No Greater Love

by Cate Dean

  Before Victoria could say anything else, he turned around and shouted at the soldiers crowding behind him. “Back up! Give her room to breathe!”

  She tilted her chin up, amusement sparkling in her clear blue eyes. Relief spread through Nick to see it ease some of the exhaustion that had dulled them since they left the hospital and started this trip from hell.

  She smiled at Nick. “The journey across will not be boring.”

  “You got that right.”

  WILL MADE AN effort to see them before they left the ship. He looked exhausted, but the color in his face, and his steady hand, told Nick he’d be fine.

  “Thank you again, Sister.” He handed her a slip of paper, a shy smile on his face. “If I’m not presuming too much, would you keep in touch with me? Both of you,” he added, glancing at Nick.

  “We would be honored, Will. But only if you start calling me Victoria. The war is over for us, and we are friends now.”

  “If you insist.” He flashed her a smile. “Victoria.”

  “I will write you as soon as we return home.” The soldiers behind them started getting antsy, wanting to be off the ship and on their well-deserved leave. “Take care of yourself, Will.”

  She kissed his cheek, and Nick wrapped his arm around her waist, tucking her into his side as they made their way to the gangplank. Once they reached the dock, Nick was surprised to see a man waving to them, his name on a hand printed sign.

  “Captain Saunders.” He took Nick’s hand and pumped it enthusiastically. “Mrs. Saunders.” She blinked as he bent over her hand, and glanced over at Nick. “I am Jeremy Wright, a friend of Tom Philips. He sent word, and asked me to meet you here.” That explained it. Philips turned them into a couple, which meant this man was taking them to a hotel—or at least a bed, in a room, where they could sleep. Jeremy pushed through the soldiers milling around the dock. “Come, come—you must be exhausted after your journey.”

  He led them to a neat, two-story house not far from the harbor. An older woman waited on the front porch for them.

  “Welcome,” she said, holding out both hands to Victoria. “You look exhausted, my dear. I have prepared a simple lunch, but I will put it on a tray for you and your husband.”

  “I—thank you, Mrs. Wright.”

  “Betty, please. And I will call you Victoria. You will stay until you are rested enough to continue on your journey. I insist,” she said, when Victoria started to protest. “It is the least I can do, after your sacrifice for our boys.” Tears filled her eyes. “My boy came home because of a dedicated nurse.”

  She led them inside the clean and spacious house, filled with nautical touches. Jeremy kissed her cheek, then waved for them to follow him. He led them upstairs, opened the door at the end of the hall, and ushered them into a large room, with one bed.

  Nick silently thanked his hosts; he’d expected two single beds, and had been ready to shove them together so he could sleep with Victoria in his arms.

  “Compliments of Betty and myself,” Jeremy said. “As a thank you for all you did for our boys.” Betty appeared behind him, a huge tray in her hands. He took it from her and set it on a long, low dresser. “Get some sleep, and we will see you at supper.”

  He stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

  For the first time since Nick had collapsed in front of Victoria, they were alone—with no chance of interruption.

  “So quiet,” she whispered. She moved to the paned door that led to a balcony, her hand touching the decorative knob. “I can hardly remember the last time I was somewhere quiet.”

  Nick joined her, looking out over the harbor. “You’re about to get eight hours of quiet, at least. Time for bed, Mrs. Belham.”

  She turned to him and laid her left hand on his chest. If she didn’t look so damned tired, he’d throw her on the bed right now and make love to her. She looked like she’d fall asleep before he even got serious.

  “I want to—” A huge yawn interrupted her, and she looked up at Nick. “Sorry.”

  “Like I said, time for bed.”

  He helped her undress, hard and throbbing by the time she was in her nightgown. She swayed against him, and he pulled down the covers enough to lower her to the bed.

  “In you go, beautiful.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’m right behind you—I just need to change.” He kissed her, then settled her to the fluffy pillow. “I’m not going anywhere, Victoria. Now close your eyes, and get some sleep.”

