Burying his face in her cold, damp hair, Robert enjoyed the moment, not knowing when or if he might ever experience another such homecoming.
She loosened her hold.
With much reluctance, he released her and let her slide down until her boots sank into the mud.
Retreating an arm’s length, she stared up at him with red-rimmed eyes.
Did tears mingle with the moisture the storm had left glistening on her pale cheeks? Her nose did look a little pink, but that could simply be from the cold. If he felt a slight chill, he knew Beth must be half-frozen.
Her gaze dropped to his chest, his arms, and lower. “Are you hurt?” She began a hasty exploration of his limbs and torso with her small hands. “Is that your blood? Were you injured?”
“I am well, Beth. I incurred no injuries.” And wished there weren’t so much material and chain mail separating those hands of hers from his skin.
“Are you sure?” she prodded.
Her concern warmed him as much as her wondrous greeting had. “Aye.”
Ceasing her frantic search for wounds, she took one of his hands in both of hers and looked beyond him to the others. “What about you, Michael? Were you hurt? Stephen, were you?”
Surprise and pleasure lit their eyes.
“I am well, my lady,” Michael said.
“As am I,” Stephen told her.
“Your chain mail is torn, Michael, there on your arm. Were you injured?”
He glanced down at the broken links in his hauberk, high on his left arm, near his shoulder. “’Tis but a scratch, my lady.”
“Scratches can kill if they fester.”
He smiled. “Lady Alyssa has been schooling me in the art of healing. I have the proper herbs and vow I will tend it anon.”
She eyed him doubtfully.
His dark brows furrowed suddenly as he glanced at the donjon. “I should see to Miles and Winston first. I regret I was able to do so little for them earlier. Do either of them still live?”
Beth blanched. Her throat moved in a swallow. “I don’t know. I think so. I hope so.” She turned troubled eyes up to Robert’s and squeezed his hand. “I need to talk to you.”
No sooner had she spoken the words than she turned and began to drag him after her up the steps and into the keep.
Robert would have continued on into the great hall to check on his men, but Beth had other ideas.
Tightening her hold on him, she veered left to the narrow staircase and tugged him up behind her.
“Beth?”
“I want to make sure you really aren’t hurt.”
He struggled to keep his attention off the shapely bottom swaying in front of him. Her sodden clothing and cloak clung to every luscious curve. “I assure you I am well.”
“I know. But when you thought I was injured, I showed you my wounds or lack thereof. It’s only fair that you do the same for me.”
A wicked grin curved his lips as he followed her down the corridor and into his solar. Closing the door behind him, he faced her. “Ahhh. So that is it,” he teased. “You wish to play that fascinating game you mentioned down by the river: I’ll show you mine, if you’ll show me yours. Well, I am more than happy to oblige you.”
She did not laugh as he had expected her to. Nor did she force a scowl and try unsuccessfully to keep her lips from twitching as she delivered one of her jesting punches.
Nay, she did none of those things.
Shocking Robert to his core, she dropped her cloak, closed the distance between them, and stretched up onto her toes to capture his lips in a kiss that stole his breath. Her small hands tunneled through his hair, her fingernails lightly raking his scalp and raising goose flesh on his arms.
Robert groaned.
Giving his hair a little tug, she drew his head down and deepened the contact. Her tongue stroked the seam of his lips, then delved within.
Lust pierced him like a knife, so quick and intense it was almost painful. Cupping her neck with one hand, he splayed his other across her back, collapsed back against the door and braced his long legs a shoulder’s width apart. “Beth.”
Beth’s heart, already pounding fit to burst from her breast, leapt when Robert whispered her name with such longing. She might have initiated the kiss, but he swiftly took control, seducing her with every stroke of his tongue and every caress of his hand on her back, her waist, her hip. Eager to kindle the flames stirring to life inside her, she moved between his legs and leaned into his muscular frame.
A low groan rumbled from his chest. The hand at her hip slid down to clasp her bottom and draw her even closer. “Help me out of this damned armor,” he growled. “I want to feel you against me.”
Nodding, unable to produce a coherent word, Beth hastily divested him of his wet surcoat and began tugging on his mailed hauberk with fingers that shook.
She had never felt this way before. Had never needed someone so badly. Had never wanted a man so much that she thought she would shatter if he didn’t touch her again.
Only their jagged breaths broke the quiet as they worked, soon accompanied by the chink of mailed links moving and the plop of sopping-wet fabric hitting the floor.
When at last Robert stood only in his shirt, braies and hose, Beth stared. Moisture rendered the pale garments nearly transparent, gifting her with a heart-stopping glimpse of his beautiful, very aroused body.
Her mouth went dry as she met his gaze. Desire burned brightly in his arresting blue eyes, darkening them until they appeared almost black.
But they held tenderness, too. And concern.
Unbidden, tears stung the backs of her eyes.
Robert gently cradled her face in his palms. “Tell me, Beth.”
