Timeless Passion: 10 Historical Romances To Savor

by Rue Allyn

  • • •

  The scent of their lovemaking hung heavy in the air as they lay, legs entwined, skin to skin.

  He kissed the tip of her nose and smiled. “Come back to me, love. You went away for a while.”

  She traced his lips. “I could never leave you for long.”

  He slipped an arm over the small of her back and drew her closer, his eyes intense.

  “Know this — you are truly mine, and we belong together. I will never let you go.”

  “Yes,” she agreed her tone fierce.

  Her body urged his to take her again, but much to her consternation, he rose from the bed. She gave his auburn locks a slight tug wanting him to fall back into bed. Abruptly, he straightened. Obviously he had other plans. She tried not to let her selfish need to keep him to herself spoil their dreamlike morning. In the end, he was the Maxwell chieftain with numerous duties and responsibilities. Of course, he must go about his day. Therefore, she wasn’t too surprised when he placed one last kiss on her slightly parted lips and began to dress.

  “Clothe yourself wife, I do no’ wish to waste the day’s warmth.”

  Disgruntled, she tried one last time, glanced pointedly at the bed, only to gain an amused grin from him. “I believe I’ve created a libertine.”

  She pouted prettily, to no avail. Sighing she asked, “Where are you off too, my love?”

  An odd expression crossed his face and his roguish smile slipped a notch. She thought his reaction curious.

  “You seem shocked?”

  He shook his head and chuckled. “I never thought I was the type of man to gain satisfaction from such a honeyed endearment, but I do.”

  “It’s just as well,” she replied in a silken voice.

  One eyebrow shot up. “Why is that pray tell?”

  She slid to the edge of the bed and leaned forward allowing the cover to slip and display a hint of one creamy breast. He swallowed, hard. She had him right where she wanted him.

  “Why is what?” Huskiness lingered in her tone as she pretended ignorance.

  His bright, clear blue eyes were riveted to her exposed breast. She made an almost imperceptible movement and the hand that held the blanket drooped a little more to catch on the tip of a rosy nipple. She intertwined her fingers with his and propelled him frontward. His knee hit the bedframe and he jerked back as if he had been doused in ice water.

  “Oh no you do no’ you little temptress. Now, if you wish to accompany me this afternoon you will get dressed.”

  “Truly?” Excited by the prospect of an outing, she scooted to the side of the bed a bit too fast and was instantly dizzy.

  He frowned. “Are up to it, lass?”

  She dropped her hand to her side. “Yes, of course. Just give me a moment to ready myself.”

  “I will come back for you in a bit.”

  Disappointed, she inquired, “You will not wait?”

  Grinning ruefully he said, “If I were to stay and watch you dress I guarantee we would no’ get verra far.”

  As if to punctuate his point, he took his time perusing her from her glossy hair to her bare pink toes peeping from underneath the blanket. He let the heat of his gaze linger over every camber, waggling his eyebrows suggestively before quitting the room. She hugged her arms around herself and recalled the impression of his warm hands and wicked mouth seeking the sensitive curves and planes of her body, then collapsed on the side of the bed.

  Good Lord, her husband was a desirable man. And he loved only her. She contemplated what it was to be loved so well by such a man and vowed never to take his gift for granted. Oh, she had no doubt there would be times of struggle along throughout their lives together, yet, as long as he was by her side nothing else mattered.

  Delight bubbled within her as she smoothed the linen undergarment over her hips. She hurried to don the rest of her clothes and in her haste, almost left shoeless. Pulling open the thick chamber door, she fully expected to find Aeden without, but, he seemed to have vanished. She tapped her pursed lips.

  “I suppose I should wait until he comes back to fetch me,” she reasoned, and then decided she was too impatient to stay behind in the confines of their stuffy bedchamber.

  Tentatively, she stood at the precipice of the top step and peered down into the stairwell. Although her legs were a bit shaky from the forced inactivity, she didn’t let that hinder her and by the time she reached the bottom step, her knees no longer trembled so violently. She swiped the tell-tale perspiration from her upper lip. Through the throng of people, she spied Aeden at the far side of the room in a discussion with his men. Somewhat winded, she decided to give herself a rest before making her way to one of the tables and leaned against the cool stone wall.

