Velvet Embrace

by Nicole Jordan

  Julian slanted an inquiring look at his friend. "Why are you going to all this trouble? I thought you didn't even like Brie."

  Dominic became curiously preoccupied with a speck of lint on his sleeve. "Perhaps I've changed my mind."

  Julian grinned, saying nothing, but his expression held such amusement that Dominic, for the first time in his life, felt himself close to blushing. He turned and directed a glance at the wounded horse, remembering the agonizing moment when he thought Brie had been shot and his fierce relief afterwards.

  "Yes," he said slowly to himself. "Perhaps I have."

  Chapter Ten

  Struggling up from the depths of a terrifying nightmare, Brie woke, gasping for breath. When she realized she was safe in her own bed at Greenwood, her terror subsided, but the images of blood and death still remained to haunt her. She lay trembling in the darkness, her heart pounding, her skin feeling cold and clammy.

  What had happened to her? Her brain felt foggy, her body stiff and sore. And why was her left ankle bound with strips of linen? She remembered falling from her horse, but the rest was a collage of murky images.

  As she rubbed her sore ankle, she gradually recalled the events following her fall: her talk with Boulter, the recoil of the pistol in her hand as she fired, Dominic's concern. She had regained consciousness shortly after he had brought her home, and she remembered Dominic carrying her up to her bedroom. Then Caroline had helped her into a nightgown and she had been made to suffer the attentions of the doctor when all she had wanted to do was sleep. As soon as he had gone, though, she had slipped immediately into a deep slumber. Recalling the vivid dreams that had awakened her, Brie shuddered. Her bedroom was so cold. . . .

  Sitting up, she saw that the fire in the grate had died to a dull glow. After lighting the candle on the bedside table, she eased herself from the bed and carefully tested her wrapped ankle. She was surprised to find she could move easily, despite her aches and bruises. Her robe was lying at the foot of her bed, and she drew it on. Still shivering, she slowly made her way to the hearth and stirred the coals, letting the warmth from the glowing embers drive the chill from her trembling body.

  Once she was warm, she became aware of other discomforts: her throat was parched and she was beginning to feel hunger pangs. The hour was past midnight, Brie realized, glancing at the clock on the mantle. She decided against ringing for a servant, for she didn't want to wake the household when she was capable of finding her way to the kitchens, even in the dark.

  But the house wasn't totally dark, Brie discovered as she moved quietly along the hall. A wall sconce had been left burning at the top of the stairway. And not everyone was asleep. Brie was halfway down the stairs when a figure detached itself from the shadows below and moved toward her.

  The unexpected sight startled her, the dark presence bringing to mind her horrible encounter with Boulter. She couldn't stifle her cry of alarm, even though she swiftly covered her mouth with her hand. She stood paralyzed in the middle of the stairs, tightly gripping the polished banister, the light from the lamp outlining her night-clad body.

  The shadowed figure moved into the light, giving her a clear view of ebony hair and dark, aristocratic features. When she recognized Dominic, Brie let out her breath in a rush. "What are you doing here?" she asked in a rasping voice, relief making her question sound like an accusation.

  Dominic was coatless, his white shirt opened at the neck exposing an expanse of hard-muscled chest. He placed one booted foot on the bottom step and looked up at her, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I see your brush with death didn't soften your tongue any," he observed dryly. "But I could ask the same of you. Why aren't you asleep?"

  "I was hungry."

  He raised a dark brow, then laughed softly. "Go back to bed, I'll bring you something."

  When she remained where she was, not obeying, Dominic felt a surge of irrational anger steal over him. Brie looked so damned virginal, standing there with the collar of her white nightgown buttoned up to her throat. The soft woolen wrapper she wore did nothing to hide the curves of her slender body, though, and the golden glow of the lamp behind her cast a flaming halo about her head, setting her mantle of flowing tresses on fire. She was a vision of seductive innocence, one that made his loins ache.

  Yet, he knew her appearance of innocence was deceiving. He remembered quite vividly how Brie had responded to him that day in the cabin and then again in the garden. And now, when he finally had another opportunity to make love to her, he found his hands tied. He couldn't take advantage of her now, not after the experience she had gone through with Boulter. He was that much of a gentleman, at least.

