by Sherry Ewing
“I am perchance already too drunk from yer beauty, my lady,” he murmured.
He came toward her, and she backed away til she was up against the stone wall. Douglas took the cup from her trembling hand and kissed her on the lips. Her eyes widened in surprise as her mouth curved into an alluring smile. He reached behind him to place the cup down, then reached for her hand, kissing the inside of her wrist. She sighed in what Douglas hoped was anticipation, and then placed her palm on his chest.
“Do ye ken what ye do tae me, my lovely wife? See how my heart leaps at yer mere touch.”
“I scarcely know what reaction I cause you, my lord, let alone what I myself am feeling. We barely know one another.” Her voice was so soft, and Douglas placed his hand on the wall behind her head.
“Ye have felt our connection, dear Catherine. Ye cannae deny what I see reflected in yer eyes whenever we have met.” He toyed with one long curl, rubbing the silky strand between his fingers.
“’Tis why I agreed to the duke’s edict,” she declared more confidently. Her hazel eyes shimmered in the firelight, bringing out the golden highlights in their depths.
“And would ye have accepted me if I had freely offered for ye without Henry’s influence?” Douglas searched her face to see if her expression would betray her true feelings for him.
“Perchance…we may never know now, shall we?” she teased while fingering the fabric of his tunic.
Douglas pressed his body gently into Catherine’s. A startled gasp escaped her lips, for there could be no mistaking his desire for her. “Do ye ken how much I want ye?’ he asked, barely holding onto the edges of some sense of reality while waiting to experience every sweet inch of her.
The smile she gave him was beguiling. Her hand wound around his neck and she pulled him toward her. “Show me…”
’Twas all the encouragement Douglas needed as his head dipped, giving her a possessive kiss.
Catherine was lost, or mayhap she had been found after Douglas kissed her with all the passion he had apparently been holding back. Her body flamed to life with his every touch, especially when his hand skimmed down her side, over her hip, and to her buttocks. He tore his lips from hers, their breaths mingling on a heartbeat as they stared at one another. He smiled in that manner she recognized as charming and wicked at the same time. Catherine knew for certain she would never be the same after tonight.
She pulled on his tunic, and with a low chuckle, Douglas yanked the garment over his head, tossing it to the floor. She should have been startled to see a man half naked and standing so close, but this was her husband, after all. In only a few more minutes, she would be seeing far more of him. She marveled at the width of his shoulders while she played with a strand of his hair. Then he stepped back as if to give her the chance to take him in.
Douglas was…glorious, a true Scottish warrior in every sense of the word. She tugged on his hand, bringing him close again. She felt bold and cast him a smile that was probably both shy and alluring at the same time. Her hands spanned over his lightly-haired chest, down to the well-developed ripples on his stomach, her fingers anchoring around his narrow waist. She would have continued her exploration down his body, but he caught her hands, halting her progress.
“’Tis not that I do not care for yer tender touch, my lady, but not yet,” he said in a strained voice before he picked her up to carry her to their bed. He nuzzled her neck, then breathed into her ear, and another heady rush of excitement filled her. “’Tis my fondest desire to see that ye are satisfied first.”
“Satisfied? How?” she asked in a breathless whisper.
“Ye shall see.”
For once, she would not argue with him. Instead, he put her down in front of the bed. She was unprepared when he hastily began pulling the linen gown off her.
“Douglas, please…” she implored, shivering and trying to shield her nakedness.
He halted at her words. Resting his forehead against hers, he took several deep breaths. “Ye are a beautiful woman, Catherine, and I would not have ye shielded from my eyes. Do ye trust me, wife?” he asked hoarsely.
“Douglas…” she whispered again, unsure what she was about to promise him.
He caressed her hair. “I vow tae never hurt ye, Catherine, but I need tae know, do ye trust me?”
Catherine touched his cheek. “Aye, I trust you with my very life, husband,” she answered honestly. She knew in her heart she spoke the truth.
’Twas all the answer he required, for Douglas threw back the coverlets on the bed and coaxed her to lie down. She watched in fascination when he took off his boots, his hose following close behind. But when he began untying the drawstring on his braies, she squeezed her eyes shut, afraid for the first time of what awaited her between the covers of their bed.
“Look at me, Catherine,” he urged, and she peeked at him.
Her gaze traveled down his firm chest to see the reddish-brown hair disappear at the edge of what little clothing he still had on. He waited no longer, and presented himself in all his naked glory.
He was perfect. His manhood stood at attention, and Catherine began to worry. She could not be certain that something of that size would fit inside her body. But Douglas gave her no time to think about it, for he joined her in the bed, lying next to her. She would have thought he’d want to get the consummation over with, but apparently, he had a different idea.
He leaned on one elbow, studying her while his other hand lightly traced up and down one of her breasts. He began playfully rubbing the nipple between his fingers before moving to the other breast and repeating his exquisite torture.
How could she have known how much she would yearn for more of his tender touch? But when he suckled each breast, Catherine thought she would bolt right out of the bed as sheer pleasure raced through her veins.
