by Ann Cory
“I saw you move like an angel. An angel with a blade. From the moment I saw you, I thought you had to be a goddess. A guardian. I was right.”
Heat fanned her shoulders. “I had to do something. They wanted to hurt you.”
“You could’ve been hurt.”
“It didn’t matter to me. I couldn’t stand by and watch you die.”
His brow arched. “No?”
“No,” she insisted. “Not before I felt your body against mine.”
A feverish need overtook her. She removed the rest of her clothing and approached him with a slow, seductive gait.
His lips parted. “You’re the most beautiful lady I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
“You flatter me.”
“I’d flatter you every day if given the chance. How long can you stay?”
Rebecca hated the words before she said them. “Not long. A day or two.”
Disappointment creased his brow. “And then where will you go?”
She glanced to the window to avoid his eyes. “I go wherever my path takes me.” It was the way of her life and why she didn’t form attachments. If she had half a mind, she’d leave now, but tonight she wanted to indulge in fantasy.
Raumont reached for her and she set her hand in his. “I’ll take whatever time I can spend with you,” he said and moved to give her room.
Rebecca sat on the edge of the bed and brought his hand to her breast. “Then let us make the most of that time.”
With his other hand, he reached out and stroked her cheek. She leaned in and slanted her mouth over his. Sweet, gentle kisses grew more passionate and she tasted the cassis and ginger from the tonic she’d given him. She planned to savor every moment.
Rebecca took a brief respite from the kiss and moved to straddle him. Her fingers made quick work of his buttons. The hard planes of his chest beckoned her hands to run along them. She inhaled his scent, enjoying the way it stimulated her senses. Raumont caressed her breasts until they grew heavy with need. He brushed his hand down her arm and stopped midway.
“You were hurt.”
“A small injury. It’s almost healed. There won’t even be a scar.”
His brows furrowed. “I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “Don’t be. I’m not.”
He rose slightly and kissed all around the wound, his mouth soft and unhurried. His tenderness moved her. None of the men she’d been with had ever shown her such respect and compassion. They’d barely raise her skirt, taking her with fast selfish strokes, too intent on their own need to concern themselves with hers. She knew this time would be different. Raumont was different. It frightened and excited her at the same time.
“You are lovely,” he said and lowered himself back down. He guided his palms along her shoulders, over her waist and hips and stroked her upper thighs. Waves of need undulated through her. She couldn’t wait another moment to feel him buried inside her.
Slowly she tended to the buttons of his trousers. Her fingers trembled, but not from nerves. She wanted this. She wanted him. In another life there would only be him.
Raumont’s eyes smoldered, making her entire being shudder in pleasure.
“I fear I’m still weak,” he said, drawing her close. His hot breath against her breast sent her into a sensuous haze.
Rebecca kissed his forehead from one side to the other. “Then I shall go easy on you.”
Chapter Six
Hours after loving every sinuous inch of her, Raumont cradled her in his arms, inhaling magnolias and orange blossoms. He’d never been happier, more satisfied or more grateful. Rebecca had saved him. She’d healed him and fought for him. And after all that, she’d opened up to him, giving herself freely. He knew she’d been special from the moment he noticed her. And to witness for himself that she was his guardian angel, he didn’t see how they could ever be parted. A passion he didn’t realize existed inside of him had been stirred. He longed to explore it more with her. The trouble was he lacked the time needed.
He hated that the night was half over. Never had he wished the sun to not rise. Like a dream, she’d be gone too soon. And with her, his heart.
She shifted to face him, her cheeks tinged pink and eyes a startling blue.
“That was lovely,” she moaned.
He stroked her silken hair and nodded. How could he ever let her go?
She slid her hand beneath her cheek.
“I wish I could stay.”
Had she read his thoughts? “I know.” A knot formed in his throat and he couldn’t continue. Raumont wanted her to stay more than anything. Still, what if the damn curse was true? He couldn’t live with the knowledge he’d brought harm to her or been the cause of her demise.
“It’s not of my choosing,” she said on a sigh.
“I understand.” He did and he didn’t, but he refused to make it tough for her. Not after she’d risked her life to save him. “It’s for the best you go.”
Her lips thinned and he realized his words sounded harsh.
“What I mean is that I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Do you mean something bad?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t understand.” Her forehead creased. “Explain.”
He was sorry to have said anything. “It’s not a pleasant conversation.”
“Please. Tell me what you think would happen to me if I stayed. How would it be bad?”
Raumont didn’t want to spoil the moment, but the expectant look on her face made him cave.
“Because of the curse brought on the Scarpitta men.” An icy shiver raced up his spine.
“What curse is that?”
“A true love curse. The women die early on in the marriage,” he explained. “The Scarpitta men are left broken-hearted, alone, never to find love again.”
A bemused look crossed Rebecca’s features. “Is that why you’ve remained alone all this time?”
“Yes.”
“Do you honestly believe the curse is true?”
“I’m not sure. I hope it’s not, but I fear it is.”
