Jared slipped his family signet ring on her shaking finger. 'With this ring I thee wed.'
Lea turned her father's signet ring over on her palm before sliding it on to Jared's finger, vowing,
'With this ring I thee wed.'
They faced the priest, who with raised arms led the party to the chapel's altar where they knelt to receive the church's blessing on their union.
Once the blessing was given, Jared rose and swept Lea up into his arms. She gave her lips to him willingly, as greedy as he for a taste of passion.
Those gathered in the chapel noisily shouted their approval. King David granted them a few moments before he loudly cleared his throat, reminding them that they stood before a holy altar.
Jared reluctandy released her from his embrace and took her hand. He kissed her fingers, asking,
'Will you be upset if this celebration David has arranged for us is cut short?'
'Why?'
He glanced at the altar, and then led her from the chapel before explaining in a whisper so only she could hear. 'When we share our first bed as man and wife, I want it to be our bed.'
Lea's eyes widened briefly as her cheeks flamed. 'We could leave now.'
Jared laughed, asking, 'Do you think perhaps we could at least eat before taking to the road?'
Lea sighed, then turned her lips into a pout. I suppose so.'
Knowing full well that this light-hearted mood of hers would last only until the first time he had to draw a sword, or someone foolishly mentioned war, Jared played along.
'On the other hand, I'm not at all certain I want to wait until we reach Montreau.' He nodded toward a dark corner, then lowered his lips to her ear. 'We could always hide away for a few moments.'
David walked past them, commenting, 'There are chambers a-plenty above stairs.'
Lea stroked the line of his jaw. 'They wouldn't even miss us.'
As delightful as that sounded, Jared shook his head. I was serious about our marriage bed. I want to return to Montreau.' He paused to tease her tongue with his own, then growled low against her lips, 'Quickly.'
She sighed and leaned against his chest. 'Then I need to pack and change my gown.'
He pulled her into his embrace, brushing his cheek across the top of her head. 'Right after we eat.'
Lea stroked the needlework on the edge of his tunic. 'I like the way you dressed nearly the same as I.'
'Well, not completely.'
'True. But then I did leave my chain maille back at Montreau.'
He chuckled. 'Now there's a vision.'
'Perhaps, but I could never be as beaudful as you are in armour.'
'Beautiful?'
'Oh, yes, you are a beauteous sight to behold today.'
'I'm sure that's what every big strong man wants to hear- that his wife thinks he's beautiful.'
He felt her laughter against his chest. He remembered other dmes when she had laughed against him in just this way. He wished he could somehow hold this moment for ever.
'So, you think you are a big strong man?'
'No, Lea, I know I am.' He lifted her from the floor and held her against the wall.
Lea threaded her fingers through his hair and feathered light kisses across his mouth and cheeks.
'Thank God for that. But you need to put me down.'
'Oh?' He nuzzled the side of her neck. 'Why is that?'
'Because, Jared, I want you so badly it's all I can do not to wrap my legs around your waist and beg you to take me here and now.'
He ceased his teasing to stare at her. The flash of fire in her lidded gaze and flushed cheeks let him know that her brazen talk wasn't in jest.
The mental image of them naked like this, against a wall, with her legs wrapped dghtly around his waist, while she begged him to take her, sent a rush of blood to his groin.
Jared swallowed. 'How fast can you eat?'
She dropped her forehead to his shoulder. 'Since I don't hunger for food, it will take me no time at all.'
He stepped away from the wall still holding her, then lowered her slowly to her feet. 'I'll take that as your word.'
At her nod, he led her quickly toward the celebration in the Great Hall.
Seated between Jared and Rolfe, Lea picked at the food before her. She pushed it around idly as her attention kept drifting back to the man seated next to her.
When had she forgotten how devastating his deep voice was to her senses? Or how just a piercing glance from his green eyes made her weak with desire?