A low moan escaped her, and Douglas must have been pleased with her response, for he swiftly moved to capture her lips, devouring her mouth with deep long strokes of his tongue. She came undone, and yet was in no way prepared for when he began kissing his way down the length of her body.
Nervous as to where he intended to go, she took hold of his hair, and he lifted his head, flicking his tongue along her hip before kissing her even lower.
“W-what are y-you doing?” she stammered when his mouth and tongue left a delightful trail on the inside of her thigh.
He gave a low, throaty chuckle and beamed at her with mischievous blue eyes. “I should think ’twould be obvious, dearest Catherine.”
“You cannot possibly be thinking of…” she could not finish her thought given she was completely embarrassed at where her mind had taken her. He seemed to know exactly what she had been thinking, for he laughed again.
“Aye, I can, lass. Trust me…”
“But—” Catherine’s words were cut off when his mouth swooped down to touch the very heat of her, his tongue doing things she never dreamed possible. Her toes curled as complete pleasure reached her.
An unknown force consumed her, and she forgot everything but the man who continued to pay homage to her inexperienced yet starving body. Every muscle tensed in expectation of…what? And then, white-hot lightning burst throughout her body, causing her hips to lift off the bed.
“Douglas!” She cried out his name even as he moved to position himself between her trembling legs.
“Let us reach for the stars together this time, my Catherine,” he purred before he thrust his hips, slowly entering her womanhood inch by inch. She swore she was nigh stretched to her limit and still he continued til a sharp pain made her cry out. ’Twas quick, but she was still startled.
“I am sorry, lass,” Douglas murmured. He continued holding her close while she adjusted to his size. Then, once she settled down again, he began kissing away the tears in her eyes and whispering words of comfort.
“’Tis better now,” she said after several minutes, her fingers making small circles along his back.
“Are ye sure?” He
smoothed her hair away from her face.
He appeared worried he had harmed her, but she was more than ready for Douglas to begin anew.
“Aye, Douglas. Take me once more to the heavens and love me,” she cooed.
Whether she meant the act itself or for him in truth to give her his heart, she did not know for sure. He kissed her, claiming her for his own. But that was nothing compared to when Douglas began to move inside her, and she lost all control.
He pulled her legs to wrap them around his own, allowing him to deepen his strokes. He moaned, and Catherine smiled in triumph knowing she could hold such power over her husband.
She followed his lead, thrusting her hips in unison. They climbed faster and higher together til that same strange tingling sensation she experienced with his tongue gripped her body again. Then, they exploded together in a wave-like rush of pleasure.
A feeling of complete satisfaction swept over her, and she swore her heartbeat thundered inside her ears so loud all the world would be able to hear it. Douglas kissed her again before rolling to his side and drawing her to his body. She melted into the warmth of his embrace.
This newly discovered love they had found with each other could not be easily tamed. Catherine now understood how to please her husband. ’Twas not long before they made love again. Finally, in the early morning hours, sleep overtook them.
Chapter Fifteen
Furious pounding rattled the door. Douglas leapt from the bed, reaching for his sword, an automatic reaction from living dangerously. He gazed down at his sleeping wife before pulling a coverlet over her body. She snuggled into the warmth, murmuring something in her sleep.
The hammering continued, causing Douglas to hastily look for his clothes scattered upon the floor. He wasted no time pulling on his hose before going to the door and sliding the bolt.
He swung the door open, still wondering who would disturb a newly wedded couple. He met the worried frown of Killian.
“What the hell is wrong that ye wake us so early in the morn?” Douglas growled as he stepped into the corridor, not wishing to wake Catherine.
“’Tis nearing noon! And ’tis the duke. He was out for his morning ride when someone tried to take his life. The assailant was killed before anyone could question him. The household is in an uproar. Henry calls for ye.”
“What does he need me for? Surely he has enough of his own guard’s tae protect him.”
Killian grimaced. “They obviously did not perform their duties well.”
Douglas swore. Marrying an Englishwoman at the Duke’s command ensured Douglas’s fealty in a time of need. ’Twas apparent, Henry was already making demands of him. “Tell His Grace I will be there shortly. I must finish dressing.”
“Aye, my laird,” Killian replied with a short bow, then headed down the corridor.
Entering their chamber once more, Douglas made his way back to the bed, staring at his wife. He smiled in remembrance of their coupling, more than pleased how Catherine made it her goal to discover what he liked. He hated the thought of waking her when she appeared so content.
He gave her a little shake to rouse her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “Catherine, my sweet, ye must wake.”
“Douglas, my love…”
Her words of endearment startled him. Such a declaration was hardly expected when they had barely begun to know one another. She must be having the sweetest of dreams to mutter such a sentiment.
“Catherine,” he urged again, knowing he must waste no time in order to obey the duke’s command.
Her eyes fluttered open, momentarily confused. She pulled on his arm to bring him closer and he gave her a quick kiss. “Come back to bed, ’tis cold.”
“As much as I would like tae take ye up on such a tempting offer, I must see the duke. There has been an attempt on his life this morn.”
“What?” she exclaimed, rising in the bed, the covers clutched to her breasts.
“Aye. He asks for me.” Douglas searched for his tunic. “Stay abed. I will have a bath drawn for ye and sent up, including yer maid tae assist ye.”
