‘Not yet.’ But she intended to do everything possible to heal the rift. A blush covered her face, but she asked the question burning inside her. ‘How can I...court his affections again?’
Honora thought a moment. ‘You could tempt Liam. Leave him wanting you.’
The idea had merit, and Adriana strongly considered it. It had been a long time since she’d flirted with Liam. It might be good to return to the days when they’d first fallen in love.
‘I’ll try,’ she promised.
* * *
The noise within the Great Chamber was deafening. Liam stood over by the dais, searching for the king and queen, but had not seen either of them. Before he could ask where they were, Adriana crossed through the people and approached him.
‘Your mother isn’t well, and the king is with her,’ she said. ‘I would like to help by assigning the tasks for the feast this night, if you’ll get their attention for me.’
‘What’s happened?’ he asked. She grew hesitant, and before she could answer, he touched her shoulders. ‘The truth, Adriana.’
‘Your mother is pregnant,’ she admitted. ‘The babe will be born in the spring, but it’s been difficult for her. They fear she may lose the child.’
Whatever he had expected, it wasn’t that. Isabel was nearly forty years of age, and few women had borne children so late in life. When he couldn’t find the words to reply, Adriana insisted, ‘Liam, we need to help them. Please.’
He understood what she meant. The people knew nothing of this, and if they did, it would cause unrest among the tribe. It was better to go on with the Christmas celebration in the hopes that Isabel would feel well enough to join in.
Liam moved to the dais and stood before the MacEgan tribe. Raising his hands, he caught the attention of several men, and gradually the noise died down. ‘We have come together this day to celebrate Christmas,’ he said, ‘and the king and queen will join us later, after Mass. For now, the Lady Adriana will assign you to your tasks, and when night falls, we will share in our feast.’ He nodded to Adriana, and within minutes, she had divided up and given out tasks to all. Even the children were asked to help spread fresh rushes upon the floor, while beeswax candles were placed all around the castle, in every window. It was a luxury used only on special days, and it would fill the castle with light after the sun set.
Despite the mountain of work to be accomplished over the next few hours, Adriana remained calm and organised. He watched as the people came to her, asking guidance, and she held herself with confidence and ease...like a queen.
Liam had rejected the mantle of leadership, believing that no one would possibly obey his wishes, not when they were accustomed to his father. But to his surprise, most complied. As the hours passed, he gave orders, supporting Adriana as they found rooms for those needing shelter, food and drink for travellers arriving, and broke up disagreements.
* * *
At nightfall, she slipped away, just as the tables were set and the last candle had been lit. He spied her retreating to a corner far away from the others, sitting upon the edge of a bench. With one hand, she removed a shoe, touching her bare foot.
He moved past the others and sat beside her. ‘You did well this day.’
Adriana sent him a tired smile. ‘I’m afraid if I rest my head for a moment, I won’t wake until morning.’ But though he saw her exhaustion, there was a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. Together, they’d managed to bring order to the confusion, and now the food was nearly ready.
Liam reached for her foot and drew it into his lap. Her smile faltered, but she made no protest as he began to rub her feet. She leaned back slightly as he massaged the soles of her feet, his thumb moving upon the arch.
‘That feels so good,’ she whispered. A sensual tone lined her voice, as if he were touching another part of her body. His mouth went dry, and she closed her eyes, her mouth drifting open.
His fingers moved over her skin, and in this quiet moment, it was like before. In his mind, he silenced the hurt and betrayal, simply granting her comfort.
Liam moved his hand to massage her ankle, rising higher to her calf and then down again before he switched to the other foot. She inhaled a slight gasp before echoing her appreciation for his touch.
Her legs rested over his lap, and he supported her back with one arm. When he stopped rubbing her feet, she opened her eyes. ‘Liam,’ she whispered. She leaned in, touching his cheek with one hand.
His forehead rested against hers, and he struggled against the desires racing through him, not wanting to act upon them. But then her mouth reached for his, and she offered a single kiss. Only one, and she whispered against his mouth, ‘Don’t think right now. Just be with me.’
