Then he hastened to the stables for a pail of hot water.
Chapter 7
Though Evangeline had several moments to reconsider her course in Ramsay’s absence, naught could change her decision. One night together was a gift, and better than naught at all.
In a tale, he might be redeemed to become a fitting partner for her and overcome her father’s inevitable objections. Perhaps she would persuade Ramsay to abandon his life of banditry. He had once been a knight, she recalled that detail well, and he could resume his former principles again. If he did as much, her family might be of assistance to him. Perhaps a cousin had a post for a warrior in his household.
Her father would not be amused, but when he learned of Rufus’ deed, the Hawk would defend her choice to break the betrothal, at least. She could only hope that in time, as Ramsay discarded his less noble tendencies, her father’s resistance would be overcome.
She would not fear that it might not be so. She refused to doubt it on this night. She refused to consider that Ramsay might have no desire to change, or her allure might not be sufficient to prompt him to do as much.
No matter what the future held, she would always have the memory of this one night.
Evangeline hated that it might have to suffice.
Ramsay returned with remarkable haste, his relief at the sight of her so evident that she found herself laughing at him. “Do you doubt your charms so much as that?” she teased and he grinned, reckless and confident again.
“My charms are beyond dispute,” he said, securing the door behind himself. “But you have been unpredictable in the past, my lady. I am glad this was not such a moment.” He caught her close and stole a kiss then, a kiss so incendiary that any lingering doubts were reduced to ash.
His arm was locked around her waist, the bucket of steaming water forgotten on the floor. Evangeline ran her hands over the corded strength of his shoulders and beneath his chemise, exploring the warm expanse of his skin as she pushed the garment away. Ramsay kicked off his boots then caught her close again. Evangeline felt his erection against her belly then rolled her hips, liking that her move made Ramsay catch his breath.
She smiled when he broke their kiss and retreated a step, his eyes dark and stormy. She lifted his hand to her breast, watching as he rolled the nipple between his finger and thumb as if he could do naught else. She reached down between them, eyes glinting, and swept her hand over the length of him through his chausses. Once again, his reaction was clear.
“I like this well,” she whispered wickedly. “Each of us can overwhelm the other with a caress. It seems only fair.”
“Fair? It is sweet torment, and if we do not wash now, I may forget your desire for a bath.” He caught her chin between finger and thumb and kissed her hard, then whispered in her ear. “You like that you hold me in thrall, my lady,” he said, but she found no protest in his tone.
“I do!” She stepped away from him, bending down to the bucket of water that was still steaming. She felt the weight of his gaze upon her and heard him discard his chausses. “Perhaps I should enlist your aid in this endeavor.” She dipped the cloth into the water and wrung it out, then turned to offer it to Ramsay in one hand. “Wash me?” she asked and he stared at her like a man struck dumb.
He took the cloth from her then and washed her face first. His movements were slow and soothing and she closed her eyes in appreciation. If he guessed that she was less bold than she might have wished, if he saw that she was a little fearful of what they would do, Ramsay’s caresses with the cloth eased Evangeline’s fears. She smiled as the cloth trailed down her throat, knowing she would be insulted if he compared the washing of her to the tending of a horse, but aware that the similarity was there. She, too, had calmed a steed with a long and leisurely brush, just as Ramsay settled her fears with every languishing stroke of the cloth over her skin. She felt as if he washed away the challenges of the day, removing the stain of Rufus’ foul intent, restoring her to the bright surety that was key to her nature.
She liked the respect in his touch, how he paused to admire the curve of her shoulder and the cascade of her hair. Her breasts required diligent attention and the ministrations of his tongue, first one and then the other, before he could continue lower. When he cupped them in his hands and looked down upon her, his eyes dark and his expression wicked, she could not keep herself from demanding a kiss.
They were both breathless when he continued and the water was cooling. She liked how diligently he cleaned each fingertip in turn, ensuring that there was no evidence of the river beneath her nails, as if he knew how fastidious she liked to be. They stood facing each other while he undertook this task, heads bent together, and she imagined that their hearts beat as one.
She reached up and touched his beard, stroking the smoothness of it with delight, unable to decide whether she preferred his face shaved smooth or with this short dark beard. ’Twas true that she liked the disreputable air it gave him, but he might be compelled to shave it for their new life together. He was irresistible either way.
She closed her eyes when the cloth swept down the length of her, stealing a peek when he knelt before her. He cleaned her legs from thigh to ankle, then lifted her foot to his knee to clean it and her toes as carefully as he had done her hands. He had brought a comb and he stood behind her, combing out her hair slowly and steadily, as if they had all the time in the world to complete this task. The chamber was warm and flooded with golden light.
He turned her then before himself and smiled down at her. “Is that an improvement?” he asked in the low rumble that she loved and Evangeline smiled at him.
“Of course,” she said, watching him wring out the cloth again. She thought she would wash him next and truly, looked forward to the chance to explore the contours of his body. “And again, I thank you.”
Ramsay cast her a wicked glance, then pulled her into his embrace again. She lifted her lips for his kiss as he ran the damp cloth down her side. His mouth closed over hers as the cloth eased over her belly and Evangeline had just parted her lips that he might deepen his kiss when he eased the cloth between her legs. She gasped as the warmth of his fingers landed upon her there, and the cloth was dropped, his teasing fingertips making her entire being leap in response. She seized his shoulder as he slid a finger across her clitoris.
“Ramsay!” she whispered, clutching his shoulders as he kissed her again. His other hand locked around her waist as he caressed her slowly, awakening a new and wonderful tide of sensation within her. Evangeline felt a tremble of desire that could only be trusted, and impulsively took a step to one side, adjusting her stance to grant him better access.
“Evangeline,” he whispered in wonder, and lifted his head to study her. The awe in his expression was the perfect echo of her own. He moved his finger and she gripped his shoulders, wanting something she could not name. He chuckled, then dropped to one knee before her once again. This time he grasped her hips then kissed her at the top of her thighs. His tongue eased against her, finding that sensitive spot, and Evangeline swayed a little on her feet, lost in a glorious sensation she never wanted to end.
* * *
Fearless,passionate and utterly seductive. That was his Evangeline. Ramsay knew he should not have been surprised that she welcomed his touch with such bold confidence. She had an audacity and an enthusiasm that captivated him entirely.
She was a marvel,hismarvel.
He caressed her with one fingertip, unable to deny himself the sight of her pleasure. Her lips had parted and her eyes closed, her expression one of wonderment—yet when he paused, she moaned to urge him onward.
He could not resist a taste of her sweetness and the heat of her was enough to make him dizzy. He held her hips captive as she swayed on her feet, her head cast back and her fingertips digging into his own shoulders. He feasted upon her, savoring her reactions, learning quickly what she liked best so he could drive her higher. He felt the tremor begin deep within her. He felt her thighs tighten around him and her pulse leap. He heard her catch her breath, gasp, then murmur his name as she shook with the vigor of her release. He devoured her then, moving a little more roughly, prolonging her pleasure as she clung to him trembling.
