by Andie Brock
His tongue sought hers now, tasting her, touching her, his lips gently rocking over hers in a rhythmic, pulsating pressure that he wouldn’t stop until he was sure he had stolen away her doubts. Sure that she was his.
Hearing Isobel’s sigh of pleasure, feeling the way she moulded herself against him, he finally gave himself permission to believe, to move his hands down to cup her bottom through the silky fabric of her dress, permission to press the hard length of himself against her. Dio, she felt so good!
Releasing her lips, he trailed soft kisses down the length of her exposed neck, feeling her judder beneath him until he stopped at the base of her neck, where he rasped his tongue against the shadowed hollow. Then, judging that it was time, he raised his eyes to find hers.
Eyes closed, head thrown back against the ecstasy of his kisses, Isobel let her body surrender to Orlando, let her mind close down completely. She couldn’t think. She didn’t want to think. She just wanted to be here, in this moment, for ever. Orlando’s tender, loving touch had spread through her body, melting her bones like butter, awakening her desire and reaffirming her love for him. For now, that was enough.
The shock of his heartbreaking confession had left her lungs burning for air. Not because of what he’d done—her heart had gone out to the seventeen-year-old for the terrible plight he had found himself in. But because of the pain she had seen in his eyes as he had relived his ordeal, the torment and despair that she now knew had followed in his footsteps, no matter how far he had run, how many thousands of miles he had put between himself and Trevente, the place that had seen such suffering.
Now she understood why he had been so resistant to take the title of Marchese di Trevente, why he had loathed the castello so much when they had first visited it that sunlit spring evening. She understood too, what it must have cost him to come back here to face his demons in order to make this place his home. Their home. Somewhere they could raise their child, be a family. He had done that for her.
Because he loved her? Could she really believe that?
Despite the glorious drag of his lips against her skin, the damp heat of his tongue that was driving her crazy with longing, the doubts started to creep back in. Was it really possible that opening up to her about his past had finally allowed Orlando to love again? To love her?
Now, as if to compound her doubts, he had stopped the glorious attention he had been paying to her angled neck. Slowly opening eyes drugged with desire, she realised that Orlando was staring at her, watching her with such rapt concentration it was as if he was trying to look into her very soul.
Isobel blinked, then gazed back. She had no chance of doing anything else, pulled as she was by the power of Orlando’s force like the ocean tide by the moon. But what she saw there stole the breath from her chest, stopped her heart in mid-beat. Because now she knew it was for real. Shining deep in the ebony darkness of his beautiful eyes was the unmistakable, undeniable declaration of love.
* * *
‘Come here.’
Pulling her towards him again, Orlando splayed his strong hands around her waist, bending her backwards so that she arched provocatively against him.
They were in the master bedroom, Orlando having scooped Isobel up in his arms and negotiated the steps down from the tower, with her laughing and crying and clinging on to him as if she would never let go. Despite Orlando insisting she was utterly beautiful, she had told him she needed to rescue the mess of her hairstyle and sort out her streaked make-up while he changed into his wedding outfit.
‘Let’s just skip the wedding and go straight to bed.’
He was leaning over her now, nuzzling her neck, blatantly trying to seduce her.
‘No, Orlando!’ Laughing, Isobel raised her hands to his bare shoulders, pushing him back. ‘Wedding first...wedding night afterwards. Those are the rules.’
Orlando groaned. ‘Rules, bossing me about, denying me the delights of your flesh... Is this what married life is going to be like with you?’ He tucked a strand of hair behind Isobel’s ear. ‘You know the longer you make me wait, the longer I will have to spend making love to you when the time comes?’
Isobel lips curved into a seductive smile. ‘Is that so? I guess that is a penance I will have to endure.’
‘Hmm...too right. I’ve a good mind to make you start enduring it right now.’
His fingers strayed to the outline of her suspenders through the silky fabric of her dress, but Isobel removed his hands and pressed his fingertips to her lips.
‘Later, Orlando.’
It was a promise loaded with such intent that Orlando could only groan again, with a sexual hunger that Isobel felt ripple to the core of her being.
Planting a kiss on her lips, he finally let her go and moved over to the wardrobe. Unable to stop her eyes from following him, Isobel drank in the sight of his lean, muscular body, clad only in a pair of snug white boxers. Those taut buttocks were still holding her attention when he turned round, his suit over his arm and a wicked glint in his eye.
‘You keep looking at me like that, Ms Spicer, and we are never going to get to this wedding.’
‘Get dressed, soon-to-be-husband. We’ve kept those poor people waiting long enough, don’t you think?’
‘E vero. That’s true.’ Buttoning up his shirt, Orlando gazed at her, his dark eyes burning with passion, brimming with love. ‘But you are sure you want to go through with this now? We could plan something else—a bigger wedding or a smaller one. St Paul’s Cathedral. The Plaza, New York. The top of the Himalayas if that’s what you’d like. Just say the word and it shall be yours.’
