Like a wild woman, she surrounded him, her mouth seeking and landing on his with ferocity, her arms wrapping around him like velvet ropes. Lust fogged his sight and he moved only on instinct.
Sharp discomfort ran along his spine. His wife's nails tore him to shreds, but he didn't care. They drove each other, frantic and needy. He tangled his hands in her hair, holding her still for his kiss.
One hard thrust and she pulled her mouth from his, letting loose a primal cry. Her body shuddered and rocked around his. The sensations drove him over the edge and he exploded with passion. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling sharply as his release went on and on, his balls squeezing over and over with each wave.
Finally, he went limp. Beneath him, Gillian had also quieted. He stared at her, thinking he had never been so consumed by lust before. And yet, this woman he was forced to take as wife had somehow ensorcelled him.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she gave him a sleepy smile. His heart lurched. Nay, he could never let her touch his heart, lest she shatter it. As he regained his wits, he recalled his original intentions for tonight. Even so, he still didn't possess the urge to question her further. He pulled free of her, her disappointed moan sending a shiver alonghis spine.
He stretched out beside her. She curled around him. He suspected she wanted some romantic declaration. He wasn't capable of giving her that.
"That was..."Her voice, soft with satisfaction set off another set of sparks along his spine. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, noting the way she relaxed even further. He rather liked the way her body melded against his.
"Aye. It was."
He couldn't deny the fiery passion between them was unlike anything he'd ever experienced. The idea he could have it again filled him with an excitement he hadn't known in years. Knowing his wife ultimately took pleasure in such games as well, heightened that thrill.
And he had every reason to use such methods. Though he had yet to uncover them, his wife still kept secrets.
Chapter Eight
Shouts from the bailey sent the servants running from the hall. Excited words passed among them. Royce looked around the hall for his wife, his gaze settling on her where she stood at the foot of the stair. As always, the sight of her made his heart beat a little faster. If he believed in magic, he might think she'd cast a spell on him.
She caught his gaze, the uncertainty in her violet eyes clear even from this distance. Did she not know what caused the excitement? He strode over to her.
"Edward arrives."
She nodded. "Aye. I think all is in readiness."
"He will be pleased."
Where had this need to reassure her come from? He was well pleased with the efficient way Gillian had prepared the castle for Edward's arrival. While he still harbored doubts about her loyalty and knew 'twould take some time before she became the subservient wife he wanted, her abilities as chatelaine would ultimately serve him, and Montchester, well.
"Come, shall we meet him in the bailey?"
He held out a hand and she hesitated before taking it. At the feel of her cold and clammy palm, he studied her more closely.
"Are you ill?" he asked.
"Nay. But a little nervous, mayhap."
The high pitch of her voice gave credence to her words. The woman who openly challenged him at every turn had been replaced by an uncertain girl who needed reassurance. A strong, lingering urge to calm her fears filtered through him. He shook his head, disgusted with himself. This weakness in him was maddening, and he silently cursed her. She had caused this turmoil.
Yet, much as he loathed these feelings, at this moment,he couldn't bring himself to scold her. He led her outside but she held back, earning his fiercest scowl. She would disrespect the king?
But was he really annoyed with her or with himself for finding her becoming in a violet gown that almost matched the shade of her eyes? She lowered her head, some of her dark hair coming loose from the wimple to obscure her face. He imagined twining that hair around his fingers. He sighed.
"We must greet him when his train reaches the bailey."
Her shoulders lifted with a deep shuddering breath. He silently cursed the need to pull her close. 'Twas no time now, and he didn't dare risk letting her distract him with her charms.
"Now, Gillian."
Another rise of her chest and she nodded, this time allowing him to pull her toward the door. Royce knew he shouldn't be angry with her, but if he didn't hold onto that, lust would take over and addle his wits.
***
Gillian's stomach quivered with apprehension. She'd never been to court, had never been presented to the king and queen. She feared embarrassing Lyndon. Or worse, her husband.
