by London Casey
“I have a headache, but nothing like—last night?”
“Yes. We both had a rough night.”
She reached for him. “Your shoulder—”
“Will be fine. Appia treated it, and your head.”
“That’s where we are—her shop. I vaguely remember smelling herbs, and—there were two men.”
“Quintus stood up for us, and Marius backed him up. He is the temporary commander of Ver…”
“Vercovicium. A mouthful, I know. I remember now—Marius brought us here, for safekeeping. You look like hell.”
Her comment surprised a laugh out of him. “As I said, a rough night.”
“And someday you’ll trust me enough to tell me about the dream you don’t remember. Until then, come here.” She tugged on his hand. “I’m not ready to get up yet, and I missed sleeping with you. Is your shoulder—”
“Fine.” It burned like bloody hell, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. God help him, just the sight of her had him throbbing. But they needed sleep more than he needed the temporary relief. With her, he knew he would never get enough. Every time he loved her, he wanted her more.
Kane moved to join her, and froze when she grabbed the hem of her sweater and pulled it off, revealing that beautiful, slim body. All she wore now was a thin camisole and her tiny silk panties, sleep tangled blonde hair falling around her, brushing her waist. He went from rock hard to painfully hard.
“Take your clothes off, Kane. You might as well be comfortable.”
That was the last thing he would be.
He unbuttoned his trousers, and swore to find a pair that did not button. He wanted to turn around, so he didn’t frighten her when he dropped them, but he changed his mind. She started it, now she was about to see the effect she had on him. He pushed down his trousers, his erection straining against the cotton placket of his boxers.
Her eyes widened, and she swallowed. Kane let her stare at him, before he gave her a smile. “I can sleep. Just sleep, since we are both more than a bit banged up.”
“Right.” She scooted over, and he swore he saw disappointment flash in her eyes before her hair curtained her face.
He lay on his left side, and stretched his arm out to pillow her head. He could just sleep, damn it, even if it killed him. When she lowered herself to the bed and slid back until she pressed into his hard, thick length, he figured it just might.
He tried not to move, but his body took charge, finding her heat. She let out a low moan, and grabbed his hip when he started to pull back.
“Beth—”
“Don’t go,” she whispered. She moved her hand—and his breath lodged in his throat as he watched her remove those tiny panties.
“Are you trying to seduce me, Elizabeth?”
She turned over, tossed the panties at the floor, and smiled at him. “Yes, I am. If you approve, your grace.”
The mention of his hated title should have bothered him. But like his scars, she simply accepted it as part of him, without the need to exploit it, or him. “I would love for you to continue.”
With a shaky breath, she kept eye contact, and slipped her hand inside his boxers. He nearly bolted at the feel of her fingers on him.
“Kane?”
“Fine,” he whispered. “Better than fine.”
“I haven’t—I never—”
“Initiated?” She shook her head. “You’re doing everything right so far, love.”
A smile eased the hesitation he saw in her eyes. “I’m going to let go, for a second.”
He felt cold when her fingers left him, until he saw the reason. She sat, and pulled off her camisole. First sight of her slim body took him from rock hard to painfully hard. She reached over and tugged at the waistband of his boxers.
“I’d like these off, please.”
He stood and got rid of the boxers, then waited for her. If she wanted to be in charge, she would be in charge. The thrill of it shot heat through him.
Elizabeth knelt on the bed—and Kane let out a raw gasp when she closed her hand over him. A wicked smile crossed her face, and his knees nearly buckled as she started stroking his length.
“Another right move?”
He kissed her, let his lips and his tongue answer. She matched the pace of their tongues sliding against each other with her hand. He started to jerk against her fingers, every inch hot and aching. He broke off the kiss and caught her wrist. She stopped immediately.
“Kane? I didn’t do something wrong, did I?”
“Too much right, Beth, too fast.”
