Rule chuckled lightly and lay down beside her. Gently he stroked her belly. “Ah, but ‘twill, my love.” His languorous strokes moved to caress her inner thigh. Separating the walls of her valley, he found her mound of desire and flicked it back and forth, his finger becoming wet with the dew of her yearning.
Meav lifted her hips.
Rule smiled and pleasured her throbbing bloom more deeply.
Meav gasped, parted her thighs and arched her back. With eyes closed she gave in to the magical moment, the wonderful sensuality. She welcomed the glorious sensation to disperse through every facet of her being, taking her consciousness like a drug. Reaching for his tanned chest, she pushed her fingers through his hairs, and tweaked a nipple.
Rule's own breath became heated and raspy as his finger strummed her bud faster, the scent of her female arousal filling the room.
As her climax mounted and exploded within her, Meav's hand roamed to his turgid shaft. Wrapping her fingers around his erection, she felt it pulse, branding her palm with the heat of his desire.
Rule groaned deep in his throat and moved atop her, slowly pushing the tip of his throbbing manhood into her moist warmth.
Meav inhaled sharply when he gently pushed past her hidden pearl, breaking the covering. But the pain was quickly taken over by the pleasure that shuddered through her.
"You are mine, now, my lady.” His last words were smothered on her lips. "Amin tialo."
His kiss sang through Meav's veins. She moaned with pleasure, burying her fingers in his thick hair. He was stiff and unbending within the walls of her womanhood and she opened herself wider to accommodate his size.
Rule was entirely inside of her now, his need quickening his rhythm. A surge of passion swept him along when she closed around him. He could hold on no longer. His wet warmth burst from him, the nectar of his love spilling into her, filling her insides.
They lay entwined, the aftermath of their lovemaking leaving them sedated.
He kissed the back of her neck. “Quest sill ... sleep well, my lady."
"What does amin ... amin..."
"Amin tialo," he finished her sentence.
"Aye, what does it mean?"
He tightened his embrace. “I love you."
"Amin tialo too,” she whispered before falling asleep.
Chapter Twenty-One
The whole situation reminded Lorna of a stray cat she had once found. The animal hid beneath the porch of the tiny cottage she shared as a child with her mother. Each day Lorna would set out food for it, never forgetting to replace the empty dish with one filled. And so it went for days, until the cat had decided to stick its nose out and become friendly.
Now Lorna felt she was doing the same in front of Rule's chamber door. Three times a day she replaced an empty food tray with a new one. She had learned from Cook that Rule and Meav were married in the temple and did not want to be disturbed. But that was three days ago! How on earth could they go at it for so long?
She bit her bottom lip, wondering when the pair would come out. Already too much time had passed for Lorna to be able to do exactly as Shell instructed. And if Meav did not emerge from the chamber by the morrow, the final plan would not take shape. Lorna could not afford for that to happen. Having Shell in command of things was the only way she would prosper, in finances and in her station at the castle.
Sighing heavily she placed a dinner tray in front of the door and retrieved the one she had brought up earlier for lunch. Their appetites certainly had not waned ... not a morsel of food remained. Curiosity getting the best of her, Lorna placed an ear to the thick oak door. Closing her eyes she strained to hear what was happening on the other side.
Wesley had his suspicions about Lorna. Any lass, whose head had been turned by Uri Kent, needed watching. Coming up ever so softly behind her, and leaning close to her ear he whispered. “Something wrong, lass?"
Startled, Lorna screeched and threw the tray she had been holding in the air. Dishes tumbled down around them and shattered.
Face flushed, she turned and glared at Wesley. “Merciful heavens! Why on earth are you sneaking up on me?” She quickly looked around the corridor at the broken dishes. “Now I am certainly going to catch the devil from Cook, and be held responsible for all the damage. Not to mention the fact that glass might have splattered on the new tray, and I will have to bring up fresh food."
Rule's voice came thundering from within the locked room. “What goes on out there?"
"All is fine, my lord,” Lorna lied. “I just dropped the tray. A new one will be brought up immediately.” She narrowed her eyes at Wesley and bent to clean up the mess.
