Sam chuckled. “I know, Angel.”
He left her and Amelia walked in a few minutes later with the deep-blue velvet gown Rayne had worn when she first arrived. It was one that Victoria had packed for her when Emma brought her to Harrisburg. That trip seemed like a lifetime ago.
Once Rayne was dressed, Amelia led her downstairs and into the foyer.
“What are we doing?” Rayne asked.
Amelia gave her a secret smile. “You’ll see.”
She handed Rayne a bouquet of wildflowers, slightly wilted from the frost, but wrapped in a deep-blue ribbon, which made them look a bit more substantial. Taking Rayne’s arm, she pulled her toward the parlor and stopped outside the door. “Are you ready to marry my brother?” Amelia asked in a whisper as she opened the doors.
Rayne gasped. Sam stood on the opposite side of the room and her new friends stood on both sides of him, creating an aisle way. Rayne nodded as tears filled her eyes and she moved to join Sam. Minister Cunningham married the couple in less than five minutes. They didn’t have time for congratulations, as Sam had them booked on the four o’clock train to D.C.
Rayne hugged Sophie as they were leaving. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
“My pleasure. You’ll be here for Thanksgiving and I expect another duet.”
Rayne laughed. “I can’t wait!”
Amelia hugged her next.
“Thank you for your help, Amelia.”
“Thank you for marrying my brother. I couldn’t ask for a better sister.”
Rayne giggled. “Well, give it time. You might come to regret those words.”
Sam said their final farewells and then lifted her into the buggy driven by Jamie, and the couple took off for the train station. They made it just as the whistle blew. Rayne hugged Jamie quickly, and she and Sam made a run for the train. She was out of breath as they sat in the passenger car across from an elderly couple.
“Are you all right?” Sam asked with concern.
“Yes. I just haven’t done much over the last week and running in these skirts is not easy,” she whispered.
He took her hand and kissed her fingers. “If you need anything, you let me know.”
She grinned. “I will.”
“I don’t believe I have ever seen a more beautiful bride.”
She beamed up at him. “You might be slightly biased.”
“Not at all. You’re the most beautiful woman on earth.”
“And you are the most handsome man on earth.” She leaned against him. “How did you pull all this off?”
Sam grinned. “Sophie.”
Rayne picked a nonexistent piece of lint from her skirts. “What will your parents say?”
“It doesn’t matter, Angel.”
She glanced up at him. “I don’t want to be the reason you’re estranged from them, Sam.”
“We won’t ever be estranged from them, Rayne. We’ll work it all out, but you are my family and my priority. My parents will either have to accept that, or stay silent.”
“I don’t deserve you,” she whispered.
“You might not think that when we disagree, but for now, you’re exactly where you should be.”
She leaned against the window. “What’s the plan for today?”
“I have booked a room at the hotel in the city for the night. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to Quincy’s. My home is in Maryland, close to Christopher’s parents. We’ll go there as soon as I have this mess at the prison sorted out.”
“I never thought of you with a home.” Rayne raised an eyebrow.
“Why not?”
She shrugged. “You just seem to show up wherever I am.”
Sam chuckled. “I’m sorry it’s going to be chaotic for a little while.”
She grinned. “I don’t mind. Especially if I get you tonight.”
Their conversation was interrupted as the porter came by for their tickets. Rayne ended up falling asleep on Sam’s shoulder and was surprised when he woke her.
“We’re here, Angel.”
She yawned. “Sorry. I didn’t realize I was so tired.”
“Don’t apologize. I love having my wife’s beautiful cheek resting on my shoulder.”
She giggled. “That sounds so alien to me.”
“You’ll get used to it.” He kissed her cheek. “Wife.”
“Okay, husband. I’d like to be ravished,” she whispered. “Where is this hotel?”
They walked the short distance to the hotel and Sam checked them in. He took the key and led her up to their room.
Rayne frowned. “What am I going to do about clothes? I didn’t bring anything.”
“You won’t need clothes,” he whispered as he brought her palm to his lips.
She raised her eyebrow at him as he unlocked the door. Bending down, Sam lifted her into his arms and she gasped as he carried her into the room. The fireplace was lit, but that was the only source of light, which created a romantic glow. Chocolate-covered strawberries rested on a crystal tray in the corner of the room, along with a bottle of champagne and a gift box with a note on it addressed to her.
Sam chuckled. “It would appear that Victoria and Hannah have been here.”
“You didn’t organize this?”
Sam shook his head. “I wish I could take credit. I sent Christopher a wire with my plans, but no requests. The ladies must have taken it upon themselves to do all of this.”
Rayne opened the note on the box addressed to her and giggled.
Sam tried to peek over her shoulder. “What does it say?”
“Nothing you need to know right now,” she said mysteriously. “Could you help me with my corset, please?”
“Gladly.” He unbuttoned her gown and kissed her neck as he unlaced her corset for her.
“Stay here. I’ll be right back,” she promised.