A blush spread over her cheeks. “Oh.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “Only you affect me like this. I have never lost control with another woman.”
“Did you want me to stop? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
“I have moved far beyond uncomfortable.” He smiled, and brushed his lips over hers. “Stopping now would likely kill me, love. Now, what would you have me do next?”
“On the bed, on your left side.” She backed up, giving him room. After he stretched out, she spread her hair over the headrest, then spooned him, his swollen length pressing into her heat. “I want to feel every inch of you, inside me.”
“Beth.” It was all he could do not to embed himself in her. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“We can go slowly.”
He smiled. “That is my line.”
“I’m in charge this time, so I get to use it.”
“Then take charge, my love.”
She slid her hand along his hip, and he closed his eyes. He didn’t think he could get any harder, but she just proved him wrong.
“You feel so good,” she whispered. “I love the way you feel against me, love the way you smell—like the woods after it rains. So clean, so masculine. It has always turned me on.”
He swallowed. “God help me.”
She took his hand, and laid it on her breast. They both let out a shaky breath. “I want you to touch me.”
He obliged, rubbing her nipple between his fingers until she arched into his hand. His lips brushed her shoulder, and he moved his hand to her other breast, caressing, teasing. She slid herself along his length, and he groaned. He needed to be inside her.
“Beth—”
“Yes.” Her hand closed over him, and he growled, nearly at his breaking point. She shifted her leg, guiding him until the tip of his erection slid into her heat. “Fill me, Kane,” she whispered. “Please—I need you.”
“Hell—” His own need exploded through him and he couldn’t wait any longer. He slipped his hand down, spread his fingers over her stomach. She moaned, pushing against him—and let out a sharp gasp as he drove himself all the way in. He stilled, afraid he’d gone too far. “Are you—”
“Good. Better than good.” She tilted her hips, and he sank even deeper. His sensitized skin felt every bit of friction. “Stay right there,” she whispered, her breath harsh. “I want to just feel you, inside me like this—Oh, God, Kane.” Her body tightened around him, and he jerked in response. “I don’t understand how you do this to me. I always considered sex kind of—obligatory.”
“Not anymore?” He was surprised he could talk.
“God, no.” She dug her fingers into his hip and pressed closer, and he felt himself touch the core of her. “Oh, God…”
“Make love with me, wife.”
She let out a breathless laugh, and rocked against him, every small movement like exquisite torture. Her sharp, ragged gasps ignited him. He wouldn’t last much longer, not buried in her like this, her body hot and tight around him. He couldn’t say anymore, couldn’t think anymore. His body took over, moved with her, the feel of her incredible.
“Oh, God—Kane—faster—”
He obeyed, thrusting hard and fast. She matched his pace, letting out a low, helpless moan with every stroke. The sound of it had him moving faster.
She shuddered, and he knew she was on the edge. His hand closed over her breast. She
arched against his touch, her hand covering his, fingers clenching when he rubbed his thumb over her nipple.
Her body surrounded him, the feel of her like a drug. He never wanted to stop, never wanted to let her go. He thrust himself inside her, faster, harder, until his body begged for release.
She cried out, her body bowing as she climaxed, and her orgasm triggered his. He held on to her, the start of his own release pulsing through him. With a final desperate thrust he let go, and fell with her over the edge.
Kane took in a shuddering breath. Elizabeth had the same trouble, her rapid breath hot on his arm. Her soft, warm body had him twitching inside her. She looked over her shoulder, surprise in those dazed eyes.
“How—”
“You are—like a stimulant.” He draped his right arm over her hip. He didn’t think it could go any further, and her smooth, firm skin was a nice resting spot while he caught his breath. “I meant to take it slow.”
“I liked it fast.” With a sigh, she leaned her head against his shoulder. “You took my breath away.” She sounded more than breathless. Pain edged her voice.
