by Ria Cantrell
Drew saw Jamie was teasing Bronwyn, but he said, “Leave her alone. She is married now. As my wife, it is my right alone to do the paddling.”
Bronwyn’s jaw dropped until she saw the smirk on her husband’s face.“Ye’ wouldna’ dare!”
“It is a husband’s right, lass. He is right.”
Giving Jamie a hateful look, she turned back to Drew and said, “Then I canna’ promise that it willna’ be my right to lock my bedroom door against the paddlin’ husband.”
Kissing her soundly in front of Jamie, Drew said, “Oh you would never do such a thing. T’was you who pulled me into the storeroom.”
Bronwyn looked horrified as both men grinned at her. Chuckling, Jamie conceded and left, shaking his head. Far be it from him to interfere with a husband and a wife. They were obviously quite lost in each other, despite their banter. When Bronwyn saw that they were once again alone, she planted her hands on her luscious hips and pouted prettily. The full effect was not lost on Drew. God, he wanted her.
“Ye’ will no’ paddle me!”
“Well, I don’t know. You know I am quite unhinged by your delicious bottom in those lace knickers. I might rather enjoy having you turned over my lap.”
“You are a blackguard”, she hissed.
“Well, better that you know it from the start and better to have me do it than one of your brothers.” Bronwyn’s mouth hung open again.
“My brothers dunna’ paddle me. Nor has my Da’. Ever.”
“Yes, obviously, you were a pampered and spoilt child. However, if you need it, I shall be happy to give you that lesson,” Drew said, smiling impishly. As she continued to look horrified at the prospect, Drew kissed her again.
“Come, love. I need to change for the main banquet. Will you come with me?”
Bronwyn thought for a moment and then glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, she nodded. The look she had given him was so sultry; he grabbed her hand and pulled her giggling up to the room he had slept in the past night. It was sparse but functional. He was not going to be able to wait till that night to be alone with her after all.
Closing the door quickly behind them, Drew turned Bronwyn gently in his arms. He unlaced the back of her silk gown. As she felt it loosen, she stepped out of it and stood before him without any shyness. Looking at her, he moaned. She was standing before him in nothing but those very lacies he was so undone by.
His fingers fumbled with his trews and finally he kicked them off. He throbbed before her to full length and she let out her breath, which she had been holding. She licked her lips and stepped toward him. Her fingers traced the clan marking on his upper arm. He was magnificent.
Her gaze appraised him openly. He loved when she did that. It made him all the more excited and it was getting to that fever pitch level. It seemed as all “maiden” shyness was now gone again. Kneeling before her, he pulled down the very garment that made him harder still. He watched her step out of them and she stood before him completely without any clothes.
He touched her and she sucked in her breath. Her hands flattened on the wall behind her. He leaned closer and with hands behind her, he gripped her softly rounded cheeks. He pulled her hips forward. He felt her heat before he tasted her. His mouth planted sensual kisses around her belly and then lower. Sliding one finger gently into that source of heat, he felt she was wet with need. As she fairly dripped, he moaned, “Yes, you are like honey on my tongue.”
He took another taste and he felt her arch back, nearly shuddering at so light a touch. As he felt her sweet nectar on his tongue he knew one thing for certain. He wanted her. There was no way he would be denied.
He raised her, and holding her, with her back against the door, he wrapped her legs around his hips. He said, “I can’t wait any longer…” and he entered her with one swift plunging thrust. She could not move much this way, so she hung onto his broad shoulders and felt him fill her as he grew large and thick by just entering her. Clenching instantly around him brought Drew to hyper sensitivity. It wasn’t going to be long for either of them.
She was vaguely aware of the rough door pressing against her spine, but anything that was uncomfortable was lost as pleasure spiraled inside of her. Drew knew that maybe having her against the door that way, would cause some aches later; probably for both of them, but he just could not hold back now. He rocked with her, feeling her so wonderfully tight about him. Sliding one hand up her side, he cupped a breast lovingly and he created the mesmerizing rhythm that brought them both to quick climax. As she pulsed around him, it was done and he surged within her, filling her with his seed. She cried out softly and followed him immediately with a climax of her own.
Slowly, Drew lowered her to her feet, he said, “My God, girl. You make me lose control like a lad with his first time coupling. You have made my legs feel boneless.”
She giggled nervously and kissed him. She could feel his heart hammering against her own breast and she said, “I know…I am shaking, as well.”
“What power do you have over me?”
Green eyes met tawny ones which still smoldered with passion. It was so good between them, Bronwyn thought. She could still feel her own heart slamming inside her ribcage. Although she was still quivering from all parts of her body, Bronwyn thought she could not get her fill. She wanted Drew again and again, even if it meant finding perfect release against castle walls! She knew she should feel embarrassed by her wantonness, but all she felt was blissful contentment.
When they had calmed down enough from their quick, heated passionate encounter, they washed up and dressed for the main celebratory meal. Drew was once again dressed in the Scottish clan attire. Bronwyn licked her lips like a starving woman. He quirked a smile and said, “You look like you would like to devour me.”
