It was almost as if she could see the anger begin to blaze in him, as his gaze scathingly swept over her.
"Vixen!"
Nicolette’s eyes narrowed as her anger erupted. "Voyeur!"
His voice was dangerously soft, "I offer my apology, Mademoiselle. I should not have watched you bathe. However, is not a portion of the blame yours? You are far to beautiful to be alone in the woods and in such a natural state."
He laughed then cleared his throat. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and seemed uneasy, almost embarrassed. His deep voice rumbled when he next spoke.
"Ah, a damsel in distress. I understand. Please forgive me, I hadn’t realized your thoughts! It is true. I am a voyeur, yet you should not have been bathing alone in the woods without a protector."
"Sir, you imply that I invited this intrusion! You are the one who invaded my secret retreat."
"Nay, lass, not so secret, and I only offer myself as your defender. You may trust my word. I will not harm you in any way save one. I insist on a token before we part, and if not your name then a kiss."
"That is out of the question! I am an engaged woman." Nicolette looked beseechingly into his eyes. Their blue blaze consumed her, and she looked down hoping he would not realize her response, as the flames began to burn seductively once more. "Now you must leave!"
"Betrothed but not married. That does not mean that you cannot give me your name," his voice was a deep sensual drawl.
"Monsieur, I am not dressed!" Her head snapped up, startled by his booming laughter.
"I have already noted your daring lack of clothing, and it is deliciously tempting, lass."
Nicolette gasped with outrage then noted his smile, and flames of desire once more turned to blazing anger.
"I will not leave, at least not without a token," his voice was a deep, resonant whisper, as his gaze moved to her lips.
Her forefinger inadvertently traced them, unaware she was gazing into his eyes. "Monsieur, I am not clothed, and you can not expect a kiss in my state of...!" Nicolette’s eyes grew large. "I cannot permit such a thing!"
"And I will not allow you to leave before you bestow that token. Indeed, I have decided it shall be a kiss. Furthermore, you will give me your name. I insist, and no one defies me, Mademoiselle."
He looked determined with his legs braced wide and his hands on his hips.
"It would be much better if you would simply do as I request," he shrugged then smiled. "Trust me, I will find you again, with or without your name."
"Zut!" Nicolette swore with exasperation. Her voice a mere whisper but he had heard, then laughed, and she felt her anger soar. In an imitation of his stance, she put her hands on her hips and moved her legs apart. Her words were firm, as one in the habit of being obeyed. "I refuse both requests, Monsieur. I believe it would be much more reasonable if you would do as I ask. Now, I must insist you leave me!"
He stood completely still for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Exactly what did you say to me, wench? I must have misunderstood," his voice rose slightly. His hands clenched into fists at his side.
Her sense of bravado crumbled, and she glanced up. His fascinating eyes were now as cold as ice. Nicolette took a deep, shaky breath.
"I believe, Monsieur, that you heard me," she could see fury etched across his handsome face, and instantly regretted speaking.
He moved forward, slowly, and deliberately. Nicolette’s gaze never left his, held in place by a mesmerizing force she did not understand.
"There is no need for your fear. I’ve promised you no harm, just one simple kiss is all I seek," he whispered.
"What do you think you are doing?" her voice shook uncontrollably, and Nicolette no longer cared that he realized her panic and backed away. "You must obey me! Cease this insanity, you scoundrel!"
"What a fiery little goddess you are. Tell me, are you Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, or the brave huntress Diana? Do you have lightening bolts that spring from your fingers as they do from your eyes?"
He took another step then laughed. "Such spirit! Your blazing words tempt me almost as much as you’re perfect body."
He stopped. His gaze swept over her, and once more heat rushed through her as she nearly felt the caress. She closed her eyes and found it darkly disturbing to realize she responded to his look with as much excitement as fear.
"Monsieur, I order you to obey me!" she realized her mistake.
"Command me? You think to command me? I warn you Mademoiselle, do not awaken sleeping demons," his voice seemed like a dangerous caress. Slowly, he took another step near, "Bridle your impertinence."