  “Elisande, have you lost your wits? What do you think you are about venturing below stairs unescorted? You are as pale as milk niece.”

  Elisande hazarded a glance in Aeden’s corner of the room. Sure enough, at the sound of her name, his head snapped around in the direction of the stairs and instantly pinned her with an exasperated look. Noting his narrowed eyes, and scorching frown, she tried to quell her irritation toward her aunt. She knew she was terribly concerned about her condition, but honestly, when had she become such an alarmist?

  “My goodness, aunt, there is no reason to distress anyone needlessly,” she shot back, hoping to head off a lecture.

  “And as to why I am below stairs, well, Aeden is bearing me away on a much longed-for outing.”

  To her astonishment, Onora actually snorted, incredulous. “I do not think it wise. You should not even contemplate leaving your chamber for another two weeks at least.”

  Another fortnight? God help me.

  Onora dug in. “You, miss, back to bed this instant.”

  “But, aunt, I — ”

  “As to coming down on your own,” she interrupted, “I am quite positive that husband of yours never meant for you to traverse the dark corridors and slippery stairs unattended.”

  Elisande swallowed a retort. Feeling a bit like a wayward child, she scanned the room from beneath her lashes. No one, not even the servants exhibited the good grace to pretend they were not listening to the exchange — to the contrary, they appeared to hang on her aunt’s every word.

  “Do not dare to glower at me, niece.”

  Elisande rolled her eyes heavenward. “My goodness, aunt, I am not glowering at you, or, anyone for that matter.”

  She tsked and pointed at the bottom of Elisande’s arasaid. “There, do you see how drafty it is down here? If you continue to neglect your own well-being, then I have no recourse except to treat you like a child.”

  By that point, Aeden made his way to Elisande’s side in time to frown down at her.

  “Please do not grimace so.”

  “I believe I have the right to frown at my wife’s foolhardy behavior.”

  Onora crossed her arms and gave a crisp nod. “There, you see?”

  Elisande glanced from puckered brow to the other, her hands splayed wide palms up.

  “Why are you two determined to remain vexed with me? I should have thought you’d be gladdened to see I’ve healed enough to walk down here on my own.”

  Aeden ignored her question.

  “Why did you no’ await me as instructed?”

  Sensible words weren’t going to win her the argument, so she employed a more feminine approach and slid her hand over his muscular forearm as her breasts grazed his upper arm. “Please, do not be cross with me. Not today.”

  He covered her hand with his and she smiled to herself, until he said, “I am still waiting for your explanation why you disregarded my simple request.”

  She sighed. “First of all, it wasn’t a request, and second, the anticipation of an outing with you after being confined above stairs these many weeks past left me impatient. You were taking so long to come for me I thought mayhap you had a change of heart.”

  Tam ambled over and added to the discussion.

  “
Your cheeks are showing much better color, niece.”

  Elisande’s stomach knotted as Onora pounced on Tam’s words.

  “Yes, her color is high. She needs return to bed. It’s too soon for her to be up and about.”

  “I meant that in a good way,” Tam clarified.

  She looked from Aeden, to Onora, to Tam and shook her head.

  Aeden’s eyes never strayed from her face. “You will no’ take such chances with your health again, wife.”

  “Yes, husband,” she readily agreed.

  Onora threw her hands in the air and stalked over to the high table, Tam in her wake.

  Elisande giggled and Aeden scooped up her hand and led her outside.

  • • •

  “Why are we here?” Her voiced carried an edge of panic.

  Any pleasure in the day scattered like dandelion fluff on the wind. Her heart raced, her breath came in sharp bursts of forced air. She refused to take another step. She stole a glance at Aeden and realized he anticipated her reaction. His grip on her hand tightened. Still, she took him by surprise, as well as herself, when she jerked free of his hold. Despite her weakened state, she staggered up the path. Aeden’s hands on her shoulders forced her to a weary standstill. With tremendous care, he rotated her to face him, and she could see he fought to maintain his composure, too. Tension lines bracketed his mouth and his eyes were filled with compassion.

