“I think I’m beginning to like the Scottish way of doing things,” Kate said with a sigh, the first to break the warm silence.
He kissed her eyelids before pulling away. “I guess the English aren’t so bad, either.” She looked adorable, lying there, flushed all over with the heat and glow of satisfaction.
“No, we aren’t,” Kate agreed with a laugh. She rolled over and kissed his neck, right where it tapered down to his shoulders. She let her lips linger there for a while, her breath warm and comforting. “You can have it, you know.”
Julian smiled lazily. “I thought I just did.”
She slapped him lightly on the stomach, her hand lingering there awhile too. Fingers traced the lines of his abdomen, moving down lower and lower. Then stopped, just short of his cock, which was twitching with both exhaustion and renewed interest.
“I meant Cornwall Park. It doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t want it.”
He stopped, waiting for the punch line or caveat. But her fingers picked up again, running up and down his muscles in a careless, soothing pattern. He grabbed her hand, forcing her to look at him.
“What do you mean?”
Her head nestled against him and he felt her smile. “I mean I’ve finally realized how silly we’ve been. I don’t care about the land, Julian. I care about you.”
She didn’t look at him as she spoke, and it was too dark to see much anyway, but he knew she meant it. His arms wrapped around her tighter. He couldn’t speak.
“If you want your public spectacle, you can have it,” she continued. “We can finish the game, but if you really want to win, I don’t mind making it a little easier on you.”
“I don’t need you to make it easy on me,” he said gruffly, though there was no malice in it. “I was close to winning.”
She laughed, short and loud. “You were not. I was killing you out there.”
“Okay,” he admitted. “Maybe you were.”
“But I can throw the game, if we’re planning on finishing.” She waved around the lean-to. “I find I have a bit of a soft spot for this old Renaissance Fair.”
“You don’t have to quit. We can see it through to the end.” He nuzzled at her neck, his fingers moving toward her breasts, still bare and within reach. At this point, he didn’t care about the land, either.
“I don’t like to think of it as quitting. It’s sacrificing for the good of the many—besides, this way we can both start moving things into our spaces. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got irate vendors demanding all sorts of answers. We can call this my charitable and utilitarian act of the year.”
He gave an exaggerated groan and covered his eyes. “You mean to tell me that after all this time, the only thing I needed to do to get you to give me the land was sleep with you?”
Kate laughed. “You mean to tell me that after all this time the only thing I needed to do to get you to sleep with me was play dress-up?”
He rolled her to face him, and all the laughter died from his lips. He cupped both sides of her face and ran the pad of his thumb along her mouth. “No. You didn’t have to do anything. I’ve wanted you from the moment I first saw you.”
She tried to look away, but he kept his arms firm. He brought his lips gently to hers, their kiss this time lacking any urgency. It was sweet and soft. Perfect.
“I lied,” Kate said the moment the kiss ended, their bodies entangled all over again, naked limbs no longer wet or clammy—just intertwined until it was difficult to tell where one of them ended and the other began.
“About what?”
“I’m still willing to throw the game tomorrow, but there are three conditions.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “You can’t add conditions after we’ve already decided.”
She ignored him. “One. If I find you’ve placed any bets on the outcome of the chess match, I’m calling the gaming commission and reporting you.”
Julian grinned. “Done. What’s two?”
“Two. You have to let me go out with a grand exit. I don’t want to lose my street cred.”
“You have street cred? Who with? Crossing guards and Boy Scouts?”
She punched him playfully on the arm. “Hey, it’s my intelligence I’m laying out on the altar, here. Let me have a little pride.”
“Fine. You will emerge with your glorious head held high.”
“Excellent. Now, on to three.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Three. You have to do that to me again.”
A growl escaped his throat. “Right now?”
“Yes, please.”
So he did.
Chapter Nineteen
At Battle’s End
Kate and Julian snuck out of the lean-to a few hours later, when Kate was dry and tousled and smelled a little bit like a stale cowboy.
The plan was simple. Reschedule the match. Go home. Act normal. Once their events were over and done with, they could focus on what came next.
It wasn’t going to be easy, Kate knew that for sure. They’d existed so long in this strange, militant world they created that it would be hard to figure out the real details of life between them. Work. Play. How many different kinky costume combinations they could pull out of their respective closets.
But they could do it. The hardest part was already over.
“You could come back to my place,” Julian offered. They were trying to make a run for the parking lot, hidden by the line of trees surrounding the village, but he was making it very difficult to do any kind of motion that allowed her to remain standing. “We can deal with all this work stuff tomorrow.”
She wasn’t going to lie—her whole body wobbled in agreement. A strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist while she slept seemed like the perfect finish to a long, emotional day, and the smile lurking just at the edge of Julian’s mouth indicated that if they went anywhere near a bed, he’d continue to ravish each and every one of her senses until she no longer knew how many toes she had.
She looked down at her bare feet. Ten. She had ten toes, and there was straw sticking out between the littlest ones. Her shoes had disappeared among the rushes somewhere alongside the derringer. They were a small sacrifice to make.
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” she said. “We both have a lot of work to do.”
