Taming Ivy (The Taming Series Book 1)

by April Moran

  "Oh, I love her, Sebastian,” Ivy interrupted, her face glowing. “She reminds me of my pony, Heather. She’s retired at Somerset Hall, the old girl. They are almost the same color, although Spring is certainly taller, nor as plump. I shall go change into my riding habit at once.”

  Sebastian shook his head in regret, smiling at her impulsiveness. "Have you noticed the lateness of the hour, love? It will be nightfall soon. Tomorrow, we’ll set out and explore the estate and you can ride her then. It pleases me that you like her but she only arrived this morning, so a bit of settling is best on her first day.”

  Ivy glanced out the double doors of the stables. The afternoon had quickly slipped away. Stable boys lined up buckets of oats for the evening rations while high overhead in the lofts, other lads tossed down hay into the individual stalls. She stroked Spring’s velvety nose, leaning to breathe deep her sweet horsey smell. "You are right. It’s so hard to wait, but tomorrow will be a lovely day to ride. Thank you, Sebastian. Thank you for gifting her to me."

  Sebastian handed the mare’s lead rope to her and crossed over to Raven's roomy corner box. Slipping inside, he ran a hand down the stallion's legs, checking for any lingering effects from their late night ride. Giving the restless horse an identical pat on the rump, Sebastian’s words drifted to Ivy standing outside the stall.

  "I rode Raven fairly hard last night, but he'll be itching to get out tomorrow. He's not one to appreciate confinement.”

  Sebastian leaned over Raven's stall door, his eyes dancing. Ivy’s cheeks were pink. Studying Spring’s dappled pattern, she traced the curve of the mare’s slightly dished nose before sneaking a glance at him. Her sudden silence must be in response to the unspoken reminder of what occurred in the library and that morning. Exiting the box, he retrieved Spring’s lead rope, guiding the mare back to her stall with a clucking sound.

  "Why doesn't he like it?" Ivy asked, an odd breathiness to her voice.

  Sebastian shot her an inquiring glance as he closed the stall door, throwing the iron latch to secure it.

  His wife was truly dazzling. Like a sweet piece of fruit, she stood in the center of the cobblestone aisle way. The apple green dress turned her eyes to a sparkling shade of emerald, dust motes dancing about her, caught in shafts of late afternoon sunlight. The stable boys, busy with their chores in anticipation of the end of the workday, buzzed about her like industrious bees, unable to take their eyes off her.

  "Samuel,” Sebastian called out, his eyes never once leaving her face as the man came jogging up. "We require the use of your office. Her Ladyship feels a bit faint. Just the excitement of the new horse, I'm sure, but a moment of privacy will be appreciated.”

  Ivy stared at him in amazement when he took her arm. Before she could voice an objection, Samuel wholeheartedly offered the use of his office for as long as necessary, although everyone understood Sebastian did not need to provide an explanation for its use. The Earl of Ravenswood could go and do whatever he desired.

  Sebastian directed Ivy to the opposite end of the building and into a spacious room. It was an orderly space. A battered and scarred oak desk containing various stacks of paperwork relating to the operation of the stables took up most of one corner. Pieces of bridles and snaffle bits were interspersed among the papers, with some used as paperweights. Against one wall was a narrow cot, useful for when the mares were in foal, and a spot was required to rest.

  Shutting the door behind them, Sebastian lit a lantern to supplement the golden light streaming through the upper gallery style windows. A traditional window just behind the desk was open to the late afternoon breeze. Pastures were visible through it, the green grass gilded gold as the sun began to descend behind the trees.

  "What devilry are you are about?” Ivy watched Sebastian lean against the functional desk. "I certainly don't feel faint.”

  "Don’t you?” His eyebrows soared. Folding his arms across his chest, legs stretched and crossed at the ankles, his expression was curious. "You appeared quite pale for a second there. And you sounded a bit shaky.”

  A nearly invisible shiver ran through Ivy.

  "What is the matter, love?" he murmured. "You know, I can always tell when something is vexing you.”

  She stared at him, eyes wide. "You can?"

  Sebastian shrugged. "You are quite transparent. At least to me. Don’t you know that?"

