Vow of Seduction (13 page)

She turned back to face him, her brows raised in question. “You have been here before?”

“Aye, long ago.” Alex moved to his horse and removed the leather satchel tied to the back of his saddle. “While I cool down the horses, why do you not find a spot by the pond?” He held out the satchel to Kat. “There is plenty of food in here, along with a blanket and wineskin.”

With a grunt, she purloined it from his hands, slung the strap over her shoulder, and spun around. He watched her with appreciative eyes as she stalked off. Her pretty green tunic was cinched at her waist with a braided silver girdle. He had a lot to teach his wife if she thought that being out of doors instead of within four walls would prevent him from seducing her.

Alex seized their horses’ reins and guided them to the shed. Anxious to return to Kat as swiftly as he could, he removed the saddles, rubbed their sweaty coats with straw, and gave them cool water. There was no telling what mischief Kat would brew up while unattended.

Alex quickly finished tending the horses and headed for the pond. When he exited the copse of trees and entered the glade, Kat was sitting on the blanket next to the water’s edge, leaning back on her elbows and staring up at the sky. Her glorious black hair, held by a silver circlet and veil, hung loosely down her back and trailed across the grass. She hummed softly, sweetly.

She stopped humming, turning her head at his approach. “I did as you requested,” she said, patting the blanket. The wineskin lay next to her hip, but everything else remained packed. Now, why was he suspicious at her sweet tone?

Alex nodded and sat beside her on the blanket, one knee bent up. “I had no idea you could sing. You have a charming voice.”

She scrunched up her nose and even that was endearing. His once plain wife was bewitching him. “Nay, I cannot carry a tune, but I can hum a decent melody.”

“I have never heard that tune before. Does it have a name?”

She looked at him quickly then turned her head, smiling slightly. Alex was warned immediately. “’Tis naught, really,” she said, “just a little tune Sir Luc composed for me. He is a marvelous harp player, by the by.”

Alex stiffened and sat up, furious, wanting to throttle her for bringing up Sir Luc. Then he relaxed with effort, knowing she had done it apurpose to bestir his anger.

“Very clever, Kat.” She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise and something else indefinable. “But there is naught you can say or do that will make me angry enough to end this delightful interlude with you. ’Tis nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of court, so you may as well enjoy the outing.”

She smiled, shrugging. “Very well. But I don’t have to like it. As you know, I was famished,” she said, her eyes unblinking. “I hope you don’t mind that I ate without you while you settled our horses. I could not resist the delicious smells emanating from the satchel.”

Alex grunted and reached for the wine, realizing just then how thirsty he was. But when he picked it up he got his first inkling of unease. Still, he tipped the wineskin back and squeezed it. He took no more than a few swallows when the well ran dry, so to speak. Unable to comprehend what his senses were telling him, incredulous, he squeezed it once more. Not a drop squirted out. Then he heard Kat cough beside him.

Her hand covered her mouth, but she could not prevent a giggle from escaping. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I had a bit of the wine, too, while I waited for you.”

Alex roared with sick comprehension. He tossed the wineskin aside and lunged for the leather satchel. He emptied it on the blanket and found wrapped inside a linen towel all that remained of the feast—one gristly chicken leg, a small chunk of hard bread, and a measly piece of cheese, bruised at that.

Red-faced, he turned on her. Her giggles did little to calm him. “By God, woman,” he yelled. “I packed enough to feed the bellies of five grown men. There is no way you could have eaten everything. What have you done with it?”

His stomach growled at that moment, sending Kat into another fit of laughter, tears leaking from her eyes. She sat up, clutching her stomach and gasped out, “Nay, ’tis my…prodigious appetite, you see. ’Tis the only thing…I am guilty of.”

Another rumble sounded, only this time it was the beginnings of laughter at the back of his throat as Alex began to see the humor of the situation. He joined in her laughter, albeit much more restrained, but it felt good after years of having to curtail his voice, to constantly be on his guard to never reveal any kind of emotion.

Stunned at his laughter, she stared at him, her big eyes crystalline silver. She was so enchanting, his stomach clenched with desire.

“Well, it seems you have had a great laugh at my expense. Do you not know how dangerous it is to provoke a hungry beast?”

She chuckled again. “’Twas naught but a harmless jest.”

“Mayhap, but I am still famished, with naught left but scraps fit only for the dogs.”