‘Tempting though that is, I am happy with this wedding.’ Moving to stand in front of him, Isobel took the grey silk tie from his hand and, turning up his shirt collar, carefully looped it around his neck and fashioned an expert knot. ‘Very happy, in fact. I’m sure it will be perfect.’
‘I’m sure too.’ Leaning forward, Orlando kissed her again, then took both her hands in his. ‘Thank you so much, Isobel, for making me see sense. For believing in me. I’m going to make you very happy, I promise—you and our child.’
‘You already do.’ Pulling away one hand, she brushed a stray tear from her eyelashes, then placed her hand on her tummy. ‘And I am speaking for both of us.’
He covered her hand with his own and Isobel felt his warmth spreading right through her.
‘Then I thank both of you from the bottom of my heart. Grazie mille.’ He kissed her once more. ‘Come on, then, my beautiful bride.’ Pulling on his jacket and adjusting the cuffs, he stood back to gaze at Isobel. ‘If you are ready, let’s do this.’
Isobel nodded, not trusting herself to speak as she took his outstretched hand in hers. But one thing she knew—she had never been more ready for anything in her life.
* * *
The chattering died down, turning to hushed whispers as the wedding guests realised that the bride and groom were finally here. Standing at the top of the grassy aisle, Orlando and Isobel stood side by side, Isobel’s arm linked through Orlando’s, their bodies less than a confetti flake apart.
The officiant took his place and as the string quartet started to play Orlando and Isobel moved forward, between the rows of chairs, towards the sparkling lake and the rose-covered bower, to the ceremony that would bind them together for ever.
Admittedly it wasn’t the traditional way to do it. But, walking beside Orlando, Isobel felt nothing but joy. She was marrying the man she loved, and miraculously he loved her too. That was all that mattered.
As they reached the front Elena darted forward to give Isobel the bouquet that she had completely forgotten about, and then bent down to arrange the folds of her dress. Smiling her thanks, Isobel let her eyes slide to the side—and there they halted in astonishment. Because seated next to Maria, with an empty champagne glass in one hand and a walking stick in the other, was none other than her mother!
‘About time too.’ Imperiously handing the glass to Maria, N
ancy Spicer started to rise to her feet. ‘I was starting to think this wedding was never going to happen.’
‘Mother!’ Isobel stared at her in utter amazement. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘What does it look like I’m doing?’ She was leaning heavily on her stick and it started to wobble beneath her, but Orlando was there, a steadying arm under her elbow. ‘I’ve come to give my daughter away at her wedding. Thank you, young man.’ She turned to Orlando, giving him a tipsy smile.
‘Give me away? But you said...’
‘Never mind what I said. Now, if we could all just get into position, I will be fine to stand alone from now on.’
‘You will?’ Isobel swung her incredulous gaze to Orlando, who shrugged his shoulders in mock surprise.
‘There.’ Feet firmly planted, Mrs Spicer haughtily raised her chin. ‘I am ready now.’
‘You look amazing, Mum!’ Leaning across, Isobel kissed her mother’s cheek. ‘Thank you so much for coming. I can’t tell you what it means to have you here.’
‘Nonsense.’ Bright pink spots of pleasure appeared beneath her powdered cheeks. ‘If you want to thank anyone, thank that young man of yours. This is all his doing.’
‘Is it, indeed?’
Isobel slanted at look at Orlando, who was still busy feigning innocence. Standing on tiptoe, she cupped his chin, silently mouthing the words thank you before kissing him lightly on the lips.
You’re very welcome. He mouthed the words back, his eyes shining with love.
‘Come on, then.’ Nancy Spicer waved her stick impatiently. ‘Is this wedding going to take place or not?’
‘It is, Nancy.’ Pulling Isobel closer to his side, Orlando took hold of her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘It’s going to take place right now. Because I don’t want to have to wait a moment longer to marry your daughter. Isobel is the most beautiful, wonderful and amazing person I have ever known. And I love her more than words can say.’
EPILOGUE
THE MOTORBOAT CHUGGED steadily across the turquoise sea towards the island of Jacamar.
‘Signor Orlando!’ A smiling, deeply tanned man deftly caught the rope that Orlando threw to him. ‘Welcome back to Jacamar. It’s been too long.’
‘Grazie, Miguel.’ Jumping ashore Orlando warmly embraced his island manager. ‘How have things been here?’
‘Oh, you know—pretty chilled.’
‘That’s what I like to hear.’ Orlando gave him a cheerful slap on the back.
‘I can see you have a very precious cargo there.’ Shielding his eyes from the sun, Miguel surveyed the occupants of the boat.
‘I do indeed.’ Orlando stretched out a hand to his mother-in-law. ‘Nancy, if you would like to get out first? Miguel, allow me to introduce my mother-in-law, Mrs Spicer. Perhaps if we could both help her ashore...?’
