by Amber Dane
Sudden anger drove her into action that he had been the one to catch her in a vulnerable moment.
She moved forward just as Aric’s gaze shot up and met hers. His dark eyes were devoid of emotion. But she held his with her angry gaze as she walked toward the lord’s table with her head held high. She felt someone at her side.
“Milady, ‘Twould be my pleasure to escort you the rest of the way.”
Danielle took Balwain’s arm. His warm smile diffused some of her anger. He was so pleasant. Why could Aric not be more like him she thought as hot tears pricked her eyes.
Until that moment, she’d not known how emotionally wounded she truly was over the image of her husband gazing appreciatively down into Rose’s décolletage. Damn her cousin! Rose had a beauty she would never own. Still, she managed a true smile for her husband’s friend.
“Thank you, Balwain. But the pleasure, I must say, is mine.”
Balwain blushed openly and Danielle kept her gaze straight ahead. She would not, could not look at Aric again for surely her legs would buckle. Reaching her seat, Balwain took his just as her husband took his.
The hall seemed to quiet immediately. Balwain ignored his lord’s angry visage.
Aric drank one goblet of wine down in one gulp. The page waiting behind his chair hurried forward and quickly refilled it. Balwain kept his gaze averted, hiding his mirth.
“Is everything to your taste this eve, milady?” Aric’s words were hard, riddled with his barely contained rage.
She still did not look at him. Instead her gaze swept over the filled hall. “I am not quite sure how to answer that, milord.”
Aric heard the confusion in his own tone as he asked her, “And why might that be?”
Her unique eyes turned to him then and he saw what he did not want to see. Her hurt and anger. “Is this a discussion of significance?”
Aric clenched his teeth and let out a tight breath. He would play her game. “Aye.”
He saw her body go rigid and she blinked rapidly before turning away from him once again.
“Well then. The meal meets my tastes.”
Aric knew she lied. She’d not touched their platter since the first and only bite she’d taken when he’d offered it to her.
“I see you made it to your seat quite easily.”
“Aye. Thanks to Balwain, I did, milord.”
Aric did not miss the emphasis on her words or that she remained looking away from him. Seething, he reached for his goblet yet again.
“And you, milord? Your entry into the hall was rather pleasant, was it not?” Danielle wanted to bite off her tongue that she had given into the green eyed monster of envy and had just shown him she was upset by his actions. She couldn’t help it. She was ready to rip Rose’s hair out!
Aric choked on the wine and reached for the cloth the page handed him. The startled young boy nearly jumped back as his lord snatched it angrily out of his grasp.
Aric wiped his mouth and took his time in answering her.
So, she was upset about seeing him with Rose too. Something warm filled his chest. She was jealous! Good. ‘Twould teach her the like for letting another man touch her, even if it was his best friend.
“Both your cousins sicken me.” He heard her shocked sigh escape. He continued. “Never let me see another man touch you, Danielle. I care not who it might be.”
Danielle sucked in her breath and her eyes shot to his. His dark orbs bore into hers and she saw his anger and something else lurking there that pulled to her.
She exhaled and her gaze flickered over to Balwain. The man winked at her with a smile before turning away as Aric’s fist came down hard on top of his hand he had resting on the table. Balwain said nothing and picked up his goblet of wine as if nothing had happened.
Danielle fought not to smile as she turned back to her dinner. Her appetite had returned and she began to nibble at her food. Aric had shown her something. He was jealous!
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence.
Aric kept conversation with Balwain. She returned Balwain’s smile and blessed him silently as he tried throughout the course of the meal to engage her into their conversation, despite the sour look on Aric’s face. The young page looked upon her with his huge sad eyes as he attended them. When later he moved to refill their goblets, Aric’s raised hand stopped him.
“We are done, lad.”
Danielle said nothing. The little wine she’d partaken of had already been enough and her head was reeling slightly. The noise of the hall and her husband’s men were making her head pound. The men were beginning to get rowdy with some of the all too happy and eager serving wenches.
Danielle’s thoughts turned elsewhere. Had it only been just two days? Feeling out of sorts, she wrung her hands under the table and was so deep in her thoughts that Aric’s voice startled her with a jump.
“Come, milady, it is time for us to retire.” He rose and held his arm out to her. Danielle took it and prayed he did not feel her hand tremble.
Chapter 9
Danielle did not want to share the bed with him with such discord between them. She almost jumped when he bolted the chamber door behind them. She was at war within herself as she much as she was with him. She did not know what to expect or do. So many new emotions and in such a short time. She needed a moment alone to compose herself. Much had happened today and had been rather taxing. Her nerves were raw. Aric’s husky voice cut through her thoughts.
“Come here, Danielle.”
She had been headed to the other side of the bed. Edie had not accompanied them for Aric’s nod had halted her maid’s intent at the bottom of the stairs. Danielle approached him, reluctantly. He was looking at her as if he could see right through her.
She said nothing as his large hands slid up over her hips and pulled her closer. His touch burned into her and caused her knees to weaken. He towered over her, his raven waves resting on his shoulders.
