She was about to stop to celebrate, when Dominic prodded her in the back, urging her on. “Don’t stop, remember?” His voice held enough reproach to catapult her into urgency. Without further hesitation, she took off at a fast march through the woods back toward home.
Isobel was aware of Dominic pausing once or twice to take a long look behind them. On the one occasion she did pause to wait for him, he motioned her on with a wave of his hand and a fierce glare that was clearly visible even through the darkness of the night.
It seemed to take a lifetime before the reassuring bulk of Havistock Hall came into sight. The alluring sight of the solid edifice increased Isobel’s pace to a near run, despite the exhaustion that threatened to sap her strength.
Elation swept through her, and they paused only long enough for Dominic to unlock the door near to the terrace. Once inside, with the door carefully locked behind them, Dominic stopped long enough to scan the gardens and outbuildings for signs of activity, chest heaving with exertion before drawing the curtains closed. Slowly, he turned towards his wife.
She had removed her cap, and pulled the pins out of her long tresses to allow her luxurious curls to cascade around her shoulders in a riot of silk. Her cloak gaped open to reveal the partially open neckline of her white, almost see-through shirt. He knew what was behind the cotton material. He immediately hardened as he studied the long length of her legs, deliciously outlined in the gentleman’s long trousers she wore.
Later, he would find out when she had gone through the contents of his wardrobe but right now he had other plans. Taking a step towards her, he felt the thrill of masculine anticipation as she backed up warily. For each step forward he took, she took two backward, carefully facing him until she was close to the door.
Her playfulness only heightened his lust, and the tension that had eaten at him all night suddenly gave way to the tumult of emotions he had withheld. Determined to gain some payment for allowing her to participate in the risks they had taken tonight, Dominic carefully matched his wife, pace-for-pace until, in clear sight of the open doorway, she quickly spun on her booted heel and took off. With a satisfied smile of retribution, Dominic took off after her.
Isobel took the stairs at a most unladylike pace. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied her husband’s dark head as he pelted down the hallway and began to climb the stairs behind her, two at a time. Her blood pounded through her veins as, panting, she reached the top of the stairs. She sprinted down the upper hallway, the door of their bedroom in sight. She was within arm’s reach of the door, when she was suddenly swept off her feet, her husband shouldering the door open as they surged through. They paused long enough to kick the door closed behind them with a resounding thud.
Panting Isobel stared up at the harsh lines of her husband’s rugged features as he tossed her onto the bed. Her warrior was back. All pretence of softness was gone. The glitter of his emerald green eyes through the firelight was thrilling as he loomed over her intently. Quickly snatching off his cloak, he threw it to the floor before leaning forward long enough to pull her knees apart enough to stand between them. Chest heaving, Isobel’s heart pounded as she eyed the lust etched on her Dominic’s face as his eyes hungrily devoured her partially naked chest. Suddenly, she became aware of just how much flesh was exposed as she flicked a look downwards.
The laces were hanging loosely and did little to hold the gaping edges of the cotton material together. One side of the material was clinging desperately to the pink rosebud of a nipple, the other side only partially obscuring the round mound of her breast. The fabric had been wrenched upwards as she landed on the bed leaving the underside of her breasts bare.
Squirming restlessly under his intent gaze, she paused briefly as his hand settled gently upon the soft mound of her stomach. Isobel watched as his roving gaze trailed down her bare midriff to pause at her stomach, questioning. Searching.
He remained silent as he fingered the soft material of the waistband of her trousers before releasing the ties. Once loose, he gave one huge tug before stepping back long enough to reveal her nakedness to him. She could find no embarrassment as she lay before his roving gaze, even feeling so bold as to arch her back wantonly as her body languished under his scrutiny. Within moments he had removed his clothes and thrown her breeches against the far wall before turning towards her on the bed, wrenching her thighs open to allow him to stand between them.
Isobel wasn’t sure what he was planning, but complied willingly when he placed his hands upon her knees, raising them before sliding his hands down her calves to clasp her ankles and drape her legs over the broad width of his shoulders. She gasped with surprise as she watched the rigid shaft of his manhood probe her feminine core before disappearing inside.
Eyes closed she revelled in his possession as she arched her back and sighed with pleasure. Her turgid nipples pointing skyward, she watched as he withdrew only to plunge into her once again. The sight of him possessing her fuelled the delicious sensations deep within until she fought to withhold scream of ecstasy that coursed through her.
Something within her held back from clinging to him and whimpering. Instead, she raised her arms above her head to grasp desperately at the softly luxurious cover beneath her. Lost in the tumult of sensations sweeping through her, eyes closed Isobel gloried in her femininity.
Dominic watched as his wife writhed with sensual delight beneath him. Sometime during their marriage she had become aware of her feminine sensuality, and clearly delighted in the newfound discovery. Nothing she did could surprise him anymore, Dominic thought as he slid into her. For his wife, certainly was no slave to convention.
Smiling through gritted teeth, Dominic fought hard to control the surging of his loins to stretch out the sensual sight of his glorious wife’s delight as long as he could, but the feel of her clamping around him as she succumbed to her climax was just too much for him to bear. With a groan of sheer relief, Dominic plunged into her once more and leant over her as he released himself deep within her.
