“Let me take care of you, Lis, and stop making the task so blasted complicated.”
She clamped her mouth shut then preceded him into the great cabin to find her family enjoying tea with Amelia and Monsieur Hillary.
Serafine poured her a cup. Lisette sank onto the seat next to her cousin and accepted the offering with her thanks.
Daniel sent a pointed look Lisette’s direction. “Fill your cousin in on the latest happenings.” He disappeared through his office entrance and closed the door.
Lisette shared the news of Monsieur Baptiste’s abduction and rescue.
Serafine huffed. “I always thought the man brainless, but I never realized how dense he truly is.”
Monsieur Hillary and Amelia leaned forward, clearly interested in their exchange.
“Serafine, don’t insult Monsieur Baptiste. He was Papa’s closest friend.”
“Which illustrates my point perfectly. Why didn’t he anticipate Reynaud would come to him? Reynaud had to realize you had received assistance in fleeing. If Monsieur Baptiste had gone into hiding for several days, Reynaud never would have found us.”
“You can’t blame Monsieur Baptiste. Reynaud is crafty.”
Serafine shrugged. “It doesn’t require a crafty man to capture a dolt.”
Daniel returned to the great cabin in time to overhear this last statement. He had removed his jacket, waistcoat, and cravat. He moved to the sideboard and poured himself a drink. “Tell me, mademoiselle, what do you think I should do with the dolt in my infirmary?”
“I wouldn’t give him any job too mentally taxing, if that is your meaning.”
“I thought to send him back to New Orleans. Perhaps we’ll dock next in Lisbon.”
“No.” Lisette jumped from her seat. “He can’t go back. What if Reynaud kills him?”
Daniel raised a brow and sipped his drink. “I hope you aren’t suggesting he reside with us in London.”
So, the added responsibility of Monsieur Baptiste did vex her husband. “No, I don’t wish him to reside with us, but…”
Daniel sighed. Loudly. As if she was more trouble than she was worth. “Very well. He may stay as a guest for a short time. A very short time.” He downed his drink then set it on the table with a clunk. “As you must recall, this is our wedding day. I’ll thank everyone to leave us alone now. Dinner shall be served in your own cabins this evening.”
Lisette’s mouth dropped open. She wasn’t certain what bothered her more, his rudeness to their guests or implications they intended to engage in intimacy.
Once they were alone, Daniel stretched his arms overhead. His shirt gapped open at the neck once his arms fell to his side. “Tiring day.”
She had grown accustomed to seeing him without the usual articles of clothing favored by gentlemen. He was less intimidating than when he dressed in proper attire, but the thought of him without a stitch of clothing on made her heart sprint.
“You’ve never mentioned your grandfather,” she said as a way of stalling.
Daniel pulled out a chair and dropped onto it. “Why would I? Is he relevant?”
Lisette turned the fine bone china cup on the saucer. Delicate pink blossoms decorated the edge. “I wouldn’t know his relevance to you. Only you can answer that question.”
“You weren’t referring to his worth then? I had assumed my inheritance made me a more desirable husband of a sudden. No need for an annulment or residing apart now?”
Why must he goad her? “I found you desirable long before I discovered the worth of your accounts.”
His dimple pierced his cheek. “What a lovely thing to say, Mrs. Hillary. I suspect you might have a tendre for me.”
“And how unfortunate for me,” she snapped. His mockery hurt.
Daniel reached across the table with his palm up. “Lis, I didn’t mean to upset you. I am touchy when it comes to my worth, and I’m pleased to know your regard for me is genuine.” He captured her hand when she didn’t place it in his. His fingers traced each knuckle. His light touch sent delicious currents racing through her. “Your fondness for me pleases me, and I return it in kind.”
Fondness. How despairing the word. She examined the porcelain cup as she circled it on the saucer. “This is beautiful, but out of place here. Why do you have such delicate pieces onboard?”
When she met his gaze, the teasing light was gone.
“The dishes belonged to Cecily. The set was a wedding gift from her mother.”
