And when his mouth closed over her nipple, her hands fisted in his hair, her body quaking as needs coursed through her. She was wet, so deeply aroused, that when his hand moved to touch between her legs, the shocking sensation sent her over the edge. He caressed her folds, sinking two fingers within her. She let out a cry, her head falling back as she shattered against his hand. His mouth suckled against her breast, and though she didn’t understand the exhilarating sensations breaking through her, she made no move to stop him.
When at last, he pulled back, his eyes were burning with need.
He said not a word, but returned to his bedchamber, closing the door behind him. Feeling lost and alone, she couldn’t stop the tears from breaking free.
Chapter Twelve
Karl walked alongside Father Durin in the fields, stopping to examine the soil. Although it was too soon to plant, the earth was muddy and covered in puddles with poor drainage.
He’d used the excursion as a means of clearing his head after the encounter with Serena earlier. Watching her come apart beneath his hands had affected him worse than he’d imagined it would. Even now, his groin ached, and the suffering was exactly what he deserved. The more his mind tormented him with images of Serena naked in her bath, the more he wanted to return to the manor house and seduce her thoroughly.
He’d taken advantage of her lie to the servants that they were married. But now that she knew the truth about him, no doubt she hated him for the way he’d used her.
It’s nothing less than you deserve, his conscience reminded him. He’d been so centered on regaining a kingdom, he’d ignored all the rules of respectability. He hadn’t thought about her needs—only his own.
He still wanted her, even if he couldn’t be a prince. And although he’d forced her to kiss him, it hadn’t truly been against her will. Her hands had come up to touch his face, almost as if she wanted him, too.
Being with Serena had shifted the ground under his feet. Although he wanted a kingdom, even if he had the chance to wed another princess, he couldn’t do it any more. The only woman he wanted was Serena.
It seemed he was destined to lose everything he ever cared about. He knew better than to think she would accept a man like him. All he could do was protect her from her father, take her away from the island, and give her the life she wanted.
“The rainfall has been three times as bad this year,” Father Durin was saying. “But if we start the men digging ditches, we may be able to salvage the crops.”
“Has it always been this way?” Karl bent down to examine the sodden earth while he tried to recall what he’d read of agricultural drainage.
“No,” the priest answered. “But so many islanders have left, there aren’t enough men for the farming.”
Karl moved out of the fields, staring at the island. Long stretches of sand lined the shore, and the hills rose gradually, offering a breathtaking view of the sea. Although it wasn’t the intense blue of the Mediterranean, the rough waves had their own untamed beauty. “What else is here?”
The priest shrugged. “Not a great deal. No coal or gold, if that’s what you’re meaning.”
Karl walked alongside the older man for a time, letting his mind drift. Father Durin was speaking to him, but he didn’t hear a word the priest was saying. He could only stare out at the aggressive waves, wondering if Serena would want anything to do with him after the way he’d touched her.
Bastard that he was, he didn’t regret it. He’d loved watching her come apart, the water sluicing over her naked skin. He’d wanted more, even knowing he deserved none of it.
In the distance, he saw her surrounded by ladies. They were walking along the grass, and Serena carried a bright yellow parasol. Her gown was white, trimmed with yellow ribbons, and she reminded him of a slice of frosted cake.
He knew the moment she spied him, for she stopped walking abruptly. Karl shielded his eyes against the sun and watched her draw closer, trailed by the maids. She hesitated, staring at him as if she were contemplating what to say to him now.
“Your Highness?” Durin repeated.
Karl glanced back at the man. “Go on.”
“I was asking what you want to do about the men who attempted to kidnap the princess?” the priest continued.
Karl didn’t care what happened, as long as they were punished for their crimes.
The priest moved to his side and ventured, “I would suggest that, rather than a prison sentence, you allow them to exchange hard labor in return for a reduction in their punishment.”
“Why? They hurt the princess and might have done worse.” He didn’t truly see a reason for mercy.
Serena was holding on to her skirts as she trudged uphill toward him. Karl saw the determined look in her eyes and wondered what exactly she wanted.
“A great deal of these men can’t feed their own children,” the priest continued. “I know them, and I believe they regret their actions.”
“Possibly.” It was what Serena had said earlier, but he was less inclined to release her kidnappers.
By now, Serena had nearly reached his side. She slowed her pace at the sight of the priest, but he paid little heed to what Durin was saying.