Back when she'd first wed Charles and he'd rejected her so thoroughly, she used to wonder if her memories of Jared had remained true. He'd become her fantasy then, her dream. When she had lain in bed at night, alone and lonely, she'd wrap herself in memories of him.
After a while she'd begun to wonder if, in her loneliness, her mind had somehow enhanced her memories, making them appear more than what they'd been in real life.
Lea sighed. No. If anything, dme had served to lessen... weaken.. .the effect Jared had on her.
In her mind's eye, she hadn't become inflamed with lust until after he'd kissed her, or after he'd stroked her flesh.
In reality, it took nothing more than the sound of his voice, the scent of his rosemary soap, or just simply the thought of him, to send her soaring with need.
What would happen now that they were wed? Would he still find her as desirable when they no longer had to steal precious moments for each other? Would the thought of bedding her be as excidng once they'd shared a bed night after night?
And what about her? Would his kisses still make her heart race when they became something she expected? Would the sight of him naked over her, trailing sensuous touches down her body, make the earth beneath her spin madly out of control?
'Where have your thoughts flown, Lea?'
She realised he'd asked her a question, but wasn't certain what. She turned to look up at him.
'Hmm?'
Jared slid his hand behind her neck. His palm was warm against her skin. His stroking touch beneath her ear set tremors to ripple down her back.
'Your flush gives you away.' He leaned closer. 'And that smouldering stare should be reserved stricdy for a bedchamber.'
She blinked, trying to free herself from the haze of desire swirling round her. But his breath against her cheek and the rumble of his voice did little to help clear her mind. 'What?'
He trailed a fingertip along her cheek. 'I'm almost afraid to ask what you were thinking about.'
'Now that we don't have to sneak around any more, will you still want me in your bed?'
Rolfe choked. Jared stared at his man, daring him to say a word. But the man was too intent on swallowing enough wine and water to dislodge the food caught in his throat.
Lea's cheeks reddened more, but this time with embarrassment. She placed her hand on his forearm. 'I'm sorry, that wasn't a very dignified question for a lady to ask in public.'
He covered her hand. 'My fault entirely. You only answered my question.'
When she turned her head to stare down at their food, he drew her back with a finger on her chin.
'Does this have anything to do with Charles?' He'd heard the rumours and wanted them out of their life now.
She shrugged before admitting, 'In a way, yes.'
'Lea, I can't promise you many things, but I can ease your concerns on this.' He leaned a little closer, not wanting anyone else to overhear. 'Charles of Villaire was an ass.'
'I don't disagree.'
Jared placed a brief kiss against the corner of her mouth. 'But I am grateful to him.'
She leaned back to stare at him as if he'd lost the ability to reason, before leaning closer once again. 'Grateful? For what?'
'For leaving what was mine, to me.'
Her blush returned, as she realised what he'd meant.
'And in answer to your question—I will never be able to get enough of you.'
A seductive smile curved her lips. 'Or I, you.'
The desire and lust
that had been roiling in his gut jumped to life. Jared rose with his goblet of wine in his hand and faced King David. I want to thank you for your assistance and hospitality.
But I fear we need to make ready to leave for Montreau.'
While others at the table snickered and laughed, obviously guessing at what the newlyweds had in mind, King David smiled. 'I was honoured to be of help. Increasing our family is never a bad thing. I wish you well.'
The king modoned one of his men forwards, asking Jared, 'How many guards do you require?'
Had he been travelling back to Montreau alone, he'd have turned down David's offer. But he wanted as much protection for his wife and child as possible.
'Four will do.'
'Six will do better.'
'Thank you.' Jared dipped his head. 'By your leave, my lord.'
Once David waved him away, Jared assisted Lea to her feet. Knowing what they planned, it was all he could do not to drag her across the Great Hall towards the stairs.
Lea ignored the ribald laughter and comments as she and Jared raced up the stairs hand in hand.
One man, she wasn't certain who, offered to come to witness the bedding.