Lisette’s mouth formed a silent “oh.” An oppressive weight pressed on her chest. Cecily would always be between them, Lisette’s opposition even in death.
Daniel searched her face and then frowned. Snatching the cup and saucer from her, he pushed to his feet. “Follow me.” He stalked to his office without waiting for her.
“What are you doing?” Lisette scrambled from her seat to run after him. He had reached the balcony by the time she entered. He’d gone mad, corkbrained, to borrow a phrase from the English crewmen.
Drawing his arm back, he hurled the cup into the churning waters.
“Daniel!” She rushed forward to stop him.
He looked over his shoulder, smiled, and then flung the saucer like a discus. It sailed through the air and shattered as it hit the surface. “My Lord, that felt amazing. Bring me the rest.” Laughter rang in his voice.
“But you’re breaking the dishes.”
“I’m ridding us of them, yes. Now hurry. I need your help.”
Hope sprouted inside her. Daniel was throwing away a piece of Cecily. Lisette dashed to the great cabin and ripped the larger plates from their home. With a stack in hand, she hurried back to the balcony.
Daniel grabbed a plate, tossed it, and then took the stack from her. “You throw one too.”
She shoved her hands behind her and backed away. “I shouldn’t.”
Shifting the load to one arm, he held out a plate. “Cecily has no place between us, luv. Toss it.”
She smiled tentatively. “If you are certain…” He thrust the plate at her. “Very well. I will.” Lisette cast the dish into the sea as far as she could and then grabbed another. Together, they dispatched the dinner plates and rushed to gather the remaining dishes. Daniel dumped an armload over the railing, and she followed his example. One more trip saw the last of Cecily’s china tossed overboard.
Her breathing was heavy from exertion and exhilaration. Maybe their marriage stood a chance after all, although they would dine on wooden saucers for the remainder of the voyage.
Daniel gathered her in his arms. A joyful smile lit his face. “What else shall we toss overboard?”
Lisette laughed and hugged him. “That’s enough.” And it was. His actions spoke of optimism and new beginnings. She didn’t require anything more.
“I should toss you over my shoulder and carry you to bed,” he said.
A muffled knock sounded at the great cabin door.
“Damnation.” He kissed her cheek and released her from his embrace. “That will be water for your bath.”
A bath sounded divine. She hadn’t enjoyed such luxury since their stay in Port Albis.
He led her from the balcony. “One last gift for my bride.”
“I have nothing to give you.”
“I’m content with what you have to give me, my sweet.” Her insides flipped again as he lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her fingers. His gaze held her frozen in place. “You have given me a taste of freedom.”
Lisette had no idea as to his meaning, but the intensity with which he spoke these words filled her with love.
Twenty-three
Daniel hesitated outside the chamber door. Lisette’s splashing had ceased several minutes earlier, but he didn’t know if she had finished dressing. He suspected his sudden entrance might increase her apprehension, and frankly, her obvious fear of consummating their marriage frayed his nerves to a degree. He had never bedded an innocent, but he’d heard horrid tales of wedding nights ending in swoon
ing or hysterical crying.
“Bloody hell,” he groaned under his breath and rapped on the door. He wouldn’t allow such ludicrous notions to run amok in his brain. He damned well knew what he was doing.
“Yes?” Her voice didn’t waver, which seemed a good omen.
“Dinner has arrived.”
“Oh.” She sounded confused by his announcement, prompting him to ease open the door.
Lisette perched on the side of the bed, pulling a brush through her silky hair. She had donned a light cotton nightrail, a demure ensemble trimmed in lace with a white satin bow enclosure at the neck. Her attire was more suitable for a young girl than a woman, but there was no mistaking Lisette for a girl. She adjusted her position on the bed and her full breasts swayed, the faint rose color of her nipples showing through the insubstantial material.
Daniel’s pulse quickened. “You have dressed for bed.”
A pink flush colored her cheeks. “I thought we…” She trailed off and lowered her gaze but then peeked at him from underneath the dark fringe of her lashes. If he didn’t know any better, he would think her an experienced coquette.