  By the time he undressed and climbed into bed, she was sound asleep.

  He carefully slipped his left arm behind her head. She let out a sigh, her head moving to his shoulder. Hip to hip, he closed his eyes, and let himself sink.

  VICTORIA WAS PATIENT.

  She kept telling herself that Nick was concerned about her injury, that he wanted her to recover without making demands on her.

  She was sick and tired of his concern.

  Three long weeks had gone by since they had settled into her small house near the river Avon. Stratford was across the river, her childhood home. She had no idea just how much she had missed walking the streets, greeting neighbors and friends, until she had returned.

  Every day of those three weeks, Nick had tiptoed around her, as if she were an invalid.

  She finally gave up, and visited her friend Susanna. They had grown up together, and Susanna was recently married. She had been thrilled to learn that Victoria was to marry again, and they had been making plans for her upcoming nuptials.

  Halfway through tea, Victoria cleared her throat.

  “Susanna, I—”

  “Spit it out, Vicki. You have been worrying over whatever it is all afternoon. Is it about Nick?”

  “He treats me as if I am made of glass. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

  “You are planning on marrying.”

  “Yes.”

  “You are a woman of experience.”

  Victoria smiled; she had a feeling she knew where this was headed. “I am.”

  “Then seduce the man, Vicki.” Susanna leaned back in her chair. “I wouldn’t have waited this long, myself. He is one fine looking man.”

  “Sus!”

  “There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth. I expected you to come back from the war with some stories, not a tall, mysterious American.”

  “You are not the only one surprised about that.”

  Victoria enjoyed living in a small town, but it did have its disadvantages. One of them was all the speculation about Nick—and the disapproving glances from some of the older wives. They were going to marry, but they had not, yet, and living together in the same house was scandalous. No one knew that they slept in separate bedrooms, that Nick had not done more than kiss her—and not even that for days now.

  “Vicki—did you hear me?”

  “Sorry, no.”

  “What do you think about seducing him?”

  Her heart beat fast at simply the thought of it. “I think—I know just what to do.”

  VICTORIA WAITED FOR Nick to return from the pub, humming with nerves.

  She knew he loved her, that he wanted to marry her. But his distance worried her, more than she let on. She was hoping tonight would break down the wall he had built between them.

  The lock clicked open, and Nick stepped inside, shedding his coat. He turned around—and halted when he saw her.

  “Victoria?” His voice sounded strangled. She considered that a good start.

  “Welcome home, sweetheart.” She stepped forward, wearing the yellow silk dress she had worn during their aborted date, and his favorite rose water, her hair loose and curling around her face. “How was your meeting?”

  “Good.” He cleared his throat. “I think we’ll work something out—what the hell, Vicki?” He had taken to calling her by her childhood nickname, which Victoria quite liked.

  “It is long past time for you to touch me again, Nick.”

  “I
don’t—I didn’t—damn.” He stalked across the living room and trapped her against the wall. “I didn’t want to hurt you, love. You seemed so—fragile, when we got here.”

  “I thought you knew me well enough to understand that I am anything but fragile.”

  “Yeah, under normal circumstances. But you’d been injured, and forced to endure a journey that would drain a healthy woman. I was worried about you, then I just—I thought it was better if I stayed away.”

  Understanding slapped her. “Because of my loud-mouthed neighbors.”

  “I didn’t want them to look down on you.”

  She cradled Nick’s cheek, loving him for his concern, for wanting to protect her. “They consider me an oddity for becoming a nurse. When I volunteered to go to France, during a war? I was, as they politely termed it, a little off my head.”

  “So—you don’t care what they think.”

  “I thought I’d made that clear. If not.” She slipped her hand down his chest, reveling in the strong muscles under her fingers, and closed them over his waistband. “I am hoping this will.”

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed him.

