“We must have been mad.”
“Or we are now.”
He knew he was. He had never enjoyed anyone so much as he did Juliana. It made his stomach clench at the thought of their tryst ending. Even though he knew at the outset it would, and it must.
Until then he would forget that day would ever arrive. He had more important matters to attend to.
He kissed Juliana, lightly at first, but she responded passionately. It spurred his own desire. He was impatient to be inside her. It seemed he had waited forever. He had no more interest in prolonging the wait.
She began moving against him, caressing his body with hers. He tucked her protectively underneath him, resting on his forearms, so he could see into her eyes. They were sparkling with excitement and heat.
“Nicholas,” she murmured, brushing his hair away from his face.
He kissed her lightly. “Juliana.”
That made her smile. “You are trying my patience again.”
He grinned. “Can I confess I am trying to be gentlemanly?”
“I cannot imagine why you should. I am feeling most unladylike right now.”
She punctuated her words by rubbing against him, demonstrating precisely where she wanted him. He shook his head slowly. She was so enchanting. He felt as if he would always be under her spell. He lifted her knee and began easing himself inside her. Her eyes widened and then they closed. Her head tipped back and the most alluring, uninhibited moan came from between her lips.
He pressed deeper, relishing her bosom flattening against his hard chest, as well as the way she moved sinuously underneath him. It was more exquisite than he had anticipated, being inside her. He tried to maintain a slower pace, but his patience had deserted him. Juliana wrapped her legs around his, drawing him deeper into her.
“Nicholas.”
She tried to say more but he had nearly come undone hearing his name uttered with such wonder. He kissed her, hard, and increased his body’s tempo. She grabbed his shoulders then, holding him tightly everywhere, matching his pace.
He felt ferocious all of a sudden. He needed Juliana in ways he couldn’t begin to explain. It was simply something he felt in every fiber of his being. He needed to touch her everywhere, constantly. He had an insatiable need to have her surrounding his body, just like this, buried in her sweetness for at least an eternity.
Her hands grabbed at his back, trying to hold on while reaching for completion. He continued to watch as her face took on that rapturous look he had once imagined, when he had wondered what it would be like to make love to her. Then her movements became more frantic. Her eyes grew wilder.
“I know,” he reassured her. “I know.”
He had thought he’d attained heaven when she came apart earlier, but there was nothing more perfect than seeing it now, while he stroked harder and deeper, giving her something she had never had before. Something she would always have from him first.
“Juliana.”
She arched against him and cried out, a long, blissful sound that ended with his name. Nicholas pumped into her several more times, trying to hold back as long as he could, but she made it impossible. Her release fueled his and he finally let go, soaring heavenward, clasping her tight, unwilling to relinquish the most exquisite woman he had ever known.
He dropped his head next to hers. He tried to keep himself on his forearms, but she tugged him down. “I need to feel you like this,” she said. “It is more divine than you could possibly know.”
“I cannot believe it is more divine than what I am feeling just now.”
She sighed, or tried to, but she was flattened beneath him. It made her giggle, and he was enchanted by the sound. He rolled over to the side, lying next to her. She turned her head, smiling at him, as if he had just handed her the world. He couldn’t resist threading his fingers through her hair, feeling the silky texture against his skin.
All of a sudden she yawned. She covered her mouth quickly, a charming blush appearing on her cheeks. “I apologize,” she said. “I truly do.”
He laughed. “There is no need. It means you are sated, which is the goal, after all.”
“True. But I did not want you to think I was not enjoying all of it.”
“I am well aware you were enjoying it. I was too.” He tweaked her nipple playfully. “In case you did not know.”
She gave him a mock frown. “Are you certain? I am very willing to try again, to ensure you found everything to be as pleasurable as possible.”
He tipped his head back and laughed. “Have no worries on that account. I intend to pleasure you for quite some time this evening.”
“Indeed? It sounds as though you have many entertainments planned.”
He nodded. “Many. A great deal. Scores.”
She laughed, pulling his head down for a kiss. “You are certain you have no need of those aphrodisiac foods? I can summon the chef in a trice.”
“There is no need. You have an abundance of aphrodisiac qualities.”
“Thank you, Nicholas.”
To his surprise, her eyes filled up with tears. He gathered her into his arms, holding her while she insisted she was not crying.
“I had intended this to be a joyous occasion,” he teased.
“I am quite happy. Deliriously so.” She sniffed and sneaked a glance at him. “Although now you must think me completely mad.”
Nicholas felt his heart soften a little more. This woman, filled with life and passion and laughter, made him deliriously happy. And he was not accustomed to feeling that particular emotion, especially not at Christmas. Instead of dwelling on that, he gave Juliana a reassuring squeeze.
“I do not think you mad. I am glad you are happy, and that I have been the cause of it.”
“Then will you cause some more happiness now?”
“Nothing would bring me greater joy.”
For the next several hours, he stroked her and pleasured her and brought her to a shattering release numerous times. He did his best to shock her, but every wicked suggestion merely made her eyes light up with excitement.
