The possibilities were terrifying.
Quinn was already tending the fire, wearing only his chemise, the morning light picking out the glints in his hair.That he granted her a satisfied smile over one shoulder did naught to lessen Melissande’s guilt.
Even now, she felt her blood simmer at Quinn’s slow smile.Had she forgotten every virtue she had been taught to uphold?
What else would Jerome’s son convince her to forget?
“Good morning, my lady.”Quinn strolled back toward the bed, intent in his eyes, and Melissande was shocked that she warmed in anticipation of his touch.
“There is naught good about it!”she replied, hearing the fear in her own tone.
Quinn paused, watching her.Melissande knew it was unfair to blame him for her own failings—unless this had been his scheme.She pushed a hand through her hair, not surprised to find that it had tangled in the night since it had not been braided.She was a ruin and was surrounded by the scent of their mutual pleasure.She might as well have been a whore.
It would be easier to blame Quinn if she had not been so weak.
“I thought that last night’s deeds would have made this morning a sunny one,” he said, speaking with care.
“Last night’s deeds are why all is in disarray,” she said, feeling her tears rise.“I might have been at home at Annossy this morning.I might have slept with my hair braided and the linens unsoiled.I might not smell of...carnal union.”
The corner of Quinn’s mouth quirked before he sobered again.“Some might say that a woman is always at home with her husband beside her.”He raised his brows.“And that the marriage bed should smell of carnal union.”
“Some like Tulley, perhaps.”She was no better than a tavern wench.
He sat on the side of the bed.“It seemed to me you enjoyed the fact that you were not alone last eve.”
It was true and Melissande knew it.She tightened her lips.“I was seduced against my will.I was led astray.”
“Nay, my lady.”Quinn shook his head, his voice a low burr that made her blood simmer anew.“You might have been seduced, but you were willing.”
Melissande could not argue otherwise.
He shook a finger at her.“I was not the only one who savored the consummation of our match.I strove to try to please you, but you met me halfway.We both enjoyed it.Do not deny that truth.”
“Do you call me a wanton?”
“I do not.”He was resolute.“I call you my wife.It is right and good that we should find satisfaction together.”
“And the linens will provide the evidence.”She knew she sounded bitter, but it was all so vulgar.To have every soul in Tulley know that her maidenhead had been claimed the night before was most troubling to her.She left the bed from the opposite side and went to the basin of water, then halted, modest again.How could she wash without Quinn seeing her nudity?Why did she care since he had seen her the night before?Melissande felt shaken and overwhelmed and she blinked back tears that would be of no aid.
It was folly to wish that all might be as it had been before.She was wed.She should accustom herself to that.How many would witness her nudity when she bore a child?
Melissande could not even think upon it.
Quinn, as she should have anticipated, came to stand behind her.His hands cupped her shoulders and he bent to drop a kiss on the top of her head.“Shall I remind you of your passion, my lady?”he whispered.“I am certain it can be awakened again.”
He kissed her ear, arousing her desire with such ease that Melissande was dismayed.
“There is no need,” she said.“I am no better than a harlot, it is clear.”
He paused then turned her to face him.She kept her gaze downcast, but he placed that fingertip beneath her chin and compelled her to meet his gaze.She knew he saw her tears, for his expression turned serious.“You are dismayed that we found pleasure in intimacy?Would you rather it had been painful?”
“I cannot believe that I was so able to forget myself,” she admitted.“I was taught to maintain my dignity in all circumstance.”
Quinn smiled crookedly.“I think it fair that there be one exception.”
“This is no jest!”
“I do not jest,” he said, sobering.“I thought last night a fine omen for our future.”
