In the lantern light, she recognized the heat of desire in those blue eyes beneath the black lashes. Desire.
“Alicia, I want to please you,” he said tenderly. Brushing his lips against her temple, he added, “I don’t want you to come to me afraid.”
His strong hands swept her up into his arms. She leaned against his hard chest while she slowly glided her hands across his broad shoulders to lock behind his neck. He smiled down at her as he carried her from the stable. The loud crunch of his footfalls along the gravel could barely be heard above the pounding of her heart.
Outside, the cool, damp air rushed against her flushed skin as he carried her along the path that led to the tiny cottage nestled in the shadows.
He pushed the door open. The fragrance of roses from the bouquet on the mantel filled her nostrils. She closed her eyes, making believe that he wanted her, loved her with all his heart. For tonight, she would pretend it was more than desire. Then maybe someday…But the words she had overheard him say came back to taunt her. Love makes women weak and men foolish.
He laid her upon the lace coverlet, the only light coming from the half moon shining through the lace-paneled window. Self-consciously, she glanced down at the plain gown she wore. “I wanted you to see me in my new nightgown—”
“Shh, my darling,” he said huskily.
She watched his strong, dark fingers unfasten the pink ribbons at her neckline. With experienced assurance, he brushed the soft fabric down her arms, covering her partial nakedness with his body while he tenderly removed her other garments. The heat of his body surrounded her. She closed her eyes, feeling shy and uncertain.
Gently, his mouth moved over her face, lightly kissing her cheeks, her forehead, each closed eyelid. “Alicia, look at me.”
Barely able to breathe, Alicia did what he asked. But she wasn’t prepared for the wild and uncontrolled passion darkening his eyes. “Kiss me, Alicia.”
She wanted to, how she wanted to, but she didn’t possess the skill of the other women he’d known. What if she displeased him?
He nibbled at her bottom lip. “Kiss me, my love.”
My love. How she wished it were true. She stiffened. If only she could be neutral to his pretense of desiring her.
His warm hand cupped her face toward his. “What’s the matter, Alicia? Don’t you want me to love you?”
She shivered, turning her head away.
Dalton’s fingers grasped her shoulders, drawing her toward him. His warm breath mingled with hers. “I’ll not force you, Alicia.” His arms slid away from her and he sat up, the mattress creaking when his long legs draped over the side of the bed. “If you want me to leave, then say it.”
Everything was going so badly. She closed her eyes, afraid to trust her voice to speak. Instead, her answer was a soft whimper coming from deep inside her throat.
The sound of her cry was his undoing. “My darling, if you’re so afraid of me, then we’ll wait.”
Her thick lashes shaded whatever emotion was in her eyes.
“Dear God.” His voice broke with huskiness. “Are you this unhappy to be married to me?”
Her head lifted. “N—no, it’s…”
“It’s what, Alicia?”
She raised her chin. “It’s that I—I don’t think you could pretend well enough for me not to know that I don’t please you.”
“If you don’t please me?” Amazed, he shook his head. “Dear God, Alicia. What have I done to make you think such a thing?”
“We both know that I have no practice in…” Her thick lashes shadowed her cheeks, and at that moment, he thought his heart might explode with tenderness.
“It is I who should please you, my love. Don’t you know that?” Her dark velvet eyes met his, and her unguarded innocence threatened to be his undoing. “Lie back and let me love you, Alicia. Let me show you all there is between a man and a woman.”
She shuddered. “Are you going to kiss me?”
He smiled. “Do you want me to?”
Her lips curled slightly. “Yes, I would like that.”
He grinned, then leaned over her and feathered a kiss along her bottom lip. He felt her tremble beneath him. Then she opened her eyes. “Why don’t you kiss me like you did in the library?”
“Hmm, I don’t think I remember.” He nibbled gently at her lower lip. “Why don’t you show me?”
Her sweet mouth met his, her soft, gentle fingers worked their way to the back of his neck. His lips demanded more, and she willingly gave. She shifted beneath him, molding her body to his. Blood leaped in his veins as he sensed the change in her.
