Virtue and Vice

by Kimberly Brody

  “Aye, me. There’s no need to look so surprised. It certainly wasn’t as sordid as it sounds.” She settled back against the chair Ram had used to keep his vigil. “Lucien was escorting me here in his carriage because Ram decided to come by mount. And lucky for you he did, too. Did the two of you finally put everything to right?”

  Izzy ducked her head and nodded. “Aye, everything is perfect.”

  “I’m happy for you.” Belinda said softly.

  “I’m happy too. But you’re not distracting me so easily as that! What happened at that inn? Why were you even there?”

  “We had to stop because the rain made the roads impassable. We suffered a drenching on the dash from the carriage to the inn. On top of that, we were forced to share the last room for let. Every traveler found their way to that inn that night it seemed. Of course Lucien was a perfect gentleman and had every intention of sleeping on the floor, giving me the bed. Nothing inappropriate occurred.”

  Izzy caught her cousin’s wistful sigh. “But you wanted it to!” She was shocked. This was so unlike the usually staid and levelheaded Belinda she knew.

  When her cousin blushed, Izzy knew her guess was correct. “My parents saw you at the inn? In your room?” She didn’t wait for a response, having already pieced together what happened after Papa discovered them alone together.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you had feelings for Lucien? I thought you hardly knew one another.”

  “We didn’t! But at court he saved me from an advance from an unwelcome suitor. And then as payment he demanded a kiss. I thought him loathsome. Well, not really, but I let him believe I did. And then the next day he apologized, and he was so gallant and helpful…” her voice trailed off and Izzy stared in amazement. Belinda was babbling!

  “You kissed him at court! What was that like?” Izzy had been so involved with her own misery she’d missed an important event in her best friend’s life. Belinda averted her gaze. “It was a short kiss.”

  “He kissed you again, didn’t he?” Izzy leaned over the edge of the bed, grabbing Belinda’s hand and pulling it toward her until her cousin had no choice but to look at her. “If you know the difference between a long and short kiss…”

  “In the carriage,” she whispered.

  “And?” Izzy prompted.

  “It’s not at all seemly for me to discuss this with you, Izzy.”

  “Of course it is. I’m a married woman for heaven’s sake.” Rolling her eyes, she squeezed Belinda’s hand.

  “Oh Izzy, it was so wonderful. I felt the most amazing sensations!”

  “Like you were burning hot and tingly all over?”

  “Aye! Precisely that! How did you know?”

  Izzy laughed. “Oh, Belinda. ‘Tis the way I feel whenever Ram kisses me.”

  “Truly?”

  “Truly. You’re so lucky to marry a man who makes you feel that way. Are you happy, Belinda?”

  “I was unhappy when he stopped kissing me. I thought he didn’t want me.”

  “You silly goose, he was trying to be honorable. Would you want to lose your virginity in a carriage?”

  Belinda’s cheeks grew pinker. “Nay. You’re right, of course. I accused him of not wanting me, but now that I think on it, I believe he was trying to be honorable.” A smile spread across her face.

  “I’m so happy for you. You’ve so many wonderful things yet to discover.”

  “Will you tell me what it will be like?”

  Izzy regarded her cousin for a moment, wondering what to say. Her own initiation into the love act had been both eye-opening and shocking, but there would be no misunderstandings between Belinda and Lucien when their time came. “I think not. I believe it will please Lucien greatly to teach you these things himself.” She couldn’t help but laugh at Belinda’s crestfallen expression. “But Belinda? I look forward to each and every night I go to bed with Ram, and I have a feeling it shall be the same for you with Lucien!”

  ***

  Two weeks later…

  Izzy stifled a scream. She was tired of being stuck in bed like an invalid. Though she appreciated the love of her family and accepted their pampering and catering, if she didn’t look at something other than the four walls of the bedchamber soon, she’d go insane. Her strength returned a little more each day, and it looked likely she’d not be stricken with smallpox. She was weary of planning her renewal vows and Belinda’s wedding from the confines of bed. She longed to be outdoors, to feel the sun on her face and the wind in her hair.