She propped up on her elbow and clasped his hand. “I don’t believe in curses. I believe this was a story passed down from the men to help lessen their grief. Perhaps it allowed them to resign themselves to not invest too much in the heartache. It sounds like the Scarpitta men live long lives and are such devoted romantics that they don’t bother to look for love again.”
Her reasoning made sense. “I never looked at it that way before. You might be right.”
“I know I am.” Her lips pressed against his hand.
Raumont took her in his arms and braced himself over her. Everything about her aroused him. Her softness, the sultry look in her eyes, the way she moved. He didn’t doubt that she was his true love. She was the part he’d been missing all this time.
“Take me,” she whispered and parted her thighs to accommodate him.
He claimed her lips, tasting their sweetness, their velvety heat. Tonight he’d take her until they were spent.
Rebecca opened her eyes and blinked against the early morning light. A full night of passion had left her body sated. The aches and pains from her journey were replaced by bliss and tenderness. She might know the magic of how to create tonics, but Raumont’s hands held their own magic in the way they caressed her skin, her breasts and between her thighs. Each stroke of his fingers brought pure rapture and sent her over the edge. How easy it would be to laze in bed with him for the remainder of their days. Exploring and bringing one another exquisite pleasure until they couldn’t take anymore. To rise only for food and more lovemaking in the bath. She longed to stay and get to know him more. But a stranger, somewhere, required her healer’s touch. Much as she wanted to defy the promises she’d made to spend her life healing others, it would never sit right with her.
She eased from Raumont’s side and, seeing his shirt, slid it around her body. The hem came to an inch above her knees and smelled of his musky scent. Caref
ul to not make a sound, she stole down the stairs and into the kitchen. Her hunger had been waylaid by their intimacy, but now it beckoned to her with a fierce grumbling from her belly.
In the pantry she found a full loaf of bread wrapped in cheesecloth. She broke off a piece and slathered butter across the top. Each bite tasted of pure decadence on her palate. When she’d eaten her fill, she rubbed her hands together to free the remaining crumbs.
In the hallway mirror she checked over her appearance, smoothing out a few loose strands of hair. Her face glowed. Her eyes were vibrant. She’d never looked healthier. Raumont was good for her.
You have to leave soon, she mouthed to her reflection. It’s the way of things.
A moment of guilt washed over her. Whenever she’d finished a task she’d been sent to do, she immediately consulted the stones and embarked onto the next journey. She’d been led to believe that any hesitation meant someone suffered and she’d have only herself to blame. So much of her mother’s teachings had been laced with fear and she could now understand why Raumont had held so strong to his belief in the family curse. Those stories had shaped them into the adults they were now and kept them from living the lives they should’ve had.
Anger quickly replaced the guilt. Her mother had been a difficult person to love or understand. Too much distance between them, though they spent so much time together. She really didn’t know the woman at all. Pity, because she needed answers. Why had her mother kept silent about all the pleasures to be had? Why had the subject of love been taboo?
Before she could continue her thoughts, Raumont entered the room dressed in a fine-looking suit that showcased his strong build well. His eyes lit up as he glimpsed her, making her pulse jump a notch.
“I see you’ve made good use of my shirt. You’re even more ravishing.”
She glanced down at the shirt and her bare feet, certain her face blazed scarlet.
“It was the first thing I grabbed.”
“Why grab anything? You’re welcome to wander the house naked all you want.”
Her lips stretched into a smile. “I’ll consider it.”
“Did you get any sleep?”
“Enough. And you?”
“Enough.” He stepped closer to her. “I’d worried you’d left.”
Rebecca should’ve left before sunrise, she knew that. Prolonging their time would make her care more than she already did. She just couldn’t bring herself to leave yet.
“No. I needed food.”
“Will you be coming back to bed?”
The hopefulness in his voice made her cheeks burn. She’d love to spend the day wrapped in sheets and his arms. First there were other matters to tend to.
“I have to take care of something this morning.”
“Would you care for company?”
“I need to do this alone. Is that okay?”
“Of course. I’ll prepare a nice lunch for when you return.”
“I’d like that.”
She leaned in to give him a peck on the cheek. His arms slipped around her waist and then pressed her tight against him. The hardness of him excited her. He ran her hands along the curve of her back and up her shoulders. It felt so right, so comfortable and familiar. As if her body had been designed to fit his. Rebecca tilted her chin upward and found his lips. Each kiss drew her in deeper. Her breasts ached to feel his mouth on them again. He was such an attentive lover, giving pleasure as much as taking. She pressed her thighs together in remembrance of how good he’d felt inside her. She was already slick and wanting. Raumont moved his hand to her cheek and kissed her passionately. She groaned when their tongues collided. Why did this ever have to end?
Torn, she withdrew from his embrace.
“I won’t be long,” she said and meant it.
He nodded. “Every moment you’ll be missed.”
A smile bowed her lips and she hurried upstairs to dress. She didn’t have much time left with him.
