"Drink the wine, 'twill help settle your nerves."
She scowled at him. He liked to give orders. She would obey this night, if only because she must, but if he thought she would submit to his command beyond that, he would have a long wait.
She took the goblet from him and gulped down some of the fruity liquid. He took the cup from her, lest she finish it all.
"Slowly. I don't want you sotted."
He turned the cup and deliberately placed his mouth where hers had been. When he pulled the goblet away, he licked his lips. Her breasts felt heavy and tight, nipples peaking hard. Between her legs, her sex slickened andswelled. No matter what she felt about him, her body clearly appreciated what he hinted he would soon do to her.
He handed the goblet back to her, turning it once more so she would drink again from the same spot. She hesitated a moment, then took another drink. She handed the cup back to him. "Come."
He took her hand and led her to the stand beside the bed. He ran his fingers along the top of her chemise.
"Why do you still wear this?"
"I... there was a draft."
'Twas the truth, though not her real reason.
"I expected my wife to be waiting for me naked in that bed."
She held back the angry words she longed to spit at him. The risk of being beaten, especially on her wedding night, truly worried her.
"You did not say anything other than for me to be ready for you. And I am."
"I think you know exactly what I meant. Mayhap you should be punished for disobeying my orders."
"Nay! You cannot! I did nothing wrong!"
With shaking fingers, she reached for the laces of the chemise and pulled, letting the garment slide down. Baring her before his hungry gaze. She shivered, but not from cold.
He grinned, the wolfish expression sending an oleo of excitement and need, along with a healthy portion of apprehension, slithering along her spine to settle with a low hum deep inside.
He said nothing more, merely grabbed her wrist and hauled her against him. Her naked breasts smashed against him, the fabric of his tunic stimulating her sensitive nipples further. His arms wrapped around her, holding her still while his mouth crashed onto hers.
His fingers swept through her hair, combing it back from her face as he ravaged her mouth, his tongue parting her lips and sweeping inside with hungry urgency. The intimate contact weakened her knees. She leaned into himto keep from falling even as she responded to the heat in his kiss.
Her fingers curled into his shoulders and he shuddered beneath her touch. His tongue tantalized her, made her light-headed. Forgotten were all the conflicting emotions he stirred. All that mattered was the promise of pleasure so intense, she could almost taste it. When he tore his mouth from hers with a groan, a primal satisfaction at knowing he was as affected as she grew within.
"We must slow down, lest this is over before it has begun."
His hoarse voice sparked another set of odd fluttery sensations gliding along her spine. She leaned her face against his chest. Her heart pounded, each breath rasping through her lungs like a hot wind. His fingers lifted her chin, forcing her to face the hunger in his tawny eyes.
"You're such a tiny thing. I fear if I'm too hasty I'll break you in two." His mouth curved in a sensual smile. "I must remember to take care."
She swallowed past the lump of apprehension. His hands, now resting on her waist, almost completely spanned her, reminding her once more of her nudity. The feel of his clothing against her bare skin gave her a strange feeling of helplessness. Somehow, the sensation only added to the uproar tearing through her. She shouldn't like feeling overpowered this way, yet she did.
She had little success in forcing the weak emotions aside. Her hands rested on his chest, covered by his black tunic and hard as the steel used to forge his sword. Her sex pressed against him. It didn't take long to recognize his heated bulge. A momentary panic overtook her and she pushed against his shoulders.
His grip tightened, preventing her from escaping his embrace.
"I will not let you go."
His vow sparked another tremor. His hands slid along her body, scorching her flesh wherever he touched. He cupped her bottom, pressing her more fully against his still-concealed shaft.
She met his gaze, oddly pained by the suspicion she read in his eyes. He still harbored thoughts she was unfaithful. And with Simon, no less! She almost blurted the truth then, but held back.
"What troubles you, wife?"