“Beth. Look at me.” She did, flushed from their lovemaking, but pale under it. “Lie still, love.” He eased himself out of her, ignored the desire to sink into her again, and pulled her back against him. “Forgive me. We should have slept instead of—”
“Having hot, mind melting sex? I’ll live, Kane. I’m just a little lightheaded.”
He leaned in, kissed her temple, her skin warm under his lips. No fever. Relief eased some of his guilt. “Get some sleep. Once I rest a bit, I am going to work on the transport…” His voice faded as he looked at her empty wrist. “Beth, where is—”
“In the pocket of my trousers,” she said, her voice slurred. “I took it off after Marius stopped us. I wasn’t sure when I’d have another chance before I passed out.”
He pressed his lips to her hair. “I am so sorry, love.”
“Not your fault. You didn’t put Hadrian’s Wall there.”
He chuckled, pulled her in tighter. “Sleep for me. I will get us home before you know it.”
She tucked herself against him, had him twitching again. He forced himself to ignore it, and pulled the damask up to cover them.
“Love you,” she whispered.
Kane studied her as she drifted off, her breathing slow and even.
“I love you, Beth. And I will find a way to take you home.”
Chapter Five
Marius greeted them when they emerged late that afternoon. Though Elizabeth only said a few words to him the night before, he treated her like an honored guest, providing them with an early dinner, and reclining with them as they ate.
Elizabeth felt odd, resting on a low couch to eat. But with her head still aching, it was a relief not to sit in a hard, uncomfortable chair. All she wanted to do was sleep again, and hope the headache was gone when she woke. She didn’t want to think beyond that.
Marius reached forward and took a bunch of grapes. “Word of your presence has spread. I’m afraid I have to ask you to stay.” Only he wasn’t asking. Elizabeth knew it was a friendly order, but an order. They weren’t going anywhere—unless Kane fixed the transport.
“We understand, Marius,” Kane said. “With a killer stalking your men, I would do the same in your position.”
Elizabeth let him speak for them. She was in a man’s world now. At the best of times the soldiers would be wary of their conquered neighbors. Now, with a murderer loose, even the most battle tested might jump at shadows, and stab first. She knew she would in their situation.
Appia joined them, and took the time to examine Elizabeth and Kane before she sat on the sofa, at Marius’ feet. “There is a small inn at the end of the street, near the south gate. My friend Livia and her brother just opened their doors, and I have arranged a room for you, meals included.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said.
“It is my pleasure.” Appia took her hand, reached for Kane. “You were attacked in a place I consider my home. I want to be certain you are comfortable, until you leave us.”
Elizabeth felt guilty for taking advantage because of a lie. But there was no other way to explain her injury, and their abrupt arrival.
Marius pulled her back to the conversation. “Quintus will walk you down to the inn. He insisted,” he said, when Kane opened his mouth, probably to protest. “I would do it, but there would be a lecture from Appia about overtaxing myself.” He winked at her, and she smiled, like he spoke the truth. “Quintus is up at the fort now, but he will be down as soon as he finishes with the centurions.”
“It would be an honor,” Elizabeth said. “I wanted the chance to thank him for helping us last night.”
“Commander!” A young male voice entered the room just before its owner. The tall, lanky figure bowed to Appia, then to Marius, a scroll clutched in his hand. “New orders from the capital—oh.” He blinked at Elizabeth, his soft brown eyes wide as he stared at her. “I was told you were here with Quintus. I will—”
“This is my clerk, Servius. Meet our guests, Servius. They joined us last night, and will be headed down to the new inn with Quintus, as soon as he returns.”
Elizabeth swore a sneer crossed his face before he pasted on a smile and turned to Marius. “Shall I wait on him, sir?”
“I have Eógan watching for his arrival.”
“Of course.” This time the sneer lingered, long enough for Marius to notice, and frown at him. Servius twitched in obvious embarrassment, and rushed through his next words. “There are several centurions waiting on you in the principia, with questions. I searched everywhere for you at dawn. You missed the morning report.”