Wesley knelt to help her. “I am sorry ... I certainly did not mean to provoke such havoc.” He placed a broken cup on the tray. “I am sorry,” he repeated. “I just found it odd that you were ... well, lurking at..."
Lorna grabbed the old tray and stood with a huff. “Lurking,” she interrupted quickly. “Is that what it looked like to you?” She straightened her skirt, annoyed.
Wesley reached for the new dinner tray and stood. “Aye, lass, it did."
"'Twas concern. Heavens, they have been in that room for days,” she scowled. “Has it not crossed anyone's mind that ... well, perhaps they could have the fever?"
Wesley threw his head back and laughed heartily. “Oh, they have the fever all right, but not the kind that needs worrying about.” He looked down at the tray she held. “And since they are partaking quite well in nourishment, I do not see a reason for concern."
Lorna raised a defiant chin and marched to the head of the stairs. “I trust you will bring Cook the tainted tray?"
"Aye,” Wesley agreed. “'Twould only be right since I caused the problem."
She turned back to look at him before descending the stairs. “And you should bring up a new dinner tray as well?"
Wesley grunted, following her downstairs. “Aye, that too."
* * * *
Meav had been sound asleep when the noise outside the door exploded her dreams. She saw Rule jump from the bed and reach for the sword leaning up against the fireplace.
Meav rubbed the slumber from her eyes. “What is wrong, milord?"
Amusement flickered in his eyes as they met hers. “'Twould seem Lorna dropped our dinner."
She sat up abruptly. “'Tis dinner time already?"
She watched him walk naked across the room, the strength in his thighs working with each purposeful step. God, he was grand ... velvety bronzed skin stretched over muscle, shoulders broad, arms powerful. A delightful shiver of wanting ran through her as he replaced the sword and dropped down next to her on the bed.
Rule stretched out, reaching over to caress her back. “Aye, comes everyday at this time."
She rolled into his embrace. “Just how many days have passed?"
Rule shrugged. “My count is three."
Meav's eyes widened. “Three! We have been ... been...” she stammered. The things he had done to her, and she had to him, the various positions, and the heated passion, came flooding into her thoughts. Her voice rose. “It has been three days?"
Rule chuckled lightly. “Aye, lass, three glorious days.” He smiled devilishly. “Shall we try for three more?"
Her cheeks turned crimson. “Saints preserve us, what will everyone think?"
He reached out and tweaked a rosy nipple. “They will think you are completely and utterly in love with your husband.” He cupped the full breast. “And that he is totally and wholeheartedly in love with you as well."
Meav eyes softened dreamily. “I am, you know, completely and utterly in love with you.” She stroked his chest, her hand roaming down his abdomen and to the engorged member between his thighs. Smiling, she could not remember in the last three days when his manhood had not been swollen.
Rule tightened his arm around her and closed his eyes.
Meav wrapped her fingers around his hardened shaft, her thoughts going back to the vision quest they shared ... and
the first time she touched Rule. Reality was so much more wonderful than what had transpired in their minds.
He inhaled sharply as her light touch massaged his yard with painfully teasing strokes.
As she caressed the length of him he grew longer and more solid, the tip of his erection wet and oozing. She then scooted down and placed her warm lips around the rock hard shaft.
Rule's eyes shot open. “By thunder, lass, you will cause me to spill my seed right here and now,” he said, reaching down for her and pulling her up from beneath her arms. Gently he placed her beside him. Rolling her onto her stomach, Rule pushed aside the long strands of her hair and trailed scorching kisses down her neck. Slowly his tongue followed the curve of her spine, stopping at the swell of her buttocks. Separating the firm, twin mounds, he lapped at the opening.
Meav felt her toes curl. His laving was evoking sensations through her body that drove her wild. When the tip of his tongue entered her, she moaned with pleasure. Her flesh tingled, her heart raced. Mercy, she felt weightless. Hot ... wet ... and like she could float to the clouds ... but glad she could not ... happier to stay put and feel the moist pressure of his tongue.
