by Alexa Aston
And his manhood stood at attention. Because of her.
Her confidence rose, knowing the effect she had on him. Merryn gave him a smile.
“Do I have your approval?” he asked.
“Oh, yes,” she replied, her words whispered in awe.
Then she sat up and boldly pulled her chemise over her head.
Geoffrey gasped. His eyes widened in delight as they swept over her. He offered his hand and she took it. He eased her off the bed.
“Do I please you?” she asked quietly, hoping she did.
He caught her up in his arms. “Oh, Merryn. My wife. My life. My most precious gift.”
This time his kiss filled her with excitement. She pressed against him, her breasts aching. Somehow, they wound up on the bed again. He took her breast into his mouth, his tongue encircling her nipple till it pebbled in need. His teeth nipped her sensitive skin. Each touch made the throbbing in her lower region more intense.
“I need you, Geoffrey. Inside me. Now.”
He stroked between her legs, his fingers parting her folds. Her breath became ragged as his touch became more intimate. One finger entered her. Then another. She became crazed with need.
“Your juices flow for me, my love.”
Geoffrey left no part of her body unexplored. Merryn writhed under his touch, her breath coming in short spurts, her hips rising without thought.
Then, warmth exploded inside her, like the sun’s rays spreading. Waves of pleasure rolled through her. His fingers left and she found herself filled again. One deep thrust brought a moment of hurt, then he began to move within her.
Geoffrey pushed in and out, slowly at first, then he increased his speed. Intense feelings of pleasure like before returned. Merryn brought her arms around him, running her nails along his back, her hips rising and meeting his every thrust.
Another round of pleasure came, more fervent than the first. She clung to him, her nails digging into his flesh.
Merryn floated back to earth. Geoffrey made a satisfied sound and collapsed on top of her. She welcomed the feel of his weight, his flesh against hers.
He rolled over to his side, taking her with him. They now faced one another. Geoffrey gave her a soft, long kiss and cradled her in his arms. Merryn’s cheek rested against his chest, her fingers toying with the dark hair there.
He kissed the top of her head.
“I rather enjoy being married, Geoffrey.”
He chuckled. “I do, too, my sweet.”
Chapter 6
Geoffrey awakened and found his arms around Merryn, his hands splayed against her belly as she nestled close to him. Her glorious curls spilled about them. He inhaled and caught the scent of rosemary that lingered in her hair.
After one night of wedded bliss, he didn’t know how other men could survive when love didn’t bloom from the first day. He looked forward to the many nights of love play that they would share in the coming years.
He thought about their wedding night together. How perfect a fit they were. How right everything felt. Geoffrey thanked the Blessed Lord that He’d brought the two of them together as husband and wife.
They’d been awake most of the night, dozing briefly between bouts of lovemaking. He’d put Merryn’s pleasure above his own needs, wanting to please her in every way he knew how.
Once her initial shyness had passed, she’d surprised him by taking the lead. This bold side of her thrilled him. He knew as they became more comfortable with one another, her confidence in her marital skills would increase.
He’d never do anything to hurt this remarkable woman. Geoffrey would dedicate every day to her protection and happiness.
That included keeping quiet about what had happened with Barrett in France.
Merryn found the scar on his right calf as she’d explored his body. She questioned him about the injury. He laughed it off as being a consequence of battle, a mere scratch that never bothered him since it had healed. He did not want her to discover that Barrett had cut him during the fight before the Black Prince.
When Lord Berold returned to Winterbourne, he was a man who would forbid negative talk about his son. He would claim Barrett died a hero and no one would contradict him. Unlike the gossip that might circulate through court, Geoffrey doubted word would ever reach Merryn that Barrett was an executed traitor.
Geoffrey would keep his role in Barrett’s death a secret. Justice had been served. Geoffrey wanted to focus on his future with the most beautiful woman in England.
Merryn had kissed the length of the scar and swore she’d never allow him to go into battle again—even if she had to petition the king herself. He could see her now, boldly riding Destiny to London, hell-bent on an audience with Edward. Geoffrey basked in the joy of his wife’s deep love for him.
She finally stirred in his arms. Desire rushed through him. He thought of the hunt his father had planned for later today. The wedding guests would participate.
But hunting was the last thing on Geoffrey’s mind.
He refused to be separated from Merryn for the hours the hunt would take. He decided to invite her, but then he doubted she would enjoy it. His bride had a tender heart where animals were concerned. He remembered upon his return how he’d told her of the English bowmen who’d shot the horses of the French bastards out from under them. She couldn’t hide her sadness from him.
Because she was sensitive to any talk about the war, he’d avoided mentioning it in her presence. Instead, he’d shared tales of camp with her, describing different soldiers he’d met and telling amusing stories. Geoffrey hoped he would never go to war again, for it would mean leaving Merryn behind.
He didn’t know if he had the strength to do so.
She sighed and began to stretch, pushing back against him. He traced circles over her soft skin, then stroked her breast, teasing the nipple. Merryn’s soft whimper excited him.