He kissed her back, savouring the familiar taste of her mouth and the way she responded to him by pressing her body to his. No doubt she could feel his arousal, since she was sitting on his lap, but she didn’t move away. The pressure and heat of her hips against his shaft made him crave more than this kiss.
And when he stared into her sienna eyes, noting the flush of her cheeks and her swollen lips, he saw a hint of yearning.
‘I’ll always love you, Liam,’ she whispered, just before she stood and retreated to her chamber.
* * *
Leave him wanting you. That’s what Honora had advised, and Adriana had obeyed. Liam’s gaze had followed her when she’d returned to her chamber. She took care in choosing her best gown, letting her maid arrange her hair while she imagined what to do next.
He’d come to her and rubbed her feet. Surely he must feel something for her. She took it as a grain of hope, a small step toward winning him back. But would it be enough?
When she was ready, she stopped to visit the queen. Isabel appeared tired and impatient. Her honey-coloured hair was braided over one shoulder, and she remained in bed with pillows propping her up.
‘Are you feeling better?’ Adriana asked.
‘Come and sit with me a moment,’ Isabel said, beckoning to her. When she did, the queen smiled at her. ‘Patrick tells me that you and Liam organised the celebration for this night.’
She nodded. ‘The priest celebrated Mass this morning, and all is in readiness for the feasting tonight. I hope there’s enough food. I asked for the fishermen to bring in their catch, and we slaughtered some of the cattle—’
‘I am deeply thankful for your help.’ Isabel cut her off, squeezing her hand. ‘And I am thankful that both you and my son are safe.’ Her face held gratefulness and she added, ‘I hope that I’ll be well enough to attend your wedding.’
A knock sounded at the door, and Adriana went to answer it. When she opened the door Liam was standing there. He had washed, and his dark gold hair held droplets of water. One slid down his cheek, and Adriana started to reach out to touch it, before she caught herself. Transfixed by his handsome face, she could hardly think of what to say.
‘I came to see my mother,’ he told her, and Adriana stepped aside to let him in.
‘I’ll give you a moment alone,’ she started to say, but Isabel raised her hand in protest.
‘No, Adriana, stay with me.’ To her son, she said, ‘Judging from your face, I suppose you’ve heard about the babe. And you know what that means.’
‘It means you’ll have to be careful until this child is born.’ Liam drew closer, and when Adriana returned to sit, he came up behind her, resting his palms upon her shoulders. The unexpected affection made her savour his quiet presence.
But Queen Isabel looked doubtful. ‘Will you help your father and me during this time?’ she asked Liam. ‘I cannot perform my duties, but Adriana could take my place until...’ Her words drifted off, revealing her uncertainty toward the future.
The weight of his hands on her shoulders suddenly tightened. But he said, ‘Aye. We’ll do what we can.’ He went to kiss his mother’s cheek and held out his hand for Adriana to follow him out.
After they left the queen’s chamber, he released her palm. Adriana
took a slow breath. ‘Did you mean what you said to her? That we would help them?’
‘I will help my father, yes.’
‘And what of us?’ she asked, almost afraid of his answer.
He stopped near the stairs, his expression shielded. ‘I don’t know, Adriana.’
She reached out to him, feeling her own frustration rising higher. ‘Why do you still doubt me? Must I martyr myself for the choice I made?’
Liam leaned in to whisper against her ear. ‘There is no greater torture, knowing that he took your innocence. And I could do nothing to stop him.’
‘You hold me to blame for it.’ It broke away the fragile hope she’d nurtured, believing that he might one day forgive her. ‘I want to stay with you and be your wife, Liam. I believe we could be happy together. But only if you’re willing to let go of your anger.’
She didn’t know if it was possible, for jealousy was raging within him. He needed a way to release it, and she feared there was only one means. One that terrified her.