The sun warmed her face as she followed the cobblestones through Blatsfort. In daylight the town looked different. It even sounded different, quieter and not as lively. Not knowing her way, she asked a woman standing in front of a café for directions to the sheriff. To her relief, it was only another few blocks. With Edward and Burton out of the way she’d feel better about leaving Raumont. She sighed, knowing the truth. Nothing would make her feel better about leaving Raumont. Even now, away from him, she ached for his touch.
The sheriff himself stood outside the door. From his shirt pocket he took out a handkerchief and mopped his brow.
Rebecca crossed the street and approached him. “Good morning, sir.”
“Morning.” He reached up and tilted a hat far too big for his head. “How can I help you, miss?”
“I’m here to report two intruders who had the intent to rob from a good friend of mine.”
His eyes bore into her. “Is that so?”
“Yes. The incident occurred last night.”
“I see. Come inside and I’ll take down your information.”
“I’d be grateful, thank you.”
She followed him into the building. Her eyes grazed over the sparse furniture and stopped at the large cell in the back.
“Did you get a good look at their faces?”
Rebecca nodded. “Yes. I believe they said their names were Edward and Burton. They have a penchant for gambling and booze.”
The sheriff scowled. “Oh, those two. Not a week goes by they aren’t stirring up trouble in one town or another. I’ll have a talk with them the next time I see them.”
Now it was her turn to scowl. “No, that won’t do. I want these men behind bars.”
He rubbed the back of his neck a few times and then leaned against the desk. “Well, miss, things don’t quite work that way here in Blatsfort. For one thing I have only the one cell and can’t keep it occupied for long. And for another, they’ve never been caught doing anything wrong. I promise you though, next time I see them I’ll give them a warning.”
Rebecca swallowed down several unladylike words. “I don’t understand. These men broke into my friend’s home. Is that not a crime?”
“Did they take anything?”
“No, but…”
“Did anyone get hurt?”
“They poisoned my friend. He could’ve died. They planned to shoot him and burn down his house.”
The sheriff’s brows deepened. “Hm. That’s certainly serious. Were there any other witnesses?”
“Just myself and, of course, my friend.”
“Who is this friend?”
“Raumont Scarpitta.”
An odd expression crossed his face. “Oh. I see.”
The sheriff stepped away from the desk and gestured her toward the door. “I’m afraid I can’t be of help to you, miss.”
Not ready to leave, she dug in her heels. “Are you not the sheriff?”
He tapped his badge. “The one and only.”
“Then how can you not help me? I tell you that these two men poisoned a man and planned to rob and kill him and you send me on my way?”
“I am sorry. If it were anyone other than Mr. Scarpitta, I might be able to do more. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have rounds to make. Good day.”
“But…” Rebecca’s words trailed off. She wouldn’t get anywhere with him. “I’ll be back,” she stated and fixed him with a glare.
“You’ll be wasting your time.”
She frowned and hurried out into the sunshine. She’d expected the two men to be apprehended and locked up, not given a scolding as if they were children. What would happen if she weren’t here? What would keep them from trying anything again? At some point they’d figure out there never was a curse. She kicked a pebble and clenched her fists. Too many questions raced in her head. What she wanted to know most was why anyone would snub the Scarpitta name? She aimed to find out.
Lifting the hem of her dress, she stalked back to Raumont’s.
Rebecca found him standing in
the kitchen arranging a tray of bread fruit and cheese. He glanced in her direction and grinned with such charm she forgot her frustration.
“You’re back,” he said and winked. “Let me grab the wine and we can enjoy our meal on the porch.”
She had questions for him, but seeing him smile and wanting to please her, she held her tongue. Besides, her earlier snack hadn’t done much to waylay her appetite.
“Please, take a seat outside and I’ll bring everything along.”
Not wanting to argue, she retreated outside. Raumont followed with the tray and a wine bottle tucked beneath his arm. She watched him tackle the cork and pour two glasses half full of a luscious honey-colored liquid.
“Now, I know this isn’t much to eat, but I plan to make a feast tonight.”
“A feast?”
“Yes. I’m an excellent cook. And it isn’t often I have someone to cook for. Not since my father.”
She reached for a sandwich, a small bunch of grapes and some cheese. “You don’t have to go through any trouble for me.”
“You don’t understand. This is exciting to me. I want to do things for you while you’re here.”
His eyes were lit up and she didn’t have the heart to dampen his mood. “All right. A feast sounds wonderful.”
Rebecca nibbled a piece of cheese and sipped her wine. She could get used to this life.
Much as she loved the afternoon breeze on her face and the taste of the food, she couldn’t ignore the questions looming.
“Why do people recoil when they hear the name Scarpitta?”
She watched his smile diminish. “What have you heard?”
“Nothing. But your name is known here and only I, a stranger to Blatsfort, bothered to help you last night. Why is that?”
He set his wineglass down, his eyes losing the sparkle they’d held moments ago.
“Damn gossip and rumors have plagued all the Scarpitta men. Some say our money was made from the blood of innocent women and children. Others say we robbed people of their land and homes, threatening to destroy crops and kill livestock.”
“Is any of it true?”
“Not a word. I swear.”