Aric wanted to say something to her. She looked as she had before he’d taken her innocence on their wedding night.
Would she deny him tonight?
She had said very little to him after their heated words were spoken earlier in the hall. He had been wound so tight from the long day and eve and the jealousy he’d felt when he’d seen Balwain’s hands on her. His friend!
What was wrong with him? He did not like the way she made him feel at all! The wine had failed to ease away any of the tension coiling around him.
Nay, ‘twas this woman in front of him. His wife.
She was part to all the emotions raging through him along with the pending arrival of the guest’s tomorrow afternoon.
He had wanted to tell her more at dinner about it, but he had not and now all he wanted to do was kiss those lips that she was holding between those white teeth.
His desire for her was ready to swallow him whole. “Look at me.”
She did and Aric sucked in his breath. She had the most unique eyes he'd ever seen. The gown she wore this night, made them even more appealing. They’d called to him and all night Aric found he’d been unable to tear his gaze from her. She was a true vision that held him mesmerized.
“Will you deny me my right to use your body this night?”
He was hard and ready. He had been ready to explode all day with the images of last night swimming in front of him and the way she’d ridden that horse into the village.
It’d been torture.
But no more. He would not be denied a taste. Even if she answered no, he knew he’d still take her. But he would make sure she came willingly. He needed her to.
She shook her head no.
Aric bent his head and took her mouth in a searing kiss. He moaned his pleasure at the taste of her into her hot mouth. He had no time for her timidity this eve. He had one goal and it was to get inside of her.
Danielle was breathless. Had she said no, would he have honored her word? She did not know nor did she want to say no. Had she not wanted to share t
his experience with him again? She heard herself panting between breaths when he lifted his mouth before kissing her again,
His large hands were all over her, his fingers warm and smooth over her flesh. They engulfed her, enflaming her passion and soon she found herself on her back on the soft coverlets with her dress pulled up and his hands between her thighs.
She was hot everywhere his hands blazed a path. She burned and wanted more. Danielle cried out in shocked pleasure when his fingers slid within her folds.
When he pulled down the neckline of her gown and laved one distended nipple with his hot tongue in movement with his fingers against her flesh, Danielle shook her head from side to side delirious with the sensation.
She grasped at his shoulders, his hair, and strong neck, seeking something to anchor what she was feeling.
It felt so good what he was doing and she did not wish for it to stop.
Her anger be damned.
What was flowing through her now was all she could think about. She could not stop moaning as the tide rose. She wanted to scream. He may not want her love or aught else and even though she knew his goal was to get his heir on her, she didn't care in that moment.
She was going to enjoy it for however long it would last. He was unwilling to give her much else but at least she had this. She lifted her hips and gasped. His thick member had replaced his fingers.
Shocked, Danielle opened her eyes in a flash.
He was above her, still fully clothed. His dark eyes met hers and held. The moment seemed to stretch forever and something fluttered inside her chest. She blinked and he entered her in one powerful thrust.
“Oh!” Danielle could not stop the breath that left her as he filled her completely. She groaned from the sheer feeling of him inside her.
Aric responded with another deep thrust and whispered near her ear. “Danielle. Sweet, Danielle.” His movements matched his words. “I can’t wait.”
Danielle felt the tremors began in her just as his thrusts quickened and then suddenly a deep growl left him. She felt him stiffen against her, and then his hot release filled her.
Bewildered, she could only watch as he rolled off her onto his back.
The unfulfilled ache he’d left between her thighs throbbed. She was not finished and he had coupled with her, both of them clothed.
She looked at him.
One big arm was thrown across his brow as he fought to catch his breath. His braies lay open, his softening member visible.
Danielle yanked down her gown. He’d taken her as though she was not even there.
The feelings he’d stirred in her the night before were there but he was different and had been all day and even now. Now she felt truly discarded. Pain and anger returned and she rolled away from him to crawl off the bed. His husky words hit her back.
“Next time will better, Danielle. I promise.” Aric told her.
He’d reached his release within seconds and it had left him reeling from the magnificent explosion. At first he’d not expected the same feelings to be repeated this eventide, but he’d been wrong.
Very wrong.
He wanted his wife more than he cared to admit and he was not happy about it. He had wanted to prove something to himself. To prove that she was no different than any other woman he’d taken before. That he felt the way he did because it was new. That what he’d spoken earlier was true. No feelings would be between them. But, nay.
All he’d proven was that he wanted her more than last night and in his haste to sate that animal hunger; he’d done something horribly wrong.
He watched her scramble off the bed, her shoulders had slumped and she stumbled. Quickly she righted herself and straightened her shoulders back. A knot formed in his chest.
“Danielle.” He called her name softly, his tone still thick with his desire.
She turned and looked at him and Aric wished she had not. The sadness in her eyes tore through him. He sat up. He had hurt her deeply.
He saw it plainly although she did her best to try to hide it by looking away from him. The tallow’s light made those unique depths all the brighter and wet, yet her tears did not fall.
