He had not asked for his squire this eve for he wanted her to assist him this night.
He had peeked in on Kelbie in her chamber and the little boy's even breaths told he slept soundly and the kind maid, Mildred watched over him and Darc had told her to send his wife to his chambers.
He had his wife all to himself this night. And he was excited.
Was not long before he heard noises over his shoulder as she moved around loudly deliberately.
He still did not turn around to see what she was about. He thought back to the first time she had come into his room. The difference since then.
Finally naked before the hot bath, he let out a sigh at the affect she had on him. . As the warm water closed over his hips and stomach, he let out a loud exaggerated sigh knowing she heard it. Darc rested his head back against the rim of the tub and closed his eyes. He was more tired than he’d thought.
‘Come wash my back, wife.’
Her gasp almost made him smile, but he kept a stony expression and waited. He heard her angry steps approach the tub, and then her agitated voice came close to his left ear. Her warm breath sent a ripple of smoldering desire through him and all she had said was, ‘Aye.’
This was going to be a long night if he didn't say or do the right thing. He just was not sure what still had a burr under her skin.
When her fingers touched his shoulder, he stretched and leaned forward with her not so gentle push.
He cracked open one eye and found his face barely an inch from the water’s surface.
It took all of Caroline’s strength not to push his head under the water and she curled her fingers into the washcloth and drew it down between his shoulder blades and let the water run down his back.
She was mad at him still, but being close to him, her hands on his skin…she would be telling an untruth if she said it bothered her not. She took in an unsteady breath.
She scrubbed his back hard. He made not one complaint. Frustrated she drew the cloth around to the front of his chest. She pushed him back. His eyes were still closed and he looked like he had fallen asleep.
Caroline dropped her gaze to his chest, her eyes following her hand and the cloth. The water and soap glistening on the dark hairs of his chest made her catch her breath.
Her hands shaking now, she moved lower, the water barely covered his large body in the tub and she washed his navel and could not stop her moan when the head of his shaft jutted up through the water to brush against her palm. Caroline looked at him. His eyes were open, his body tense and his breathing had increased.
‘I can wash myself there.’
Raw desire laced his tone. Caroline read the hunger, the flaming desire she was feeling in her own body in his eyes. She had caught herself in her own game.
She swallowed, licking her lips. ‘Nay.’
She wanted to wash that part of him. His animal groan of pleasure filled the chamber and Caroline felt powerful. Working the towel along his length, she soaped him, worked it up and down and all around his hot pulsing shaft. His hot flesh jumping in her hand. She did not know her mouth hung open as she reached further below the shaft and held his tight sacs in her hand. His growl made her hesitate.
‘Caroline, I think that is enough.’
She ignored his warning and smiled wickedly seeing in his eyes what she felt. She gently caressed him some more. He did not smile back this time but grabbed the back of her head, his hands tightening in her hair. ‘Caroline....’ his voice was so deep and sent shivers through her. ‘I warned you.’
She squealed as he raised that magnificent body from the tub, water splashing the floor as it ran off him.
His thumb now caressed her throat. Caroline, her own voice trembling and husky as she held the dripping cloth, said. ‘You need to rinse-‘
With his other free hand he bent for the pail of fresh water next to the tub and poured it over his head and the balance over his stiff manhood.
‘Twas the most sensual act Caroline had ever seen and her knees buckled beneath her. His arm held her up. She sucked in a ragged breath and dropped the rag into the water.
‘Satisfied?’ he stepped from the tub and pulled her hard against his wet body. Her clothes were immediately soaked through, but she did not care. She was on fire and wanted what he wanted, badly. Within moments he had her gown off and over her head, then he ripped her thin chemise from her, neck to waist.
Her breasts sprung free with a bounce and he lifted her up.
Caroline placed her hands on his broad shoulders and balanced herself as he suckled her long nipples. He caressed, teased and blew on them.
‘Darc!’ She could bear no more and her head spinning, her body shaking, she gave into the exquisite sensations. She could not hold back her cry as the first wave of her release shook her. She was still shaking in ecstasy when he slid her body ever so slowly down his. Her nipples swelled with electric pulses of pleasure against the hairs on his chest.
‘Twas like lightening when their bare skin touched and she melted breathing his name on a breathless sensual and sated sigh.
His hardness pressed against her ribs and belly.
Her arms encircled his thick neck to hold on. She was so weak and unable to stand. Darc leaned down to whisper what he wanted to do to her.