That was an understatement. The Fauxhall Gardens were in two days, and she’d promised Lady Lovelace a detailed timeline of events. Julian, she was sure, had to do much of the same.
“And tomorrow?” he’d asked.
His persistence caught in her throat. “Let’s just get through the weekend for now. You go throw hammers and roar like a beast, and I’ll go help educate the masses. We can swap war stories after.”
“I don’t roar like a beast.”
Kate giggled. “Yes, you do.”
Julian swatted her playfully on the behind, but she made a dash for her car and slipped behind the wheel before his powers of persuasion could take any more hold over her than they already had. There were still several other vehicles in the parking lot but none belonging to anyone she knew. Everyone had probably gone home to rest. With any luck, Stuart and Michael handled the details of the rescheduled chess match so she could do some resting of her own.
As she pulled her car out, she saw Julian standing to the side, his hand raised in farewell and a foolish grin on his face. Rest would be difficult. The memory of his hands all over her body, and his words, soft and sweet, were going to make it hard to relax ever again.
The next day, the sky over Sherwood Forest was bright blue, the kind that was so vibrant no cloud dared show a single cumulus puff on either horizon, and the sun was gearing up to bore a hole through even the darkest sunglasses. Kate, however, wore a heavy red dress and carried an even heavier shawl. She’d promised Julian. No white gowns. At least not in public.
She’d been up almost since dawn, helping to get the second day of battle chess set up and organized. It was a small price to pay fo
r the day before. She wouldn’t take back a single drop of rain, a single word or touch she and Julian had shared.
Kate looked around, taking in the scarcity of spectators—about a quarter of the previous day’s numbers. The news cameras had gotten all the coverage they needed for their story the day before, and most of the JARRS and SHS supporters were busy getting ready for the weekend. She was glad. The crowds suddenly seemed like an intrusion—a blockade. The fewer of them the better, and the faster they could all move on.
“Is Julian here?” Kate asked Michael, who she found demonstrating his manliness for a few of the Renaissance people. The task consisted mostly of chest thumping and a liberal gesticulation of a man’s most vital bits.
He grinned in the wide way that indicated he was well aware of what had gone on the day before. “I thought maybe you’d know. You two lit out of here faster than an Olympic runner with hemorrhoids yesterday.”
Kate blushed and scurried away, opting to try Peterson instead. She found him by one of the concession stands, holding a bag of cotton candy and two little girls, who were dressed from head to toe in pink tulle. Kate had seen them in the crowd the day before, waving a pair of wands and rooting for her kilted opponents. Today they seemed to have shifted loyalties and were looking at Kate with adoration in their bright green eyes.
“Are you a princess?” the smaller one asked, the “s” sounds coming out in an adorable lisp.
Peterson nodded at Kate quickly, mouthing the words “pretty please” with the look of a well-harassed man.
“Why, yes I am. Princess Kate. Pleased to meet you.” She added a curtsy for good effect.
“No, you’re not!” the older one shouted through a gap in her front teeth. “A real princess doesn’t curtsy. We’re supposed to do it to you!”
Kate leaned in and whispered, “Well, don’t tell anyone, but I’m still in training. I forget the rules sometimes.”
It was explanation enough for the girls. They nodded solemnly and promised not to disclose her ineptitude to her people.
“It’s okay. Cinderella didn’t know how to be a princess right away, either. You have to practice,” the older one said.
“Maybe your Prince Charming will help you,” added the other.
Kate snapped back to attention. “Speaking of Prince Charming…have you seen him?”
“You mean Kilroy? Last I saw, he was over talking to Jada. I think he’s looking for you too.”
Kate shook her head firmly. That was one Prince Charming she suddenly found she could do very much without. “Not Duke. Julian.”
As she spoke, it dawned on her that Duke hadn’t made an appearance the day before. She hadn’t invited him to play on her side, and it wasn’t at all surprising Julian hadn’t either. It was odd that he’d bother showing up for the second day.
“Do you know why Duke might be here?”
Peterson shrugged. “I should be asking you that.”
One of the little girls cried and mentioned something about a promise of riding a pony, so he was only able to offer an apologetic smile before turning away. “Sorry, Kate, but you know all about the royal demands. But you might want to find Kilroy, eh? He looked a little p-i-s-s-e-d o-f-f, if you ask me.”
“Daddy! That’s a bad word!” the girls cried in unison, obviously delighted in their ability to recognize hidden profanity.
Kate laughed and waved them off, although a heavy feeling took over her stomach. She really ought to find and talk to Duke. As much as she hated confrontation, she owed him an explanation. It was unfair to treat him so callously—up until a few days ago, she had, after all, contemplated him as a serious candidate for her hand. But all the comparisons she’d drawn before, when Duke had outshone Julian as the golden example of all her lifelong dreams, were gone. Vanquished by the best orgasms of her life.
No. It was more than that. Julian was warm and real and honorable in ways Duke could never be. She hugged herself as she headed off in the direction of the stables. And he wanted her. He’d even been willing to embrace that dreaded “c” word, compromise, to get her. Kate had read way too many romance novels in her lifetime not to know that was the sign of a real man.
