by The Bargain
Excitement raced along her spine. "Aye, I would."
Renaud removed his clothing and lay down on the bed, waiting for Aleysia. She slowly removed the kirtle, untied the ribbon holding her chemise together, and let it slide down her body to puddle at her feet. His heart thumped erratically. How beautiful she was. Knowing she would truly be his one day soon, in name and body, pleased him more than she would ever know.
Once he thought happiness was made by riches, castles, and land, but now he knew the true importance of loving, and how fulfilling that could be.
He felt that with Aleysia, and he would do whatever he must to make her his bride.
Renaud's gaze shifted over her slowly, noting how her nipples hardened into tiny buds. "Come here."
Her lips curved and as he stared, she climbed onto the bed, settling between his thighs.
She leaned over him, kissing him fiercely, only to break away to kiss a path along his jaw, his neck, his chest, his abdomen that tightened as her velvety tongue laved his navel. "You have a beautiful body, Renaud."
Her soft words surprised him, but pleased him greatly. "I am glad I please you."
She looked up at him and the hot look in her eyes had the blood in his veins boiling.
Her pink tongue reached out and touched the crown of his shaft, swirling around the edge, stroking the tiny slit of his cock head.
She opened her mouth and took him into her mouth, using care with her teeth. He moaned with pleasure as her hot and silky tongue worked magic.
Her fingers grazed his thighs, splaying there. She grew bolder, cupping his sac, her fingers stroking, exploring the sensitive flesh.
She took him farther into her mouth, and he groaned at the multiple sensations.
He reached down, his fingers weaving through her hair. He ached to touch her, but she stilled his hands, apparently intent on pleasing him.
His balls lifted as she continued, his blood coursing through him like liquid fire. "Aleysia, I cannot..."
She didn't stop, and knew he was close. Knew that he could not contain himself. He shifted his hips. She glanced up at him then, her tongue licking, rolling, teasing. "What do you want, Renaud?"
He looked to her glorious breasts, the tips erect, and then at his cock, remembering the fantasy he'd had the first time he saw her naked. For an instant he could see confusion in her eyes, then she leaned down, resting his cock between her breasts. She pushed them together and he moved his hips slowly. He closed his eyes, telling himself there would be time later for slow pleasure, but for now his body begged for release, and he came instantly, smiling when he heard her gasp of surprise.
He opened his eyes and she was beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Grabbing a corner of the bed linen, he cleaned his seed from her body. Finished, he kissed a path down her jaw, to the swell of her breasts, laving one, then the other. With a contented sigh, her head fell back on the pillows, her hands above her, fingers curling around the headboard.
He kissed her navel, his tongue circling it, dipping into it. The muscles of her abdomen contracted as he made a path to her slick folds. Already she was drenched, and he took in her woman's scent, the sweet musk, with a deep inhalation. He stroked her slit with his tongue, and he smiled, hearing her low-throated moan.
Her thighs fell open and he cupped her bottom, bringing her closer to his mouth, stroking her again.
He lifted her hidden pearl with his tongue, sucked it lightly, then hard again, leaving her squirming beneath him.
"Renaud," she breathed, with a sigh. "It feels wonderful."
He held her fast so she couldn't move, and plunged his tongue inside her sheath, which pulsed around him.
He watched her for a moment, the look of pleasure on her face, the smile, the hot desire in her eyes.
Then he stroked her again. Taking her to that pinnacle where she cried out, reaching for him. "Renaud," she said, her breathing uneven. "I want you inside me."
He could no longer hold back and thrust within her heated core. She moaned low in her throat, her thighs opening wider, her ankles locking behind his back.
For as long as he lived, he would never get enough of this woman.
Her fingers moved over his body, down his back, and his buttocks, curling there, holding him tighter, urging him deeper. He grit hit teeth as he kept his climax at bay, wanting to see to her pleasure first.
