03 - The Wicked Lady

by Brenda Jernigan

  She looked into his soft eyes, and her turbulent heartbeat raced just that much harder. Trevor's arms tightened, and he lowered his head to possess her mouth. He took it in a hot, searing kiss which was very different from the other kisses they had shared. An undeniable magnetism had developed between them, leaving her to wonder what would happen next.

  As suddenly as it began, the kiss was over, leaving Kristen dazed and wanting more.

  The priest had them turn and announced, "I present to you the Duke and Duchess of Chatsworth."

  The minister swept them into a side room where he produced a register and held a quill out for Trevor who signed his name with a sure and quick stroke.

  "What's this?" Kristen asked when Trevor handed her the quill.

  "We have to record our marriage, love." He smiled at her.

  With wide eye's Kristen started at the parchment. Everything was legal, but somehow it wasn't right -- not how she dreamed. She looked up at her new husband and then quickly signed her name next to Trevor's.

  Slowly they moved back out into the church and down the aisle. Once they were at the back of the church, everyone rushed up to congratulate Trevor on his new marriage.

  Then they were whisked to the waiting carriages that would take them back to Chatsworth. Once the conveyance started to move, Trevor surprised Kristen by turning her until she lay across his lap, her head pressed against his shoulder.

  "We can't do this now," Kristen said.

  "I think we can," he replied before his lips found hers. His mouth was scalding, devouring, searching for something more from her. A warmth spread all over her, and she responded, clutching him close to her and returning his kiss.

  Her hands slid around his neck and she welcomed his tongue. She heard him moan just before he broke the kiss.

  "We will continue this later, love." Trevor looked her over seductively. "But for now we will have to entertain our guests." He helped her sit up and straightened her skirts, just as the carriage came to a stop.

  Once they entered the house, they were again surrounded by guests. Kristen politely smiled and made small conversation, but she felt lost with all these strangers.

  She found her mind going more and more to Trevor and his promise that they would continue later. Just the thought of what they would do made her quiver inside as she looked at him across the room. He had awakened in her a lot of new emotions that she didn't know how to handle, and that left her reeling. She simply had to get her mind off the man.

  "You looked pretty, Kristen," Hagan said as he tugged on her skirt from beside her.

  "Ye look mighty smart yerself." She smiled at him, thinking how glad she was that she could give Hagan a better life. He grinned back, then darted away. She watched as he went straight to the dowager duchess. Kristen prayed Constance wouldn't cause a scene. Not today.

  "Are you all right, Grandmere?"

  Constance looked down at the sandy-haired child looking up at her with such concern in his eyes and something within her heart twisted just a little. She saw Trevor at that age. "I feel a little weak, Hagan."

  "Here, take my hand." He held up his chubby little hand, and she reached out and accepted it. "I'll take you over to get some punch."

  "I would like that." And for the first time Constance smiled at the child, and felt a huge burden lifting off her shoulders. Perhaps, this daft marriage of Trevor's would work after all.

  Kristen couldn't believe what she'd just seen and heard. This was truly a day for miracles! Then she remembered the jewels they had not yet returned to Constance. They had planned to give the necklace to her on the day they married. She hoped Trevor had remembered to bring it. Kristen squeezed Trevor's hand. "It's time to give your grandmother her necklace."

  "Thank you for reminding me. Come with me." Trevor escorted Kristen by the elbow over to his grandmother.

  "Grandmere, could you join us for a moment?"

  When they were by themselves in a sitting room off to the side, Trevor reached into his pocket and grasped the necklace. "Kristen helped me return something that I believe belongs to you." He held up his hand and let the chain slip through his fingers until the jewels dangled from his fingers.

  "Gracious!" Constance exclaimed. For a moment she stood there without moving and stared at the necklace. Finally, she moved forward and took it from Trevor. "I never thought to see this again. Someone very special gave this to me a long time ago."

  "Grandfather?"

  "No, dear. It was someone else."