Her tongue sought his, inflaming him with desire. Gently, he cupped her silky breast; her nipple blossomed beneath his touch. The low moan she uttered stroked his manhood and challenged his self-control. His mouth gently closed around the hardened nub as he drank in her sweetness. She arched beneath him, moaning.
“Dalton?” she said huskily.
He lifted his head. “Yes, my sweet?”
“Why is it…the more you kiss me, the more…?” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“The more you want me to?” he finished for her.
Her answer unfolded in a soft, yielding sigh. Dalton smiled. “That, my pet, is the wonder of lovemaking.” He pulled her curving body on top of him, gathering her against his chest. Her exploring fingers curled against the tangle of his chest hair. Everywhere she touched him, he felt the silky fire burn him alive. He wanted her, desperately. He had never known a woman whose sweet innocence and heated sensuality fired him with such excitement and passion. He wanted her like he had never wanted a woman.
Bolder now, Alicia kissed him passionately. His eyes opened when he felt her hips match his in their primal rhythm. Her eyes, warm pools of heated desire, flamed him further. He ached to touch the sleek depths of her womanly heat, but he didn’t want to do anything to startle her.
With a long, ragged breath, Alicia lifted her head. If she knew the seductive power her smouldering gaze had on him, she’d not believe it. His trembling fingers slid along her hips; he felt her shiver. He ran his hand between her thighs. She twisted with his touch. Gently, he shifted her beneath him, then captured her mouth in a deep, endless kiss filled with raw hunger.
He felt her legs part as she arched for him. Moments later, she was damp, ready for him.
Alicia shivered as he began to move over her. She wanted to beg him to end this sweet torment, but she had no idea what she wanted instead. All she knew was that she didn’t want him to stop the driving thrusts that fueled the gathering storm deep within.
As Dalton increased the tempo, Alicia felt a burst of sheer ecstasy erupt inside her. His mouth captured her cry of delight. She clung to him, writhing against him, lost of all consciousness. With the last deep thrust, she felt his shuddering warmth pour into her.
Her arms twined around him, lost in the glory of the moment. If only they could remain like this, hearts beating as one, lost in their own sweet heaven.
Chapter Fourteen
Dalton watched her, snuggled against his shoulder, sleeping so trustingly in his arms. For the longest time he had lain there, fighting the effect her warm breasts, nestling intimately against his bare chest, had on his body. In fact, everything she did affected him. He knew she had a passionate nature, but he had no way of knowing that her shy attempts to bring him pleasure could unleash such profound ecstasy.
But her effect on him was more than just lust. Never before had he felt such vitality at being alive. Despite his ingrained cynicism, he was left in awe at the change in him. Feelings long buried and unfamiliar were springing to life. Longing caught in his chest. With her at his side, the world was a special place.
The scent of roses from the bouquet on the mantel curled around them, pulling his thoughts back to the present. Dawn was slanting its pale light across the sky. Although he didn’t want to leave her warmth, he knew the servants were up. Expecting the cottage to be empty, a maid might wander insi
de to refill the vases with fresh flowers and startle Alicia awake. Instead, he would leave word at the manor that no one should disturb the cottage until her ladyship awakens. He eyed the empty wash basin and pitcher and an idea formed in his mind. How surprised she would be to find warm water for her morning ablutions. If he hurried, he would have time to fill the pitcher himself before she awoke.
Dalton lifted the silken drift of her hair across his chest and carefully rolled away from her. She murmured slightly, yet the tiny sound tightened every muscle in his body. He drew a shaky breath and eased the sheet higher, covering her shoulders. She shifted to her side, facing him, her rosy mouth pursed, as if awaiting his kisses.
He couldn’t remain another moment and not taste those sweet lips. He groaned and forced himself to his feet. When he had quietly finished dressing, he grabbed the empty pitcher and slipped quietly from the cottage.