“And sent Quintus in my place.” His voice was quiet, but it got his point across. Color flushed Servius’ cheeks. “Run ahead, and tell them I’m on my way.”
Servius bobbed his head, glanced back at Elizabeth, and sprinted out of the room.
Marius shook his head. “He is young, and still full of the conceit of living in Rome. Give him a few months, and he’ll stop sneering at the locals.”
He pushed himself up, and grabbed his crutch. Elizabeth knew the time had come to say goodbye to these good people; strangers who had protected them, and taken them in without anything more than their word. Appia took his arm, and Elizabeth watched her offer support without seeming to offer it.
Kane helped her stand, taking her hand as they walked behind the older couple. “When we are settled, I want you to sleep while I work.”
She nodded, carefully. She obviously looked as rough as she felt.
Quintus waited for them in the courtyard. He took a few steps toward Marius before the older man raised one hand. The flash of grief in Quintus’ dark eyes told Elizabeth how much he worried about Marius.
“Hello, Quintus.” She pulled free of Kane, and limped forward to take the outstretched hand. Quintus stared down at her leg, then over at Kane. “It’s a prior injury. I want to thank you, for helping us last night.”
“Villius is a hothead at the best of times. With a friend so newly murdered, he has no control, and you were a convenient target.”
Kane moved to her side, holding out his left hand. “I need to add my thanks. You risked injury standing for a stranger, and I am grateful for it.”
He showed Elizabeth yet another side of him; one that allowed him to be vulnerable in front of strangers. She didn’t expect that, knowing he was an orphan—and one who had been badly mistreated on top of it. Bottom line—she still didn’t know what kind of man Kane was, not completely. All she knew was she trusted him, like she had never trusted before. And he had done everything in his power to keep her safe since she met him. The rest would work itself out.
Quintus led them out of Appia’s shop and to a street crowded with the people who lived here, taking her arm before she could stumble. The fort rose behind them, spread across the steep hill. In daylight, it was even more impressive. Elizabeth had seen numerous photos o
f the ruins, and it amazed her that the foundations were absolutely level, even on the steepest part of the hill. The Romans knew how to build.
Quintus nodded to civilians as they passed. All of them stared, some whispering to companions. She and Kane stood out, and not only as strangers. With their out of place clothes, and their backpacks, they were a walking billboard for “we don’t belong.” She wanted to stare at the paved path; all the unwanted attention left her feeling exposed. Instead she opted for looking ahead to their destination.
The buildings they passed were open in front, their wares displayed on waist high counters or hanging above the shopkeepers. It was a lively and neat settlement, more refined than she expected. The inn they headed for was obviously a new building; everything about it was brighter and cleaner. Its position next to the fort offered an extra level of protection, and perceived safety to any guests staying there.
The huge stone gate leading into the fort caught her attention. It sported two arched entries, a guard tower, a high wall on either side, and at least two dozen soldiers. Far more than she’d read usually manned each gate.
Quintus freed her arm. “Stay here.”
Kane moved to her side and wrapped his left arm around her. “Is that a normal number?”
“No.” She looked up at him. “I think something may have—”
“Murderer!” A man pushed through a knot of soldiers near the gate and sprinted forward. Straight toward them. “He is the one! I saw him cut down that soldier just before dawn! Covered him with leaves and left him to rot in the field!”
Kane stepped away from her as the man made a beeline for him.
“Kane—”
“Stay put. We’ll get this sorted.”
Elizabeth sensed a presence behind her. Her heart skipped when she glanced over her shoulder and saw half a dozen soldiers moving to surround them, swords glinting in the late afternoon sun. They must have been waiting in the settlement. Waiting for Kane to walk into the trap.
The man barreled into Kane, fists pounding every body part they could reach. Kane did his best not to hurt the man even as he tried to block the assault. Two of the soldiers behind her strode forward and pulled them apart.