“And what a brilliant thought, my dear. Dinner can wait.” He crossed to the bed in two strides and sat beside her, taking the brush from her hand. “May I?”
Her solemn green eyes lifted to meet his direct stare. “Yes,” she whispered before turning her back to him.
He drew the bristles through her midnight locks. Rarely had he seen hair so black it assumed a blue reflection in the light. The pale ladies of Mayfair seemed dull in comparison to his alluring bride. Upon smoothing his free hand over her hair in the wake of the brush, fine strands twined around his fingers as if they possessed a will of their own. He luxuriated in her softness.
Setting the brush aside, he lifted the heavy curtain of hair cascading down her back to bare her neck. His fingers curled around her shoulder as he placed his lips against her supple skin and inhaled. Jasmine. The enchanting fragrance would forever remind him of his sweet Lisette.
He sprinkled light kisses upon her neck, savoring her scent. A shiver shook her from head to hip, and he felt the tremors against his thigh.
“Are you frightened?” he asked.
She glanced over her shoulder; her rose-petal lips parted. “No.”
Turning toward him, she kissed him as if to prove her claim. Passion flared in his core. He wanted to toss her back on the mattress and make her his. His muscles twitched with the effort of denying himself.
“Are you frightened, monsieur?” Her breath fanned his cheeks, the scent of tooth powder making him smile.
“I was apprehensive at first.”
Lisette pulled back. A tiny crease formed between her arched brows. “Why?”
“Our marriage was sudden, and I wasn’t certain if you would be ready for this.”
She nibbled her bottom lip. “I don’t know what to expect, is all, but I am ready. I want you here.”
Daniel’s lungs filled on a deep inhale. He’d been holding his breath without realizing. “I want you, too, Lis.”
When he reached for the bow at her neckline, her hand covered his and halted his fingers. Her searching gaze bore into him. “Are we truly married?”
Was this the source of her hesitation? She feared they were not legally wed? Of course. Lisette wouldn’t know the laws governing his homeland. “I assure you we are bound forever in matrimony. Nothing can challenge the validity of our union.”
Her hand cupped his cheek. “But it’s not too late to undo the vows, correct?”
It bloody well was too late. She couldn’t willy-nilly decide to toss him over and escape her promise. She had married him without any coercion, and she was of sound mind. Lisette was good and married whether she liked it or not.
He checked his ire and forced himself to speak in a patient tone. “I’ve not changed my mind since I offered for you this morning. Am I to assume you are suffering from regret?”
“No…”
Daniel’s gut roiled. There was so much meaning behind that one word, an unspoken question. What was it she needed from him?
He buried his fingers in her hair and urged her forward. “Lisette Hillary, I desire you above all women. I’m pleased you are my wife, and I will endeavor to make you happy to have married me.”
Her dark lashes fluttered and lay against her cheeks. She released her breath on a broken sigh. “But will you ever love me like you loved Cecily?”
God, no. Cecily was an illness, a plague upon him. She had possessed his mind and wrecked his peace. Lisette was everything his first wife was not.
“I will love you better,” he promised, believing it in his heart.
The crease between her brows eased, and her eyes rose to meet his gaze again. The soft glow there warmed him inside. “Then I’m already happy I married you.”
Their mouths brushed together, hers moist and plump, and a jolt struck his lower abdomen. He had experienced the same thrill every time she’d allowed him to kiss her. And, as with every other time, he forced himself to hold back for fear of overwhelming her.
Her kiss seemed cautious as she tested the waters. He invited her exploration by allowing her to initiate each touch—chaste pecks then firmer kisses and finally the tip of her tongue tentatively touching his lips. Each loving caress heated his blood.
He cradled the nape of her neck and swept his tongue into her hot mouth. Lisette stiffened for one moment but soon opened to him. By the second sweep, she melted against him then followed his lead. Her actions were bolder with each pass of her tongue, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her curves against him.
He grinned. This was more of what he had expected from his wife. Lisette was anything but meek. Her courage had impressed him from the moment he’d met her in The Abyss, and she didn’t disappoint him now.