“Come here.” He ordered her.
He could tell she wanted to refuse him, but her soft footfalls brought her back to the side of the bed.
Aric pulled her between his thighs. He’d taken her fully clothed like a green lad and had said all but a few words to her. He sighed with a heavy heart.
He began to undress her. His movements slow. She was stiff as a board and it bothered him.
He let one hand caress the soft skin just below her throat.
When she was naked, he stood and pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly like he had on their wedding night. Then laid her down softly on the bed. He undressed and was surprised and glad that her eyes watched him.
He swelled even more. He wanted to please her as she had pleased him. He could give her that.
He lay down next to her and proceeded to do just that.
Chapter 10
Danielle woke in Aric’s arms warm and comfortable. He still slept. She ran a finger along the strong bones of his face. He did not flinch. He slept like a log. She smiled. Some great warrior.
Aye, he was.
He had brought her pleasure twice in the night and himself too. Although few words had been spoken between them, his caresses had eased some of her concerns. She still wanted him again. Even now.
She moved against his hard body. She checked that his eyes were still shut, and then she peeled back the coverlet gently, every so often looking up to make sure that he still slept. Danielle let her eyes sweep over his long form.
His skin, darkened from the sun was taut with muscles everywhere. The firm plane of his abdomen moved with each slow breath he took. Her gaze moved lower, feeling bolder. She had to see that part of him that made her hungry for him.
It was not as she’d imagined. It looked different as it lay there soft against the thick patch of black hair. She viewed the top of his hairy thighs and her eyes went back to that piece of him she wanted inside her.
The ache between her thighs grew and her fingers slid closer to his flesh. It felt warm, smooth and silky beneath her fingers. A gasp escaped her lips as she watched it jump and grow in her grasp. Danielle’s eyes shot up quickly. Aric’s eyes were still shut and his breathing still the same.
She wrapped her hand more securely around the shaft and bit back a moan at the hardness of it. She squeezed harder and opened her mouth on a sigh. She needed her other hand to cover him almost completely.
So engrossed in her new discovery Danielle failed to notice the change in his breathing. Not even aware that she was doing it, her hands began to massage the pulsing shaft and caress the swelled blue veins.
A loud pounding came on the chamber door. Danielle yanked her hand back quickly as though burned and her eyes shot upwards.
Aric smiled at her.
Danielle turned crimson and would have held his gaze longer to bask in his warm smile until his words caused her to look away.
“If I do not answer, they will go away. Then you can finish your inspection to see if it stands up to meet with your satisfaction.”
She was embarrassed like never before. She wanted to slap his naked chest as she noted the teasing glint in his dark eyes.
“Nay?” he continued in a teasing tone. “Ah, ‘tis too bad, for I was just beginning to enjoy your curiosity.” He planted a quick kiss on the top of her bent head and leapt out of the bed with a loud bellow directed at the door.
Her husband shamelessly strode naked to the chamber door as Balwain answered his bellow on the other side. Aric unbolted the door and opened it, letting his friend in.
Danielle colored even more. She pulled the coverlet over her head. He had no shame. Nay, just she! She was mortified! And was even more so when the two men struck up a conversation inside the chamber. Danielle peeked out from behind the covering. Aric stood proudly in his n
akedness as he spoke with his second.
“What is of such import that you knock as though to wake an army of the dead, my friend?”
Balwain did not glance once in the direction of the bed. His body movements seemed nervous, agitated. Her interest piqued, Danielle sat up with the coverlet clutched to her chest, tucking it in about her body to make sure every inch of her was covered.
Aric grabbed a fur from a nearby chair and wrapped it around his waist. This time she heard Balwain’s words.
“Your guests have arrived earlier than expected, milord.”
Danielle watched Aric. Had she blinked she would have missed his flash of stunned pause. His face darkened and he gave orders to Balwain to have the servants welcome, ready for the unexpected early arrival and send up a bath along with her maid.
“Edie?” Balwain asked.
Aric arched a brow. “Aye, Edie. You know the one whose skirts you’ve been sniffing about.”
Balwain’s cheeks colored to Danielle’s surprise. He then turned to face the bed, eyes averted and nodded. “Milady.” Then he quit the room.
Aric’s dark scowl was back. He came near the bed and looked down at her a silent moment. Something flickered in his gaze which caused her to shift under the coverlet with discomfort. Danielle asked what she thought aloud as habitual. “Are these guests more of your men or family, Aric?” He’d yet to tell her anything about them, let alone himself or any family.
Something was not right. He looked as agitated as Balwain had been moments ago. She tried her best to ignore the ache twisting in her heart as she awaited his response.
His brows drew together tightly and his scar turned white. He simply replied. “Neither.”
Danielle could not shrug off his rude dismissal. The anxious feeling churning in her gut spurred her on and clearing her throat she called out. “Well then, tell me at least how many guests are we to expect?”
His answer was so long in coming she did not think at first that he would respond, but he did.