  Nick reacted by pinning her to the wall, turning the kiss hot, desperate. Victoria moaned, following him as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding across hers, his arousal pressing into her as he ravaged her mouth.

  By the time he pulled away, she could hardly think straight.

  “You drive me crazy, beautiful.” She let out a startled cry when he scooped her up and carried her into the master bedroom, settling her to the floor. “I need to touch you now.”

  “Yes, please.”

  With a smile, he reached up, and brushed his thumb across her nipple. She let out a low cry, pressing herself into his palm. His right hand spread over her hip, then up to her waist, pulling her against him. She went willingly, careful not to clutch his right arm when he started drawing slow circles around her nipple.

  His arousal was hard, straining against the front of his trousers. Victoria pressed against him, pleased when he groaned, his right hand sliding under the skirt of her gown, up her thigh. She let out a moan when he dug his fingers into her bare bottom.

  He paused, lifting his head. “No underwear, Mrs. Belham? You wicked woman.”

  “I am finally revealed.”

  “I’m happy to be the one who discovered the real you.”

  He lowered his mouth to her throat, holding her in place as he rocked into her. Even through the layers of fabric, she could feel his heat, his need. She unbuttoned his trousers, releasing his hard length. He jerked when her hand closed around him.

  “Naked,” he whispered, his voice raw. “I need to feel you against me, all of you.”

  “I like your need.” She kissed him, then backed away when he freed her and started to undress. He was throwing his shirt at the floor when she turned. Lamplight slid over the scars on his shoulder. He had survived so much. She loved him more for never giving up—especially on her.

  “You are so damn beautiful. How did I get so lucky?” He stepped to her, and ran both hands through her hair, his fingers catching in her curls. “How did you keep it so soft, living in rough conditions?”

  “They were not as rough as most people envision. I use vinegar water, and I kept the length under my cap as much as possible. I finally cut it short, to make my life easier.” She didn’t mention the constant threat of lice.

  “Do me a favor.”

  “Anything.”

  “Would you consider growing your hair out? I’d love to see these curls cloaking your breasts.”

  “I—” The image he planted in her mind left her flustered. “Yes, Nick. I will.”

  He pressed his lips to her temple, taking a deep breath. “Roses. I’ll never smell them again without thinking of you.”

  She trembled at his touch, his words. She wanted him so much it frightened her. Richard had never made her tremble, or hunger for the touch of his hand, the taste of his lips. She wanted all of that from Nick, and more.

  He spread his left hand across the small of her back and gently eased her forward. “Tell me to stop now, beautiful.” He looked at her, his eyes dark with passion. “Once I touch you, there’s no stopping for me.”

  Victoria swallowed, then reached down between them and closed her fingers around his hard, thick length. “Please, touch me, Nick. Love me.”

  He kissed her, hot and fast, moaning against her lips as he slid himself along her fingers.

  “Victoria.” He brushed a stray curl off her cheek, his fingers so gentle. “Go to bed with me.”

  She freed him, then pulled back the covers on the bed, patting the mattress. “You first. That way, you can’t run if you change your mind.”

  His laughter warmed her—and she let out a startled cry when he caught her around the waist and took her down to the bed.

  “You keep surprising me,” he whispered.

  “I hope I always do.”

  “I want you to.” He stretched out on his left side, pulling her in. She gasped as his length slid between her legs, pressing against her heat. “I haven’t made love since I was injured, so I’m not sure how much weight my shoulder can take in the—heat of the moment.” He stroked her, both of them moaning. “I hope—this position is acceptable.”

  “I believe—I can—oh, heavens—” She lost all train of thought when his mouth closed over her breast.

  His tongue teased her, his length sliding against her heat at the same maddening pace. Victoria arched into him, wanting to feel more. Instead, Nick eased away from her, kissing his way down her belly, then back up to her other breast. By the time he took her nipple in his mouth, she was gasping, squirming against him.

  He finally pressed into her, inch by inch, until he filled her. They were both gasping for breath by then.