His fingers found the end of her bow and tugged, untying the top of her nightrail. A small triangle of luminous skin peeked through the opening, and he placed a kiss there, marking her as his. A rapid pulse beat at her collarbone. The pounding repetition mesmerized him.
He placed his lips against the spot and savored her essence. Her breath grew heavy as he nibbled her elegant neck. A couple of licks and her head rolled back. His kisses followed a path to the delicate place behind her ear before he captured her earlobe. Her soft moan nearly broke him.
Lisette’s heart thundered in her chest. Had Daniel truly promised to love her better? His reverent adoration of her body went a long way in convincing her of his sincerity.
Grasping the hem of her nightrail, he tugged it over her head in one swift movement, leaving no time for trepidation. His gaze roved over her bare breasts, his eyes blazing. Lisette fought the urge to cover herself. She had never felt as vulnerable as she did with all her flaws uncovered. Heavy breasts, full hips, and rounded thighs. There was nothing delicate about her appearance.
Daniel slid a finger along the side of her breast. “You’re beautiful.” Heat unfurled in her belly when his fingers caressed the tip of her breast. “Lie back on the pillow.”
She hesitated, uncertain what he wished of her. Was she to climb under the covers?
His hand pressed gently against her chest. “Just lie back, darling.”
She scooted toward the middle of the bed and eased back; her head sank into the pillow. Her breasts tingled as his hungry gaze roamed over her.
“Amazingly perfect,” he murmured. “I underestimated your charms.”
How completely embarrassing, and yet thrilling, to be devoured by a look. When she began to fidget, Daniel ripped his shirt over his head then bent over to remove his boots. Taut muscles rolled under his tanned skin. A strong tug between her legs made her gasp.
He glanced back over his shoulder. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
His smile scattered her nerves. Mon dieu. Would she always feel this anxious when he visited her bed?
Daniel climbed on the mattres
s and stretched out beside her. She rolled toward him into his arms and their lips met. Kissing was the most amazing activity ever. Nothing could ever compare. She felt certain of this.
His fingers closed on her nipple. She jumped and Daniel released her. The sensation had been like a pleasurable tickle, teetering on the edge of annoying, but also delightful. She wanted to feel it again. Thrusting her breast forward a little, she hoped he would touch her again, but instead, he rolled her to her back.
“Daniel.”
He chuckled. “You think you might like more? Let’s see, shall we?” Lowering his head, he licked her nipple, one long brush of his velvety tongue that made her hips buck. He stroked her again, and her hips rose from the bed. Splaying his hand across her abdomen, Daniel held her in place and closed his mouth around her hardened bud.
His tongue drew circles on her breast and suckled until a violent storm stirred down low. With each lick and graze of teeth, it was harder to swallow her moans or stop her hips from writhing. She ached between her legs like nothing she had ever known. It was excruciating.
“I can’t take it anymore,” she said with a whimper. “I hurt.”
Daniel lifted his head and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Forgive me, darling. I quite forgot myself. I’ll ease your ache.” The hand on her stomach inched into her curls before caressing her sensitive flesh.
“Oh,” she said on a gasp. “Oh!” Her mind turned to bread pudding and all she could utter was a single letter of the alphabet.
Mon dieu. She had been wrong. This was much nicer than kissing. Daniel’s mouth sought her breast again while his finger eased inside her then out again to glide over her heated skin. She felt wicked with him touching her down there, and damnation, she took to wickedness straight away. His moist digit continued to stroke her.
Her eyes flew open. She couldn’t have—Sweet Mary, Mother of God. “Am I wet?” Her voice squeaked in alarm.
“Very wet,” Daniel confirmed; his blue eyes twinkled with amusement. “Just as you’re supposed to be. Now, do be quiet and calm yourself. I’m trying to make love to you.”
Lisette rested her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes. How was she to relax when her body behaved with complete unpredictability? Who knew what embarrassing thing might happen next? But her concerns vanished when he dipped his finger in and out of her again then circled this incredible spot down there she hadn’t known existed.
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