She was his bride, after all.
But why had she such anxiety stamped across her face? He had brought her here so they could talk and get to know one another without constant interruption from his knights or other members of the household. Otto had barely known a moment’s peace since becoming earl.
Did she expect him to maul her like a dog?
“Can I trust Ariana of Kenmar?” he muttered, tracing a soft line across her pink cheek. The question was partly rhetorical, for she was but an innocent maid and he earl of the mighty lands of Darkmoor.
Should Ariana trust him? That was a question more worthy of consideration.
But for the moment, he silenced the nagging voice of doubt and allowed himself to breathe in his wife’s subtle fragrance of rose water. She was a beautiful flower, as yet untouched, unspoiled. The only thing in this castle to remain untarnished.
She shifted slightly at his touch, like a frightened horse not sure whether to acquiesce. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders and inhaled deeply as he came to a decision.
“I hope that, in time, we may come to trust one another,” he said throatily, honestly.
He felt her thrill of surprise. For a long moment, neither spoke. Otto had dampened down his carnal desire, but he still wanted to touch and explore. His hands ran down Ariana’s arms and found her trembling fingers.
“A wife must obey her husband,” she said, finally.
“Aye,” he agreed, entwining his fingers with hers and raising their joined hands to place them over Ariana’s heart. “But I want you to trust me in here.”
Her eyes widened in confusion. “Trust you?”
He smiled at her reaction. “It is a novel idea, I know.” He bit his lip in frustration, searching for the words to explain. “When a horse trusts its rider, they are as one. When an army follows a trusted leader into battle, they are as one.” He nodded, pleased with the analogy.
“But you are Otto Sarragnac,” she whispered. “You’re the…”
“TheFeared One?” he finished for her, raising an eyebrow at her embarrassed stammer. “I know what they say of me in enemy lands. I know the reputation of the warriors of Darkmoor. It is one I helped my father to maintain.” He broke off at the swell of grief in his chest.
“And you want me to trust you?” Her eyes were wide open like a child’s.
“Let us consider it an experiment.”
“An experiment?”
“Ariana, our relationship will grow much easier if you refrain from repeating everything I say.”
Immediately she cast her eyes down. “Forgive me, my lord.”
He shot out a hand and raised her chin, so they were once more gazing into one another’s eyes. “When you are ready, we will know one another as husband and wife.” He was charmed by the rush of color to her cheeks. “But only when you are ready.”
Ariana opened her mouth and closed it again. He gently skimmed his finger over the fullness of her lips.
“But I should like to kiss you now, if I may?”
His question unnerved her. He saw it in the way she held herself. It wasn’t fear, not exactly. More a kind of confused surprise.
“You may,” she whispered, so quietly he had to lean closer to catch her words.
His lips were already inches from hers. What a blessing to have a wife who stood so tall. He smoothed his hand into the small of her back and nudged her towards him, before planting the smallest of butterfly kisses at the corner of her mouth. Her lips parted in wonder. Emboldened, he did it once again. She exhaled and the sweetness of her breath mingled with his own. Otto held her more firmly and moved to the other side, keeping all his actions small and deliberate. He must not scare her off with a display of passion, however much he could feel it gathering within him.
She leaned closer to him, and he knew a swell of victory more meaningful than any he’d felt in the jousting ring. Instinctively, one of his hands rose up to stroke her thick tresses of hair. He cupped his hand around the back of her head and gently pressed his lips against hers. A small moan escaped her, and he was momentarily undone. Pushing caution to the wind, he parted her lips with his tongue, and she responded with an eagerness he had not anticipated, tilting her face to one side and running her hands over his shoulders. They fit together, like two parts molded explicitly for one another. Electricity fizzed up his spine and he knew he must stop, else he’d betray the pledge made mere moments earlier.
Slowly he withdrew his lips, though he continued holding her face in his hands and caressing the fullness of her cheeks with his roughened fingers.
“Thank you,” he said, surprised by the throatiness of his voice.
Ariana broke their gaze to look over his shoulder. “It is I who should thank you, for your kindness.” Her voice trembled, though Otto fancied it was not from fear.