Hearing her breath hitch, he knew she was close, even before she cried out his name and lifted her hips. Looking into her forest-green eyes, he felt a peace he had never before known. He would never let her go.
And he told her in his native tongue exactly what she meant to him, and the joy she brought to him. Hopefully, one day he would be able to tell her in a language she could understand exactly how much he cared for her.
Her insides clamped tightly around him, and he thrust once more, following her over the edge.
Later that afternoon, Aleysia and Adelstan made their way to the home they had shared with their parents, which now served as sleeping quarters for some of Renaud's men-at-arms, including Adelstan, who reclaimed his old chamber as his own. She was elated that Renaud already trusted her twin, but was not so naive as not to know that Galeran's constant presence wasn't by accident—and though the two young men had become fast friends, they both understood Galeran would report anything and everything to Renaud.
Adelstan opened the gate to the cemetery, and hand in hand they stood before the large headstone. A sad smile came over Adelstan's face, and he squeezed her hand. "Mother, Father, we know you never wanted the Normans here in your beloved Braemere, but we have come to respect this man, and I believe you respect him as well. We may not be staying on at Braemere, but we will never forget her, nor will we ever forget you. Thank you for all that you taught us of loyalty and duty. We shall strive to make you proud."
The words pleased Aleysia, especially since she knew Adelstan was sincere. He liked Renaud. She wanted her brother to be happy for her. "I love him," she said the words aloud, surprising herself, and her brother as well, for he lifted a tawny brow, followed by a smile.
"See, she loves him and he loves her."
"Does he?"
Adelstan smiled softly. "Aye, one only needs to see you two together to realize it is so. So rest in peace, dear parents, and know that your children are well cared for."
Adelstan handed her a rose and together they each lay one before the headstone.
As they left the cemetery and walked toward the bailey, Aleysia caught Adelstan watching her. She stopped in midstride. "What?"
"Nothing," he said, shaking his head. "Who knew that a Norman could make you so happy? Especially, the merciless Baron de Wulf."
She laughed under her breath. How afraid they had been of Renaud. Instead of the fire-breathing dragon she had expected, she had found an honorable man. Now she no longer feared him, but she feared losing him. "Aye, and perhaps one day you shall find love where you least expect it."
He smiled as though to say he doubted it, then wrapped an arm about her shoulder. "I am relieved to see you happy."
As they approached the bailey, a loud roar of applause and laughter sounded. Adelstan looked at Aleysia with a frown. "What are they up to?"
They soon found out. Set up along the far wall were two targets. Two knights stood side by side, each with an arrow notched in his bow. One of the soldiers was Philip, who she had not seen since that night in the great hall when she had flirted with him.
"Release!" Galeran yelled, and the men released their arrows.
Philip smiled widely, and nodded to the men who yelled their approval. The loser shook his head and fell back, while the next in line took his place.
Renaud turned to Aleysia, a wide smile on his face. One that made her heart miss a beat. "Ah, here she is."
Everyone turned and looked her way. "What is he about?" she asked Adelstan.
"No doubt he has been bragging about your skill with bow and arrow."
/> Renaud stepped toward her and extended his hand. "Come, I told my men that you were a sure shot. I have the scar to prove it."
"And you are right." Adelstan's voice brimmed with pride. "Show them, sister."
Never in her life had she backed down from any challenge. All around them, men voiced their encouragement, all save the man she was going up against. Philip smiled widely seeing her, and she returned the smile, taking pleasure in the fact that Renaud bristled beside her. Yes, he was jealous of the young man who would never be the man Renaud was.
"Philip."
"Lady Aleysia, it is good to have you home."
"Enough of the pleasantries," Renaud said gruffly, handing her a long bow and arrow.
Flashing a smile, she took them from him, and concentrated on the target, extending her bow, ready for the command. Just off to her right she saw Elena, who shouted encouragement.
Aleysia extended her bow. "I am out of practice."
"Release!"
