by Amber Dane
The red and black ribbon he held in his hand he held out to her a second later. The strip of material, a keepsake of her link to Lisbeth made her breath catch and burn in her throat.
Taking it, she crushed it in her fist as tears stung her eyes.
With her hands still shaking, she tried to tie the material back around the hilt of her sword. When his fingers touched hers to assist, Alexa choked on a sob.
He tied it tightly to the same blade she’d threatened to behead him with that day so long ago when they had first met at her sister’s grave.
It seemed so very long ago.
Alexa swallowed and lifted her gaze to his and was blessed with one of those bright smiles of his that made her shudder to her toes. Tears blinded her and she lost focus of his beautiful face as he started to speak.
“You are a true gift, my lady and I long to see you happy and full of life again. Not worn and tired as you have been in nursing me back to health.” When she could not answer, he whispered, “Alexa?”
His soft voice was the tipping point. The tears she could not stop nor had wont to, spilled like a river down her flushed cheeks. Alexa did not care if he did not like her tears this day and let out a big sob as she launched herself into his arms.
He caught her as the room erupted in praise. Rourke’s large body stiffened for a moment, but Alexa simply clung tighter to him, her long lean arms wrapping around his strong neck.
After a pause, she felt the tension leave him and he returned her embrace. The room went wild. But, she was oblivious to it. All she saw was him. She drew back and pressed her lips softly against his mouth. Rourke felt his chest tightening over the emotion he read in her eyes. Something inside him popped and warmth spread over him from head to toe under her all-consuming stare.
She whispered softly, “This-This means so much. I cannot tell you how much. Thank you, Rourke.”
“Aye, I know it does. I should have returned it to you long ago.” Rourke was surprised at the hoarseness in his own voice.
She gave him a surprised look before her cheeks flushed with pink. He bit back a grin when she batted her lashes at him and tilted her head to the side.
“Now ‘tis I who would like a moment alone with you.” She told him with a smile.
Molten heat shot down to his groin and Rourke forgot the others in the room in an instant. “Is that all it will take? A moment, hellion?”
He almost felt bad for teasing her over her play at seduction when her flush deepened. But when she told him in his ear just how long, it was he that felt warmth spread up his neck. Ignoring her cry of alarm, Rourke held her to him fiercely and strode from the room with her still in his arms. The sword she held dangling over his back.
“I am not so sure if this is a good idea after all,” Alexa’s hoarse tone was thick with the passion she was feeling. She squeezed his hand while she stood between his legs as he continued to remove her clothes.
“Wanton and bold, now you aim to change your mind. Or do you doubt I am up to it?” Rourke drew a lazy finger down the space between her breasts.
Alexa shivered from the light touch and the sound of his groan. She looked down between them. His breeches showed the evidence he was more than up to it. Still, she hesitated even though her body swayed into him when his thumbs flicked over her hardened nipples.
“It may still be too soon, Rourke.” She moaned and closed her eyes when he kissed the side of her neck.
“Then, healer, you can do all the work. Let it be known ‘twill be your last night of duty, of course.”
Alexa pulled back and met his gaze. She laughed with him as he vocally teased her unmercifully for her coddling and watching his every move. Then he gave her a serious look and thanked her for all she had done in seeing his way back.
“What say you?” Alexa could not help but tease in wanting to hear his words again.
Rourke tamped down his mirth and replied. “My head hurts. I seem to have all but forgotten that quickly.”
She shoved him and stepped away from him in her naked glory. Her expression morphed into one of indignation as it always did when she believed that he knew something she did not. Rourke swallowed hard as he lifted his eyes from the dark patch between her thighs. Passion took hold of him and he licked his lips.
“Do you remember now?” she asked him. She spread her arms wide, causing those delicious breasts to bounce and rise. Her pose and naked flesh called to him.
“Aye, I remember, hellion. Get in the bed,” he growled.
She squealed with laughter when he reached out for her and ran for the bed. In a matter of minutes, Rourke divested himself of every stitch of clothing and joined her there. He laughed with her when she rolled him onto his back and took the lead.
FORTY
Rourke reached out to pull Alexa closer, but her side of the bed was empty. He groaned, missing her and looked over to the window. A smile came to his lips. The window covering had been pushed back and dawn was just breaking through the clouds. He closed his eyes again, still feeling worn and knew she would be back soon.
Alexa.
He loved his hellion and was quite randy for her again. Nay, it was more than that. He wanted to hear the hoarse lilt in her throaty whisper near his skin, his ear, his mouth. Aye, she fit perfectly by his side.
As he thought it, he reached out and swept her pillow up under his arm. Her scent filled his nose and he hardened.
Where was she?
The aroma of food came to him. His stomach growled at the scent and thought. He rolled over.
For the first time in two weeks Rourke found he truly wanted to eat. The sound of the door opening drew his attention and he watched Alexa creep in and hush the servants that accompanied her. The servants carried what only Rourke could describe as a feast. A scrumptious and mouthwatering feast. His eyes widened as they followed his wife's instructions and set the platters at the foot of the bed. When the servants greeted him, her wide amber eyes turned on him with shock that he was awake. Her hands came to rest on her hips and she shook her head. She never looked more beautiful to him than she did in that moment. He responded automatically to the servants, but was unable to look anywhere else but at his wife. He took in the sight of her.