  Trevor wondered who she could be referring to, but decided now wasn't the time to have such a discussion. He did notice a certain glow in her eyes. One he'd not seen there before. The necklace must have meant a great deal to her.

  "Thank you both." Tears brimmed in Constance's eyes.

  Kristen smiled. "Here, let me help you put this on." Kristen hung it around the woman's neck and fastened the clasp. This is novel, Kristen thought. Putting jewelry on someone instead of taking it off. Maybe she had changed her ways.

  The rest of the day was filled with feasting and dancing. Finally, it was time to leave the guests and head for their room.

  Trevor thought his bride looked very nervous as she started up the stairs ahead of him. To give her as much time as she needed, he didn't follow. He'd have to find a way to calm her down. He'd waited much too long to have anything spoil this night. He wanted Kristen more than he could recall ever wanting a woman before. Tonight, everything had to be perfect.

  When he thought she'd had enough time to herself, Trevor went upstairs. He watched his lovely bride from the doorway of his chamber. Her white satin gown looked as delicate as she did and it left absolutely nothing to his imagination as it clung to her every little curve. He had to curb the desire to lick his lips.

  His body sprang to life with desires he'd not felt in a long, long time or maybe it had just been too long, but he definitely wanted the woman standing in front of him . . . and in the worst way.

  However, his little bride didn't look like an adoring wife eager to jump into his arms and smother him with kisses. Her eyes were enormous as she stood hesitantly staring at him and desire wasn't what he saw in her eyes . . . It was more like stark terror.

  She finally cleared her throat. "Are ye sure ye want to do this?"

  Trevor took a step closer and smiled at her ridiculous question. "Very certain indeed."

  She shook her head. "What if I dinna care for this?"

  "You will," he assured her confidently. He lifted his hand and slipped her strap off her shoulder.

  "How can ye be sure?" She tugged the strap back in place. "Have ye ever done this before?"

  Not to be undone, he slipped the strap down again and this time, drew her to him before she could readjust her gown. "I've done this many, many times."

  Kristen shivered. "Then why do ye want tae do it again?"

  He chuckled. He really didn't know how to tell her his blood boiled at the sight of her, that he wanted to completely possess her and make her his. "Do not be afraid, sweetheart." He enfolded her in his arms. "You'll understand in a short while," he whispered, then kissed the end of her nose.

  Her eyes fluttered closed as his lips moved across her cheek. She trembled in his arms, making Trevor feel like a king.

  "I want you," Trevor rasped. He tugged on her soft earlobe with his lips, and was pleased to hear her soft groan. "And I think you feel the same."

  Picking her up in his arms, he carried her over to the bed and laid her down. He returned to the chair and slipped off his shirt which he'd unbuttoned earlier and then took off his breeches and turned to face Kristen. She looked so beautiful to him, he'd never let another man have her. Never.

  "Oh, my God," Kristen exclaimed.

  Trevor saw where her eyes had drifted. Evidently, she was as innocent as she'd claimed. He now knew he'd have to be very gentle. How could he manage when his blood simmered for her so? "You really don't know about this do you?" He asked as he lowered himself to
the bed beside her.

  "Nay."

  "Then I shall teach you." He pulled her to him, his fingers slipping through her hair and finally resting on the back of her head as he hovered just above her. He looked deep into her eyes, eyes that had suddenly changed from an expression of uncertainty to one of anticipation and desire that even she didn't yet realize.

  Her lips parted slightly, and he took what he wanted. What he needed. She slid her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his.

  Trevor Claremont was a doomed man.

  Their kisses grew intense. Their breathing became labored as they became caught up in a ritual as old as time. "I need you, Kristen," he whispered tenderly as his tongue touched her earlobe.

  "I need ye, too." Kristen replied. "I've tried hard not tae." She didn't know anything could feel so wonderful and torturous all at the same time. What was this crazy burning that had spread from her stomach and had managed to engulf her body and drive everything else out? Except for the touch and feel of Trevor.