She was the perfect lover.
“Juliana,” he murmured. “Why did I not meet you years ago?”
She did not respond. She likely did not hear him because she was on the cusp of another release. This time he was behind her, his hands gripping her waist, pounding until she began the slow moan that turned into a wail, signaling she was coming apart again.
He could not hold back any longer. It was as if her pleasure ignited his. He was sated, yet needing her even more than when they started. Would he never get enough of her?
He lowered her onto the bed and then joined her. She snuggled against his chest, murmuring softly. It was not long before her breathing evened out, and he felt her muscles relax. She had fallen asleep.
He was tired, but he would not permit himself to do the same. Not until he was in his own bed. It was the most ironclad of all his rules.
He was growing too attached to her as it was. It would be even more difficult to leave her, when their time was over, if he allowed himself to succumb to the pleasure of holding her in his arms until dawn.
When he was certain Juliana was deeply asleep, he slowly slid out of the bed. He dragged the counterpane up until it covered her, and then placed a tender kiss to her temple. He lingered, which was not at all like him, but it was not something he wanted to examine too thoroughly just then.
After several long moments, watching as she slept peacefully, he forced himself to leave. He slipped out the door and headed towards his own bedchamber, fighting off an unusual, almost unbearable feeling of loss.
Chapter Ten
Nicholas halted at the entrance to the breakfast room. Would Juliana be disappointed that he had abandoned her bed while she slept? He hoped not. After all, she had teased him about departing while his lovers continued to slumber, so it was likely she expected him to continue the practice with her.
He bit back a yawn. If only she knew
what a Herculean effort it had been to leave her bedchamber. Even worse, he had struggled with the temptation to return to it, exhausting himself in the process, finally falling asleep mere hours before dawn.
He reached for the door knob. Perhaps she was still abed. He would bring her some breakfast, and then they could enjoy themselves in a variety of amorous ways the rest of the morning.
He opened the door, relishing the thought of the delights that awaited them.
“Nicholas! I thought you meant to sleep the entire day away.”
He started, not only by Juliana’s bright greeting, but at the sight of her beautiful face, smiling at him. He had half expected her to be petulant, with him needing to cajole her into a good mood. But why should he ever think such a thing? That was not Juliana. It never would be.
He strode into the room and could not resist placing a kiss atop her hair. “I thought you might still be asleep,” he confessed.
“I did sleep quite peacefully.” Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “In truth, I would even describe it as a blissful slumber.”
He laughed as he seated himself next to her. “Then my entertainment skills are thankfully intact.”
“It would appear so.” She took a sip of coffee. “I trust you slept well?”
“How could I have not slept well?” he teased. “You ensured I would.”
“I did. Which means you must also be famished. For breakfast, I mean.” She gestured towards the sideboard. “There is all manner of foodstuffs and delicacies available. Though if you require anything else—”
“Perhaps in a moment. I should like to hear of today’s activities first, to see how much fuel I may need your chef to prepare.”
She beamed. “I thought to let you decide our agenda today.”
He did not even have to ponder it. “I think I should like to explore that tower. Is it possible?”
“Of course! I think you will like it. The view is spectacular. You may even be able to spot another potential yule log from there.” She started to grin. “Should you wish to burn any new regrets—such as leaving my bed last night.”
He pretended to groan, but his smile could not be kept at bay. “I have in mind some other spectacular views.”
“It is much too cold in the tower for your usual entertainments,” she said with a laugh.
“Then perhaps we should take some provisions and supplies with us. In case an unexpected gust of wind should blow our clothes away.”
“I cannot imagine that occurring.” Juliana attempted a stern expression, but could not maintain it. “But I shall see what can be brought along for this expedition.”
~ * ~
Nicholas darted up the curving stone stairs ahead of Juliana. He was as excited as when he’d been a lad, envisioning himself the noblest of knights, fighting off intruders—usually Martin’s younger siblings—with his trusty weapon.
“These steps are designed so that invaders will have their sword hand against the wall,” he called down, “making it difficult for them to fight effectively.”
“Then what of the ones who are defending the tower?”
Nicholas returned to her, his arm swinging as if he were brandishing an actual sword. “As you can see, their arms are free to lop off the heads of those unable to raise their weapons.”
“I used to come up here all the time, but never worried about invaders. Now I understand why.” She smiled at him. “How do you know so much about castles?”
“It is merely something I find interesting. And until now I have not had much opportunity to use this knowledge.”
“I should have known you wanted my tower, not me.”
He grinned, grabbing her hand and tugging her up the last few stairs. “Do not fear, fair damsel, I have come to rescue you.”
“Wait! I am not accustomed to running pell-mell up these stairs.” She grabbed her hem and bunched it in a fist. “Not with skirts tangling about me.”
He stopped for a moment. “Shall we remove them?”
Juliana gave him another one of her warning looks, but since her eyes were also sparkling with interest, he could not feel too afraid.