She beamed at him. Had he died right then, Rourke swore he'd be the luckiest man to go out with such a breathtaking sight welcoming him.
Rourke could not resist and winked seductively at her. She turned crimson and his soft laugh erupted just as the servants, their chore complete, closed the chamber door. His hellion had a right to blush after the wild passion she had shown and drawn from him last night.
“Come here, Alexa.”
He pulled her onto his lap and she struggled to wriggle free.
“Rourke.”
“Hmm…” He nuzzled her neck
“Last night was strenuous enough for you. We cannot push it.” She tried to sound firm, but it didn’t come out that way.
He nipped her shoulder. Alexa felt heat blossom within her and hot shivers shook her form as he planted more warm kisses along her jaw. She soon squirmed her bottom against his hard length.
“Are you not hungry?”
“I would think that was obvious” Rourke’s hand covered a soft breast. Alexa covered his hand with her own.
“Not that. I meant for food.”
“Later,” Rourke said, chasing her mouth
Alexa finally managed to push him away and put enough space between them.
“I can hear your stomach barking, Rourke. Come. I made something special just for you.”
He groaned when she climbed off the bed out of his reach. He grumbled, “What?”
Alexa giggled at the disappointment in his tone. When her eyes met his, he winked at her again and she felt the blush feather her cheeks. His hungry gaze made her want to do the wanton things she’d done to him last night. She flushed deeper remembering how he’d felt in her mouth. She blinked the memory of their explosive passion away, they would have
time for that later. Now he needed his strength and needed to eat.
“Come see,” she coaxed him further and waved her hand over the feast.
Rourke, still groaning his displeasure, left the bed and came over to the table, naked. She tried to ignore him and smiled with thanks that he was momentarily distracted by the food. A good sign that his appetite had returned as his eyes and hands roamed the filled platters for her treat.
She waited.
His sigh came quickly and he smacked his lips in an over the top loud manner. He reached out and pulled her against his side again. He planted a deep kiss on her open mouth. Alexa was still trying to catch her breath when he pressed a warm chocolate wafer against her lips.
She bit into the decadent treat.
Rourke groaned as he watched her chew.
Alexa took the thin wafer from his hand and fed a bite to him. Rourke took the whole thing along with her finger into his mouth. She gaped at him. Her breath came in short hot pants, eyes growing bigger as he sucked her finger and slowly withdrew it from his hot mouth.
Last night came rushing back again and she could only stare at him. The sensual moment had her belly and limbs on fire. This carnal desire he ignited within her was dangerous. His green eyes blazed brightly and she read his intent. It mirrored her own.
Nonetheless she said breathlessly, “Only after we eat first.”
“Maybe.” Rourke’s hot whisper fanned her face.
Alexa backed up, but he reached out and drew her back, his fingers already sliding the shift off one shoulder.
“Rourke. Rourke.” Her protests sounded even weak to her.
“A few bites, hellion, is all. I promise.”
Alexa’s laughter was smothered by his passionate kiss as he lifted her and drew her and the furs down to the floor.
Later, with most of the platters empty and scattered across the floor around them and both their belly’s extended, Alexa lay back, satisfied in the crook of his arm. One of his big thighs draped over hers. Now was the perfect time to tell him about the babe. Her heart beat faster and she took a few deep breaths. When his light snores reached her ears, she nudged him. He groaned and his arm tightened around her.
“Are you well?” His warm breath tickled the hairs on the side of her neck.
“Aye. Are you?”
“Hmm. Very.”
Alexa took a deep breath. She needed to face him to tell him her news. Aye, that would be best. She moaned when his hand slipped off her shoulder and hit the pillow.
Alexa turned and let out a frustrated sigh. He was dead sleep and his snores filled the chamber. He had over exerted himself indeed.
She could not help but laugh as she chastised herself-she was partial blame. She had been quite insatiable in her need for him. Oh well, her news would keep until later. Right now she would have her bath and get the day started.
Her chance did not come later as Rourke took it upon himself to do all and began his duties again as lord of the manor and heard the villagers and their complaints in the great hall.
Alexa went about her own duties before heading back to the hall later in the eve to check on him.
She walked in to see a middle aged woman, a village serf, rise from her knees and kiss her husband's hand. The look on Rourke’s face was unreadable. When the woman rushed from the hall with two men carrying large bundles behind her, Alexa saw tears streaming down her face.
She waited until the last of the villagers had presented their issues to him, before she inquired about the woman. The anguished look in his eyes floored her. Alexa felt her mouth drop open as she followed after him outside into the yard. The same woman was in a cart with two smaller boys and turned back to wave at them. Alexa waved when Rourke returned the woman’s farewell. He spoke without looking at her as she stood by his side.