“This is no time for a bath, Douglas,” she said, leaving the bed and taking the coverlet with her as she, too, searched for her garments.
He admired her determination but swept her up into his arms and carried her back to the bed. “I insist, wife. Let me assess the situation, and allow me tae rest easy knowing ye are safe in these chambers. A bath will soothe ye after last night.”
“But I could help—”
“Aye, ye could, although I rather ye stay put. I will return shortly with news.”
Her brow rose. “Is this how it shall be between us? You ordering me about while expecting me to obey your every command.”
“’Tis a request, my lady. There is a difference,” he answered gruffly, coming to give her another searing kiss before he trailed a finger down her cheek.
“Oh! Then I shall await you here and enjoy the luxury of a bath if your offer still stands to have water sent to our room.” She flounced back onto the bed, and Douglas grinned at the vision she presented.
“Ye are a wise woman, Catherine de Wolfe.”
“I am a MacLaren now, my laird,” she answered with a bright smile.
He was pleased with her proper pronunciation of the Scottish way of saying laird.
“Aye, ye are indeed. Do not forget it,” he declared, grabbing his sword and heading to the door.
“You have my word, Douglas.” She blew him a kiss, and he nodded as he reluctantly left the chamber.
Picking up his pace, he neared the end of the passageway where the duke and duchess’s rooms were located. Loud voices carried out into the corridor, and Douglas had to knock several times before the door was at last opened.
He entered and nodded to Catherine’s brother before bowing to Henry. The room quieted. “Ye asked for me, Yer Grace?”
“Douglas! You are just the knight I am in need of for a quest.”
“Are ye perchance going somewhere, Yer Grace?” Douglas asked in puzzlement.
“Aye, and so are you. I am in need of my champion to help protect me and my wife. I have ordered our possessions to be packed. We will be returning to Aquitaine. You will accompany me, along with several of your men.”
“I am certain the earl is used tae protecting ye and is far more familiar with France than I am,” Douglas said before he gazed at Padraig.
The earl stepped forward. “I informed His Grace of that fact, but he has reminded me I brought my son and heir with us. I must see him safely returned to Wolverhampton.”
Henry began pacing the chamber. “’Tis been decided,” he declared.
“Will ye not be safer in Normandy than in Aquitaine?” Douglas protested yet again, not wishing to leave Catherine to make her way to Berwyck without him. He doubted the duke would listen to reason.
“Who is to say?” the duke said and held his cup out to be filled. “I have many enemies and they are not limited to France.”
“We could question the men who were captured after the altercation,” Douglas suggested.
“Bah! There was but one coward, and he has met his demise from an overly eager knight who wished to prove his worth and failed. This trip was to celebrate my marriage, but only as a short diversion from the real issues happening in the rest of France. ’Twas always my intention to return to Aquitaine,” Henry said, going over to a nearby table. He perused a map and gestured for Douglas and Padraig to join him.
“We will travel to Aquitaine,” Henry announced, pointing to the location on the map. “We will pass through Maine then Anjou to Poitou, where we shall be safe in my lady’s capital of Poitiers.”
Douglas peered at the location, seeing many miles of land til they reached the duke’s planned destination. “Ye take the risk of another ambush, Yer Grace, with so many miles tae go by foot or horse, especially with the women along tae protect.”
“What about the river?” Padraig suggested, pointing to what appeared li
ke a large enough channel to accommodate a ship.
Henry peered at the map. “It can be treacherous if not navigated properly. We would need to hire river boats and captains who know the channels.”
“Even so, we will be harder tae ambush for as long as we are on the water. I suggest we take the chance,” Douglas concurred, knowing his fate had been determined.
Henry nodded in agreement. “Be sure to bring him with us,” the duke ordered, pointing to Killian. Then he began discussing the details of their journey through France.
Douglas excused himself for a moment and went to Killian, pulling his friend toward the door. “He demands we take our best men but gives no thought as tae who will protect Catherine and Freya on their way home tae Berwyck.”
“Aye, I thought the same, my laird.”
“See tae our camp and find de Grey.”
“What do ye want him for?” Killian asked.
“I will speak tae the earl and ask for de Grey tae accompany Catherine and the rest of the group. He has been her captain and is a worthy knight tae protect her.”
“Ye trust him with her?”
Douglas pondered the answer. “Aye. He will keep my wife and sister safe.”
Killian shrugged and left the room to do his bidding. As Douglas returned to the discussion of protecting the duke on his journey, he wondered how long he would be gone from his new wife. No matter, ’twould be far longer than Douglas would have liked.
Chapter Sixteen
Catherine hurried through the mess of the camp being dismantled where the knights and their families had stayed for the tournament. She dodged people, horses, and even the occasional hound in her endeavor to get to her lodging. She had already stopped at Padraig and Nicola’s tent and knew they were packed. But of far more concern was the fact Nicola was panicking, her son was missing and no one had seen the lad.
Catherine assured her they would find Patrick. Her brother would be frantic if the boy was not found shortly, and as she left their tent, she began shouting orders to the knights standing nearby.