“Mmm, aye. I am starving…”
Shaking his head, Drew said, “Insatiable!” Then he said, “I shall see if it is safe to leave our little tryst. Stay in the shadows of the room a moment.”
“Drew, we are married. I dunna’ care if we are caught.”
“Brave, brave lassie,” He teased. “I dunna’ want our Witchy friend to scold me again, lass. I will see if we can leave secretly.”
As Drew took her hand and lead her from the room, he thought he caught sight of a figure retreating down the back staircase. Had someone been spying on them? All he saw was the shadow and sensed the rustle of fabric. It may have just been one of the maids, he thought. There were many guests and people about. Not thinking on it again, Drew and Bronwyn made their way to the feast.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Daria could not stop her heart from pounding. She had nearly been caught by none other than her lover and that savage. Oh, she was disgusted. She heard them! Grunting and moaning like animals. She fumed. Being with that savage dog was no better than being with an animal. She consoled herself by saying, “Just a little while longer. I shall have my due. Oh, you will be sorry, you heathen slut.”
As she flattened herself on the stairwell wall, Daria felt her heart rate return to normal. She had nearly ruined everything with her impatience. She was glad her disguise, though adding bulk to her body, did not weigh very much and she was still able to retreat rather quickly. It did not hinder her very much at all. She just had to bide her time a little longer.
She would wait until the celebration was in full swing and then she would bring about her news.
~~~~~
Later during the feast, wearing the clan colors once again proudly, Drew was certain he had never been happier in his life. He danced with his beautiful bride. She tried to teach him an intricate strathspey and he did not actually learn it well. His fumbled steps caused Bronwyn’s laughter to pour over him like a shimmered blessing. He pulled her into his arms and growled playfully, “Dunna’ laugh at me, lassie. I canna’ help it if these wild highland dances confound me.”
She kissed him; laughter still sweet on her lips. The sight of her big husband trying to learn the Scottish da
nces and trying not to flash his backside to the mob of wedding guests filled her so with laughter, she just could not contain herself. Just when she thought she would get a peek at his delicious bum, the kilt would swing back into place. She kissed him again, and that earned them ribald cheers and jests. Actually, despite the danger of flashing his arse to those present in the hall, Drew was enjoying himself immensely.
He said, “Well give me an English brasle. I am sure you will not take to it so easily.”
“Care to wager, husband?”
“Mayhap not. You spent time in the English court, after all. I would lose that bet as well, as if my pride is not already bruised.”
Bronwyn laughed sweetly and said, “I know yer’ English dances, Drew. Wager or not, I would be happy to dance them with you.”
He led her to the dais and said, “In a moment. I need to catch my breath. Would you like a drink?”
“That would be lovely. Yes, please.”
Drew went to fill Bronwyn’s goblet with some cool mead and once it was filled, he turned but stopped short, seeing the attractive tall brunette approaching him. Daria! Bloody Hell!
Smiling too sweetly, she said, “Congratulations, Andrew.”
“What are you doing here? You know you are not welcomed here.”
“All of the townsfolk were invited. I came to celebrate with you and your lovely bride,” she said with false honey. Her sarcasm was not missed.
“I suppose she would be considered pretty…by Scottish standards.”
“Daria, anyone can see she is beautiful.”
A muscle began to tick in Drew’s jaw again. He knew Daria was up to only malevolence.
“By the looks of you, you have turned Scot, as well.”
Drew bit back a retort and said, “If you will excuse me, I need to be returning.”
Putting a hand on Drew’s arm, she stopped him. Her cloak swung slightly aside and she hoped Drew got a look at her growing belly. “Please, I need a word with you.”
“Daria, we have nothing more to say to each other. We had nothing more to say to each other before I left for the Winter Palace. I certainly have nothing more to say to you now, after what you did.”
“What we did, Drew. What we did. Don’t you remember it? The last time I was in your bed? When you so rudely made me leave after we made love.”
“Daria, we never made love. You planted yourself in my bed to cause trouble.”
“I meant no trouble. You did not seem to think it was trouble when we did all those wonderful things we always enjoyed. Perhaps we can walk some place quiet so we can discuss this.”
“I am afraid that would seem most improper, especially to my in-laws. Speak now if you wish, or if not, allow me to take my leave.”
“Ah yes, the burly Scots ever present at your bride’s side. One would almost think that your hand is being forced. I mean everyone knows you have bedded the harlo…”
“Don’t you dare say it.”
“Bedded the Scottish woman, then. Why it was the talk of the village. Are they forcing you to make an honest woman of her?”
“Forcing me? Quite the contrary, but that is none of your business. Now speak or I must go.”
Drew was fighting the rising ire he could rarely contain when it came to Daria. It seemed it had always been like that but it was even more so, when he found her in his bed.
“I know you, Drew. Surely she is not coming to your bed a virgin. You would not have it so. Perhaps those brothers of hers wanted to be sure you wed her.”
“Watch your tongue.”
“She is no pure virgin.”
“Lower your voice.”
“I asked you to leave these walls behind and come outside in the quiet night to talk to me. You refused.”
“Surely, you did not come here to malign my wife. What do you want?”
“Well…I thought it time to tell your wife just what sort of man she was marrying.”