When Alicia opened her eyes, sunlight streamed through the open window, filling the room with a cheery glow. Far off, a robin trilled sweetly to its mate. Happy and sated, she smiled, stretching like a contented cat. She glanced at the empty place beside her and tenderly touched the slight impression in Dalton’s pillow. He must have arisen early. Perhaps he was in the stables preparing the horses for an early ride before breakfast.
She threw back the sheet and got out of bed. The porcelain pitcher, filled with warm water, stood on the nightstand. Dalton must have summoned the maids already this morning, she thought with surprise. No one knew they would be spending the night in the cottage.
She felt a blush warm her cheeks as she wondered what Hortense and Marie must have thought. She poured water from the pitcher into the wash basin, then began to bathe.
She didn’t expect to see a great deal of her husband once they finally settled down to everyday manor life. He had several vast estates to oversee, and she would be engrossed with managing the households. However, that could wait. For the next few days, she wanted to remain with him—by his side. She wanted to know all she could about this fascinating man who was hers.
After she had bathed, she chose a blue riding habit from the clothespress and dressed quickly, hoping to join him. Although they had made love for most of the night, she found that she still ached for him. More shocking was that she wondered when they would make love again. Heavens, but she was becoming insatiable!
When she finished dressing, she studied the image of herself in the mirror. Did this wondrous glow show in her face? She laughed aloud at the scatterwit notion. She was feeling too happy to care. All her life she had been so wise, so practical about matters of the heart. Today was the first day of her married life, and she was feeling glorious. But she was still practical enough to know this feeling wouldn’t last, and wise enough to enjoy it.
Before Alicia arrived at the stables, she saw a groom lead Bashshar to the paddock where Dalton waited. When he saw her, he motioned for her to come toward him.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Dressed in a pearl-grey riding habit, he looked positively dashing. Alicia caught her breath just at the sight of him. He smiled. “I’ve already asked that Jupiter be saddled for you. Such a beautiful morning, I thought you might enjoy riding with me.”
Not trusting her voice, she nodded and smiled with delight, then hurried toward Jupiter, who impatiently pawed the ground. After the groom helped her onto the sidesaddle, she brought Jupiter alongside Dalton and Bashshar. The two stallions eyed each other uneasily. Although it wasn’t often stallions were allowed close proximity, Alicia felt Jupiter’s presence might help instill pride and confidence in Bashshar.
Dalton and Alicia rode along the neatly clipped path for a long time before she spoke. “Jupiter is full of energy and wants to lead. What do you say to a race?”
Dalton glanced across the meadow and patted Bashshar on the flank. “Good idea. We’ll cross the field and head toward the waterfall.”
She laughed. “Splendid.” She waited until Dalton brought Bashshar up alongside Jupiter. “Are you ready?”
A wide smile was Dalton’s answer. Alicia gave Jupiter his head as the horse took an early lead across the rolling fields of yellow wildflowers. Wind whipped her hair, and she felt exhilarated.
Dalton rode the black stallion easily beside her, and she was thrilled to see Bashshar accept the challenge so readily. The weeks of intense training and practice showed. Bashshar’s long, easy strides proved his champion bloodline. But Jupiter came from superior stock, as well, and the young stallion showed equal promise.
Alicia set her jaw and leaned over Jupiter’s neck, balancing low over the saddle. Gently, she coaxed the stallion to break away with a sudden burst of speed. Beneath her, she could feel the stallion’s powerful muscles flex, his breathing deepen.
Almost as if Dalton sensed her strategy, he urged Bashshar faster, both horses now neck and neck.
Alicia knew she shouldn’t take her eyes from her mount, but she couldn’t help stealing a glance at Dalton beside her. His shadowed jaw, clenched in determination, matched the challenge in his eyes. In that instant, Dalton edged Bashshar ahead of Jupiter. Alicia’s stallion fought to keep up, but Bashshar’s last minute burst of power carried him past Jupiter as the horses rounded the grove of larch trees bordering the waterfall beyond.
Alicia laughed as she eased Jupiter into a trot. “I’ve never been more happy to lose,” she said when she came up beside him. Happiness welled inside her as she watched Dalton with the horse. This was the first serious ride that Dalton had undergone since Bashshar’s accident, and she knew that he was delighted with the stallion’s improvement.