She walked into the adjoining dressing room and opened the box Victoria had left for her. Inside was a set of twenty-first century underwear. A sapphire blue demi-bra lay inside, along with a matching pair of bikinis. She dressed quickly, and although the bra was just slightly too small, pushing her breasts a little higher than she was used to, she knew it would have the desired effect on Sam.
Inching the door open, she gasped to see her husband standing by the window shirtless and looking god-like in just his tight-fitting breeches. The muscles on his back rippled as he reached up with both hands to pull the draperies closed.
“Don’t turn around.” Hearing him chuckle as she walked into the room, she stood for a minute and took a deep breath. “Okay, you can turn around now.”
Sam turned and looked as though he might jump out of his skin. “Angel,” he whispered.
“Do you like it?”
His gaze swept her body. “I love it, but what is it?”
“It’s what we wear at home.”
He advanced on her. “What do you mean?”
Rayne rested her hands on her hips. “These are our undergarments.”
His eyes widened. “Do you wear them under the corset?”
“The corset is no longer used.”
“Never?”
Rayne chuckled. “Well, no, not never. Lingerie is a big business, so you can get a corset if you want one, but everyday wear is this.”
He whistled. Moving to stand in front of her, he cupped her cheek and leaned down to kiss her quickly. “You are exquisite.”
She ran her hands over his chest. The dusting of sandy blond hair that covered it disappeared below the waistband of his breeches and the feel was heady on her palm.
“So are you.” She pulled his head down for another kiss.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and cupped her bottom before leading her to the bed.
Placing her gently on the mattress, Samuel slid the straps of her bra down her arms, pushing the cups away from her breasts, drawing one nipple into his mouth, then the other. Rayne moaned as his hand slipped between her legs, sliding her panties aside,
his thumb finding her sensitive nub and working it while he slipped a finger inside her, then two.
“Sam,” she breathed.
Sliding her panties from her body, he moved his mouth from her nipples and, kneeling in front of her, he pushed her legs open, kissing the inside of her thighs. Rayne squirmed as Sam moved lower, and then his mouth was on her and she lost her mind. She wove her fingers into his hair as he worked her body into a frenzy.
“Come for me, Angel,” he ordered, then went back to his task.
Rayne panted, tiny moans escaping her as the orgasm built and then she climaxed, calling his name as her body came. Samuel kissed her inner thigh again and focused back on her breasts as he slipped his hand between her legs. “So wet already.”
She nodded with a whimper as he slid one finger, then two inside of her, returning his mouth to her breast. Rayne slid her hands into his hair and gripped tight, arching her hips in an attempt to get closer to him. “Sam, don’t make me wait.”
He removed his hand and she groaned in frustration, but he didn’t leave her hanging for long. He settled his body between her legs and slid slowly inside of her. Rayne wrapped her legs around his hips in an effort to get closer.
“You’re tight,” Sam rasped. “Are you all right?”
“God, yes, baby. Harder.”
He grinned, kissing her as he slammed into her. Rayne reached for his bottom and squeezed, arching into him, urging him to continue… and continue, he did. Burying himself deeper and deeper until she could barely breathe.
Rayne tried to pay attention, but his hands and mouth were making it impossible to concentrate. Her last coherent thought was how entirely loved she felt. Sam’s body locked just as Rayne’s climax overtook her and couldn’t quite stop the tears as he pulled her close.
He tipped her face up to look at him. “Angel, what’s amiss? Did I hurt you?”
“No. It was amazing.” She wiped her tears with the sheet. “I just didn’t expect that.”
“You didn’t?”
She shook her head into his shoulder. “No. It was never like that before. Ever.”
He stroked her cheek. “Like what?”
“Loving. Reverent and so, so good.” She ran her fingers down his chest. “Was it all right for you?”
“I must admit I was not prepared for that, either.” He kissed her cheek. “It’s been a long time.”
“What do you mean?”
“I hear a few of the men talking about their conquests, or their wives, and they complain. Even Crow is growing bored and he’s neither married nor at a loss for women.” He ran his hands down his face, realizing he’d said too much. “Don’t ever repeat that to him.”
She grinned. “I won’t. I promise.”
He pulled her close. “When you walked out in those undergarments, I was certain I might die and be all right with death in that moment.”
Rayne reached over and rubbed his jaw. “Well, I wouldn’t have been okay with your death in that moment. I want at least fifty years of this.”
“I’ll be happy to oblige, Angel.” He leaned over and kissed her. “You must tell me about your skin markings.”
“My tattoos? Do you hate them?”
“Not at all.” He slid his hand over the curve of her waist. “They’re very well done.”
Rayne followed his finger as he traced it over the frog playing drums on her hip. “This one is a famous cartoon frog. His name is Michigan J. I decided to have him playing drums because it’s an instrument I can’t master.”
“Why is he famous?”
Rayne settled her head in her palm. “The frog will perform for one person, but when a crowd is around, he just sits there like a frog. I always identified with him, because performing in front of Shaye was easy, but I always got nervous singing in front of a crowd.”
He flattened his hand on her hip. “Truly?”
“Yes. Not so much now, but when I first started, definitely.”
He reached behind her shoulder. “What about the Pegasus?”
“That one’s simple. I’ve always wanted to fly away and escape.”
