Even as she ran down the stairs, she could hear his pained moans and the threats he shouted at her.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
It was late when Elayne left Isobel’s quarters, walking back to the main part of the castle through the gardens. The moon shone brightly in the sky, the first night in a long while that it wasn’t entirely hidden by thick clouds.
As she walked, an arm wrapped around her waist from behind and she jumped in fear, elbowing her attacker before she could even think of it. Her elbow connected with the man’s ribs and he let out a muffled groan, his arm loosening around her waist until she could finally slip away.
When she turned to face her attacker, though, it was none other than Dunn.
“Is that a way tae greet yer husband?” Dunn asked, attempting to sound teasing, but only managing to sound breathless and in pain.
“Dunn!” Elayne rushed back to him, hand hovering over his ribs, afraid to touch him. Her heart was still beating fast from the sudden touch, but she took a few deep breaths, trying to calm it. “Why would ye dae that? Ye scared me!”
“I was tryin’ tae surprise ye!” Dunn said. He straightened up with a wince, only barely ignoring the pain, and then grabbed Elayne’s hand to drag her into a small cluster of trees near the castle walls, where they were hidden from any prying eyes. “Here.”
As he spoke, he handed Elayne a rose, deep red and fragrant, and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Elayne sighed softly against his lips, taking everything he was giving her, but Dunn broke it too soon for her liking.
“An’ here,” he said without missing a beat, handing her a small basket of sweets. “It’s from the wee lad’s maither. He told her I was the one who saved him an’ she gave this tae me tae thank me, but ye’re the one who deserves it.”
Elayne looked into the basket, amazed by the woman’s generosity. She had met her that very morning when she had inquired after the child, but she had made sure she knew nothing of her involvement in his rescue.
“Shall we go tae our chambers an’ share them?” asked Elayne, but to her surprise, Dunn shook his head.
“I have somethin’ better planned,” he said. “Follow me.”
Dunn led her through the gardens back towards the lake and for a moment, Elayne came to a halt, bile rising to the back of her throat. Sensing her hesitation, Dunn placed a gentle hand on the small of her back, trying to urge her along.
“Trust me,” he said quietly. “I will never let anythin’ happen tae ye.”
It was easy to believe him. Dunn had saved her once from the waters already and she trusted him with her life.
Reluctantly, she let him take her to the lake, and as they approached, she noticed there was a blanket laid over the bank. Spread on it were several different delicacies, from cheese and wine to fruit cakes.
“Ye prepared all this?” Elayne asked, stunned by the sight. As much as she feared that lake, she had to admit that it was beautiful that night, the large moon hanging low in the sky, the air chilly but pleasant.
“I did,” said Dunn with a smile. “An’ I want ye tae dae me a favor.”
This cannae be good.
Whatever Dunn had to ask of her, Elayne was certain she wouldn’t like it, as he never phrased his requests like that. “What is it?”
“I want ye tae come intae the lake with me,” Dunn said, and just as Elayne opened her mouth to refuse, he continued, “Trust me, Elayne. I promised ye naething will happen tae ye. I mean it. The more ye avoid it, the more ye’ll fear it. I’ll show ye there is naething tae fear.”
As much sense as it made, the last thing Elayne wanted was to get into the water. Still, when Dunn began to undress her, she allowed it, at least until he reached her shift. Gently, she pushed his hands away, shaking her head.
“I’d rather keep this,” she said. Though he had made her feel more desirable than ever before the previous night, she still wasn’t used to showing her body.
“As ye wish,” said Dunn and promptly stripped down entirely. In the moonlight, he resembled a fine statue, muscles rippling with every move he made, his manhood hanging heavy between his legs.
Suddenly, Elayne’s throat felt dry.
Taking her hand, Dunn led her to the lake, going in first. At the edge of the bank, Elayne hesitated once more, but when Dunn smiled encouragingly at her, never once letting go of her hand, she took the plunge and joined him.
The water was cold, so much so that she had to press herself against him in search of some warmth. It was shallow where they stood and the water barely reached her chest, so at leastshe wasn’t as scared and could instead enjoy the proximity, the tenderness of Dunn’s touch as he held her close.
For a while, they stayed like that, simply standing there, breathing together; Dunn allowing her to get used to being back in the lake. Their proximity soon proved to be a problem, though. Elayne could see the lust sparking in Dunn’s eyes as he looked at her body, her soaked shift clinging to her skin, her hardened nipples peeking through the fabric. In return, she ached to touch him, to bring him pleasure once more.
It didn’t take her long to realize there was nothing stopping her. Slowly, she reached for him, pressing her hands to his shoulders, his chest, his stomach, exploring the planes of his body slowly. Dunn was happy to let her, arching into her touch like a giant cat and letting his eyes slip shut with a sigh when Elayne pressed a gentle kiss to the base of his neck.