  Grumbling, she slipped from the bed to steal to the wardrobe and put on a gown to join the company of the living downstairs. Just as she was rummaging about for something to wear, a pair of hands wrapped around her waist and hoisted her into the air. She squealed in surprise, which turned to pleasure when she found herself held firmly in Ram’s arms, cradled against his broad chest. She slipped her arms around his neck.

  “What are you doing out of that bed?” he demanded, his eyebrows drawn together in a mock scowl.

  “Oh, Ram. To continue insisting I remain cooped up in here is silly. I’m healthy as a horse. And I’m sick and tired of being abed.” She tightened her arms and raked her fingers through the hair at his nape. “Couldn’t we negotiate my return to the real world?”

  His eyes kindled when she circled his ear lightly with her fingertips, then toyed with the soft skin of his lobe. “What did you have in mind, wife?”

  “I thought perhaps a demonstration of my stamina might persuade you I’m well on the road to full recovery.” They hadn’t been intimate since their return to Cornwall, and Izzy yearned for him.

  “Stop looking at me like that!”

  “Like what?” she pouted.

  “Like I’m some edible sweet you can’t wait to put into your mouth.”

  His words sent a heavy surge of desire ricocheting through her body; a hollow, exquisite ache settled low in her belly. “Maybe I can’t wait to have you in my mouth.” she breathed.

  He groaned. “You’re not playing fair.”

  “Mmm. You knew when you married me I don’t play fair.”

  His lips quirked in a rueful grin. “True enough.”

  “Ram?”

  “Aye, love?”

  “Make love to me?”

  He paused for the span of a heartbeat. “But you’ve been so ill…”

  “I’m not ill any longer.” Twining her arms tighter about his neck, she raised her mouth to his. “Let me prove it.”

  When she kissed him, his response was hesitant at first, but within moments a fire of need consumed them, and Ram’s insistent mouth became hard and demanding, urging a response from her with his lips and tongue.

  Still holding her in his arms, he strode to the bed, laying her upon it, following her down. She reveled in the feel of his hard body pressing her into the soft down of the mattress and arched her body up against his. He growled in response.

  Her frenzied fingers tore at his shirt, wanting to feel the heat of his skin beneath her touch. His hands speared into her hair, anchoring her head in place as he plundered her mouth. She moaned low in her throat, her need for him like a thirst that had to be quenched. He responded by deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding wetly against hers, his breath becoming her breath as they strained against one another. He nipped at her lips, her chin, her neck as he moved down the bed. His hands left her hair to reach for the hem of her night rail and he tore it from her, baring her to his hungry gaze. She flushed with pleasure and excitement.

  He stared down at her. “God, Izzy. You’re so beautiful.” His warm hands slid down her sides, outlining her waist and then her hips.

  She arched up off the bed and reached for him.

  He shed his breeches, then returned, lowering himself between her thighs. As she spread her hands across the sleek muscles of his back, desire tightened into a taut coil deep within her belly. She drew her hands over his shoulders, tracing the corded muscles of his neck and collar, then trailed her fingers across
his chest, over his oval nipples, and lower still, until she grasped his hot shaft with one hand. She stroked him, long and hard, then slow and soft, until his harsh panting echoed in her ears, the sound like an aphrodisiac to her starved senses.

  He groaned, then lowered his head and drew her nipple into his mouth. She cried out at the sensation of fiery tongue against sensitive breast. He slid one hand between her thighs and stroked her slick flesh, groaning when he found her already damp for him.

  “So wet…so good,” he rasped, using the pads of his fingers to spread her own hot moisture over her aching skin. “You drive me insane, Izzy.”

  She tossed her head and gripped his buttocks tightly, urging him closer, begging him through touch for what she needed.

  When he lifted his head their eyes met and held Izzy understood immediately what he was feeling, for she experienced it too. They stood at a precipice, ready to topple over the edge together. Never before had they made love for the sole purpose of becoming one. Not even in those early halcyon days in the crofter’s cottage had they shared their bodies without an ulterior motive of some sort, without lies and deceit between them.