  Lowering her head she implored, “Please Aeden, I cannot.”

  “Aye, lass, you can, you must.”

  Her eyes searched his face. He had said the words with such quiet conviction she believed him. And suddenly, she needed to prove to herself she could face her nightmares. She peered past his shoulder to the clear, smooth water of the loch below and then back at Aeden. His eyes darkened with emotion and she gained courage from his quiet strength. Resolved, she nodded and left the safety of his arms. With halting steps, she made her way down the beach path. She faltered as she neared the shore. She wasn’t certain she could go any further and when she turned to leave, she realized Aeden had been behind her the entire time.

  “It’s all right, lass, I’m right here.”

  Relieved, she gave him a curt nod, yet she couldn’t make herself turn back to exorcise her ghosts. She threw herself into Aeden’s waiting embrace and sobbed. His arms tightened around her and he buried his face in her hair. Once her sobs subsided, he loosened his hold and tilted her chin up.

  “I can’t do it,” she sniffled.

  “You can, love, perhaps with a little help.”

  His enigmatic reply confused her.

  “What help?”

  His eyes never left hers for an instant as he reached inside his white linen shirt and pulled out a folded sheet of parchment. He held it between two fingers and offered it to her.

  Curious, she unfolded the square and gasped. Eyes wide with amazement, she whispered, “How did you know to choose this one?”

  Aeden’s smile was rueful. “I enlisted the aid of Father Pollock’s scribe skills.”

  Elisande couldn’t help to chuckle. “He must have thought you’d gone daft. I’m surprised he deigned to touch the book.”

  He gave her an arch look. “I convinced him it was in his best interest to help me if he ever wanted to taste Tam’s uisge beatha again.”

  She lowered her gaze and studied the well-worn piece of parchment.

  “I hope you’re no’ angry I ripped this from your tome.”

  Catching his eye, she stared at him one long moment, and then shook her head. “You don’t believe in these charms.”

  His smile was tender, compassionate. “’Tis true, but you do, lass.”

  “Not anymore. At least I … ” confused she trailed off and hung her head.

  He slid his fingers under her chin and tilted it up. “Lass, you’ve spent your entire life believing in that book. Who’s to say it doesn’t work? And if it gives you a measure of comfort and security to help you heal, then use it.”

  A soft cry escaped her lips and she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his in a devouring kiss. Crushing her to him he returned her passion tenfold. At last they drew apart. Lifting his hand, he skimmed it over her collarbone and cupped the back of her neck. He guided her close and rested his forehead on hers.

  “You can do this, lass.”

  The parchment fluttered to the ground. She closed her eyes, opened her senses and raised her arms to the sky.

  “Heaven above, I call to thee, to heal this ache inside of me. Fill me with your loving light, and keep me always in your sight. With these words I pray to thee on the sum of one, two, three.”

  The sun’s rays penetrated her skin warming her from the inside out. As she opened her eyes and lowered her arms, she heard Aeden’s sharp intake of breath. She pivoted and faced him.

  “What is it?”

  Aeden came up behind her and drew her to his chest. “The water. Do you see it?”

  A spectrum of color danced atop the water’s surface. Blues, reds, purples, pinks, and greens sparkled like precious gems showered with radiant light. She stared in wonder at the spectacle, but as quick as it began, it was gone. Now, left with the glorious sun and the water’s gentle lapping at the shore nothing about this day resembled the violence of that horrendous night. She inhaled a cleansing breath, finally at peace. She lifted her chin into the breeze as the whisper of pine scented the air around her. With the unwavering strength of her husband’s arms around her, she was whole again. Greedy for him, she leaned into the comfort of his embrace and luxuriated in the sensation of his breath tickling her ear.

  “Do you know how proud of you I am, love?” Pressing a kiss against her temple, he laid his cheek atop her head.