‘You are exquisite.’ He said watching the aftershocks of her climax display across her face. ‘I adore your sensitive breasts, your nipples…such delectable tender buds.’
Never had he witnessed a woman reaching her peak from the suckling and fondling of their breasts. His chest filled with emotion and a surge of hot need swelled his manhood even more.
Caroline agreed to everything he said, even though she did not know half of what he meant, but she would have given him anything in that moment. She was so delirious with desire.
His fingers found her soft swollen core and he stroked her into another heightened frenzy as he pressed her tightly against him.
The heat, the connection was too much and sweet for her. Her skin came alive, burning for him. Caroline moaned and leaned into him more. How they got near the bed, she did not know, but he yanked the coverlets down and threw them in a pile near the hearth. He laid her on top of them.
Caroline nodded in anticipation as he stood naked over her. Her eyes raked hungrily over his heavily muscled and powerful body and her body reacted physically by shaking with her desire. She met his gaze. His blue eyes glowed brightly in the firelight across his face.
‘Are you still angry with me, wife?’
Caroline reached for him, he came down to her. ‘A bit.’
‘But you will not deny me this?’
‘Nay.’ She choked as he trailed his fingers across her damp skin.
‘Will you not tell me why you are still mad?’ he nuzzled her neck.
She remained quiet. He repeated his question. She shook her head and he kissed her senseless.
‘Tell me, Caroline.’ He demanded of her with his deep husky tone.
And Caroline did. ‘I want you to hear me.’
Darc knew what she was asking of him and heat blazed a path to his heart. He kissed her again. ‘I hear you, Caroline. Just never disobey me again.’
Her eyes misted and she nodded. Darc closed his eyes against the lie in her eyes and did not open them again until she touched him.
She caressed his scar and rubbed the soft stubble lining his jaw she so loved to feel against her fingers.
‘This is lovely. My handsome, Darc.’ He jerked against her. ‘Never remove this. Ohhh!’
She said no more as he entered her.
Darc spilled his seed before he was fully sheathed in her hot heat. And continued to pump in and out with his neck buried in her throat until he was ready again to take her with him to that pleasurable place.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
The next morning Darc strutted around the castle with a feeling of happiness he’d not felt in an extremely long time until Caroline asked a boon from him. Why she wanted him to follow her down to the village, he did not question aloud but sighed and followed her nonetheless. He had much to do this day after having put off much this week by being at her side.
He shoved aside the passionate thoughts that they had shared last night and the way her body had exploded at the simplest touch from him. By the Gods, the woman had drained every ounce from him and he’d enjoyed every bit of it. Annoyed at his thoughts of late, he did little to slow his long and hurried strides.
&
nbsp; She surprised him when she kept up to his pace saying nothing and practically running alongside him. And he felt bad for being so irritated over something he refused to face.
She had not asked much of him. Still, he grunted in vexation. He glanced down to see that plump bottom lip of hers pulled at one corner between her teeth. Even after last night, he wanted her again, her warm body, that mouth and…He missed a step at his thoughts.
Her wide eyes turned on him and Darc quickly looked away, ignoring her. God’s thunder! He spent too much time worrying about her feelings.
Villagers nodded, greeting him as they passed and geese and other loose fowl scrambled out of their way as they rounded one path through the small huts.
Caroline ran ahead of him to a large cottage sitting back from the others.
Darc hesitated in his step, almost coming to a stop. He knew this place and had not been back to it since that night his world had changed. A place he’d seen often enough in his nightmares. Another place he’d not visited when he’d returned on the few times he’d visited his estate here over the past five years. A ball of pain formed inside his chest.
At the door she turned to look back over her shoulder at him. Darc did not realize he had stopped until she spoke.
‘Well, are you just going to stand there? Will you not come in with me?’
Did she not know what this place meant to him? Nay, he cursed himself. How could she? He’d told her nothing of it. He’d not shared this part of his life with her. She had asked and he had refused. Anger replaced his confusion. Then why was she here?
‘Because I have something I wish to show you.’ Caroline answered him and Darc realized he’d spoken his question aloud.
‘Whatever it is, bring it out.’ He snapped.
Her wide eyes flashed with hurt before narrowing on him and he knew she was upset. Her stance of indignation made him unsure. He asked angrily, ‘Why did you bring me here?’
Caroline walked a few paces back to him. some villagers were casting curious stares their way as they went about their business. But Darc knew all ears were paying attention to seeing him this deep in the center of their village. A section he always avoided.