  “No,” she responded slowly. “All of London believes me to be made of ice. Perhaps you are right. Perhaps only you see through me. Regardless, I don't know why you think anything could be wrong. I only thought Raven must enjoy his rest, considering the hour you returned...and we rose so late this morning...” Her voice trailed off while another unfortunate blush colored her cheeks.

  His smile was perceptive. "Come here to me, darling.” Ivy accepted his hand, allowing him to tug her against him. Widening his stance so she fit between his legs, she squirmed at his perusal as he asked, "Are you remembering what we experienced together?"

  The flush on her face was answer enough as she remained silent and stiff in the circle of his arms.

  "Are we moving too quickly?" Sebastian dreaded her answer. He did not intend to give her up, but he possibly could control himself so he was not making love to her three times a day. Besides, even with his renowned stamina, he doubted his ability to keep such a pace. Especially with Ivy. Every orgasm experienced thus far was soul draining and exhausting. She wrung him dry and he loved every minute of it. An insistent voice in his head immediately screamed his endurance would be maintained as long and as often as necessary. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Do you regret making love?”

  "No.”

  Her husky little whisper was surely designed by the Devil himself, designed to drive him mad with want. Tilting Ivy's chin, Sebastian recognized a spark of yearning in the gold flashing depths of her eyes. "Do you wish me to kiss you?"

  Her eyes fluttered shut for a heartbeat, thick, sable lashes brushing like delicate fans against her skin. She sagged a little in his arms then steeled herself. "Yes,” she whispered, almost angrily, eyes snapping back open. “I shouldn't, but I do. I should have some control over myself and my emotions."

  Sebastian chuckled, wrapping both arms about her, pulling her as close as her full skirts would allow. Soft and restless, her fingers traced the shape of his shirt’s buttons and he found himself filled with bemused desire. "There’s no need for restraint. In fact, I forbid it. Anytime you want to be kissed, sweet little wife, you need only say so. Or, better yet, you kiss me.”

  When his lips settled on hers, Ivy melted into him without hesitation. Her hands gripped the front of his shirt, twisting the fabric. The aching sweetness he tasted on her lips fired his blood. With a little growl that came from somewhere in the back of his throat, or maybe his gut - he wasn't quite sure, his hands moved to cradle her face.

  The loud bang of someone dropping a feed bucket on the cobblestones broke them apart.

  "That's probably for the best,” Sebastian ground out. He eased her away as she gazed up at him in wonder. “I can’t seem to control myself when I’m with you. Another minute and I’d have you on that cot…or maybe even across this desk…”

  Exhaling slowly, he closed his eyes and willed his body to a more manageable state. Ivy's words from that morning regarding different places he could make love to her needled and pricked him like a thousand bees. Suddenly, it was all he could think of.

  He could make love to her here, in the stable master’s office. Oh, and the hedge maze, hidden behind a wall of glossy, emerald green boxwood. He would lay her across one of the many decorative concrete benches and push her skirts high, exposing her to his gaze and the deep blue sky. The orangery would be perfect too, surrounded by lemon and orange trees, the air perfumed with citrus. Butterflies would flutter about, paying tribute to Ivy, to the countess of butterflies, as he took her amongst the lilies and the roses, the scent of her, the lushness of her filling his head.

  Or, perhaps the c
entury-old apple orchard. Sweet, green grass would serve as their bed and fragrantly soft apple blossom petals would shower their naked bodies every time a warm breeze sifted through the trees...

  "Sebastian?" Ivy’s soft voice snapped him from his pleasant daydreams, her expression quizzical. "You are suddenly a million miles away. Where were you just now?"

  Staring at her, feeling a bit dazed, a broad grin slowly spread across his face. "Do not worry, my love. In time, I’ll take you there and show you.”

  Chapter 34

  Ivy practically skipped along the gravel path leading to the stables. Walking in a dignified manner proved difficult in her excitement. Clad in a plum-hued riding habit and matching hat with jaunty pheasant feathers of rich auburn and gold, she hoped her appearance pleased Sebastian.