  In a half turn, she drank in his well-defined profile.

  He regarded her with a side glance.

  “Thank you, husband.”

  His eyes darkened with unspoken emotion. “What for, wife?”

  “For believing in me, protecting me, and lending me your strength. But, most of all, thank you for loving me.”

  His eyes bathed her in admiration. “Ah, lass, that’s the easy part.”

  Elisande wound her arms around Aeden’s neck, her lips meeting his in a ravenous, devouring kiss that went on and on. Breaking away, he nibbled kisses up and down her jaw line ending on a pulse that throbbed wildly at the base of her throat. He swirled his tongue over and around the frantic beat. Pulling back slightly, his all-encompassing sweep took in her flushed cheeks and his hand moved up to brush her heavy mass of hair over her shoulder.

  “I never thought I could ever feel this way,” she confessed jubilant.

  An indulgent glint appeared in his desire filled eyes. “What way is that, mo chroi, my heart?”

  “Utterly, irrevocably, and completely in love,” she whispered.

  She reveled in the heat of his captivating, arresting gaze. His eyes alone betrayed the depth of his ardor. Comforted by the knowledge of his barely leashed passion she savored their growing desire.

  Without breaking eye contact he set her away from him long enough to remove his boots. With a mischievous grin, he scooped her into his arms. Her smile widened at his unexpected action, eliciting a shriek when he waded into the loch, and stopped only when the water marked his upper thighs. He gently tossed her in his arms forcing her to cling tighter to his shoulders. Using the opportunity to his advantage, he bestowed a quick kiss to the tip of her lightly freckled nose.

  Arching a brow at his mischievous smile, she lost her grin when he raised her in his arms and pretended to dunk her. His intentions obvious, she sucked in her breath on an incredulous laugh.

  “Aeden Maxwell, you would not dare!”

  He feigned an introspective expression and then declared, “I’ve got you where I want you, lass.” He waggled his eyebrows.

  “What if I grant you a boon?”

  “Are you attempting to soften my resolve with your feminine wiles, lass?”

 
Cupping her hand to his scarred cheek she leaned in, whispered, “Why yes, husband, I believe I am,” and kissed him.

  She pulled back, and witnessed his look of naked longing so powerful, that it seared itself across her heart. The kiss he returned made her knees weak. Hastily, he made for the sandy beach. Setting her smoothly on her feet, he then began to methodically peel off his clothes until he stood in all his tanned, naked magnificence. He advanced on her and hooked a finger in her leather belt, gave it a slight tug to pull her off balance. Forced to splay her hands against his chest for support, she urged him to undress her.

  “Come.”

  Taking her hand he led her back into the loch. The contrast of cool water on warm skin puckered her nipples. His otherworldly eyes slid over her as they sluiced water over each other.

  “What has you smiling, love?”

  She blushed.

  He arched a brow. “Hmm, now I am intrigued.”

  “I cannot help to think that the years I spent stuffing my mattress with cloves wishing for true love actually worked.”

  He laughed. “I’ve come to learn that anything is possible if you believe.”

  She pursed her lips. “Precisely.”

  “Tell me the charm.”

  “You are truly interested?” she asked suspicious.

  He fit her hips to his. “Everything about you interests me.”

  At his encouraging nod, she recited the prayer.

  “A clove in thy bed shall bring a true love to wed. A clove in the eaves assures he won’t leave.”

  Laugh line fanned out at the corners of his eyes.

  She shook her head. “Go on. I know you have something to say.”

  “Well, ’tis a bit mad, lass.”

  A sheet of cold water removed the grin from his face and sent her into peals of laughter. Wiping his hands over his wet face, he cut a swathe through the water like a heated knife through goose fat and reached her side in an instant. The devilish smile alight on his lips forced an unlikely squeal from her before she wheeled around to head for shore. She gasped when muscled arms caught her about the waist, hauling her backwards. He whirled her around to face him, picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around him, suggestively rotating her hips against him. Immediately, his erection sprung to life and molded along the furrow between her thighs.