  She shifted against him in blatant invitation and he surged forward, plunging into her with one hard thrust of his hips. She cried out with utter fulfillment at their joining. She needed this, needed him, so much. His hands sought hers and brought them up on either side of her head, entwining his fingers within hers. And then he began to move, never taking his eyes from hers.

  Shudders of intense pleasure wracked her as he withdrew then thrust deep, over and over, breaching every defense she’d ever erected to join with her in the most profound way possible. She wrapped her legs about his waist, pulling him deeper still while the tension in her belly continued to tighten and his body urged hers on to release.

  Her body sang at his possession, and she began to cry out, low moans that turned into soft cries of ecstasy as he rode her closer and closer to the edge of climax. When she couldn’t bear the unrelenting pleasure any longer, he sped his movements and she tumbled into oblivion, gasping as her body exploded in bliss. As she trembled and shuddered around him he took her face between his hands, looked into her eyes, and found his own release. A harsh cry burst from him and he pulsed inside her, again and again. For a moment they remained frozen, locked together, staring into one another’s eyes, until he lowered his head into the crook of her neck, breathing heavily, breaking the magical spell that danced and flitted around them.

  Izzy was overcome. Never before had it been like this between them. Nothing she’d experienced came close to the magnitude and intensity of what they’d just shared. It wasn’t possible feel as close to another soul as she felt to Ram. Clenching her arms around his neck, she embraced him, fighting tears of profound joy. When he lifted his head to look at her, his eyes were liquid stone. He’d experienced the same magic.

  “I love you.” she whispered.

  His eyes briefly closed and he pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “And I, you, my love.”

  Epilogue

  Eight weeks later…

  Chesworth house was beautifully decorated for the celebration that followed the renewal of their wedding vows. This time there was no fear, no deceit, no trepidation as Izzy stood before Ram and promised to love and cherish him for the rest of her days.

  His eyes were warm as he repeated the same vows, then twinkled when he threw in an additional vow to always be patient with her, which caused laughter amongst the small number of assembled guests. Laughter turned to sighs when Ram took her into his arms and kissed her long and slow, demonstrating his love for her before the world.

  Shortly afterward, while Ram shared a drink with his friends, Izzy managed to get her cousin alone. “Just imagine. In only another few weeks you’ll be standing here, repeating the very same words to Lucien.” Belinda smiled, her eyes automatically seeking out her betrothed, and Izzy thrilled to see the love that shone in Bel’s blue gaze. Izzy snuck a peek in Lucien’s direction, content when she caught the gentle smile he sent back to Belinda. She adored the man who made Belinda look so very happy.

  She’d always thought Belinda pretty, but Belinda in love was beautiful, and wasn’t it just too bad for all the gentleman who’d never noticed until now, when it was too late? Lucien was a prince amongst men with exquisite taste and a wholly undeserved reputation as a libertine as far as Izzy was concerned.

  For propriety’s sake, Izzy’s mother had not let Belinda and Lucien be alone for more than a few minutes at a time. Izzy knew Belinda ached to spend a few moments in the arms of her beloved. Izzy was so incredibly happy with her own life she wanted everyone she loved to be just as content. Gaining Belinda’s attention, she whispered into her ear. “When Ram and I retire for the evening, use the distraction to take Lucien out to the gardens.”

  Belinda’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, and Izzy laughed at her obvious eagerness. Somehow they’d both become slaves to the men they adored and it was marvelous. “Who would have thought mere months ago that either of us would end up here?”

  Belinda smiled. “I suppose I was wrong. Picking a random man to give your virginity to turned out to be just the perfect solution to your marital dilemma.”

  They both dissolved into laughter at the reminder of what had started them on this journey.

  Strong arms encircled Izzy’s waist from behind and she leaned against Ram’s chest without hesitation, trusting him to support her, loving how the strong muscles at her back cocooned her with safety.

  “What’s so funny?” he murmured in her ear.

  “Just women talk. Nothing you’d be interested in.”

  “Mmm. Doubtful, but it’s probably best if I don’t know.” He nuzzled her neck. “Does a renewal of vows entail a second wedding night? I believe I have much to make up for from the first.”