Over his shoulder Jared shouted, 'Feel free to try. I am armed.'
He kicked open the partly ajar door to her chamber. Agatha jumped, screaming at the abrupt intrusion.
'Get out.' Jared pointed at the door.
Agatha swung her wide-eyed stare to Lea.
'It's all right, Agatha. Please, leave us.'
The older woman shook her head. 'And the two of you can't wait?'
Jared was already pulling his tunic over his head. 'Out.'
The instant the door shut behind the woman, he dropped the bars across the top and bottom. If anyone thought to witness this bedding they'd have to have an army to break down the thick, solid door.
'Sit.' Lea pushed Jared down on to a bench and knelt to unlace his chausses. While she made quick work of the leather lacings holding the mailled leg coverings in place, he tugged and freed the laces of her gown.
He grasped the hem of her gown as she rose and pulled it over her head. He folded the garment and placed it on a nearby chest. Lea laid the chausses out across the bed, then returned to the bench. 'Lean forwards.'
While she'd done this often enough for visitors to her father's keep, she didn't remember her hands shaking, or her heart pounding so hard in her chest. Their short meal had given her mind enough time to make her anticipation nearly unbearable.
Jared rose slightly and pulled his hauberk from beneath him before leaning forwards. Lea lifted the shoulders of the protective maille and tugged hard, pulling it over his head and outstretched arms.
She hadn't expected the weight of the armour and staggered toward the bed to drop it on the mattress. By the dme she finished straightening it out and turned back to Jared, he was naked.
Her breath caught. Oh, yes, a very, very fine specimen.
With a feral gleam in his eyes he came towards her, stalking her slowly, like a beast stalks its prey.
He wanted to play? Lea laughed and raced around to the other side of the bed. She paused to prop one foot up on the mattress and casually unroll her stocking. 'I'm not ready yet. You'll have to wait.'
Before he could capture her, she ran to the other side of the room, dragging a table between them.
To her shock, he barely swatted at the table, yet it crashed against the wall, splintering into firewood.
The surprise kept her immobile just long enough for Jared to grab her and pull her against him.
I'm done waiting.' He jerked her chemise over her head and tossed it to the floor.
She trailed the tip of her tongue down his chest before asking, 'Am I supposed to be afraid of you?'
'You should be just for calling me beautiful.'
Lea boldly ran her palm down his stomach, then more slowly over the length of his erection. 'Ah, but you are beautiful.'
Holding his shimmering stare, she slowly eased down his body, letting her lips trail the path she'd blazed with her hand.
He blinked as if awakening from a dream and grabbed her beneath her arms to drag her back to her feet. 'No.'
Lea wound her arms around his neck; burying her face against his shoulder, she said, 'Jared, don't make me wait.'
Without further urging, he lifted her in his arms, swung around and backed her against the wall.
'What were you saying earlier?'
His question brushed against her ear, sending shivers down the length of her spine. Knowing what he expected, she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist.
His touch along the backs of her legs made her gasp with surprise at the way her body quivered in response to such a slow, gentle stroke.
But when he captured her lips beneath his, there was nothing gentle about his kiss. The desire for more than a touch, more than a kiss, drew a moan from her throat.
Lea felt him smile slightly against her mouth and knew he wasn't yet ready to ease her frustration.
Instead, he moved his hips just enough to tease, silently promising to fulfil her needs, then drawing back, leaving her wanting more.
She relaxed her legs, hoping to slide down enough to take what she wanted. But Jared's strong hands beneath her held her firmly in place.
He moved again, this time barely stroking her heat with the tips of his fingers.
As her heart seemed to slam against the inside of her chest, she realised then what he wanted from her. She'd made a promise and he was obviously not going to let her take it back.
Lea turned her head, breaking their kiss. She buried her face against his neck, oddly embarrassed, but needing him desperately. 'Jared, please. I beg you, take—'
Before she could finish her sentence, he answered her plea.