The scent of their sexuality filled the room, threatening whatever control he had. In an instant Rule placed a knee on the bed and flipped Meav onto her back. His gaze fixed hungrily on her lips. “'Tis a wonderful ache that needs appeasing."
Meav sucked in a hissing breath as he consumed her mouth, claiming her with hot glides of his tongue; deep erotic slides into the supple recesses. Her tongue dueled with his; circling and darting, tasting him.
Rule growled soft and low as he closed his teeth around her lower lip and pulled, then suckled. Tasting and touching her drove him wilder than when he roamed the jungle as an animal.
Leaving her mouth, he kissed a path down her neck. Meav lifted her chin; the heady scent of her own personal musk increasing his hunger for her.
Her skin was warm and smooth. Rule felt his loins grow hard with desire. Lowering his head to one full breast, he wrapped his lips around the aureole. It puckered and grew in his mouth.
His breath fanned over her skin, soft and warm, as he brought his mouth down around the other breast. Gently he drew the nipple into his mouth. The rake of his teeth across the taut nub sent currents of desire through her.
Rule licked his way to her muff, savoring the pearly hardness hidden deep, circling with his tongue. Then nipping at her privities with his teeth, he pulled the slippery bud into his mouth.
Meav inhaled sharply, entering the realm of rapture. Not only did the man make love to her body, but her soul as well. Raking her fingers through his hair, she parted her thighs.
He delved the depths of her sexuality and lapped at her hidden treasure, almost spending himself when he flicked his tongue over her swollen tissue.
Meav convulsed as he teased her mercilessly. Her bud quivered with each slow, lazy stroke. She cried out for him to go faster, harder.
But Rule savored wanting her, lost in an erotic haze he continued to gently tease her swollen labia, inserting his tongue into her intimate recesses until her silken inner walls contracted.
His hot, rigid erection cradled against her mound. With slow, rhythmic thrusts he entered her slick passage before the last shudder of passion died away. Rubbing back and forth against her feminine spot, he spread her creamy warmth on him ... all over her.
Smelling the essence of her heat and the scent of their lovemaking drove him to his brink. With volcanic spurts Rule exploded inside of her, taking them both to the zenith of ecstasy.
Exhausted, they held each other, slipping into a lover's slumber. It was the sound of their dinner tray being returned that finally aroused them.
Rule slipped on a robe and made his way to the door. Upon opening the heavy portal, he spied Wesley sneaking away down the corridor. He frowned. Had his men somehow been turned into servants while he hid away in his chamber with his bride?
He shut the door behind him and placed the tray on the table. “Most peculiar,” he commented, pouring them each a goblet of wine.
Meav found her robe and slipped it on. Hungrily she eyed the plates of smoke salmon, pork and various cheeses. “What is?"
Rule popped a piece of cheese into his mouth. “That Wesley would be bringing us our dinner instead of Lorna."
Meav sipped her wine. “I have been meaning to talk to you about Lorna.” She sat down and filled a plate with slabs of pork.
Rule also sat and dove into the food. “Why is that, my lady?"
Meav tasted the succulent meat and rolled her eyes heavenward. “There is something about her that troubles me."
Rule speared a piece of salmon with a fork and stopped mid-way to his mouth. “Has she done something to warrant your suspicions?"
"Not that one would notice, but...” She tilted her head sideways. “How well do you know Lorna, milord?"
Rule sat back in his chair. “Just before I was sent away to school, Lorna's mother came into Devora's employ as a seamstress. Lorna was only a young child at the time, perhaps five or six. She played with the cook's children while her mother fashioned Devora's gowns.” He narrowed his eyes. “Come to think of it, she did not play well with the others."
Meav leaned forward in her chair. “What do you mean?"
Rule frowned. “Just that she was sweet around the adults, but selfish and pushy with the children. I caught her many times teasing them, taking their toys and making them cry."
Meav reached for a piece of cheese. “I knew she was not as genuinely sweet as she acted."
