"Why not? He is my loyal captain and as you are my wife, he is sworn to protect you and Lyndon."
She shook her head. "I don't like the way he... looks at me."
There, she'd said it. She held his stare, her anger rising anew when he threw his head back and laughed.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Ah, Wildcat, you are innocent in so many ways."
He walked over and drew her near. His hands along her back gave comfort as well as spurring her banked desire. If only her husband would always be so gentle with her. At the thought, she almost laughed. His harsh treatment of her excited her, more than she wanted to admit.
"I am no longer a maiden, my lord."
"'Tis not what I meant. You are used to Lyndon's men, who show you nothing but respect and would never dream of besmirching your reputation."
"Again, you make no sense."
"You are quite comely, Gillian."
He tilted her chin up. His compliment suffused her with warmth and the desire in his eyes turned the warmth into flames. Her sex slickened and swelled, anxious for him to fulfill the unspoken promise.
"Do you think so?"
He nodded, a hint of a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. "And likely Burke does as well. But he will never harm you in any way."
She thought on his words, still holding his gaze. Before any response formed, he covered her mouth in a deep kiss, one that claimed and branded her as his. Her fingers curled into his tunic, his tongue sending the heat within to searing heights.
He drew away, a finger tracing the path his mouth had just taken across her lips.
"Turn around."
She obeyed, the excitement bubbling ever more ferociously as he undid the laces of her gown and slid it from her shoulders. She remained still as he removed her chemise and stockings, until she finally stood naked. He turned her to face him once more.
The fire in his eyes seemed to burn, his gaze moving over her hungrily. She lifted her chin, the delight in knowing he found her pretty giving her pride and confidence.
"Lay down."
Again, she obediently followed his instruction, climbing up on the bed. When she turned to face him she stiffened. Held taught between his hands was another sash. Despite her confusion, her body heated at the knowledge of what was to come.
"Why must you bind me?" She winced at the tremor in her voice.
"Because, wife, I want to take my time with you, and I fear if you touch me, 'twill not happen."
Her heart raced, her sex swelling. His words sent the fire in her veins to a pitch she thought she'd never survive. When he took her wrists, she didn't resist, allowing him to bind her hands together and fasten them above her head.
Her breath came in pants, eagerness and anxiety mixing together to leave her in a state of anticipation and frustration. She already ached to feel his touch. As he removed his clothes, her gaze locked on his finely formed body, and her pussy grew ever wetter. When he turned to her, his cock hard and erect, she licked her lips.
Royce chuckled. "You've become quite the wanton."
"You've no one to blame but yourself, my lord."
"Aye. I will take full responsibility." He climbed into the bed beside her. "Just as I will when your disobedience is finally curbed."
"If you weren't such a mule-headed oaf –"
"And your lack of respect is atrocious. Whatever shall I do with you?"
"I suspect you'll punish me, whether I truly deserve it or not."