  But still he felt angry. Dominic bounded up the stairs and swept Brie off her feet, cradling her in his arms. "For once you'll do as you're told," he said gruffly, ignoring her surprised gasp.

  The contact only made matters worse for him, and as he carried Brie back to her bedroom, Dominic found himself swearing silently. It was impossible to ignore the feel of her soft body pressed against his chest, and he knew if he held her much longer, he wouldn't be able to let her go. When he reached her room, Dominic set her on the bed none too gently, and roughly disengaged the arms she had wrapped about his neck.

  Brie stared up at him in amazement, too surprised even to protest his callous treatment. But she found her tongue when Dominic turned to leave. "Must you always resort to physical violence?" she asked tartly. "Does it give you pleasure to behave so brutally with defenseless women?"

  Dominic turned back at the door to give her a piercing look. His jaw was clenched tightly and his eyes glittered with an emotion Brie found hard to read. But then his mouth twisted in a ghost of a smile. "Since when have you ever been defenseless?" he said softly.

  When he had gone, Brie let out her breath slowly. He was wrong, she thought despairingly. She was defenseless when it came to him. He only had to touch her and she wanted to melt. She was still quivering from the contact with his hard body. But even though his presence was unsettling, it was reassuring as well. She had no idea what Dominic was doing at Greenwood, but she was glad he was there. She didn't want to be alone with her nightmares.

  When Dominic returned a short while later, Brie was sitting up in bed with the covers pulled up to her chin. Her eyes widened when she saw the amount of food he had scavenged from the kitchens: a half loaf of bread, a large slab of cheese, slices of cold ham and pheasant, several pieces of fruit, and a bottle of wine.

  He set the tray on the bedside table and silently served her, then poured a glass of wine for himself and left her to eat in peace. Wandering restlessly about the room, he intentionally studied his surroundings in order to keep his thoughts on something besides the beautiful young woman in the bed behind him.

  He could have imagined Brie in this setting, Dominic realized without surprise. Her bedroom, done in soft blues and greens, was feminine and fresh but uncluttered. The furnishings seemed appropriate somehow—graceful but not fragile, with a subdued richness that quietly proclaimed wealth and beauty. He felt oddly at ease here.

  As he stood before the fire, watching the leaping flames, Dominic felt the tenseness in his muscles begin to relax. He had full control of himself when he at last returned to Brie's side. After refilling both of their glasses, he drew an armchair close to the bed and sat facing her, his long legs stretched before him as he leisurely sipped his wine.

  Brie had been watching him surreptitiously, but she looked away when she felt his gaze settle on her. She finished her meal, then drained her glass for courage before repeating her earlier question about why he was here.

  "I'm leaving for London tomorrow," Dominic replied. "I thought—"

  "So soon?" Brie exclaimed, her eyes fixing to his face. When Dominic's eyebrow shot up, she bit her lip. "I . . . I mean, won't it be dangerous for you?"

  "Concerned for my welfare? I'm touched."

  His mockery annoyed her less than the gleam of amusement in his eyes. "Of cour
se not!" Brie snapped, her own eyes flashing. "You can go to the devil for all I care."

  A slow grin spread across his lips. "Do you know your eyes turn green when you're angry?"

  Brie almost choked. He was baiting her again, and obviously enjoying having her at such a disadvantage. "You still haven't explained why you are here, my lord," she said stiffly.

  He studied her for a moment before answering. "Your cousin gave me a room for the night," he replied, taking a sip of wine. "I thought you might be in need of moral support when you woke."

  Brie frowned. "Caroline let you stay? What about Katherine?"

  "I suppose you mean the elderly woman who was hovering over you like a broody hen? I imagine it will be tomorrow before she stirs. The doctor gave her a sedative to calm her nerves. She was a bit overwhelmed when she saw the blood on your jacket. Incidentally, I thought it best to tell everyone I killed Boulter. It should spare you some unpleasant questions, not to mention the good opinion of the neighborhood. I've explained to the magistrate that I found Boulter trying to attack you, but that I fired the shot. Otherwise, the story I gave was the truth. I doubt if there will even be an inquest."