She gasped, "My impertinence? You barbarian! You are the one who has been brazenly disrespectful. It is you who must beg forgiveness for your behavior!"
"I cautioned you before, remember? You preferred to ignore my advice." His deep voice, deceptively quiet, "Now you will pay the price."
His eyes are blue! Startled, she could not tear her gaze away as his seared into her very soul. She watched, fascinated, as the color turned from an angry blue fire, to chips of ice.
He moved menacingly forward with the graceful nimbleness of the predator.
"Cease, do not take another step!" Nicolette clutched the cloth she held.
"Must I remind you again?" he smiled. "No one commands me, my sweet beauty," his gaze swept her from head to foot.
Nicolette’s eyes widened with alarm, "Monsieur, I will scream."
He laughed, "Scream if you wish but it will not keep me from my quest." He gazed into her eyes, "My lady, the account is now long outstanding. It is time for reparation." His gaze raked her body, moving deliberately lower, pausing at her breasts, then roving downward, only to slowly return to her own.
Once more she watched his eyes change. This time from blue ice, to molten blue lava as they lit with desire. Flames ignited, wild excitement grew, and she shivered with anticipation.
"Monsieur, I beg of you!"
"What is it that you want, sweet Goddess?" he smiled.
The fear of his touch was nearly overwhelming, but there was something equally as powerful, as curiosity for what his caress might bring gave her pause. "Leave me," she cried. Yet, her eyes rebelled and moved to the swirls of dark hair at his chest. Apprehension for the yet undiscovered passion within did little to curb her curiosity, as control slipped into oblivion.
"Do you truly wish me to go, lass?"
Nicolette took a deep breath and gazed back into his eyes. His allure was overwhelming, and the temptation to taste him so great that she could not reply. His gaze moved again to her lips and she became enthralled by the sight of him watching her.
Suddenly, his arm moved upward. His hand reached toward her. Nicolette wanted to accept, to touch him, but instead she stepped back.
His soft, sensual voice was tender when he spoke again. "I want only to touch your lips with mine."
Warmth, fluid and strong, began deep inside, reason said to run, yet she longed to experience his forbidden touch. Nicolette’s gaze moved slowly over his body, then back to the deep blue fire in his eyes.
"You are begging me to stay, lass. If not with words then with your body."
Captivated by emotions, she heard his voice but not the words. Sudden movement caused her to wake as if from a dream. She turned to run but he quickly covered the space between them. His arm snaked out, encircling her waist before she had taken two steps. He swung her around and drew her against him.
Nicolette struck out wildly in her panic, hitting and kicking, but he stood fast. A scream tore from her throat, echoing in the meadow.
His hand covered her mouth, "Calm down, Goddess, I’m not going to hurt you, just kiss you. Can’t you understand that?"
His hand left her mouth when she quit struggling. He moved one finger slowly to her chin. It trailed leisurely down her neck, to the top of her chemise, and she trembled with the stark fear she felt from her own response.
"Monsieur, let me go, do not touch me so
!"
He ignored her words and held her firmly, close enough to keep her still, yet gently enough not to crush her.
"Just one kiss, my sweet beauty. And try to remember no one commands me."
The sensation of being so near to his hard, strong, body flooded her senses, as he held her effortlessly. All movement ceased, as she became keenly aware of his maleness. The thundering of her heart drummed in her ears. When she became aware of the pounding of his, she stilled completely.
Nicolette gazed into his eyes, the blue flaming depths searing into hers. Her body became a molten, living fire. She looked into his eyes then down to his lips and back into the fascinating blue orbs again.
He was completely still, watching her, looking deeply into her eyes for some time. Just as Nicolette thought she could not stand the suspense another moment one hand moved upward ever so slowly to the back of her neck. He laced his fingers through her tresses then pulled her head slowly backward.