She released and a second later applause exploded all around her, for her arrow had hit directly in the center, a perfect shot. Elena gave her a conspiratorial nod, and then she looked at Renaud.
Clapping louder than anyone, he grinned, his pride obvious to everyone watching, which pleased her greatly.
Renaud stepped forward and took the bow from Philip, who relinquished it immediately. Aleysia watched him from the corner of her eye.
Galeran stepped forward. "Ready, release!"
The arrows landed side by side. Adelstan stepped forward, released his bow, and the arrow hit directly between Aleysia's and Renaud's.
The group laughed, and Adelstan smiled. "Let that be a warning, de Wulf. I shall always have my sister's back."
Aleysia kissed her brother's cheek, then turned to Elena, who grabbed her by the hand. "Come, my dear. We will leave you men to your games. I have need to speak to my friend."
"Not so fast," Renaud said, bending his head and kissing Aleysia.
Applause sounded all around them, and she smiled against his lips. Her cheeks heated, but she was immensely pleased. She did not care what others thought. She loved Renaud.
"I shall see you soon," he said, giving her a pat on her bottom.
"Careful, de Wulf," Adelstan said, his smile belying the steely tone of his words.
"I will make an honest woman of her, Adelstan." He turned deadly serious. "I swear it."
Adelstan kept his gaze and nodded. "You had better."
As they headed off, Elena took Aleysia by the hand. "Your brother is almost too pretty for a man."
Aleysia laughed, having heard that very statement a time or two. "Aye."
"What of Galeran?" Aleysia asked, motioning toward the knight who seemed more subdued than normal.
"He has not looked at me since your abduction. I think he partially blames me."
"That is ridiculous. How could either of you be responsible?"
"He is a stubborn soldier. He believes that he should have known. He lost six guards that night. All killed and on his first mission."
"I understand that he mourns his men, but how could he have stopped them when six men were caught unaware?"
Elena picked a thread off her skirts. "We were together the night you were taken."
Aleysia frowned. "Together?"
"We were making love, Aleysia."
Aleysia smiled. "You did?"
"For all the good it did me. He feels that had he been on duty, you would have never been taken, the men would have lived, and he would not have let Renaud down."
Aleysia nodded, understanding the young knights plight. "What if Renaud spoke to him?"
"It is not his business. Plus, he may be angry with Galeran if he knew."
She shrugged as though she didn't care, but Aleysia could see the hurt in Elena's eyes. '"Tis my fault. After all, I seduced him into my bed. I should not have done it. I should have realized that he is still quite young."
"Yet you desire him still?"
"I do. Just as you desire my brother, but I am too old for such games."
Aleysia's cheeks burned bright under Elena's knowing gaze. "I am afraid, Elena. What if I am not given a choice and William marries me to Braemere's new owner?"
"I honestly do not know. It is our lot in life to do what our master says—be that master king, father, or husband."
Aleysia nodded, a sense of unease filling her. She had escaped one man in marriage, only to be possibly forced to take another.
"Why don't you go to Galeran? Ask him to speak with you?"
"I have tried, but he ignores me at every turn. In truth, I think he hates me."
"What if you send him word to meet you somewhere? How about the buttery, somewhere he will not expect to find you."
"You mean trick him?"
Aleysia shrugged. "If need be."
Elena nodded. "How fast you have learned, my dear."
CHAPTER 22
Elena glanced at the buttery door. Every time she heard approaching footsteps, she stood up and held her breath, only to sit back down on a barrel when no one came.
Mayhap Galeran had realized it was she who had sent the message.
Just when she was ready to accept defeat, she peeked out the window and saw him coming her way. Her pulse quickened in anticipation.
A moment later the door opened and Galeran entered, shutting the door behind him.
Seeing her, he frowned. "What are you doing here?"
Her confidence plummeted. "I sent you the note. I wanted to speak with you."