  "Th-Thank you," Brie stammered, knowing the words were entirely inadequate to express her appreciation. By taking the blame for killing Boulter, Dominic had protected her reputation as well as spared her further drama. It had been very considerate of him.

  He flashed her a wry smile. "I'm not so sure I deserve your gratitude. Not only was I too late to help you with Boulter, but I find now that I'm a veritable hero for rescuing you. My praises are being sung all over the district. But I would be obliged if you would let me handle this business from now on."

  Brie nodded fervently. Then a shadow darkened her brow and she dropped her gaze. "I . . . I dreamed about him," she whispered. "It was horrible."

  "You'll forget it after a time," Dominic said gently. "How do you feel, other than that?"

  "A bit weak . . . and my ankle hurts. But you haven't told me about Jester. He's dead, isn't he?" She didn't really expect a contradiction so she wasn't surprised when Dominic remained silent.

  He took the empty plate and glass from her and placed them on the tray. "Let me see your ankle," he commanded. Without waiting for permission, he sat beside Brie and pushed the covers aside, exposing her injured foot. He ignored her sharp intake of breath as he grasped her leg and carefully began to unwrap the cloth that bound her ankle.

  Brie bit her lip as Dominic examined her injury, experiencing acute agony. But it wasn't her bruised limb that was causing her such discomfort. It was the touch of Dominic's warm fingers on her bare calf. His unintentional caress made her pulse quicken and her skin suddenly feel overheated. Brie shivered with warmth, trying to will the sensations away. When Dominic recommended that she leave off the bandage, the casualness in his voice made her want to hit him. Didn't he notice the unnerving effect he was having on her? Was he totally immune to the hot little flames that were shooting up her leg and making her entire body throb?

  Then Dominic looked up and met her gaze, and Brie knew by the dark flames in his eyes that he wasn't as unaffected as he pretended to be. She felt his fingers tighten around her ankle, and as she stared at him, the sound of the crackling fire seemed to fade away.

  Returning her gaze, Dominic swallowed hard. She was too damned desirable, sitting there in her prim nightgown, with her hair streaming around her shoulders, reflecting the dancing light of the fire. The covers had slipped to her waist, and he couldn't prevent his eyes from sliding downward to devour the thrusting mounds beneath the soft woolen robe. He ached to take her in his arms, to crush those soft breasts against his chest.

  Brie felt the bold caress of his gaze like a physical fondling. She shuddered, and nervously wet her trembling lips with her tongue. Slowly then, hesitantly, she raised a shaking hand and reached out to him.

  Dominic jumped as if he had been burnt. He stood up quickly, muttering a brusque goodnight, and turned to leave. He was almost to the door before Brie spoke, her voice a mere whisper. "Dominic . . . don't go. Please . . . I don't want to be alone."

  Her plea touched his heart, but he knew if he stayed one moment more, he couldn't refrain from taking her. Torn between common sense and his own desires, he rested his forehead against the wooden panel of the door. A low sound that was half groan, half growl escaped his lips. "I'm not a bloody saint, Brie. I'm a man, with a man's needs. And I want you. But then, you know that, don't you?" He gave a soft, derisive laugh. "And here I stand, like a stupid fool, damning your lovely eyes and wishing that you weren't so desirable." He paused, then added with quiet anguish, "Damn you to hell, you little witch. What kind of spell have you woven around me?"

  Not sure how to reply, Brie watched Dominic in silence. He was struggling with himself; that much was obvious from the way he was clenching his fists. But why? She didn't think it was because of any moral principles that he seemed suddenly determined to observe the proprieties. A man of his stamp would not have any qualms about making love to her, not when she had practically issued him an invitation. And he had said he wanted her. So what was stopping him?