“We should return to court, then. I’m sure some winsome kitchen maid will take pity on you and sneak you something from the castle larder.” She brushed her hands and made to rise, but Alex was quicker and threw his leg over hers. He straddled her, pinning her thighs beneath him.

“What are you doing?” Kat cried out, trying to buck him off. But her legs were trapped. “Have you gone mad?”

Alex smiled down at Kat. “Mayhap mad for you, but to answer your first question, I’m not ready to leave. I have as yet to dole out your punishment.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Nay, punishment seems much too harsh for the crime you committed.”

He tapped his finger on his chin. “I know,” he said, “I shall demand instead a forfeit of you.” Using the pad of his thumb, he traced her lower lip. “I believe a kiss would be fair recompense for you eating my portion of our meal, leaving my appetite unappeased. Besides, you lost our race and I wish to claim my prize.”

Her eyes flashing, Kat grabbed his wrist and tugged it away from her mouth. “Never shall I grant you a kiss willingly.”

His hand, still held in her grip, moved lower to her chest. He grazed the back of his knuckles over her left nipple and watched it peak and thrust up against her tunic. Blood rushed downward, and his shaft hardened like a rock. “Mayhap I should just steal one instead.” His eyes never left her breast, a clear indication that if he kissed her it would not be on the mouth.

Kat’s eyes narrowed and she yanked on his hand. “Whatever you intend, I would not suggest it if you value your manhood.”

“Very well,” he sighed. “But I shall not let you off so easily. If you will not give me a forfeit, I insist that you be given a penance. And I know exactly what it shall be.”

Then he tickled her ribs. Knowing she was extremely ticklish, he tortured her with his fingers as she wiggled, gasping and laughing at once. Her wild laughter startled the birds in the trees into flight, while her struggles succeeded in scooting him up and over her, their loins touching and rubbing against one another. The resulting friction caused his cock to swell larger, and he quivered with need.

Kat took advantage of his distraction and he suddenly found himself on his back beneath her while she tickled him, seeking revenge. Unable to help himself, he laughed, but soon grabbed her hands, stopping her relentless fingers.

She straddled him, her loosened hair cascading down around them like a shimmery waterfall, blocking out the sun. Their hands linked together, Kat gazed down at him, smiling. He tried to keep his desire in check, to proceed slowly, but Kat atop him was temptation incarnate. He stared up into her eyes and slowly rotated his hips, his erection seeking her heat. He found it, stroked it as he lifted his hips and ground against her womanly center once more. Her eyes darkened. She moaned softly.

The odd skirt she wore definitely had its advantages. She straddled him as well as any horse. He released her hands and trailed his right hand slowly down her stomach, giving her time to stop him if she wished. She stiffened, but did not draw away. He cupped her mons through her skirt with his hand and squeezed. Her eyelids drooped languidly. The tip of her tongue darted out and she licked her lips.

Alex groaned at the sensual gesture, the moist heat of her.

Then he raised his eyes and saw her staring at his lips. His breath caught. She bent closer, her lips hovering just inches above his. She was going to kiss him and he dared not move, afraid of startling her. Her wine-sweetened breath teased his lips, and her soft breasts cushioning his chest were a delicious torment as he waited. She closed the gap, when a drop of water splashed on his forehead, breaking the spell.

They both looked to the sky and saw a bank of dark clouds had moved in unawares. The sky opened up then and a cold spring rain poured down on them.

Kat jumped from his lap, avoiding his eyes and shivering. Alex cursed.

He gathered up their picnic quickly, grabbed Kat’s hand and they ran for shelter. He was wet, cold and his clothes sodden by the time they reached the shed. While Alex stood beneath the roof and observed the sky, Kat leaned against the back wall, staring at her feet. Zeus nudged him from behind and Alex considered it a sign.

“There is no predicting how long the storm will last,” he said ironically. “I suggest we shelter in the hunting lodge until the storm passes.”

She raised her eyes at that, her voice cold. “
You
can wait in the lodge if you like. I’m perfectly comfortable here.”

Alex sighed inwardly at the swift change in her attitude. “You may catch the ague if you stay out here in those wet clothes. I believe there are towels inside the lodge and wood for a fire,” he said reasonably.

She shook her head. “Perhaps I did not make myself clear. I’m not taking one step from this shed. Besides, you said earlier you have no key.”

Alex laughed at her stubbornness. “Very well, have it your way.”