His other hand slipped lower and began stroking her womanhood. More pleasure noises sounded in the back of her throat. His lips brushed her shoulder. Her soft skin was smooth. He nibbled his way up to her throat and ear. It hadn’t taken long to discover that Merryn’s ears were her weak spot.
As a soldier, he was trained to take advantage of any weakness. And he did.
Geoffrey made love to her slowly, wishing the moment could last forever. He sank into her, loving the catch in her breath, how her eyes opened wide, and the smile of satisfaction that played upon her lips as she came.
Spent, he pulled out and fell to his back. Merryn draped her body over him, her leg over his, her hands resting atop one another on his chest as she placed her chin upon them and studied him.
“Did I wear you out?” he asked.
“I’m not sure,” she said, a teasing glint in her sapphire eyes. “Mayhap we should do the same tonight and then compare in the morning. I know what I feel like today. I can see how I feel on the morrow. Then I shall decide if I’m worn out or not.”
He laughed aloud. Life with this woman would never be dull.
“Do you think we might stay in bed all day?” she asked, a hopeful look crossing her face. “I’ve realized that skill only grows with practice. I fear I will need much practice before I am satisfied with myself.”
He pinched her bottom playfully and she yelped.
“I wish we could, but Father has a hunt planned for today.”
Merryn frowned.
“I think we should head to mass and break our fast.” Geoffrey entwined his fingers with hers. “I want you to go with me instead of remaining behind.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I’m not much for a hunt. My heart goes out to the animal being chased.”
“Well, I’m not leaving you at Kinwick. For all I know, you’d find some stable boy or stray wedding guest to practice your love skills on.”
His new wife punched him hard on his shoulder. “Geoffrey. You are wicked, indeed.”
He moved her aside and climbed from the bed. “I will leave you to your ministrations. Yo
ur clothes from Wellbury have been moved to that chest. I shall meet you in the chapel. And we will go on the hunt together.”
He captured her hand and kissed her knuckles. Then he dressed and left the room, heading straight to the kitchens.
He found Cook, already busy with preparations for the day. He gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. The old woman blushed as red as Merryn could.
“I must thank you for the wonderful wedding feast you prepared.”
“I thank you, my lord. Nothing is too good for you and Lady Merryn.”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“Name it, my lord. I’ll do my best.”
Geoffrey explained how he wanted to steal his wife away during the hunt.
“Just the two of us, you see. Simple fare is all we need. A small round of cheese. Some bread.”
“I’ll take care of it. Come back before the hunt begins. There’ll be a sack waiting.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”
“’Tis a pleasure, my lord.”
Geoffrey hoped the November day would be as sunny and cool as yesterday. He made his way from the kitchens and through the great hall. Several men greeted him.
He stepped outside and found the day cold but clear. By the time the hunt began, it might even warm up some.
And if it didn’t? It would be a perfect excuse to hold his wife extra close.
Chapter 7
Geoffrey sat stone still next to Merryn, his shoulder touching hers. He longed to take her hand, but he knew Father Dannet would frown at him.
He couldn’t fool himself. He wanted more than to take his wife’s hand. He fought the urge to put his hands all over her. And his mouth. Especially in the most intimate of places.
Fighting the carnal urges, he tried to focus on good and pure thoughts. Yet, all he wanted to do was worship Merryn’s body. He planned to do plenty of that later today.
Mass ended. They left the chapel and returned to the great hall in order to break their fast.
He shared a trencher with Merryn. She seemed unusually quiet this morning. He didn’t know if it came from last night’s exhausting bouts of lovemaking or if she truly was reluctant to go on the hunt.
Still, he wanted to surprise her. He said nothing of his plans as they finished the small meal. His father announced the hunt would begin shortly. Cheers sounded.
“I think I shall go beg Cook for an apple each for Destiny and Mystery,” he told Merryn. “I’m sure they’d like a treat along the way. Would you see both horses are saddled? I’ll meet you at the stables.”
“Of course, my lord husband. Your wish is my command.” She gave him a saucy smile.
She might not be eager to hunt, but Geoffrey saw her eagerness to please him. He was happy he had a surprise planned for her.
It delighted him that she had affixed the sapphire brooch to her surcoat. He’d taken it out and admired it every day after he purchased it in France. Now he could gaze upon the brooch in person each day. Looking at Merryn would never grow old.
He went to the kitchens and snatched two apples from a barrel. Cook met him with a heavy bag.
“Everything ye could possibly want, my lord,” she told him, giving him a sly grin.
“I thank you in advance, Cook. I foresee a pleasant day spent with my lady wife. And your food.”
Geoffrey slipped the apples inside the sturdy bag, wondering what it contained. He hurried to the stables and found Mystery ready to ride. He lifted Merryn into the saddle, then mounted his own steed. They joined the large group of riders gathering in the inner bailey.
As they rode out, Geoffrey took a deep breath. It was as if the crisp air and warm sunshine had been specially sent down from Heaven so they could soak up this day. He and Merryn followed the others, traveling deep into the forest, slowly drifting to the back of the line of riders.
Geoffrey signaled for Merryn to follow him as he rode in the opposite direction of the hunters. He like the quizzical look on her face.