  Glancing back, she pondered his somewhat distracted mood. He’d met with Gabriel last night before retiring, and his preoccupied manner manifested as they prepared for bed. Feeling self-conscious enough, she wondered if Sebastian now found some fault with her. He made love to her with great care, but she still worried at his reticence when during the night, she brushed her lips against his and he held her away.

  “I’ve ill-used you for the past two days,” he explained. “I’m only thinking of your comfort. You’re hardly accustomed to this sort of activity, and I’ve no wish for you to suffer from my attentions.”

  The gentleness of his words failed to ease the sting of his rejection. Ivy felt it quite keenly. She had just given herself to him. Had he tired of her already?

  When he wrapped those steel corded muscled arms around her, Ivy tried to hold herself aloof. Eventually, however, she curled into him like a sleepy kitten, basking in his warmth. Tangled in his limbs, she’d fallen back asleep with his breath stirring her hair.

  It was so easy, slipping back into what they shared once before, this comfortable yet curiously charged atmosphere. Ivy did not realize how much she missed it, how much she missed his smile, his hand on her elbow. The way he tilted his head to listen to her. Intimacy added additional layers to the feelings unraveling in her half-frozen heart. Telling herself it was her duty to provide the next heir to the Ravenswood earldom rang patently false. Her pulse leapt to life any time he touched her, no matter by accident or by design. She was obsessed with him.

  Sebastian cut a fine figure in his casual garb of charcoal grey breeches, ivory linen shirt and favored Hessian boots. He wore no coat or ascot today. The weather was growing warmer, and the informal style of clothing suited him well. Ivy longed for such comfortable attire. The riding habit was her winter one; it was sure to grow uncomfortable as the day wore on. Removing the jacket would allow her to ride in the blouse and skirt, but the boyish apparel she wore at their country estate, Somerset Hall was far more to her liking.

  Seeing Gabriel at the entrance to the stables, Ivy called out a greeting. "Good morning, Gabriel. Shall you ride with us this morning?"

  Finishing his conversation with the stable master, Gabriel executed a bow for Ivy’s benefit while Sebastian rolled his eyes at the courtly gesture. "Good morning, milady. Sebastian.”

  All turned as a pair of stable boys, each carrying full buckets of feed, collided with one another. Oats spilled across the cobblestones as the two, embarrassed by their clumsiness, argued over who was at fault. With a cluck of his tongue, Samuel excused himself to intercede in the fray.

  "Regrettably, I leave for London today,” Gabriel explained. “Ravenswood requested I personally oversee matters before your arrival in Town.”

  Reminded of their short time remaining at Beaumont, Ivy felt a bit of joy evaporate from the day. In two weeks’ time, she and Sebastian would return to London to finish out the social season and she did not wish to go. Did not want to face the curious stares and wagging tongues speculating on their shocking marriage. And, truth told, no desire to face Lady Rachel Garrett.

  Despite Sebastian's assurances on the matter, Ivy knew the woman despised her. How unpleasant it would be to reside in the same house. Clashes were inevitable. No matter how disagreeable Rachel might be toward her new niece-in-law, it was unlikely Sebastian would banish his aunt from her own home. Ivy sighed. At least for half the year it was possible to live at Beaumont. And Lady Garrett despised the country, so she would not accompany them. It was a small pleasure to look forward to.

  Gabriel scowled. "Ahh. Here comes that devil of horse now.”

  A young groom led the horses up and Raven, typically quite standoffish, pushed past the mare to lean heavily against Ivy. Resting his head against her chest, the stallion heaved a great sigh, cocked his rear hind hoof and promptly dozed off.

  "Devil horse? I don’t believe it. He’s a lamb.” Ivy rubbed the space between Raven's perfectly formed ears. “See?”

  "Yes, Gabriel, see?" Sebastian repeated with a grin. "Perhaps the countess might lend you a bit of her perfume. It seems to have a strange effect on horses, turning them into quite docile creatures.”

  "Indeed.” Ivy caught her husband’s eye and the current passing between them was so charged even the sleepy groom blinked. "All manner of beasts appear to be affected.”

  Gabriel laughed aloud, slapping Sebastian on the back. "Obviously, a private matter better left unspoken.”