  Izzy sent an amused look in Belinda’s direction, whose cheeks had turned pink, even as she pretended not to hear the exchange.

  “I believe it does, my lord. Shall we bid our guests good evening?”

  “I can’t think of anything I’d like more. At least not anything appropriate for this kind of gathering,” he lowered his voice to the intimate tone that thrilled her. “That will have to wait a while longer, I fear.”

  Izzy pressed a kiss to his cheek, then darted a look at Belinda, imparting her silent message with a glance. Understanding immediately, Belinda disappeared into the crowd without a word of farewell.

  “And just where is Belinda hotfooting it off to?”

  Izzy turned an innocent look on her husband. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know.”

  “Keeping secrets now, wife? I’m sure you do know.”

  “Well…” she drawled, thinking about the biggest secret she had yet to share with him. That would come later this evening. “If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say she plans to use the coming distraction to find a few stolen moments with your friend.”

  “Troublemaker.” He laughed, and, understanding her intent, took her hand and lead her off to make a spectacle of their departure.

  ***

  It was almost another hour until Ram carried Izzy over the threshold of their chamber. She hoped Belinda utilized her time with Lucien wisely, because now Izzy’s thoughts were securely focused upon her husband and would be until morning arrived. At the earliest.

  She turned the key in the lock, then walked a direct path to Ram, pulling pins from her hair as she went. When her curls tumbled down her back she carefully removed the garland that sat upon her head like a crown.

  “I can’t believe you got this for me,” she exclaimed for at least the tenth time, carefully laying the pretty adornment on the vanity where it would remain safe. It was nearly identical to the one he’d bought her during the May Day festival.

  “I know how much you regret losing the first one.”

  “I didn’t realize you were such a romantic at heart.”

  He grinned. “Would you rather I’d given you your whi
te mob cap to wear today instead? I warrant it wouldn’t have been nearly as pretty.”

  Eyes wide with surprise, she spun to face him. “You jest. Surely you didn’t keep my cap!”

  “Surely I did.”

  “But…but why?” she spluttered.

  Grasping her by the hand, he tugged her closer. “Because even back on May Day I sensed our meeting was momentous. I’ll always be grateful for that cap. Without it we might never have met that day at the river. I’m quite fond of it.”

  She marveled over how easily he surprised her with simple proof of his love. She warmed. How she adored him. Outwardly, she only rolled her eyes and exclaimed, “you’re insane.”

  “Only for you.” He drew her into his arms and in moments she stood before him in only her chemise. She glanced at the bed with longing and he laughed before seating himself upon it, pulling her to stand between his thighs. Her fingers immediately went to work divesting him of his formal attire.

  “I’ve something for you first, love.”

  “Mmm?” She pushed his doublet off his broad shoulders. As she lifted his shirt, he leaned around her to the bedside table and lifted a box she hadn’t noticed before. He waited until she’d flung the garment to the floor, then presented the box to her with aplomb.

  “What’s this?”

  “A true gift. A new wedding present for a new beginning.”

  Unlike the first time Ram gifted her with a wedding present, this time Izzy squealed with glee and leapt onto her knees on the bed, holding out her hand. Ram chuckled and held the box just out of her reach. After one failed attempt at claiming it, she dove at him and tickled him under his upraised arm.

  “Pax!” He exclaimed, laughing. “You don’t play fair!”

  “How many times must I tell you I’ll never play fair? Besides, since I’ve always been shorter than nearly everyone I know, as a child I learned to adapt. With three older brothers it’s survive or perish.”

  He grinned. “I like you small. It makes it easier to do this,” he grabbed her by the waist and flipped her to her back, then descended upon her, tickling her mercilessly at her ribs. She shrieked and tried to wiggle out from under him but he held fast. Finally, with tears of mirth in her eyes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, effectively putting an end to his shenanigans. She took his lower lip into her mouth and sucked gently while she ran her fingers through his hair, losing herself in his taste. With a grunt he tightened his arms around her and deepened the kiss until she was panting.