Fulfilment at his driving pace came quickly, leaving her breathless and limp against his chest.
While long heated nights on a bed were heavenly, and stolen kisses in a darkened alcove were thrilling, this was...was so sinfully, breathtakingly wonderful.
Jared's ragged groan drew a shaky, but completely understanding laugh from her. He staggered a few steps to the bench and sat down, holding her on his lap.
She wiped the sweat from his forehead and dragged her fingers through his damp hair. 'Are you certain you wish to leave today? We could wait until morning.'
'No.' He shook his head. 'We can be halfway to Montreau before the sun sets tonight and at the keep before the noon meal tomorrow.'
He tightened his embrace, hugging her tightiy to his chest and added, 'And in our bed tomorrow night.'
Chapter Twenty
J ared glanced back at the women riding in the middle of a ring of guards. Agatha's downcast expression made her displeasure with travelling known.
But Lea's excitement at being on the road heading for Montreau was obvious. She chatted lightly with the men, all the while paying close attention to their surroundings.
She was like a youngster on her first outing. Everything seemed new to her, from the birds or clouds overhead to the plants lining the road.
But every now and then she'd grow quiet and he'd feel her stare burn hot against his back. He'd made the mistake of turning to look at her once.
The direction of her thoughts had been more than obvious in her liquid gaze and the sensual tilt of her lips. He quickly learned that riding a horse, in full armour, while his blood pounded through his body wasn't the most comfortable thing he'd ever done.
Thankfully distracting himself proved easy. Even though ten men—counting himself, the two guards he'd brought with him, Rolfe, and the six men David had lent him—guarded Lea on this journey, Jared knew better than to let down his guard.
No matter where one travelled, the roads weren't safe. With Stephen and Matilda pitting the majority of their troops against each other, security on the byways was slim. The time was ripe for an enterprising knave to seek his fortune from attacking others.
More times than not, Jare
d had run across unfortunate travellers who'd been robbed of not just their possessions, but their very lives.
To ensure their safety on this relatively short trip, he'd sent two men ahead to make certain the way was clear of danger and two other men followed behind in case any thought to attack from the rear.
He, Rolfe and the remaining four men formed a ring of arms and armour around the women.
To his relief, Lea hadn't voiced a complaint, or concern about the weapons or men protecting her.
He'd half-expected her to make some inane comment about the safety of the men. Perhaps the show of strength had unknowingly made her feel secure enough not to worry, although he wouldn't stake his life on it.
It didn't matter. He wasn't about to question her, because he knew that her reaction would be much different when Matilda called him back to service.
The sound of a horse's hooves pounding the dirt-packed road ahead alerted him to possible danger. Jared raised his hand, signalling the others to stop, and brought his own mount to a halt.
Swords hissed from scabbards, sounding eerily like a nest of vipers. Rolfe ordered the men to tighten the circle around the women.
'Jared, what's wrong?' Lea's voice shook.
Not knowing what was ahead, he didn't have the time or the necessary information to ease her fears.
'My lord!' One of David's men headed towards them at a breakneck pace, his shield dangling uselessly at his side. 'Surrounded! We're sur—'
The shouted ended abrupdy on a strangled choke. He fell from his horse, an arrow lodged in his neck.
Agatha's scream startled the horses. Jared cursed the man's carelessness and death in one breath, as he fought to bring the animal beneath him under control while swinging his shield free of his shoulder.
He joined the circle around Lea and her maid, lifting his shield before him to provide an additional ring of safety, then gave what he hoped would prove an unnecessary order, 'Protect the women.'
Without having to look, he knew that Rolfe had fallen into position facing the road behind them.
His man would always be at his back.
Lea touched his shoulder. Before she could say anything, he shrugged her hand off of him. He knew she was afraid, but he also knew that he'd do her no favour if he treated her gendy now. It would only increase her anxiety. And he had not the time, nor the desire, to be distracted by her fear.
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