“Thanks to your help, I believe that Bashshar might possibly race again,” Dalton said, rubbing the stallion’s neck.
Her heart swelled with pride. “Of course he will. Perhaps you should enter him at Newmarket.”
“I don’t know. That’s less than six weeks from now.”
“He may not win, but the training and experience will do him good.” She felt exhilarated by the idea. “If we both work with him, he’ll be ready in time.”
Dalton’s dark brows knotted in thought as he dismounted. “What of Jupiter? I thought you hoped to enter him at Newmarket?”
“We can enter both horses.”
Dalton’s smile was dazzling. “That’s a champion idea!” He helped her dismount. “If I’m not mistaken, Ives should have our breakfast set up by now.” Dalton glanced at the grassy knoll overlooking the waterfall. “I thought you’d enjoy an outdoor breakfast.”
He was looking steadily down at her, her face shaded by the brim of her peacock-blue hat. Wisps of coppery strands blew around her smiling face. He felt a sudden twist in his chest as he realized, again, this beautiful woman was his. What would she say if she knew that he wanted to make love to her, here in the meadow beside the waterfall? They could bask in the sunshine, naked, and they could make incredible love all day.
He watched as she tethered Jupiter to a tree, the powerful stallion following behind her like a tame pussycat. Dalton was amazed again at the profound joy of a simple morning ride with this exceptional woman. Never had he smelled sun-kissed air in his lungs, seen the vibrant tapestry of fields and woods, or felt such joy in his heart.
Alicia. He watched her face light with childish delight when she found the white-linen-covered table and chairs that Ives and the servants had left for them. Yes, it was Alicia who ignited his senses. She called to him and laughed; her laughter hung in the air like warm honey.
He smiled, hurrying to her as she dove into the picnic basket, bringing out a bottle of wine, glasses and covered dishes. “Hurry, or I’ll eat everything and not leave you a crumb.”
Whatever this wondrous feeling was that possessed him, it left him feeling wobbly and unsettled. But he wouldn’t have traded these last twenty-four hours for anything in the world. Alicia was the most incredible woman—innocent nymph and knowing temptress all in one. She was enough to dazzle any man’s senses. And she was his bride.
S
he called to him again, and this time he joined her across the table. “Squab, sausages, partridge and boiled eggs. Ives has arranged a feast.” She uncovered a large bowl of bread crumbs. “And what is this?” she asked.
“Bread for the swans. After we eat, I’ll show you the other side of the river. Below the bridge, swans, ducks and all manner of game birds come to feed. The gamekeeper has strict orders to protect their breeding grounds from hunters.”
“Your orders, I presume?”
He smiled. “I strongly believe in protecting the birds and other game for future generations.” For our children and grandchildren, he thought with a start. He looked across the silver river wending through the meadow, its surface smooth except where it bubbled over rocks along the shore. He could almost imagine their children’s laughter carried on the wind. Children. Yes, it was entirely possible. Although he always knew he would need an heir, he’d never before visualized his son, with his mother’s warm dark eyes, or a daughter with a musical laugh. He gloried briefly in the awakened sense of wonder.
“My grandfather believed in protecting the hunting fields at Marston Heath,” she said wistfully. He watched as she removed her bonnet, the wind lifting her chestnut curls around her shoulders. She dished up a small helping of squab and handed it to him.
“Will your father allow you to oversee the improvements you plan to make at Marston Heath?”
“He will have little say.” She smiled as she prepared a plate for herself. “But my mother is most pleased.”
“Your mother is a fine woman.”
“Yes,” she said simply, but love and admiration for her mother reflected from her expressive eyes. She was silent a moment, then her voice grew serious. “I was so pleased that your mother attended our wedding. Did you have a chance to talk with her before the ceremony?”
Dalton knew her simple question held her relentless hope to see peace restored between his mother and himself. He would grant Alicia anything, but when it came to the dowager…
Taming the Duke Page 18