Rule's frown deepened. “And being around Devora's influence certainly could not have helped her to behave better.” He stroked his stubble-shadowed chin thoughtfully. “I will have a talk with Wesley about her. He has been here throughout the years Lorna was growing up."
"Good idea,” Meav agreed, taking another sip of the wine.
Rule cast her a devilish smile. “You know what else I think would be a good idea?"
Meav shook her head.
"That after I ravage this meal, I ravage you."
Meav returned his smile with a mischievous one of her own. “I think that is an excellent idea indeed."
* * * *
Lorna was relieved when the chamber door opened and her services were once again needed. Her eye caught a glimpse of the blood stain on the sheet. Meav blushed and quickly covered the it with the quilt.
Lorna cleared her throat and engaged herself in fixing Meav's hair. “When I am done with braiding, I will send someone up to put fresh linens on the bed, my lady."
"I would appreciate that, Lorna,” Meav said, her blush deepening.
"I believe you would also appreciate inhaling the beautiful floral scents filling the air on this magnificent warm day, instead of what circulates in this stuffy castle.” Lorna forced a sweet smile. If she did not get Meav to the river today, her plans with Shell would be ruined. As ‘twas she would only manage to get to the river twice instead of three times, as originally planned. “A wee bit of sun would put some color into your face, my lady."
Meav frowned. Goodness, what was Lorna thinking? Three days with Rule, doing things she did not dream two bodies could do, had left a permanent flush on her face.
"I can pack a lunch and we can eat down by the river ... pick berries for pie making,” Lorna went on.
"As much as that sounds wonderful, Lorna, I have to help me husband organize the coronation ceremony and ball. Anyway, Rule would never go along with just the two of us going alone."
"We could take Bulwark along ... I will pack him a lunch as well.” Lorna forced a giggle. “Have you not noticed how the man likes to eat?"
Meav laughed lightly. “Aye, ‘tis true. Bulwark does like his food.” She looked at the handmaiden through the mirror. “Your idea does sound like fun. Back in Dublin I loved to pick berries.” Meav sighed. “I will talk to Rule. Perhaps we can have a picnic in a few days."
Lorna bit her bottom li
p nervously. “Can we plan it for the day after the morrow, then? I will bake raisin bread."
Meav nodded reluctantly, feeling apprehensive as to why Lorna was acting so anxious about this outing. “Aye, the day after the morrow,” she finally agreed.
Lorna breathed a sigh of relief and finished braiding Meav's hair.
* * * *
Wesley stood silently, hands behind his back, in front of the large cherry wood writing desk. Rule sealed the last bit of correspondence and looked up. “Your quick response to my summons is appreciated."
Wesley inclined his head respectively. “I am at your service, my lord."
Rule pushed back his chair and stood, going over to a large set of windows and looking out at the courtyard below. “I will get right to the point."
"'Tis always a good thing to do, my lord."
Rule turned to face him, and motioned for Wesley to sit. “What can you tell me about Lorna?"
"Personally,” he began, pausing for a moment. “I do not trust her."
Rule moved to his desk and sat down. “Why."
"She was involved with a sentry by the name of Uri Kent.” Wesley frowned. “Devora's guards were blood hungry rogues, but the two that were the worst was Uri Kent and Hugh Carson.” Wesley sat back in his seat. “They went beyond despicable to the bazaar.” His eyes clouded with remorse. “It pains me now to realize what I kept my mouth shut over the things they did just to save my own hide. I will forever be ashamed for being such a coward."
"You were but one man, caught in a situation you had no control over,” Rule said. “I thank you everyday for the final stand you did take. Without you my wife and the others would be dead.” Rule's insides shuddered at the thought. “Forgive yourself, Wesley. ‘Tis time to move on.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “What more can you tell me about Lorna?"
Wesley met Rule's gaze. “The wench is sneaky. Just yesterday I caught her with her ear to your chamber door."
"Did she know you caught her?"
Wesley nodded. “Scared the hell out of her too."
Rule smirked. “Could that be the reason she dropped my dinner tray?"
A River of Orange Page 24