  His tongue touched her ear and she went limp as shivers of desire ran through her. His lips slid down the side of her neck and then pressed lower.

  The saints above! This mon can kiss. Kristen couldn't seem to get enough of him. She wanted more. Her satin gown slid down her body as Trevor expertly removed the garment. Now she lay completely naked beneath him. The warmth of his body engulfed her.

  "Beautiful." He gazed at her body and then followed with his mouth, lower and lower until he found the soft mound of her breast.

  "No," she gasped, but her body betrayed her objections as she arched against him.

  What was he doing to her? This couldn't be decent, but it felt so wonderful, she admitted to herself. She was no longer afraid. Her burning need had to be satisfied, and Trevor seemed to be the only one who could give her what she needed. He said he knew what he was doing . . . .

  So far he hadn't lied.

  The next thing she knew he was nibbling the lobe of her ear, making her shiver. Then ever so slowly his lips moved down her neck and back to her mouth where his tongue plunged into hers. He caressed her tongue with bold kisses that held nothing back. His hands wandered down her back pressing his hips against her.

  She began to match his desire with her own. She gasped for air when he tore his mouth from hers. The pleasure that ran through her was so intense she could hardly believe anything felt so wonderful or could get any better.

  He lowered his head and took one nipple into his mouth and began to suckle. Kristen clung to his shoulders. Lord, she was going to die right here.

  Trevor's hands seemed to be burning everywhere they touched, and Kristen didn't know how much longer she could stand this torture. When his fingers moved between her legs, though, she immediately clamped them together. "Ye cannot do this!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

  "It is part of it, sweetheart. You must trust me."

  She wasn't too sure about that, but she needed something more than kisses. She needed Trevor like she'd never needed anyone before. Finally, she relaxed and, for once in her life, trusted someone else.

  He shoved his fingers into her warmth and started to move while he kissed her over and over again. Her nipples were taut, pressing into his chest, and she was arching into him with a sensual desire that was matching his.

  Somehow she'd found heaven, she thought as raw pleasure soared through her.

  "Are you ready, Kristen?"

  "I dinna know. I just know that I want ye closer somehow."

  A growl of satisfaction rumbled from Trevor as he separated her thighs. He needed to go slow, he reminded himself, but the blood pounding in his head pushed him on. In one swift move, he became one with his bride.

  God! She was tight and warm and he didn't want to stop, but he did when he felt her tense. Kristen hadn't lied to him, he thought with pride. She was no more a common thief than he was. He felt a big piece of the puzzle was still missing from this girl, and he hoped one day to find that piece, but right now he only wanted to make her completely his.

  He lifted up and looked down at her. "Are you all right?"

  She looked at him with accusing eyes. "Ye never said anything about pain."

  He watched her for a long moment. Thank God, the desire was still in her eyes. "It will only hurt that one time, I promise." He began to move again.

  She felt passion rising in her like the hottest fire. The way he held her betrayed his hunger and she open her mouth further. She needed to taste all of him.

  After several minutes she began to move with him. An odd sort of pressure began to build as she matched his every move, faster and faster until, without warning, everything exploded. She could feel herself being washed away into a sea of oblivion. From somewhere, she heard Trevor cry out her name in triumph, then he became very still and collapsed, sated. He still held her within his arms and she savored the feeling of satisfaction he left with her.

  Neither said a word as they let sleep claim them. But just before Trevor fell asleep, he murmured the words he'd spoken to Kristen the first time he'd met her.

  "You are one wicked lady, Kristen Johnstone... make that Claremont."

  "Aye, I am," she whispered. Then she leaned over and kissed his chin.

  Somehow life would never be the same again.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next two weeks passed in a blur for Kristen. She and Trevor made passionate love at night, but in the daylight she hardly saw him. He stayed behind closed doors working, or so the servants told her. She began to wonder if he was going to great lengths to avoid her.