Shaking slightly from the sheer intensity of his release, Dominic lowered her legs to the bed before easing himself away from her. Carefully he removed the precious documents from the hidden pocket within his cloak, taking a few moments to conceal it in a hidden compartment within the fireplace, before taking his place beside her in the big bed.
“Now sleep,” he ordered with a yawn of exhaustion as he pulled her tighter against him.
“Yes, my darling,” Isobel whispered softly, as dutiful as she was willing to be for the time being, carefully ignoring his snort of disbelief.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sunlight had moved to the far end of the bedroom by the time Isobel awoke the following day. It was clearly early afternoon as the winter sunlight shone brightly through the shutters. Usually a habitual early riser, she stretched sensuously against the soft sheets with a sigh of delight, refusing to feel guilty for her laziness.
She should be shocked at her wilful and hedonistic behaviour last night, but couldn’t find one scrap of regret within her. Instead she felt liberated. For the first time in her life, she felt able to be just herself.
Contentment swept through her as she slowly slithered around to face her husband. Sweeping her wayward hair out of her eyes, she smiled softly as her eyes met the steady gaze of her husband’s. Her contentment diminished slightly when there was no smile in return. Instead, his gaze held hers steadily and firmly.
“What is it?” Not feeling quite so pleased with her world, Isobel slid higher upon the bed, oblivious when the sheet fell to her waist revealing the creamy expanse of her breasts to his scrutiny.
Dominic shifted uncomfortably as he eyed the wonderful bounty she had unconsciously revealed, his manhood immediately springing to life beneath the sheets. Coughing discretely, he carefully averted his eyes to the ceiling, and tried to keep his attention on the issues he needed to discuss with her.
“There is something you need to do now,” Dominic’s
voice was wary but firm. Sweat began to bead his brow as he carefully bent the knee closest to her in a bid to ease the ache in his groin, and the obvious evidence of his growing attraction. Sitting upright he leant forward and braced an elbow upon his knee in a desperate attempt to ease the ache.
Isobel moved to sit beside him, to his relief carefully covering her nakedness with the sheet. “What?”
“Given what happened last night, we now have the evidence that will send Rupert to the Colonies at the very least. It is imperative now that you take every precaution to ensure your safety.” The warrior within him was demanding nothing less than her total compliance.
“What do you think he will do?” Isobel eased back against the pillows, tugging the sheet with her carefully.
Dominic turned to lie on his side to face her, his head propped on one hand as he looked at her. “I am not sure, but he will be a desperate man as soon as he finds out the papers are gone. He will be desperate enough to either attempt to retrieve the papers or seek retribution.” Absently moving the sheet around her, Dominic glanced at her.
Dominic quirked a brow and shot her a wary look. Her immediate ascent was the very last thing he expected from his very wilful wife. “I mean it, Isobel. From now on, no more adventures.” He shot her a hard look and eyed her apparent contentment of the situation with caution.
“Alright, I will be very careful,” Isobel replied softly.
Blue eyes clashed with green in a silent battle of wills briefly. “After last night, I have had my fill of adventures for now,” Isobel continued as she slowly trailed a finger through the soft fur on his chest. “Last night was terrifying, enlightening and wonderful in equal amounts. Although certain parts of it were delightful,” she shot him a cheeky smile. “There are elements I would never wish to repeat as long as I live. That house must be horrible in daylight, at night time it is positively menacing. I hope never to go there again.” She paused, unsure how to broach the subject.
“I hope to heaven you mean that, darling.”
“I promise that I will leave Rupert and DeLisle to you from now on, but I want you to promise me something in return.” Isobel pushed her husband onto his back and leant over him until they were practically nose to nose. Staring into his wary green gaze, Isobel slowly traced a finger over the dark arch of one brow. “Promise me that you won’t go anywhere without some kind of protection yourself.”
“Everyone is going to be armed, including the serving staff. I have assured them that should they not wish to become involved, they may visit relations, however those that remain do so knowing that Rupert and DeLisle are at considerable risk. Everyone who remains will be on guard.” Dominic lay back against the soft pillow of cushions, taking a few moments to pull her down onto his chest. “However you must play your part. You are not to involve yourself in anything else. Understand?”
“I understand.” Isobel propped herself on her elbow to lean over her husband for a kiss only to pause at the muffled shouting.
“Get dressed!” Dominic ordered, lurching out of bed in a flurry of movement that left her gasping for breath. Within seconds he had donned his shirt and breeches, and was pulling on his boots, pausing only to draw on his sword before shooting her a starkly warning look from the doorway. “I don’t suppose it will do any good to tell you to stay here?”
Isobel rolled her eyes at the ridiculous question as she had already slipped on an old walking dress, and was tugging on her walking boots.
Heaving a sigh, Dominic slid a hand behind her head and pulled her close for a quick kiss. “Stay close, and don’t do anything stupid,” Dominic’s voice was harsh as he glared down at her.