  Brie bit her lip, wondering what she should do. Dominic's sudden shifts from savage to tender and back again were as confusing as they were frustrating. But he had to care for her a little. He had risked his life for her the night of the fire, and she hadn't imagined the gentleness he had shown her then; or yesterday in the meadow when she had needed him to hold and comfort her. But now he was acting almost as if he were afraid to touch her—

  But perhaps he was afraid. Perhaps his rebuffs had not been deliberate cruelty. Perhaps he simply didn't want to be attracted to her, to become attached to her. That she could understand. For years she herself had been afraid to love, afraid to be exposed again to the pain of giving her heart where it wasn't wanted. But it wasn't fear that drove Dominic, Brie surmised. It was something stronger, something far more bitter. Hatred, perhaps?

  She was only guessing, but her intuition told her she was right. And there only one response she could give. Slipping out of bed, Brie went to him, her arms encircling his lean waist as she pressed herself against his broad back. Tenderly, she rubbed her cheek against the soft linen of his shirt, feeling the hard muscles beneath. "It is surely a spell, Dominic, but I am caught in it as well. Please," she begged softly, "don't leave me."

  Dominic turned slowly, as if not daring to believe what she was saying. Placing a finger under her chin, he tilted her head back so he could look into her eyes. They were soft and liquid and incredibly lovely. Dominic sucked in his breath. "I won't be content with only a kiss or two," he said hoarsely. "And if I stay, it will be for the entire night."

  Brie nodded wordlessly. Dominic hesitated a moment longer, searching the fragile features of her face for any sign of the fear she had once shown him. When he found none, he slipped an arm about her waist, catching her close so he could feel her soft breasts against his chest.

  As he slowly bent his head, Brie parted her lips in breathless anticipation and braced herself for the impact. But then Dominic's mouth came down upon hers and she lost the ability to think. Desire flowed between them like a warm current, flooding Brie with sensations that left her weak and trembling.

  When his tongue slid between her teeth, delving deeply, she clung to him in surrender. She no longer cared that he was an experienced rake who know how to ply his skills to his own advantage. She no longer cared if he had kissed a hundred other women in exactly this same way. The taste and smell of him was intoxicating, filling her, making her yearn for more of him. She pressed closer, wanting to give herself completely.

  She was vaguely aware of Dominic's practiced hands stroking her back, of his husky voice whispering her name as he spread flaming kisses over her face. She could feel the moist heat of his open mouth as he nuzzled at her throat. Moaning softly, she tilted her head back to allow his lips better access.

  Her passionate response set him on fire.
With shaking fingers, Dominic relieved her of her wrapper, then her nightgown, sliding the garments down over her shoulders and letting them fall to the floor. Stepping back, he let his gaze range her full length. He was tantalized by Brie's naked beauty. Her slender, silken limbs and high, firm breasts were made for a man's caress—his caress. Her skin gleamed pale and golden in the candlelight, and he felt a fierce desire to touch and taste every inch of her.

  As if he could no longer wait to have her, Dominic swept Brie up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Laying her down gently, he pressed her shoulders back against the soft pillows. Yet now that the moment was at hand, Dominic found he wanted to draw it out, to linger in its sweetness. Taking his time would only heighten the pleasure of making love to her.

  He undressed slowly, keeping his eyes on Brie, savoring the view of her lovely body. She was beautiful, with her glorious hair cascading over the pillows, her smoke-darkened eyes heavy-lidded with desire. A sweet ache filled him as he thought of what was to come.

  Caught up in similar emotions, Brie wasn't aware how intently she watched as Dominic removed his shirt. She gazed at him hungrily, admiring the magnificence of his shoulders and bronzed chest, thinking how much his movements resembled the sleek, sinuous grace of his stallion.

  Her eyes widened perceptively when Dominic slid his breeches down over his narrow hips; the sight of his fully erect manhood made her catch her breath. She knew no fear, though—not even when Dominic stretched his long length out beside her on the bed. She wanted to be in his arms, to feel his hard, muscular body pressed against hers. She wanted to belong to him, to become part of him. She gazed at him expectantly, holding her breath.

  Dominic propped himself up on one elbow and drew a finger down the smooth column of her throat to the hollow between her breasts. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart against his palm as he splayed his fingers. With tantalizing slowness, he let his hand wander over the swelling curves, caressing her satin-smooth skin, stroking softly. Brie closed her eyes and shuddered. This delightful torment was not what she had expected, but Dominic showed no inclination of stopping.