  Unable to think of anything witty to add to the conversation, Ivy took Spring’s reins from the confused groom. "I wish you a safe journey, Gabriel. We shall miss your morning visits-” she ignored Sebastian's snort of disbelief. "-and look forward to seeing you again in London.”

  Annie had packed a picnic lunch for them in a small duffle, and while Samuel tied it to the back of Raven’s saddle, Sebastian pulled Gabriel aside to exchange a few private words. When Ivy entered the stable courtyard, he followed her, motioning for his man to follow.

  "See to it in all haste. Before we arrive,” Sebastian said to Gabriel. He shooed the groom away from the mounting block, holding Spring by the bit until Ivy was settled upon the mare’s back.

  "I shall attend to it immediately.” Gabriel nodded. “Don’t worry. Matters will go as planned.”

  The earl threw a leg over Raven, pulling the edgy stallion under control. His laugh was sharp. "I’ve no doubt they will. Until London, then.”

  With a wave of farewell, Sebastian and Ivy nudged their mounts down the gravel lane, past the east pastures where the other horses would be turned out from their stalls. They rode in companionable silence, enjoying the sweetness of the air as the morning sun burned the dew off the grass. A light breeze tickled the napes of their necks and the horses pranced in high spirits.

  "You were angry just now.” Ivy was the first to break the silence.

  Sebastian glanced up in surprise. "I've yet to say anything, although I was about to launch into a scintillating description of where we shall ride first.”

  She tilted her head as he maneuvered up alongside her mare. "I’m referring to your rather cryptic exchange with Gabriel.”

  For a split second, his face altered into a mask of hard, secretive lines before smoothing into a pleasant expression. "Only a business matter.” His hand waved dismissively. “Gabriel has it under control.”

  Ivy almost pressed the issue but the day was too beautiful and their remaining time at Beaumont too short to mar with unpleasantness. Gabriel’s need to travel to London with such haste and her husband’s secretive, distracted manner were obviously related. Although she was nearly dying of curiosity, she said, "I know that is not the truth, but I’ve something to ask of you, if I may.”

  "You know I will do anything for you,” Sebastian replied slowly. "What is your request?"

  Gathering up the mare’s reins, Ivy gave him an impish grin. "Race me to that elm at the top of the hill?"

  Before he fully comprehended the challenge, her long-legged mare took off like a cannon shot.

  Raven bolted sideways; had he not been so attuned with the stallion, Sebastian might have been unseated. He could not contain his laughter as Ivy cantered away. Even
riding sidesaddle, she possessed an excellent seat, her hands skilled in directing the responsive mare. After giving her a ten-second advantage, he nudged Raven into a hard gallop. The stallion snorted in frustration, the bit in his teeth as he tried to pull ahead but Sebastian kept the reins short, and for the length of the open field, the two horses raced side by side.

  Ivy bent over Spring’s neck, her fingers meshing in the silky black mane as the mare surged to a faster pace. Glancing back, she saw Raven tossing his head. Clearly, his master controlled his stride.

  "Let him go!" She did not want the advantage although the chivalry was very sweet.

  "It's hardly fair to do so,” Sebastian edged Raven even further off the lead.

  "There's a kiss for you, if should you win!” Ivy’s wide smile was full of promises.

  Sebastian evaluated the distance remaining on the field, then with a jaunty salute and an apologetic grin, he loosened Raven’s reins. The dark grey stallion flamed past like a comet.

  Her mare squealed in dismay while Ivy whooped with the abandon of a wild Indian in her delight. The stallion was incredible to watch, his powerful beauty a staggering counterpoint to an amazing speed. While Spring was certainly fast, she was no match to the stronger, muscled physique of the other horse. Raven quickly left them far behind, his long legs sweeping across the late spring grass.

  When Ivy finally arrived beneath the canopy of the elm, Raven danced with excitement, sides barely heaving, tossing his head as if greatly amused by the outcome of the contest.

  "Oh, if a horse could gloat, I believe Raven is doing so now!" Ivy exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with the exhilaration. Her stylish little hat having been knocked askew, she reached up to secure the pins in her hair.

  "I'll have that kiss now,” Sebastian demanded once Ivy was done repairing herself.

  "To the victor go the spoils of victory.” She grinned, nudging Spring to where Raven pawed the ground.