He opened the door to leave, but she moved faster and closed it, blocking the way. "Nay, hear me out."
Galeran shook his head. "There is nothing to say."
"You have not spoken to me for days. Not since we made love."
"'Twas a mistake, Elena."
He may as well have slapped her. "A mistake?"
He nodded. "Aye."
"Well, I do not consider it a mistake. Not at all, and I thought more of you. You did not act as though it was a mistake then."
His brows drew together. "What do you mean?"
"Your groans and moans told me you enjoyed every second. Now you are behaving like a child."
He looked affronted. "I am no child."
"Aye, you are a man, but you have ignored me as though Aleysia's abduction was my fault, and such is the behavior of a child."
He blushed. "I should have been on duty. I was not, and because of that, six men have lost their lives."
"You did not kill them. MacMillan and his men did. Do you think my brother blames himself for each soldier he has lost in battle?" She shook her head. "He would make himself insane if he did. And what if you had been sleeping instead of making love to me? Would you still be so hard on yourself?"
His jaw tightened. She reached out to him, but he pulled away, and she felt the rejection all the way to her soul. "I was wrong about you."
He looked at her then, and she could see the warring emotions.
"I thought you were a man of honor, not a man who sulks. You are acting no better than a woman."
His throat convulsed as he swallowed hard. "First you compare me to a child and now a woman?"
She lifted her chin. "Aye, I do."
His nostrils flared as he stared at her, and to her shock he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, at first his lips gentle, but growing more aggressive by the second.
"I have wanted you from the moment you stepped foot at Braemere," he said against her lips. "And by God, I will have you again."
Elena's blood coursed through her veins, her anger diminishing.
His cock was hard against his braies, rising toward his navel, struggling to be free of the confines.
Her nipples tightened and she grew wet with need.
He set a barrel before the door, before pulling her into his arms and kissing her hard, his hands jerking her gown up about her hips. He turned her around, to where she bent over the table.
His cock probed her molten
core, his hands on her breasts, his fingers teasing her already-sensitive nipples into hardened peaks. She arched her back, her ass high in the air, urging him to take her.
Galeran slid in slowly, sighing as her heat enveloped him, squeezing him tightly. She gasped as he filled her to the womb. He stayed like that for a moment, and then thrust, his movements slow and fluid.
Elena rocked against him, amazed at the size of his cock, and how full she was in that position. His fingers stroked her nipples, pulling them, pinching them, flooding her channel with honeyed warmth.
"You're so wet," he whispered, leaning over her, his lips brushing against her ear, while his fingers brushed over her clit.
"Aye," she said, her breaths coming fast as her body worked toward climax. "My body craves you, and only you."
He eased out of her, almost all the way, and she cried out, her hips following him, wanting him back inside her.
Galeran trembled with the need to come. He held back, just keeping the head of his cock within her dewy folds. She shifted, rotating her hips in a way that had him gritting his teeth as he sank into her.
She cried out again, her sheath squeezing his cock tighter, pulling from him the greatest orgasm of his life.
Galeran held her for a long time, content to hold the woman he had not been able to get from his thoughts. Unfortunately, the silence ended too soon. A loud knock brought him back to the present.
He helped to straighten her skirts, and pulled up his braies before stepping outside, leaving Elena inside.
"The scouts have returned and MacMillan's army comes this way," a soldier said, rushing toward the armory. "They are within an hour's ride. Maldor says at least two hundred strong, and they are being led by Duncan's brother, who is wanting Renaud's head. They must have rallied troops along the way."
Adrenaline rushed through his veins and he stepped back into the buttery and pulled Elena into his arms. "Come, let's get you to safety."
The sounds of swords clashing resonated throughout the chamber.
When would the madness end? All Aleysia wanted was simplicity in her life. She had her brother. She had Renaud. Now all she wanted was to live in peace and, God willing, at Braemere, but she was prepared to move anywhere, as long as she had Renaud and her brother safely with her.