“I was so afraid you would be killed,” she whispered brokenly. “I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you, Robert.” She hadn’t realized just how attached to him she had become until she had watched him ride through those gates to risk his life in battle.
He had been her rock, her anchor, since she had come to this place and time.
He had been her friend. And so much more.
Robert stilled at her words. Bending, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead, touched his lips to hers, then drew her into a tender embrace. “Your words warm my heart, Beth, for I feel the same way.”
Sighing, she snuggled closer. “You’re not upset, are you? Because I was worried?” He didn’t believe she thought him weak, did he?
“Nay. I know you meant no insult. But you should trust me when I tell you that I am more than capable of defending myself. There are many who think me quite skilled in battle.”
She did not doubt that. Sniffing back tears, she actually found a smile. “Marcus thinks you’re the best. He thinks you’re invincible.”
“Ahhh. My faithful squire, who failed the test of chivalry and did not coax you in out of the rain.”
“He tried to, but I wouldn’t budge.” Beth tightened her hold on him and looked up. “I know you’re supposed to be this big, bad, unconquerable warrior. And I believe you when you say you’re good, but I’m just not used to this sort of thing, Robert. Sword fights and mangled bodies and…” She shook her head. “It’s all new to me.”
His gaze sharpened. “Why is that, Beth? Whence came you?”
She closed her eyes. “I’m afraid to tell you.”
“You need not be. You can trust me, Beth.”
Sighing, she met his gaze. “I know.” He had proven as much again and again.
He waited quietly. “Well?”
She pursed her lips. “You want me to tell you now?”
“Aye.”
“But we’re…” His large warm body, still pressed to hers, left no doubt that he was still very aroused. “I mean, I tho
ught we were going to…” Heat crept up her neck into her cheeks.
Damn it, why did she feel so shy all of a sudden?
Robert grinned. “’Tis not that I do not wish to, Beth, as I know you are well aware.”
Though her blush deepened, she returned his grin. “Soooo, what are we waiting for?”
He laughed. “You to tell me what has been preying upon my mind night and day since I found you.”
Lowering her head, she plucked at the front of his shirt. “I think we should get out of these wet clothes first.” And she would do just about anything to postpone telling him the truth.
“I agree.”
“Okay. See ya later.” Spinning around, she lunged for the door.
Robert caught her around the waist and pulled her back against him. “Ohhh, nay,” he said, laughter in his voice. “I know you too well. If I allow you to leave this chamber without telling me what I wish to know, you will spend the next sennight avoiding me.”
He was only half right on that one.
Melting back into him, she reached up and cupped the back of his neck, tilting his head down so she could look into his eyes. “Only during the day,” she promised, a little bit surprised by the sultry quality of her voice.
It was the first time she had mentioned spending the night in his bed.
Only now she had little interest in sleeping.
Those eyes of his dropped to her breasts. His arms tightened. Groaning, he buried his face in the hollow of her shoulder. “What a temptress you are.”
“Only for you,” she admitted softly. “I’ve never been this way with a man before.” She pressed a kiss to his temple, his wet hair cool against her flushed skin. “I’ve never been with a man before. Only you make me want more, Robert. Only you.”
“Ah, Beth.” Every muscle in the big body pressed to hers seemed to go taut as his arms tightened even more. He turned his head, pressed a heated kiss to the base of her neck.
Her pulse leapt madly.
His arms loosened as he shifted his hands to her ribcage and slid them up until his fingers almost touched her breasts.
Fire raced through her veins. Her breath shortened. Anticipation rose.
Then he took a deep breath and gently set her away from him. “Remove your gown, don my robe, and tell me what you seek to avoid telling me so we can move on to better things.”
Barely able to hear him over the heartbeat pounding in her ears, she turned around and blinked up at him. “You… I… What did you want me to do again?”
His lips twitched, though desire blazed brightly in his eyes. He took a step toward her. Halted. And swore. Crossing to the bed, he picked up his robe and tossed it to her. “You’d best remove those wet clothes, sweetling. Your lips are turning blue.”
As much as she hated to admit it, now that he no longer touched her, she was cold as hell. “Spoilsport,” she muttered and began tugging at the laces of the gown she wore with fingers that trembled. She would much rather he keep her warm but understood his desire to know her story. She had promised she would tell him two weeks ago and had yet to deliver.
“I did not mention it earlier, Beth, but you look lovely in that kirtle,” he murmured.
“Thank you,” she said. Twisting this way and that, she tried to figure out the tangled laces. “I feel like an idiot. I’m not used to wearing dresses. Particularly dresses like this one. It’s so cumbersome and restricting. You have no idea how relieved I was when Adam cut the sleeves off.”
“Adam cut your sleeves off? Why would he do that?”
Damn it. The material clung to her like a second skin, heavy from the gallons and gallons of rainwater it had absorbed. “Because I asked him to.” Why couldn’t this dress have a nice convenient zipper? Or maybe some massive buttons. Or Velcro. Anything that would make it easier to take off.