They rode in silence until they came to a clearing. A small cottage stood in its midst. He trotted over to it and dismounted, looping the reins on a post to secure Mystery. He assisted Merryn down from her horse, her body grazing his as she dropped to her feet.
“What is this place?” she asked.
Geoffrey wrapped his arms about her. “I know you don’t like to hunt.” He paused. “All I want to do today is chase you.”
He loved the blush that tinged her cheeks.
“I’ve brought you to what I hope will become our special place. It’s a small hunting lodge my father built years ago. I’ve brought food along for a meal. We can sit under that oak tree and enjoy the peaceful day together.”
“Oh, Geoffrey!” She leaned up and kissed him with enthusiasm. “Let’s go see what it looks like.”
Hand-in-hand, they went inside the lodge. It contained a large room on the bottom floor and two small bedchambers on the second. He had fond memories of the place, which didn’t see much use anymore.
“I adore it,” Merryn declared.
He had a thought. “Then why don’t we stay a few days? We can return to the castle for anything we need. It will give us some time alone.”
“A few days?” She twirled about. “I wish we could stay here forever.”
He caught her in his arms and danced her around the room. “You would grow tired of how small the place is, my love. Especially with several children and a dog or two underfoot.”
She stopped, a serious look on her face. “I cannot wait to bear sons and daughters that look like you.”
“They must have your spirit,” he said.
“And your honor.”
“Not to forget your intelligence.”
“And they must possess your bravery, Geoffrey.”
He laughed. “No matter what they are like, our children will be perfect.” Geoffrey kissed her soundly as his stomach growled. “I planned on making love to you now, but we should dine first on food before feasting upon one another.”
“It’s a beautiful day. Why don’t we spread a blanket under the tree you mentioned?”
Geoffrey did as she asked. He went to his saddle and pulled the apples out for their horses. He handed Merryn the sack with their meal.
“I’ll set out what we have,” she said.
“And I’ll go spoil our mounts.”
Destiny received the first apple, then Mystery got his. Geoffrey told them what good horses they were and how pleased their master and mistress were with them.
By the time he returned, Merryn had the food arranged for their feast. They took turns feeding one another, taking pleasure in simple gestures. Merryn yawned several times and looked as if she couldn’t hold her eyes open another minute.
Geoffrey reclined against the tree trunk and pulled her into his lap. He realized how little sleep she’d gotten. She curled up against him. His arms went around her. Soon, her breathing slowed.
“Sleep, my lady,” he said softly. “I wore you out last night. You deserve a bit of rest.” He stroked her hair, admiring the varying shades of red highlights coming out in the sun. “But, I promise you, I shall do the same to you tonight. And every night I can, God willing.”
His thoughts drifted. He wondered what Merryn would look like when she carried his children in her belly. How many they might have? He considered names. His last thought revolved around not caring which they had, as long as the babes proved happy and healthy.
Geoffrey fell into a deep sleep.
And awoke to searing pain.
Chapter 8
Merryn awoke with a start, unsure where she was. A low moan sounded in her ear. She sat up and found Geoffrey pinned to the tree. An arrow protruded from his right shoulder, holding him fast in place.
“Sweet Jesu!” She jumped to her feet.
“Must be a stray shot from the hunt,” he muttered, “though I wouldn’t think any hunter had come in this direction.” He strained his neck trying to get a better l
ook at the arrow.
Merryn knelt to examine his wound. She gently pressed the flesh around his injury.
“It’s penetrated the fleshy part of your shoulder, not the bone. That’s good news.” She thought it would be awful to be pierced by an arrow, but she wanted to keep his spirits up as she watched the agony grow on his face.
“During the war, we would break off the shaft so the arrow could be pulled out in the same direction. Then the wound needed to be seared with a hot knife.”
He tugged on it. “My left hand is too weak to dislodge it.” He grimaced at the effort.
“Let me see what I can do.” Merryn struggled to remove it, but the arrow had gone through him and sunk deeply into the tree behind him.
Fear gripped her. Not only was her husband anchored to the tree, but once he was free, his wound could turn into an abscess which might putrefy.
Which could lead to death.
She couldn’t lose Geoffrey. Not after waiting so long for him to come home. Not after what she had discovered about love last night.
“You must go for help since I’m pinned to this spot,” he told her. “Only a trickle of blood flows. The arrow has plugged the wound for now.” He took her hand and gave her an encouraging smile. “I will be fine, my love. You are the healer. You know what will be needed once I am freed.”
She tried to put on a brave face, but a few tears escaped. Geoffrey wiped them away with his thumb and caressed her cheek.
Merryn kissed him. “I won’t be gone long.” She gave him a weak smile. “And this little scratch will not be an excuse for you to lay abed and order me about.”
“Nay. I fear I shall never be able to order you about.” He gave her hand a squeeze.
She covered him with the blanket from their feast and left a wineskin within reach in case he grew thirsty. She mounted Destiny and waved at Geoffrey before she rode like the wind back to Kinwick.
Her tears flowed freely now, but she couldn’t let fear stop her. She couldn’t think about what might happen. She needed to make sure of what did happen. And that was bringing back someone to free her husband.