Her face tilted, as a flower to the sun. She felt his gaze ravish her. Nervously, the tip of her tongue darted quickly across her lower lip. The wild beating of her heart pounded unmercifully against his chest, as their pulse seemed to blend into one. His touch, the feeling of his male body so near, suddenly unnerved her. Inexplicably, Nicolette felt she had to escape him. Only a common trollop would allow herself to be touched like this! She shook her head, "Monsieur, I cannot allow you such liberties."
He nodded, "As you have said before, siren."
Nicolette pushed against his chest with the flat of her hands, "Let me go!"
"Nay, Goddess. Never."
Tears filled her eyes, "If you do this you are nothing more than an animal!"
The blue molten fire of his eyes changed to icy cold crystal, and he pulled her even closer against his stone hard body. It was then she truly knew fear.
"An animal?" he roared. "Then give an animal your token."
His head blotted out the light of the sun, as his lips descended to hers in a deliberately brutal kiss, one completely devoid of mercy.
"No!" she whispered into his mouth. Her heart thundered against her ribs. She struggled, fighting with all her strength, but he held her firmly against him, as if he felt nothing of her battle. Finally, sick with exhaustion, she went limp in his arms as her pride and spirit seeped away.
The moment she ceased struggling, his kiss changed to a softer, more sensual touch. His lips were no longer hard but gently stirring. He held her a moment longer before his mouth languidly left hers.
Nicolette pushed away, as disappointment washed over her. She put her fingers to her mouth and backed away. The drying cloth, long since forgotten, floated gently to the ground like a dry leaf in the wind, impervious to the struggle of the last few moments. The world came crashing about her. Dreams of what her first kiss would be, shattered like glass. Her senses were reeling, and her emotions a thundering storm. She wanted to cry but she would not allow him the victory of seeing her tears. She felt betrayed by her own bodies response to this man, yearning for his touch, only to be rewarded with this hateful, punishing kiss.
She looked up to see his gaze on her, and nearly believed the concern she saw there. His blue eyes had again turned warm but she no longer cared. One lone tear escaped, slowly tracing a path down her cheek.
"Was it that bad, wee lass?" he drawled.
Her hand flew to his face and a slap as loud as thunder resounded around them. When Nicolette looked into his eyes, she realized she had surprised him as much as she had herself. A muscle twitched in his jaw, but she did not care.
His eyes glittered dangerously, and he smiled, "Perhaps you need another lesson. There are other kisses between a man and a woman. Some are tender, others that are filled with passion, but I fear that last one was neither. Tell me, lovely sprite, may I have one more?"
"No, you may not! How dare you affront me in such a manner."
He smiled, "What a little firebrand you are. Yes, my darling Goddess, another lesson, only this time one completely different."
Before she could move, he reached for her again, gently pulling her toward him. His gaze never left hers. The beautiful blue eyes shimmered and Nicolette found herself captivated once more.
One hand came to rest at the base of her neck. His head lowered slowly to hers.
He caressed her with the merest brush of his lips, but she found that touch far more disturbing than the hateful kiss of moments before. He raised his head and looked down into her eyes. She realized his purpose.
"No! You promised just one." Exhausted from the tide of emotions, Nicolette whispered the words so softly that only the wind heard her refusal. The closeness of his body caused an unexpected shiver, as Nicolette watched his face descend. Fear mingled with something else, something much more primal, and confusion filled her as her mutinous body responded. His hand moved to caress the back of her neck. Then he pulled her slowly closer.
Expecting another punishing touch, Nicolette winced as his lips touched hers, but this time they were soft and sensually languid. Against her will she felt the merest tremor, as something deep within began to stir, feelings that she could no longer deny burst forth, and her arms moved upward of their own volition to caress his chest.
Responding to his touch, Nicolette drew intimately near. Her lips parted and his tongue darted inside, caressing her own. She trembled convulsively as a fierce wild tide of delight coursed through her, licking along her veins like fire. Uncaring of anything else, she clung to him as if he represented life itself.
"Dear, sweet Goddess!" he whispered then lowered his head for another kiss.