"She is the mother to the young soldier who lost his life during my capture. Her grief was too great and she asked to return to my other holding that we took them from. Her only wish…to work in the castle. She lost her son. Yet she thanked me for being kind to him and for being there when he died. I will give her whatever ‘tis that she wants."
Alexa slipped her hand in his and felt him flinch before his fingers closed tightly around hers. They stood quietly together just like that until the cart and riders disappeared over the grassy knoll.
Later as they were preparing for bed, Alexa watched his strained expression and movements as he rose from the tub. She came to him with the linen towel and dried him off. He gave her a weary grin. Once they were settled in bed, she folded her legs under her and pulled him back against her chest and started to massage his broad shoulders. His sighs of relief and the tight muscles in his neck told her the day had been taxing on him. He had remained longer after the villagers had left to talk at length with Goran and she’d heard Raven’s name mentioned again.
She could have told him about the baby, but she chose instead to ask him about this man that plagued his thoughts night and day. Maybe this time he would see to tell her more.
"Will you not tell me of this Raven? What made you his enemy?"
His muscles bunched beneath her fingers and Alexa held her breath as she waited.
She expelled the breath she held when he reached up and squeezed her fingers.
"He was...is an evil soul. He wrought naught but evil wherever he set foot. He and Darc Renald had the same mother. William barely tolerated him. Raven was an exceptionally trained and skilled knight.” He patted her hand before dropping his back to his side where she watched him ball it into a fist. “Aye, he taught me my trick with the axe, but I perfected it, on my own. This I know is something that may bother you. But ‘tis a matter of life or death on the field.”
Alexa remained silent and nodded her head even though he could not see it. Her fingers continued to massage the muscles of his shoulders and neck. Some of the tension left him. She did not want to say anything that would give him pause.
Rourke went on. “’Twas later rumored not only had Raven murdered their mother, but Darc's wife. On the night we searched for him, he and other traitors to the crown, ambushed me and used my own weapon on me."
Alexa gasped and her fingers stilled but a moment. His scar.
Had she been another sort, Rourke knew they would not be having this conversation. Admiration rose in him again over her strength. Sharing the harsh realities of his life with her, the side that was not so pretty reinforced their relationship he believed. Rourke flexed his shoulders under her soothing touch.
"Had it not been for Darc, he would have been successful. William gave the order. For his crimes, Raven’s sentence was death. This was to be carried out by his brother. I helped Darc hunt the rabid dog down again and a year later, we cornered him. They fought and he went over the cliff. We erred. We should have made sure that bastard was dead."
Rourke turned and pulled her around onto his lap, his hard gaze locked on hers.
Pain, grief and more shone in his emerald gaze. She was glad he had shared this with her. It was a part of him. Alexa licked her lips and asked, "You do not think he still lives after what happened to you?"
"I will not believe he is dead until I have carved and strung up his body myself."
The coldness in his tone did not frighten her. She knew what he meant and he had every right to want his revenge. She wanted hers too.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered near his ear. "If he does live, he will beg for death by the time you and I both finish with him."
Rourke hugged her to him hard before pulling back to press a heated kiss against her parted lips.
FORTY-ONE
The next morning Alexa made a promise to herself to steal him away from his duties to tell him about the babe. She was surprised he’d not noticed already as her breasts had grown slightly bigger as had her waist thickened. Not much, but noticeable enough to her anyway.
She didn’t understand why she was so nervous now after all that had happened over th
e past few days to tell him the news.
She’d already forgiven him for his painful words that day long ago when he’d thought her barren.
They had come a long way since then. Yet, she could not still the flutters of uneasiness in her stomach. Even now sitting beside him at the lord’s table with the noonday meal barely touched in front of her, she waited for her chance to take him by the hand and lead him away for a bit of privacy.
He turned to her with furrowed brows, a look of concern on his beautiful face. His face had healed nicely and not one scratch or bruise remained. His golden-hair and the jagged edges had grown back and smoothed out and now hung almost down to his shoulders once again.
“Are you not hungry?” he asked.
Alexa swallowed the lump in her throat. His eyes gleamed and she grew even more nervous. Did he suspect?
She searched his gaze and could not read him.
She licked her lips and lifted a sliver of bread crust. “I am well. Just a few bites of this filling meal have done it for me. Did you enjoy your meal?”
His lips lifted at the corners and his eyes dropped to her belly. Alexa stopped breathing.
The frozen moment was interrupted by a shout from the hall entrance.
Both she and Rourke looked to see Goran stumble toward their table. Alexa’s stomach dropped as the color drained from Goran’s face. The strangled sound that came from his throat had Rourke on his feet and around the table at his friend’s side in seconds.
Rourke's thunderous shout filled the hall. “Goran!”
"Rourke- a…a gu-guest." Goran gasped out.
Alexa frowned and stood, worried. She would have gone to Goran too had her feet not remained frozen where she stood when the couple entered.
A woman, dressed in a fine purple gown and matching gloves and possessing a beauty none the like Alexa had ever seen before entered the hall. Her tall, willowy frame dwarfed the short distinguished looking nobleman that walked beside her. Alexa thought herself tall, but this woman stood toe to toe with Rourke.