Isobel sighed and gave him a not so gentle shove towards the door, close on his heels as they moved purposefully towards the upper landing. The closer they got to the upper landing, the more distinguishable the voices became.
“Rupert,” Isobel whispered pausing at the top of the stairs. Despite Dominic’s reassuring presence, her stomach lurched sickeningly and she fought the urge to turn on her heel and head back toward the safety of the bedroom.
“Go back and lock the door,” Dominic ordered, hating to see the worry on her beautiful features.
“I have to face him.” She valiantly tried to ignore the tremor in her voice, taking support from the solid bulk of her husband’s commanding presence.
“No you don’t,” Dominic argued, glaring at her. He wondered briefly if he should take precious seconds to lock her in the bedroom regardless, but knew she was better off being with him. Shaking his head at the futility of arguing with her, he turned and moved down the stairs, his attention firmly focused on the still form of the woman behind him.
As he descended he scanned the recesses around the large entry hall, his eyes locked upon the steady gaze of Edwards - his most trusted footman - who was standing in the shadows toward the back of the house, watching and waiting. As he reached the main hall, he was aware of his wife moving slowly down the stairs, her back ramrod straight. He paused briefly to motion her toward the study door and the raised voices within.
“Isobel, get down here now girl!” Rupert’s voice echoed through the empty hall, making Isobel jump in fear and pause. Her instincts wanted to curl up in fear and protect herself, but this was her house; her home. She wasn’t going to be commanded by the pompous bully in her own house. Shoulders straightening, her eyes turned glacial with fury and, with Dominic’s commanding presence by her side, she entered the study.
Dominic slammed open the study door open with a bang and a dark scowl at the occupants. His hard emerald gaze locked firmly upon the stocky man standing with red-faced belligerence besides the hearth.
“What do you think you are doing man?” Dominic snarled, his palms itching to punch him on the nose. “This is my house, and I will not countenance your boorish behaviour. Quieten down!” His command cracked across the room more ruthlessly than a whip.
Rupert raised his chin haughtily, but only succeeded in making himself look like an outraged toad. “I am here to see my niece,” Rupert’s voice dripped with cool disdain as he tried, and failed, to match the sheer masculinity of the man before him.
Isobel swallowed a wild surge of hysteria that built as she eyed the two men before the hearth. They looked like two dogs eyeing each other over a juicy bone; only Rupert could only be likened to an ineffectual mongrel, whose yapping little bark was no match for the might of the controlled pedigree before him.
Isobel slowly moved into the room, determined to make Rupert wait. Drawing on every ounce of the bravado that had kept her alive on the streets, she drew herself up to her full height and stared coldly at the squat little man she was unfortunately related to.
“Well, you see me, what do you want now Rupert? I do believe any association between us is well and truly severed.” Her icy gaze swept dispassionately over his squat little frame before she rudely turned her back and took a seat nearest to Dominic.
“Severed? Do you think so?” Rupert’s face clearly showed the ravages wrought from a life of dissolution, making him look old and worn.
“What do you want with my wife, Rupert? Speak now before I throw you and your – associate - out on your ears.” Dominic shot the gaunt man standing a few paces away from Peter a darkly menacing look.
“Wife?” Rupert shot a mock startled look at Isobel. “Did you say wife?” He shared a mocking glance with his friend who had thus far remained silent, before turning back towards the room with a triumphant look upon his ravaged features. “She cannot be your wife!” Rupert’s voice was scornful. He was clearly enjoying his time in the spotlight and intended to draw out every moment of twisting the knife.
“I can assure you, she very much is,” Dominic declared flatly in a voice tinged with boredom. He motioned toward the door. “Our interview is now at an end.”
“I can assure you, whatever agreement you think you may have entered into with this woman, you are certainly not married to her legally,” R
upert announced to his assembled audience, clearly relishing the distress his latest gambit would cause.
Dominic fought the urge to snarl as he watched the older man produce a roll of parchment from under his coat as though producing a rabbit out of a hat. He casually sauntered forwards, a look of glee upon his face as he handed the scroll to Dominic with a flourish. He was unable to keep the nasty sneer of triumph off his face as he presented the fait accompli to the occupants of the room. His next words dropped like stones into the room.
“You can clearly see from the document my Lord, she is already married.”
Isobel briefly fought the urge to laugh, before swallowing harshly against the knot of bile lodged in her throat. Knees trembling with horror she watched as Dominic took the paper and studied it closely. Her heart sank to her knees, and the room began to swirl and sway around her as she watched the colour leave his face. Instinctively, she knew by the clenching of his jaw, that he believed what he saw.
“Good God, surely you don’t believe him?” Isobel snapped glaring at Rupert in hatred. Fear clawed at her as the silence lengthened. “Dominic?” Her voice trembled with gnawing dread as she watched him re-read the document before moving towards the fireplace.
“Do you seriously think you can get away with this?” Isobel hissed, her gaze moving to Rupert and DeLisle.
“You are my wife, dear. I am only here to claim what is mine.” DeLisle’s voice was dispassionately bored as his gaze roamed up and down her slender form with blatant possessiveness.
If You Were Mine Page 20