  “Victoria—I have to move, beautiful.”

  “Please—” He stroked her, and she tilted her hips to take him in deeper. “Nick—oh, Nick—”

  He made love to her, slowly driving her to the edge before he backed off, leaving her desperate and straining against him. His right hand slid up her back, cradling the back of her head, just before he captured her lips in a kiss that stretched out her need.

  His infuriating control began to waver, and he thrust into her, the kiss turning desperate. She tangled her fingers in his sweat damp hair, proof that his control, his desire to please her, had cost him. With an abandon that surprised her, Victoria hooked her left leg over his hip and met every thrust, her tongue warring with his.

  Nick groaned, and drove into her. He shuddered, just before he finally lost control. His release set her off, and she fell with him over the edge.

  AFTER ENDLESS MINUTES, Nick started to feel his body again. He managed to kiss Victoria’s forehead before he let his head sink to the pillow, and focused on breathing.

  It had been a long time since he’d felt a woman, skin on skin, without the barrier of a condom—

  “Damn it—” He started to pull out of her, but she tightened her leg, holding him in place. He’d discovered during their enthusiastic lovemaking just how strong those legs were. “Victoria, I didn’t use any protection—”

  “It will be fine, Nick.” She brushed hair off his cheek, meeting his eyes. “I want a child, with you.”

  He closed his eyes, swallowing. “God, Vicki. I want that, more than I ever expected.”

  “You will be a wonderful father.” She kissed him, and he felt himself grow hard inside her. “Well, well.” She smiled, and shocked him by stroking his length. “You seem to be ready for more.”

  “I didn’t want to presume.”

  “Please do.” She slid her hand around to his back, and he shuddered when she scraped her fingernails down his spine. “I find myself ready for more as well.” He rolled her on her back, smiling at the surprise on her face. It changed to desire when he sank into her. “Nick—oh—”

  She arched up, and he took advantage, his mouth closing over h
er nipple. Her body tightened around him, and he knew he wouldn’t last long this time. She made him lose control faster than any woman he’d been with, her slim curves and full breasts driving him crazy. He didn’t expect her to be so sensuous, so free when they made love.

  He stiffened, then drove himself into her, his climax more powerful than the first. When she started to cry out, he kissed her, feeling her tighten around him as she let go. They both collapsed in the aftermath, her skin as slicked with sweat as his.

  “Victoria.” He shifted all his weight to his left arm and leaned down to kiss her. “Marry me.”

  She cradled his cheek. “I plan on it.”

  He closed his eyes, and lowered himself to her, taking in the scent of roses that still clung to her.

  For the first time since arriving in this strange town, with its suspicious residents, he felt like he was home.

  Fourteen

  THE DAY OF their wedding found Victoria a nervous wreck.

  She paced the length of the bedroom, then turned and paced in the other direction, glancing at the simple, pale yellow gown every other step.

  The thought of facing everyone in town, marrying a man she knew more than a few of them disapproved of, had her terrified.

  “Vicki?” Susanna’s voice floated down the hall. “Nick told me you were in here...” She paused in the doorway, taking in Victoria’s disheveled state. “Why aren’t you dressed?”

  “What if this is a mistake?”

  Susanna strode into the bedroom, straight to the gown. “I expected Nick to be the one with cold feet. Take off your robe.”

  “I—what are you—ˮ

  “Getting you ready to marry the man you are desperately in love with.”

  Victoria covered her face with both hands. “I don’t want him to hate me, for tying him to me, to this place.”

  “Look at me, Victoria Belham.” She lowered her hands, staring at Susanna. “Nick could never hate you. That man is so deep, it would take a great deal for him to even be mad at you. As for this place—the only thing tying you here is you.” She moved to Victoria and took her hands. “You know I love you like a sister, and I would miss you terribly if you left. But do not use your old life as an excuse to stay. Making a new life somewhere else might be the best thing for you and Nick. Leave your ghosts where they belong—in the past.”