“Kate, there you are,” Duke called warmly. He stood with Jada, both of them searching the grounds—presumably for her.
“Yeah, Kate,” Jada said slyly. “There you are.”
Kate swallowed a groan and tried to send an imploring look Jada’s way. The last thing she needed was for Jada to start dropping sexual innuendos into the conversation before she had a chance to explain things to Duke.
“Duke here has been looking everywhere for you. I was about to tell him to try looking in the storage area over at the edge of the park. There are a few little shacks over there I hear a few people like to hide in. You know, to get away from the rain and all.”
“How nice of you, Jada. You’re always so selfless. So kind.”
“And you, dear Kate, are always so forthcoming.” Jada flashed Duke a dazzling smile and patted his arm sympathetically. “You call if you need anything, okay? I want you to know I’m always available to appreciate a man of your build.”
With a wink, Jada sashayed away, but not before sending Kate a look of pure delight. It wasn’t hard to interpret. The woman wouldn’t rest until all of Kate’s sexual escapades were laid out on the table and examined for accuracy. Not this time, though. Kate was willing to accept Jada as she was, but that didn’t mean she had to fall under her command anymore. She didn’t need the crutch.
She was enough on her own.
As soon as they were alone, Duke tried to lean in and offer Kate another one of his chaste pecks. She placed a hand on his chest and pushed back, just catching an irritated compression of the lips before he put a smile in its place. This wasn’t going to be fun.
“Listen, Duke. Can we talk?” she asked gently.
“Of course, Kate. You know I’m always here for you.”
They walked behind the stables out of view of the chessboard. She made sure to step out of his arm’s reach, feeling the full force of his size for the first time. He wasn’t exactly antagonistic in his bearing, but there was a definite steeliness there, and if she was honest with herself, she had to admit she knew almost nothing about this man other than where he lived and what he drove.
“About that,” she began, twisting her hands together. She’d never been very good at this part. “I think you’re a great guy and all, but I’m not sure I want you to be there for me, you know?”
“Oh, I know you’re one of those women who enjoy their independence. Don’t worry. I haven’t come to try and tell you how to play chess or handle your business or anything.”
“Why are you here?” she found herself asking, even though he hadn’t grasped her meaning at all.
He flashed a smile and brushed some dust from his sleeve. “I have good news, and one more favor to ask before everything is settled. Cornwall Park is yours. I’ve directed all the SHS contractors to move the supplies and outbuildings to Kilroy Hall. Almost everything is being set up and getting ready to go as we speak.”
“Wait, what?” Kate’s head spun. Duke looked like a little boy proud of himself for peeing right on target for the first time in his life. What any of the Cornwall Park stuff had to do with him was beyond her. “Why would Julian do that? We already agreed—”
Duke laughed softly and reached out a finger to run along the side of her face. She shivered under his touch. “He didn’t do anything. Since you’ve been so good as to keep him distracted and out of my way, I’ve been able to take over most of his responsibilities and get things situated right where I want them. You have no idea how much help you’ve been.”
“Help?” Kate echoed.
“Sure.” Duke shrugged. His hand dropped, and he inspected his nails casually. “You played your part to perfection, and I fully intend to reward you. Cornwall Park is yours for the taking. It is what you wanted, right?”
“I didn’t ask you
to do that!” Kate hissed. “You had no right—”
A snorting sound from inside the stalls made Kate jump. She looked around nervously, but no one was anywhere near. They must keep horses here during the tourist season.
“You didn’t seem to mind taking what I had to offer the other night,” Duke replied calmly. His voice held a low, sultry tone that brought to mind the brief kiss they’d shared. In the full light of day, facing him, it was hard to imagine what had compelled her to such extremes.
“That was different,” she managed.
“Why? Because you thought it would make Wallace mad?”
“Well, yes. But now—”
“Look, precious. All I need is for you to keep him out of my way for the rest of the day. That’s all I’m asking. Draw the game out for as long as possible, and then take him out for a celebration or something. Do this one little thing for me, and I promise to make it worth your while.” Duke’s voice dropped significantly. “I have no problem seeing my side of this through to the end. You’re not such a bad-looking woman, you know.”
The horse made another noise, a loud bang that prompted Kate into action. She backed away, disgusted, her hands up as if to ward off not just Duke but the enormity of what he was saying.
“It won’t work. There’s no way Julian’s going to let you move his entire event without his permission.”
Duke laughed, long and loud and in a way that made Kate feel like she desperately needed a shower. “If you and I are going to get along, you’ll need to learn I don’t need anyone’s permission to do anything.”
Kate, filled to bursting with equal parts anger and disgust, contemplated the merits of hurling a large piece of manure at Duke’s smug face. But then she saw him. Julian. Emerging from the stalls, fury contorting his face into a maelstrom of emotion.
“Wrong. You’ll need my permission if you think you’re going to walk away from here without at least one broken leg.”
Instead of looking horrified at being found out, Duke merely smiled and squared off to meet his enemy. Kate wished she had half his nerve. The quick glance Julian spared her was enough to make her long for her mother—something she hadn’t wanted since she outgrew the monsters under her bed.
Love is a Battlefield: Games of Love, Book 1 Page 25