They began to ascend again, this time at a slightly more measured pace.
Nicholas caught his breath when they reached the top of the tower stairs. The large circular space would have normally been empty, but Juliana had had someone on her staff bring up a hamper, so they would not starve, and an assortment of blankets to stave off any cold winds. However, his attention was riveted by the sweeping vista on display through the main window.
“I envy you coming here so often.” He stepped closer to the window and then ducked his head through the opening. “What a magnificent view.”
Juliana tugged at his hand. “Nicholas, have a care.”
He continued to lean outside the window, but turned to look at her. Her obvious concern warmed him, nearly removing the chill from the December wind drifting about him. “I can see where our epic yule log once dwelled. And where you attempted to fell me with your well-placed snowball.”
“My visits were rarely during the winter months,” she said, peering over his shoulder, holding on to his waist at the same time. “Perhaps I should see to having the windows fitted with glass.”
Nicholas turned and wrapped his arms around her, drawing her snug against him. She tilted her head back to look at him. Her cheeks were pink from the cold, and probably the exertion of climbing the stairs. Possibly it was from her happiness at being in his embrace. Or at least he hoped that last was true.
“What brought you up here?” he asked. “Besides the stunning panorama.”
Juliana moved away, and he relinquished her, reluctantly. She walked toward the open window, gazing out from a safe distance. She was quieter than he was accustomed to seeing her.
“I used to imagine I could see my future from here.” She turned and gave him a self-conscious smile. “It sounds silly, I know.”
“Not at all. It’s an excellent vantage point. But of course now I must know what you saw in your future.”
“I am not certain I saw anything. I did have hopes and wishes, of course. Everyone does.”
Nicholas felt his heart give a little pang. It distressed him that she had spent time alone, wishing for a happy future. He understood, though, wishing it were possible for him one day too.
“Then tell me of these hopes and wishes,” he said.
“Why?”
He clasped her hands in his. “Perhaps I can make them come true.”
“And perhaps you have already,” she said with another one of her joyous laughs.
“Ahh, so this is where you decided you should embark on your first love affair.”
Her cheeks heated with an instant blush, giving him his answer. He could not resist kissing her just then. He dotted kisses on her cheeks and the tip of her nose.
“You are prying too many of my secrets out of me,” she said.
He laughed. “I have just commenced.”
“Then I may as well spill all of them now, since I have little power to resist your seductive means of extracting them.”
“That would spoil all of the fun.” He nibbled on her ear. “Have I taught you nothing of the joys of anticipation?”
Her breath hitched. “You have. Yet I find I am even more enamored of the post-anticipation portion of things.”
He couldn’t help but laugh once more. She was such a treasure. A wholly unexpected one. What would it be like to have her with him for longer than the Christmas revelries?
He tugged her hand and she followed him to the spot where all of the provisions for a lavish picnic resided. They spread several thick blankets atop the stone floor, and then placed the hamper in the midst of it all, seating themselves close to each other. Nicholas opened the basket and began extracting cheeses and bread and fruit. He set them down and then dug around until he found one more item that made him smile.
He held the bottle of brandy aloft. “This shall help to ward o
ff the chill.”
“It was the first thing I requested the chef to put in,” Juliana said. “Now, tell me of your hopes and dreams.”
“I have none,” he answered. None that he would permit himself to consider, anyway.
“That is not possible.” She studied his face for a moment. “Surely you must have wished for something on Stir-Up Day.”
He grinned as he handed her a glass of spirits. He had not participated in the plum pudding ritual since he was a child. At that time, he had wished for all manner of things young boys wanted, with every expectation that his desires would be fulfilled, merely because he wanted something so intensely. Now, as a grown man, with life’s difficulties and impossibilities…
He had no desire to spoil Juliana’s fun, however. “Will my wish still come true if I divulge it to you?”
“Hmm, I am not certain of that.” Her face brightened. “Perhaps if we tell each other our wishes, it shall cancel out any potential harm.”
He nodded, as if considering the idea. “You shall have to go first, of course.”
“Why must I go first? You are making up rules now.”
“I enjoy doing that.”
“I noticed,” she muttered. “Fine. I wished—” She bit her lip, gazing up at him as if deciding whether to divulge her secret yearning. “I wished that a dark-haired man would be the first to cross my threshold at the New Year.”
He had to mask his surprise. Had she wished for him to be that dark-haired man? It both thrilled and unnerved him. He managed to keep his voice teasing when he replied, “It is meant to bring you good luck, is it not?”
“Yes, it is. Why else would I wish for that?” She took a sip of the brandy. “Now it is your turn.”
Nicholas hesitated. He had lost faith many years ago that his wishes would ever be granted. Yet Juliana made it seem, at moments like this, that maybe his heartfelt desires could be fulfilled. Maybe a different future was possible.
“I wished,” he leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly, “that a beautiful dark-haired woman would ask me to be her lover.”
Lord Misrule (The Matchmaking Earl Book 1) Page 6