  Yet, at night she'd tell herself she was being silly because Trevor was so warm and loving, taking her to heights she'd never imagined. Then, the next day the vicious cycle would start again. Kristen was beginning to think she was daft.

  One thing was for certain. She was bored! Kristen had been active all her life, and sitting around doing nothing wasn't her cup of tea.

  And today she'd decided she'd had enough, so she summoned Rebecca. After dressing in what Rebecca called a riding habit, Kristen decided to take a ride and enjoy the outdoors. It didn't matter that she'd never been on a horse before. Riding couldn't be that hard. Even children could do it.

  Looking at her reflection in the dressing room mirror, she admired the light green riding habit made of soft linen. It would be perfect for the gorgeous spring weather they were experiencing. She tied back her hair with a lime green ribbon and let her unruly strawberry blond curls cascade down her back. There. She smiled. She felt better all ready.

  Kristen encountered only a couple of the upstairs maids as she went downstairs. She didn't waste any time heading out the back door.

  So far, so good. She smiled.

  As soon as the door shut behind her, she noticed something moving to her left. Turning, she spotted Hagan and a couple of the servants' children playing in the corner of the terrace under one of the many trellises that stood at each end of the brick veranda.

  "Hello, Hagan," Kristen said as she strolled over to where the children played.

  Hagan looked up. "Hello, Kristen. Where are you going?"

  "I thought I would go riding."

  Hagan giggled."But you don't know how."

  "It canna be so hard. After all, ye learned." She pointed out. "Would ye like tae come?"

  "Sure," Hagan said and immediately stood, but didn't follow his sister right away. He waited until she'd moved away from them. "Sorry," he whispered to his playmates behind his hand. "I need to protect my sister. She gets into all sorts of trouble." His statement produced several giggles from the children.

  Kristen held out her hand, and Hagan ran to catch up with her. She wondered what he'd said to make the other boys giggle. Probably some deep secret. She was glad he was coming so she'd have some company.

  "Where is Trevor?" Hagan asked innocently as he skipped along beside her while they made their way through the sunken path with clipped yews on either side.

  "Working, I g
uess." Her voice sounded tired even to her own ears. "That's all he seems tae do." She finally sighed.

  "Maybe he doesn't know how to do anything else."

  Kristen glanced sideways at her brother. He sounded so wise. Far beyond his five years. "Ye could be right. We'll have tae teach him other things besides work. Won't we?"

  "Sure. I like him." Hagan thought for a moment. "He might not like us riding without him."

  Kristen gazed out over the velvet lawns and parterres. This place looks like paradise, she thought. "I think he's too busy tae care," Kristen said as her earlier irritation returned. How could anybody live in a place like this and not enjoy it? They went on across the lawns until they reached the stables.

  Upon entering, Kristen could smell the leather saddles and horses. She hadn't realized that Chatsworth's stables were so large. Eight stalls lined each side. Several horses peered over the half-doors, watching the stable hands as they mucked out the stalls and put fresh straw on the floors.

  A stocky man with a receding hairline and a pipe hanging out of the corner of his mouth came shuffling down the center of the stable. "What can I do for you, miss?"

  "We would like tae go riding if ye don't mind fixing two horses for us?"

  "It's called saddling," Hagan whispered behind his hand.

  "Just give me a minute." The man chuckled at Hagan's comment. "And I'll have a horse and a pony saddled for you." He bowed curtly. "Name's Baxter, mum." He reached out and ruffled Hagan's hair. "This little scamp is taking a real lik'n' to that pony."

  "Thank you, Baxter. My name is Kristen," she said to the man's back, as he'd already started on his way to do her bidding.

  "See this big red horse." Hagan pointed up to a horse who looked curiously at them over the door. He had a white blaze going down the center of his face and was much larger than the rest of the animals.

  "He's beautiful." Kristen moved over so she could rub his muzzle. "Feels like velvet."

  "Let me." Hagan held up his hand, but he didn't quite reach, so Kristen picked him up and he stroked the horse.