‘Don’t fuss. I’m perfectly capable of getting out of a boat.’ Despite her protestations Nancy allowed herself to be lifted like a featherweight onto dry land by the strong arms of the two men. ‘And be careful with my luggage. I don’t want you dropping my suitcase into the sea.’
‘No, ma’am.’ Miguel gave a respectful bow.
‘And I think you know my wife, don’t you, Miguel?’
‘I do so! Hello there, Ms Spicer... I mean Signora Cassano...’
‘Isobel!’ Laughing, Isobel waved to him as she prepared to get off the boat. ‘Hi, Miguel. Great to see you again.’
‘And who, may I ask, is this?’
Grinning broadly, Miguel looked down at the squirming bundle being held tightly in Isobel’s arms.
‘Say hello to Nico!’ Isobel moved towards the side of the boat. ‘Something tells me he is keen to come ashore!’
‘Come on, then, young man.’ Squatting down, Orlando reached for his son as Isobel held him aloft.
Shooting out his chubby arms, little Nico gave a shriek of excitement as his father grasped him, swinging him high in the air before settling him comfortably on his hip.
The boat rocked gently as Orlando held out his free hand to Isobel and their eyes met. A vivid flash of recognition shot between them. Everything that had happened in the turbulent months since they had last done this was encapsulated in their clasped hands now.
It seemed impossible to Isobel that it had only been just over a year ago. So much had happened. Everything had changed. But with the happiest possible ending.
A secret smile passed between them and, giving her hand an extra squeeze, Orlando helped her ashore.
‘This holiday was a great idea.’ She linked arms with her husband and the small party slowly made their way along the pathway through the lush greenery towards the main house. ‘You were right—we all need a break.’
‘You more than anyone. Life has been pretty hectic lately, what with the baby and Spicer Shoes and everything. You do know how proud I am of you, don’t you, Isobel? The way your business has taken off has been phenomenal.’
‘Thank you. But I couldn’t have done it without you.’
‘We make a good team, that’s for sure—even if you did take some convincing. I seem to remember a time when you couldn’t wait to buy back the Cassano Holdings shares.’
Isobel pulled a face at his teasing. ‘Sorry. I was a bit stroppy.’
‘I won’t argue with that!’
‘Anyway.’ Isobel opted for a quick change of subject. ‘I am so proud of you too. The Trevente estate has been transformed. Seeing it providing homes and secure employment for all those people is fantastic. And just think—now that the vineyards are being properly tended we should be able to start producing wine again next year.’
‘Sì. And then we will raise a glass to us—to our family and the future.’
‘And maybe we’ll have a moment’s silence for Sophia too.’ Isobel gave him a tender look.
‘Sì,’ Orlando repeated quietly. ‘We will do that. Meanwhile, I think it’s fair to say we are both pretty proud of this one.’ Taking hold of one of Nico’s bare feet, Orlando bounced him on his hip. ‘It’s only right that we have brought him back here, to show him where he came from.’
‘Well, maybe we’ll skip that bit in front of my mother.’ Isobel laughed.
‘She wouldn’t care. She clearly adores him.’
‘She does, doesn’t she? She’s a changed woman, Orlando, and I know I have you to thank for that. Even though I have no idea what you said or did to bring about this transformation.’
‘Aha.’ Orlando tapped the side of his nose. ‘We just had a little chat. You should know by now that you Spicer women can’t resist my charms.’
‘It’s true—I can’t even deny it.’ Isobel grinned up at him. ‘And that’s despite the growing swell of your head. Well, whatever you said, I thank you. The change has been amazing. Just look at her now.’
They both watched Nancy, striding along the pathway ahead of them, leaning on Miguel’s arm—the better to be able to chat to him, rather than for any actual support.
‘And you really don’t mind her coming to live at the castello?’
‘Mind?’ Orlando turned to look at her, wicked innocence dancing in his eyes. ‘Why would I mind? I have always found her to be perfectly charming.’
‘Yeah, right.’ Isobel gave him a dig in the ribs. ‘Seriously, though, I do wish your mother could have been here to see Nico.’ She sighed wistfully.
‘So do I.’ Stopping on the pathway, Orlando turned and gazed at her. ‘I know she would have loved him. And loved you too. But now’s not the time for regrets, Isobel. Now is the time to be thankful for all that we have. Because, believe me, I am truly, truly thankful.’
‘Oh, Orlando.’ Raising her arms, Isobel hooked them around Orlando’s neck and drew him close to whisper against his ear. ‘Me too.’
Their lips met, swiftly moving into a passionate kiss that was rudely interrupted by a squawk and a determined wriggle from the small body trapped between them.
‘Scusi, Nico.’ Pulling away, Orlando dropped a
kiss on the top of his head. ‘Forgive me. I was just showing your mamma how much I love her.’
And with that the three of them started walking again, towards the house and the future and a lifetime of happiness.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE MOST SCANDALOUS RAVENSDALE by Melanie Milburne.
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