Gillian tried to pull free, without success. A brief recollection of his coarse treatment of Anne skittered through her jumbled thoughts, and she tugged again. This time, he pulled her still closer, his other hand cupping the back of her head as his mouth suddenly claimed hers with a punishing kiss.
Fear consuming her, once more she tried to pull away, but his fingers bit into her arm and tightened in her hair. His mouth continued its assault, bruising her lips. She stood in his harsh embrace, her hands coming to rest on his chest, waiting for an opportunity to shove at him. Panic taunted her, but she kept it at bay, determined not to show her terror. At that moment, a strange thing happened.
Her body warmed and a strange feathery delight blossomed in her belly. She found herself responding to the demands of his mouth. The kiss softened, just a little, and a hint of pleasure burst into a decadence she'd never imagined. A strange calm came over her as his lips now moved gently over hers. When he drew away, she found herself disappointed.
He raised his head. No longer did she find fury in his gaze. Instead, flames flickered amid something she did not recognize, something alluring. The remnants of fear rapidly faded, replaced by curiosity. She leaned closer, trying to understand the emotion she read. Her breasts tightened, her gown suddenly confining. She'd never had such a physical reaction to a mere stare. Then again, she'd never been kissed like that before. The few pecks one of her father'smen had given her had not stirred anything even remotely similar to the powerful sensations taking over her body now.
To her surprise, the expression on his face softened more. He looked as though he might smile. His grip on her arm loosened, but he didn't release her, instead holding her close with a firm yet gentle grip. His fingers moved along the sensitive underside of her arm and she sucked in a breath at the slither of warmth along her spine.
Enthralled by the heated glow in his golden eyes, Gillian didn't resist. Forgotten was her anger over his arrogant words, her fear he'd demand retribution for her actions. Her sole focus remained on the hold of his gaze and the way the closeness made him seem larger, more powerful. New emotions swelled, confusing her, yet exciting her at the same time. Her heart pounded, and beneath her palms, his heart thumped just as vigorously.
He yanked her more fully against him. His fingers on her chin tilted her head back so she looked into his face. Darkened to a deep amber, his intense gaze warmed. Slowly, he lowered his head and Gillian realized he meant to kiss her again. This time she recognized she wanted him to.
His lips brushed softly, once, twice and then again. She remained motionless when he embraced her. The kiss grew more potent, the pressure of his lips increasing. Unlike the last kiss, this one stirred heat slowly, yet steadily until she thought she might combust. Her body slackened and she melted, returning his kiss.
Excitement surged. Her head swirled with dizzying emotions. The tender way he held her, this warrior knight, exhilarated her. She never wanted the kiss to end.
The tip of his tongue brushed against her lips and her eyes flew open in surprise. His golden eyes, so like her hawk's, met hers. Then his tongue brushed against her lips again, parting them and plunging inside to sweep her mouth. Her knees would have buckled had he not held her. She sighed at the blissful stirrings. A sea of cloudssurrounded her, blinding her to everything but his captivating kiss.
Her sex tightened when he deepened the kiss further, his hand brushing across her breast. He cupped her flesh and gave a gentle squeeze. A violent quiver swept over her. She wanted more of this tempting, wicked delight.
***
Royce rapidly lost his grip on the thread of control as he caressed his betrothed's breast. Even through the bliaut, the feel of her scorched his hand, the press of her hardened nipple tempting him. He pinched lightly, delighted with the quiver that swept over her, even as she so pleasingly responded to his kiss. He repeated the motion and she moaned into his mouth, stirring him beyond what he thought he could bear. His cock hardened at the thought of pulling her dress away so he could see her flesh. Touch her more fully.
To prevent himself from acting on the impulse, he swept his fingers through the velvet of her hair, realizing his earlier fanciful imaginings. It did little to stem the rush of need. Her musky taste tempted him almost beyond his control. He fought the urge to lower her to the ground and take her there in the mews. With a groan, he set her away. When had a woman ever stirred him so much, and so quickly? 'Twas but another danger his bride presented. He turned to face her once more.
Her eyes, darkened to a deep violet, slowly opened to meet his. Her lips still held a soft pucker. He groaned aloud. Damned if he didn't want to toss convention aside and simply take her now. Remembering where they were, he turned to block the sight of her flushed face and swollen lips. This slip of a girl had bewitched him somehow. Mayhap once they were wed, and he'd taken his pleasure, this powerful yearning would subside.
"We must get back. And know this; you are not to wander alone, especially at night, anymore."
"You worry for nothing. And I will not be confined."
"You are my wife and you will obey!"
"Not yet, my lord. And if you don't take care, 'twill never happen."
He grabbed her arm once more. "Do you threaten me?"
She gave him a sly smile. "I can petition the king for a delay."
"There is no time. You will wed me in the morn, if I have to bind you hand and foot."
Her eyes widened, but he found only fury. No fear.
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Aye. Do not test me."
He let go of her arm and she turned away. Royce noticed her hands clenched and held back a smile. Would she dare? Part of him wished she might strike again, for then he'd have more reason to punish her. The thought of taming the fire he sensed in the woman who would be his added to a slowly growing anticipation.
She made a noise, half an outraged growl, half a sob. Without another word, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her across the bailey. When they reached the castle steps, he released her.
"Go inside."
He gave a nod and turned, lost in the turmoil of thought. The sense of entrapment grew along with all the other sensations fighting to overtake the others. He paced in the bailey for several minutes. He needed to put everything but securing the lands aside.
Yet, the recollection of Lady Gillian in his arms, her mouth softening beneath his, remained a constant. His cock stayed half-hard.