Nicolette’s heart soared as her traitorous body reveled in the strength of his arms. She swayed closer and felt his firm maleness press against her. A deep shudder ran through her. Her hands moved from his chest to caress his shoulders. His kiss deepened, soft and tender. She soon felt a longing for something she could not name.
Deep, wet, hungry kisses poured like rain upon her face and lips. His hand moved to her chin, holding her head firmly as his tongue darted into her mouth, wildly moving within, making her yearn for more, fulfilling her every fantasy of what a kiss could be.
Nicolette felt deliciously sensual and gloriously wicked as his hands caressed her derriere. He pulled her roughly upward against his male hardened body then let her slide downward ever so slowly.
"Oh!" the shock of such intimacy jarred her to reality and Nicolette gasped. Outraged, her voice rang out, "Monsieur!" She tore away, then gazed at him. Her eyes were wide with astonishment. Never had her body betrayed her in such a way and she could not understand her wanton response.
"So sweet siren, you have stolen my heart," he grinned. "Now confess, you enjoyed that kiss."
Nicolette’s ragged emotions moved quickly from desire, to confusion. Her eyes grew wide as a smoldering anger surfaced.
"You sir, are...You barbarian!" Nicolette sputtered furiously. How dare he treat her like a common trollop? Chagrined, she thought of her response to his kiss, and her desire for his touch.
She backed away until her foot touched the petticoat lying on the ground. She reached downward. Pain shot up her arm as she stubbed her finger on something hard lying beneath her clothing.
Nicolette looked over her shoulder at the stranger, then slowly rose holding the petticoat to her breasts to help cover her near nakedness. She kept her hand hidden under the folds of the silk, as she brought her find with her.
He laughed, "Come, admit that you were affected or I shall have another token."
Zut! He thinks me nothing more than a common strumpet! Embarrassed, Nicolette felt her cheeks grow warm, and anger flared. Perhaps the lesson has not yet ended, but this time she would be the tutor.
"I admit no such thing, Monsieur!"
Jamie watched her eyes glitter dangerously for a moment then a smile lit her lips and he wondered at her thoughts.
"Perhaps I may yet find your kisses stirring if you would try just one more? A Goddess ma
y need more practice, no?"
He had a silly grin on his face as she walked slowly toward him.
"Just as I was about to give up!"
She hugged the petticoat tightly to her breasts as she approached, and her hips moved in a gentle, sensual sway. Nicolette tossed her head, hoping that her hair would help to cover her body. She smiled as his tongue moved quickly across his lips, and almost laughed as he closed his eyes in anticipation.
"Lass, this might be as close to heaven as I will ever get!"
"Oh, of that I have no doubt, Monsieur," she wrapped one hand about his neck, drew his head downward, and slipped her other arm behind him, dropping the petticoat.
He pulled away slightly, "Wee lass, you are a Goddess!"
A smile touched her lips, "And one who can give lessons as well." She pulled his head downward and her lips touched his.
Surprised, Jamie opened his eyes. Stars suddenly appeared, sparkled brilliantly, then faded into darkness as the world abruptly crashed about him. He crumbled to the ground as a violent pain exploded in his head. He vaguely heard tinkling laughter as he rolled to the side, then blackness overcame him.
He woke to a splitting headache and the sun blazing in his eyes as he opened them. Pain exploded as Jamie touched the back of his head and he gingerly explored the giant goose egg he found.
"Damn! That was no goddess! She was Joan of Arc!" he shouted as anger suddenly erupted but quickly changed to raging passion as he thought of her. Then he smiled. Aye, what a little firebrand she is, and how very beautiful.
"Wait ‘til I find you again, my sweet siren. Just wait!"
Two
Jamie stood in the foyer bathed in light from a huge stained glass window that towered two floors above him. Tired and grouchy, with a throbbing head, he suddenly wished to be anywhere else. The green-eyed vixen had succeeded in making him furious, yet he smiled when he heard Laurent’s voice.
"Jamie’s men arrived several hours ago. I wonder where he is? I cannot wait to see him again." There was a moment of silence. "Nicolette, the time has come to prepare you for the future. I have arranged..."
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