He ignored the hurt in her voice. 'Twas harder to ignore the remorse poking him.
***
Gillian stirred from her brief slumber and snuggled closer to Royce. His warmth surrounded her, and his hand sliding along her back and hips roused more of the delight he'd given before. She ached to wrap her arms around him, needing to somehow ground herself against the sensation that left her spinning. But her still-bound wrists hindered her efforts.
He didn't seem to care, finding her mouth and devouring her with a ferocity that left her gasping. He gripped her breast now, caressing and squeezing and she cried out into his mouth, pressing as close as she could, seeking more of the wanton delight.
He pulled away, the moonlight filtering through the bed curtains to illuminate his tawny eyes. She held her breath at what she found.
Fire. Ravenous hunger. Possession.
With just a look, he'd claimed her. Body and soul.
Panic rose to choke her. She squeezed her eyes shut. In a matter of hours, this man had reduced her to nothing more than chattel and she had flung herself willingly into his net. Angry tears stung but she held them back. She would prove herself to him. Somehow she knew the key to making him respect her arose from the passion they shared. As brutal as it was, 'twas honest and real. She couldn't deny it.
She only had to use it to her advantage.
"What are you thinking, wife?"
His emphasis on her new title seemed a taunt. She opened her eyes and met his gaze steadily.
"I am thinking I wish you'd hurry already so I can go back to sleep."
The insult drew a flinch. Just as quickly, he threw hishead back and laughed, a hearty sound that vibrated through her and left her sex once more wet with heat.
"I think I shall have you begging ere long."
He ran a finger down her cheek and along her jaw. She fought not to shiver against the heat curling in her veins.
"You may try. My lord."
The banter left her exhilarated. He arched an eyebrow, but clearly knew she taunted him deliberately. He gave her a sly grin that gave her a second's panic. He confirmed her concerns by seizing her wrists and securing her hands above her once again.
"Damn you!"
Despite her frustration at being rendered helpless yet again, Gillian found her situation enhanced the desire pulsing along her spine.
"Aye, I've long been damned to hell, but as long as I walk this earth, I will enjoy myself. Now, I believe I said I would have you begging."
He leaned back, studying her in such a way, her heart rammed furiously against her chest. He seemed to be pondering what to do. Her breath came in short gasps as she waited.
The strike of his palm against her breast drew a sharp cry before she could stifle it.
"You bastard!"
He said nothing, just did it again. The sting left her thoughts reeling, but at the same time, she noted how her pussy swelled and ached. He paused and caught her stiff nipple in his fingers, rolling it and squeezing. She arched against him, needing somehow to press closer. He obliged, cupping her tender flesh. The echo of his slap swelled, yet now the heat licked deliciously through her. He released her and landed another light blow. Her entire body bowed toward him, the discomfort a fiery delight that tempted her to let herself burn.
His fingers suddenly stroked her sex and another cry erupted. He twirled his fingers into her and withdrew.
"You seem to have a liking for pain."
Her gaze snapped to his as he held up his fingers, glistening with her juices. Heat flooded her face and she thought she might burst into flame when he put them into his mouth and sucked.
God's bones, she was ready to beg him to take her now. Only the recollection of his mocking challenge kept her silent. Even so, she doubted she would win this battle. He held all the advantages. Worse, he knew it.
But she wouldn't make it easy on him.
He resumed his exploration of her sex while giving her breast another slap. The pleasure of his gentle stroking in unison with the sting of his palm against her flesh left her vision blurred. Her hips lifted, seeking more of his decadent touch. If she had known the marriage bed would bring such delight, she might have asked her father to marry her off years ago.