‘We should go and join the others,’ he said. He was avoiding the issue, and Adriana saw her chance disappearing. Taking his hand in hers, she led him back to his chamber. Once inside, she barred the door against anyone who might intrude.
‘Sit down,’ she ordered.
‘What is this about?’
‘You’re not leaving this room until we’ve settled this between us.’ She reached behind and struggled to loosen her gown.
Now she’d gained his attention, and he started to protest, ‘Adriana, no.’
She fought to free herself from the confining garment, and finally managed to lift the bliaud away. In her silk shift, she took slow steps toward him, trying to behave with a confidence she didn’t feel. Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to remove the shift until she stood before him naked.
Liam was motionless, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. In the frigid air, gooseflesh rose over her skin. She took one step toward him, then another, until her body was within close reach.
Taking his hand, she brought it to her wild heartbeat. ‘I’m afraid, Liam. More afraid of this than anything in my life. If you don’t want me as your bride or your lover, that is your choice to make. But I’m willing to face my fear if it means gaining your forgiveness.’ She closed her eyes, then drew his hand from her heart, down to her breast.
‘Make your choice, Liam.’
Chapter Five
Her skin tempted him, but Liam could only rest his hand upon her firm breast, knowing this was wrong. He didn’t want her to believe that she had to offer herself in order to win his forgiveness.
The truth was, he still loved her, in spite of the terrible secret she’d kept from them. He could see the pain in her eyes, and it was a shadow of his own regret. No, he hadn’t wanted her to sacrifice herself.
But he’d die for her without a second thought.
Seeing her here, humbling herself before him, made him feel like the lowest sort of man. He ought to help her clothe herself, to send her downstairs. Yet, if he turned her away, she wouldn’t understand why. She would believe that everything was lost between them, and he didn’t want to hurt her any more.
Liam stood. ‘It won’t be this way, Adriana. Not like this.’
Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she started to turn away before he caught her hand. ‘You’re worth more to me than that.’ He removed his own tunic and covered her shoulders with it. ‘If you want to lie with me this night, then do. But not because you feel you have to barter yourself.’ He stood before her, and the misery in her eyes made him understand that he had to make the next move.
Liam wasn’t a man accustomed to talking, but he forced himself to find the words. ‘I am angry about what happened to you.’ His hands clenched as he met her stricken gaze. ‘I wish to God you hadn’t done it.’
She took the edges of his tunic, wrapping the fabric around her as if she could hide herself. But he moved in closer. ‘I won’t lie—this isn’t something I can put aside and ignore. Because he hurt you.’
He came closer and framed her face, bringing her near to him. ‘It’s not you I can’t forgive. It’s myself for not being there to protect you.’
She came closer, resting her cheek against his. ‘I don’t want to lose you,’ she whispered. Her arms came around his neck, and the tunic slid off her body. Her cool skin pressed against his, and at the touch of her breasts upon his chest, he instinctively drew her hips to his.
The need to lie with her, to remove all memories of the past, was an unquenchable thirst. But he gathered his control and studied her. ‘You don’t have to give yourself this night. I still want to wed you, regardless.’
She wiped away the tears, struggling to hold her feelings together. ‘And if I told you I want this night together?’ Her hands moved over his heart, warming his skin.
Liam took a deep breath, his pulse quickening at her offer. When he caught her hands in his, he said, ‘I won’t use you in that way.’ He removed the rest of his clothes, standing naked before her. Adriana’s eyes averted in modesty, and he sat upon the edge of the bed. ‘But I’ll let you use me any way you like.’
Confusion furrowed her brow. ‘Liam, I don’t know—’
‘Touch me,’ he ordered. ‘However you want to.’
She took a tentative step forward, and sat beside him. ‘What if you don’t like it?’
‘A ghrá, I promise you, I’ll like it.’ He rolled on to his side to face her. ‘Touch me wherever you want to be touched.’