Then he scooped her up, threw her over his shoulder and ran across the courtyard. She screamed in rage, beating him on his back, but his right hand splayed over her buttocks held her secure. He raised his foot, kicked once, then twice, and the door burst open. Once inside, he turned, closed the door firmly behind him and let Kat slide to the floor.

Hot blood pounding, Alex did not immediately release Kat. Instead, he pressed her against the door, and when she opened her mouth to protest, he covered her lips, his mouth hot and hungry as his tongue sought hers. His rampant erection settled against her plump mons, furrowing through the flimsy barrier of wet wool she wore. He searched her warm haven, and the nether lips shielding her entry cradled his cock. Liquid heat scalded him. He growled, his need unbearable.

Thrilled that she did not resist him, that she now stared up at him with dazed eyes, he thrust his swollen member against her mons again and again with slow, teasing strokes. A gasping moan escaped her and she raised her arms, sliding her fingers into his hair. She pulled his head down and kissed him, her tongue thrashing in tandem with his.

Alex’s heart expanded and contracted as though about to burst with joy—never before had she initiated any intimacies between them. She ground her hips against him and he appeased her by stroking harder, faster. Her breathy moans and plump flesh held him hostage, enflaming him.

Wanting to give her more, he slid his hand through the seam in front of her skirts and found her hot core. With two fingers he explored the moist folds, rubbing back and forth and side to side, seeking, learning her anew. Her inner lips were thicker, the flesh swollen and wet with desire. Oh, to taste her honeyed flesh.

But that would have to wait. She groaned, thrusting her hips against his invading hand. He moved his fingers down her slick crease, stroking faster. Kat panted wildly, her soft moans driving him to distraction.

After long delicious moments, he added his thumb and pressed against her engorged bud. She cried out loud, her juices bathing his fingers. Alex swallowed her cry with a kiss, then his lips trailed down her neck, nibbling and kissing her, licking the cool rain from her warm, jasmine-scented skin.

He was hot, his cock near to bursting, but he continued with his assault. When at last his finger entered her, her muscles clenched him tightly. Alex gritted his teeth as his cock twitched.

Her head thrashed about. “Alex! Oh, God. I cannot bear it.”

“Aye, you can. And so much more.” He added a second finger, expanding her, stimulating her flesh.

In and out, his hand pumped between her thighs. With his other hand he cupped her breast, massaging, stroking, teasing, then he dipped his head and closed his mouth over her nipple, the wet wool no barrier to his smoldering lips. He sucked the rigid peak into his mouth and ground his palm against her mound at the same time. The honey-drenched walls of her sheath contracted around his fingers.

He stared down at her in awe and watched as her eyes flew wide, shining brightly. Kat screamed, arching into his hand, her breathless moan shivering across his ear. She shook and trembled, her release beautiful to behold, until she collapsed in his arms. He held her for a long time while she came back to herself, savoring her closeness, pleasure rushing through him that he could please his woman.

At the same time he breathed deeply in and out, willing his arousal to subside. His own denied pleasure was a torment he must bear for the nonce.

Then she pulled back, stiffening in his arms. “Oh, God. What did you do to me?”

He ignored her accusing glare and gently brushed a tendril of hair off her flushed face. “No more than what you wanted.”

“Nay. I wanted none of this. No amount of pleasure will ever make up for your betrayal.”

“This…feeling…we have for each other, ’tis more than lust and you know it. You can feel it, too. Do not deny it.” He touched her heart. “We have a history together, a connection that is undeniable and if we are ever to go on with our lives, we owe it to ourselves to explore and discover whatever it is.”

When she would have responded, he pressed his lips to hers. He pulled back and straightening the circlet on her forehead, said, “Say naught yet. All I ask is that you think about what I’ve said.”

Although he never knew how he did it, he pushed away from Kat, his cock throbbing painfully. He moved to the cupboard to hunt for drying cloths, leaving a trail of water on the floor behind him.

“Did you enjoy your ride with Alex today?”

“Huh?” Kat asked, startled.

Later that afternoon in Queen Eleanor’s chambers, the ladies of the court chatted and entertained themselves, waiting for the men to join them before supper. Kat sat with Rose in an alcove, playing a spirited game of Alquerque.

“How did your outing with Alex go?”

Not immediately answering the question, Kat concentrated on her next move, although her thoughts were fractured. The early afternoon spring shower that had come upon her and Alex had ended as suddenly as it began. They left the hunting lodge soon after it stopped and returned to court, but she could not stop thinking about what he had said in the lodge. His impassioned words had struck a chord.