Ceasing her contortions, she scowled up at him. “How the hell do I get out of this thing? I didn’t really pay attention when that girl came in to help me dress this morning.” She had still been too weirded out over a complete stranger pulling off the nightgown Beth had borrowed and helping her dress.
Emitting something between a laugh and a groan, he closed the distance between them. “You cannot resist tempting me, can you?” Turning her away from him, he went to work on the laces and deftly relieved her of the dress.
“Thank you,” she breathed when the sodden material fell to the floor.
Robert said nothing.
She turned to face him.
His gaze had fallen to her black bra and bikini panties.
The fire crackled behind him.
His hands curled into fists.
He looked as though he wished to devour her.
“I just had a very naughty thought,” she whispered, her heart again pounding in her chest.
Robert’s eyes rose to meet hers, so full of desire.
“I was thinking,” she continued softly, “that you were looking at me as if I were good enough to eat, and—”
“Beth?” he interrupted, his voice deep and hoarse.
“Aye?”
“I beg you not to finish that sentence.”
She laughed. “It’s your fault, you know. I’m not like this with anyone else. You’re just so hot you make me want to—”
“Beth!” he barked.
She held up her hands, laughing again. “All right. All right. Where’s your robe?”
For a moment, she thought he would suffocate her as he grabbed his robe and attempted to get her covered as quickly as possible.
Amusement taking the edge off her own desire, she turned away and slipped out of her bra and panties. The robe was too long, of course, the hem pooling on the floor and the sleeves ending well beyond her fingertips. But it was warm and carried Robert’s amazing scent. Tugging it closed in front, she spun to face him and caught him staring down at her bra and panties.
“Do I get to help you take off your clothes?” she asked, only partially teasing.
“Nay,” he insisted.
“Spoilsport,” she muttered again and moved to warm her hands in front of the fire.
She could have sworn she heard a faint chuckle as material rustled behind her.
Beth told herself not to look, but ended up glancing over her shoulder anyway.
She frowned.
He had already divested himself of his wet clothes and donned dry braies and a shirt.
“How did you do that so fast? I didn’t even get a chance to peek!”
Grinning, Robert joined her before the hearth. “There will be time for that later.” He sank into one of the two chairs there. “Now I am ready to hear your story.”
Beth bit her lip, any urge to tease him vanishing. “You’re really going to make me do this, huh?”
His expression sobered. “Nay, Beth. If ’twill distress you overly, you need not tell me. I merely wish to know more of you.”
She sighed. If she told him it was too painful or upsetting, she knew he would allow her to retreat and likely never say another word about it. But she had put it off long enough. He deserved to know. She had slept with him every night for two weeks now. She couldn’t start sleeping with him in the nonliteral sense without telling him where or when she was from. And that she didn’t know how she had come to be there. Or how long she would be able to stay. Or what in the world would take her back, if anything.
“Let me ask you something first,” she began tentatively.
He gave her a nod of encouragement. “As you will.”
Having witnessed firsthand some of the bizarre superstitions of this time, she thought it best to test the waters first and see how bad this might get. “How do you feel about witches? Do you think they should be burned at the stake or weighted down with stones and
tossed into a lake?”
The change her words wrought in him both fascinated and frightened her.
His body went completely still. He didn’t breathe. He didn’t blink. He didn’t make a sound. It was as though he had turned to stone.
Then his nostrils flared. A muscle in his jaw jumped as he ground his teeth. His eyebrows lowered. His eyes glinted dangerously. His hands tightened on the arms of the chair until she thought the wood might crumble into sawdust.
“To whom have you been speaking, Beth?”
She had never heard that particular tone of voice from Robert before. It actually sent a chill darting through her. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Of course you do.” He rose, the movement graceful, yet vaguely threatening. “Someone has been filling your ears with tales of Alyssa, have they not?”
As unobtrusively as possible, she took a step backward. “Tales of whom?”
“Dark tales, no doubt. Malicious lies spoken by loose tongues.”
“Um…”
He stalked her with slow deliberate steps, like a panther on the prowl. “Did they tell you she sold her soul to the devil in exchange for her gifts?”
“Her what?”
“Did they tell you she is Lucifer’s daughter? Or, better yet, Lucifer’s lover?”
“I have no idea what you’re—”
“I do not blame you, Beth, for listening. I merely want you to give me the liar’s name so that I can cut his tongue from his devious, filth-spewing mouth!”
Okay, now she was worried.
Robert’s face mottled with fury.
Her ears rang from his roar as he pursued her across the room.
“Tell me who it was.” His tone softened, became well-modulated, even conversational, though she found it no less terrifying. “Who was it, Beth?”
“It was no one,” she stammered, glancing behind her to ensure she didn’t back herself into a corner. She didn’t care for the murderous glint that had entered his eyes.
“You have no reason to fear.”
Rendezvous With Yesterday Page 19