Drew thought he was going to be driven to violence against this woman. She was truly trying his patience.
“Daria, this is ridiculous. You and I shared a brief time together. We both knew it for what it was. I am not trying to be cruel, but I had enough when we ended our affair.”
Daria seethed with hidden fury. She said, “We didn’t end it. You ended it. It was never about we…but about you.”
Shaking his head sadly, Drew said, “It ran its course. T’is done. It was done a long time before I ended it.”
As Drew turned to leave, she blurted out, “I am carrying your child.”
The words hung in the air like a cannon blast. Drew turned to her and grabbing her wrist rather ungently, he said. “You are a liar. That was more than six moon-tides.”
Daria pushed open her heavy velvet cloak. While she was dressed with expensive clothes, Drew saw the rounded indication of her middle. He thought about how big Rhianna was and she was not as far along as Daria would have had to be.
“Drew, when I joined you in your bed, we made love. It was as good as I remembered.”
“What is the meaning of this, Daria? I woke the minute you insinuated yourself between my sheets. I don’t believe your claim.”
“I am with child and it is yours.”
“You are lying. I woke immediately upon you coming unwanted into my bed. And if it is from when we were together, you are not nearly big enough.”
“I know I am small, but it is true.”
“So which is it? Is this child begotten from our past or from the supposed time you planted yourself uninvited into my bed? This is another of your evil manipulations. I will not have it. I am not such a fool to believe you blindly.”
“Oh, aren’t you? You were forced into marrying a woman you bedded, only she shows no sign of bearing you a child. I have gotten to know her. It is no secret that she has been your doxy these past months but she has proven to be barren.”
“She has proven no such thing. She is perfectly hale to bear me plenty of children.”
“Oh, then why hasn’t she? I can already give you what she has proven she cannot.”
Drew’s jaw worked in rising anger. Suddenly he felt afraid for Bronwyn. This woman was capable of anything. He knew that now. Drew felt an uneasiness and fear for his wife. With a low growl-like warning, Drew said, “You stay away from her. She has done you no ill. I will not tolerate you hurting her.”
Smiling nastily, Daria said, “Ahh, sweet chivalrous Drew. So protective of the little Scottish barbarian and not even a care for his unborn child.” Drew squeezed her arm.
“Ouch, Drew, you are hurting me.”
“Listen, if I find you near my wife or that your claim is a lie, this will be the least of the pain I will cause you,” Drew growled through gritted teeth.
Rhianna and Erik were making their way to the dais when they saw the look of despair and worry on Bronwyn’s face. Simultaneously, they both turned their heads in the direction of Bronwyn’s stricken gaze. Erik cursed under his breath, “Bloody hell! What is she doing here?”
“Coming to cause trouble, no doubt,” Rhianna said. Bronwyn’s eyes flashed and said, “Well, t’is time she learned more about who she has trifled with.”
Erik took Bronwyn’s arm and said, “Wait…We will come with you. She is a very evil soul.”
Turning to look at Erik, Bronwyn’s eyes showed the confusion she felt. Taking a deep breath, Erik said, “Look, she is like slow seeping venom. She was poison to Drew.”
“Ye’ made the same claim about me, some time ago,” Bronwyn answered quietly. Erik bowed his head in defeat and said, “I was wrong about you, my lady. I am not wrong about her.”
Bronwyn turned back to look at the woman hell bent on ruining her wedding. She was not going to have it. Absently, she said, “She is very beautiful and tall. No doubt they made quite a striking couple.”
“Once you get to know her, you cannot see anything beautiful about her,” Rhianna said bitterly. She still harbored ill will toward the woman for her par
t in hurting the children of the village. Erik said, “Yes. I was happy to help Drew escort her from the keep right before he left for Scotland. I wish I had known she was posing as your friend. I would have had her removed sooner. For that I apologize. To think she had the audacity to enter your apartments and….”
“What? What do ye’ mean?”
Erik suddenly realized his mistake and that Drew had not explained about when Daria had planted herself in his bed.
“Are ye’ saying she was in my chambers, alone with Drew?”
Bronwyn felt waves of betrayal drowning her as she looked into the faces of Rhianna and Erik.
“She tried one of her whoring tricks and she thought to seduce Drew…but he would not have it. Erik and he removed her from Ragnorsen and forbade her to return,” Rhianna said.
With glaring anger, Bronwyn looked into the woman’s face who she had thought was her friend. It didn’t matter so much that the Viking had deceived her, but the betrayal from her friend and her own husband was almost too much to bear.
“Ye’ knew this and ye’ never told me? And Drew never even so much as mentioned it.”
“I suspect he was trying to protect you, my lady.”
“Protect me? From what? Lies and betrayal? If there was nothing to hide, he would have told me. Ye’ would have told me. Tell me now, did she share his bed…our bed?”
Rhianna tried to soothe Bronwyn’s anger and hurt and she said, “Daria put herself in bed with Drew whilst he was sleeping. The moment he realized she was there, he saw to her removal.”
“Daria made Drew very unhappy in the past. She was mean and manipulative. Drew loves you…he has from the moment he saw you,” Erik offered, trying to once again make amends for his part in the cause of pain for this girl.