He raised an eyebrow. “And now?”
“In a sense, I did fly away, didn’t I?” She chuckled. “And now, I want to stay here with you.”
“Good answer.” He stroked her stomach. “What is the ring in your navel for?”
“I got it the same day I got my nose ring. I don’t know why. I just liked them.” She smiled and sat up. “You’re accepting all of this really well. Why is that?”
He stared at her briefly and took a deep breath. “It’s all strange, Rayne, I won’t lie. I’m uncertain how all of this happened and why. But I love you. More than life. So the things I cannot explain don’t mean anything.”
“I’m about to express myself again.” She leaned over and kissed him. “Can you tell what I’m saying now?”
THIS TIME, SAM took his time. When Rayne fell back onto the mattress, out of breath and stretching like a well-fed kitten, he climbed off the bed and padded to the table that held the strawberries. “Are you hungry?”
Rayne sighed. “Starved. I didn’t have lunch.”
“Mrs. Powell!” He turned quickly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Rayne grinned. “I was distracted, Mr. Powell.”
He gave her his crooked smile and pulled the rope in the corner of the room.
“What are you doing?”
“Ordering some food,” he said as he pulled his pants on.
Rayne rolled to face him. “Can you ask for some hot water as well, please? I’d love a bath.”
He leaned over and kissed her quickly. “Of course.”
Rayne climbed off the bed and was thrilled to see that Victoria had left her a robe and a few other personal items. Lifting the robe, she frowned. “What’s this?”
“Hm?”
“I thought this was Victoria’s robe.” She pulled it over her shoulders.
Sam chuckled. “No, Angel. It’s yours.”
“R.E.P.,” Rayne read the initials out loud and then narrowed her eyes at Sam. “When did you have this made?”
“A week ago.”
Her eyes widened. “You did not!”
“I did.”
“Slightly cocky, don’t you think?”
He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her nose. “I told you we were going to get married. It’s not my fault you didn’t believe me.”
Wrapping her arms around his waist, she smiled up at him. “I promise I will never doubt you again.”
They heard a knock and Rayne moved to sit in one of the chairs facing the fireplace, out of view of the door. Sam gave the man his order for food and also requested a bath. A few minutes later several maids walked in and filled the tub. Rayne thanked them and watched them leave. She slipped her robe off and heard Sam groan behind her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing other than the fact that you are entirely too beautiful for words.”
She smiled over her shoulder and made her way into the dressing room. “Join me,” she invited, doing her best Mae West impersonation.
“I have to wait for the food.”
“Right. Too bad.” Rayne winked at him. “I’ll be naked with water cascading down my body and into crevices I just can’t reach by myself.”
“Rayne!”
She giggled at his discomfort. “I’ll be waiting.”
* * *
Sam rolled his eyes when he heard the sluice of the water as Rayne settled her body in the tub. He could have sworn it took a lifetime for the food to arrive and he almost felt guilty about rushing the man out the door once it was delivered. He locked the door and then made his way into the dressing room.
Rayne smiled up at him. “That was quick.”
“Oh? I was certain it took them an hour.”
Rayne gave a throaty laugh. “Why are your pants on, baby?” She reached up and slipped the buttons. He reached into the tub and lifted her out. “What are you doing?”
Rayne bit her lip and watched as Sam removed his pants and knelt in front of her.
“On your knees,” he demanded.
She nodded and did has he ordered, her body on alert, already shuddering with need. Sam didn’t bother with foreplay, just slid into her from behind, and Rayne couldn’t have been more grateful.
Sam reached between her legs and fingered her clit as he slammed into her again. He slowed so he could work her nub and Rayne mewed with frustration. “Sam!” she snapped.
He gave her bottom a smack.
She came. So hard and fast, she wasn’t expecting it. “Ohmigod,” she breathed out.
“My angel likes that,” Samuel observed.
“Your angel isn’t feeling very angelic right now.” She pushed back against him. “Do that again.”
He chuckled, burying himself inside of her over and over until she didn’t think she could take anymore and then he slapped her again. “More,” she rasped.
He smacked her one more time and she fell forward as she came. Sam caught her and she felt him stiffen, then his cock pulsated inside of her as he joined her in climax.
Sam pulled her close before taking her to bed.
* * *
Just as morning broke, there was a pounding on the door. Sam jumped from the bed and heard Rayne groan in frustration. “Who is that?” she whispered sleepily.
“I don’t know.” He pulled his pants on. “Stay there.”
“Where am I going to go naked and exhausted?” She pulled the covers over her head.
He opened the door to find Crow on the other side. “Issues at the prison, Sam. Sorry.”
“What time is it?” Sam whispered.
“Four.”
Sam grabbed a shirt. “What’s going on?”
“Rose Johnson has been assaulted and she’s accusing one of the guards of doing it.”
“All right. Give me a minute.”
He closed the door and Rayne sat up as Sam finished dressing. “What’s wrong?”
“Problem at the prison, Angel. I won’t be long,” he promised. “Go back to sleep.”
“Kiss,” she said sleepily.
The Bride Star Page 16