Her face reddened, but she reached out to rest her hand upon his cheek. When he did the same to her, she leaned forward to kiss him. Her mouth was warm, but there was hesitancy in her embrace. Her hand moved down his throat to his shoulder.
In turn, he did the same, noting the shiver that passed over her. ‘Don’t be afraid of me,’ he said. ‘If you need to stop, we will.’
‘I want to face my fear,’ she said. Her eyes held trepidation, but she drew her hand lower to the pectoral muscles of his chest. Liam brought his hand to her warm breast, and God help him, it was an effort not to caress her, to take the sweet bud into his mouth and suckle her until she cried out.
Her fingers opened, and she traced the ridge of muscle on his chest, her fingers grazing his flat nipple. Liam touched the underside of her curved breast, slowly passing his hand over erect skin. Her nipple was a darker tone, a rose colour that contrasted against her olive skin. Her gasp aroused him, making his body taut with desire. His shaft bulged against her stomach, and he ached to be inside her.
Adriana grew bolder, touching his nipple in a circular motion just as he did to her. The more he played with the tip, the more she grew restless against him. Her body jolted when he caught a sensitive place, and when she removed her hand from his chest, he did the same.
She continued her exploration, moving her hands over his ribs, and he moved her to straddle him so he could touch her in the same way. It drew her womanhood in close contact to his erection, and he could feel her growing moist.
It was a dark torture to lie still beneath her, to feel her awakening desire against him. Her touch was tentative, as if she were unsure of herself. He was glad that she’d never before experienced any pleasure and vowed that tonight, he would change that.
Adriana moved her hands down to his hips but then stopped, her gaze settling upon his shaft.
‘You can touch me there if you want to,’ he said. Her hand moved to the heat of him, and his hands gripped the coverlet as she did. She cupped his sac, moving her palm to his thickness, and he jerked with an instinctive thrust as her fingers caressed him.
‘Slower,’ he gritted out, and then remembered that he was supposed to be imitating her touch. God above, she tempted him. He reached between her legs, and when she shied away, he reminded her, ‘I’m only touching you in the same place you’ve touched me.’
Her hand stopped moving, her fingers resting upon him. Against his own hand, he felt the damp curls, and waited for he
r to make a decision.
She lifted her hand away from him, and he did the same. ‘You’ll truly stop if I stop?’
He nodded. ‘I swear it.’
* * *
His promise renewed her courage. Although thoughts kept invading, of the night when she’d lost her innocence, Liam’s patience gave her the strength to keep going. Softly, Adriana drew her fingers over his manhood, startled at the way he responded. He grew thicker, harder as she stroked him.
And oh, God above, the way he was touching her. He’d moved his hand between her legs, gently returning the caress before he slid a finger inside her. Her body had grown wet, as if ready to take him within.
With Liam, everything was different. She found herself leaning against him, welcoming the soft intrusion of his fingers. Adriana closed her eyes, and the sweet ache between her legs was starting to transform. He was rubbing her in a rhythm, and she echoed it against him, fascinated to see how he strained against her hand. A dark sensation was building within her, rising to a peak. She didn’t understand it, and when her body began to tighten, she started to fight against it, stopping her movement upon his shaft.
‘Let me touch you, Adriana,’ he ordered. ‘Let me give you this.’
She opened her eyes, staring into his stormy gaze, and nodded. He laid her back upon the bed, the sheets cool against her back. Though she feared the rise of sensation, she brought his hand back to her intimate slit. She didn’t know what he would do, but she wanted to please him.
Instead, he pleased her.
His fingers stroked and caressed her while he spoke of how much he loved her. ‘You’re mine, Adriana. Now, and always.’ She could hardly breathe as the burgeoning pressure took her higher, leaving her breathless at the sensation. He kissed her stomach gently, sliding his fingers inside her.
And then, without warning, she felt his mouth upon her. Over her intimate flesh, he feasted, sliding his tongue against her again and again. She arched, helpless to do anything except lean in to his delicious torment, crying out as he nibbled and sucked.
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