by Connie Mason
“Excuse me, my lord,” Emily said timidly. “Is Rose all right?”
Dominic’s brow lowered.“Is there some reason why she should not be?” Did everyone at Dragonwyck expect him to beat Rose?
Emily’s cheeks flamed, but she held her ground. “You would know better than I, my lord. Rose can be rather fractious, but she is the sweetest, most caring—”
“Enough! Your lady may be everything you say, but she is also stubborn and contrary. For your information, my lady, I do not beat my women. None have been foolish enough to challenge my authority.”
“I am sorry if I offended you, Lord Dragon,” Emily said, backing away.“I care for Rose and would be most distressed if she were hurt.”
“Go to her and judge for yourself if you do not believe me,” he said curtly. “Mayhap she has need of another woman’s counsel,” he added thoughtfully.
Rose was still lying abed, trying to make sense of her response to Dragon, when she heard someone moving around in the sitting room. Dragon? Her pulse raced. Had he returned for… more? Then she heard Lady Emily’s voice calling softly through the door.
“Rose? May I come in?”
Rose sat up, pulled the covers around her and gave Emily permission to enter. Emily nudged the door open and slipped inside.
“Are you all right?” she asked, wringing her hands as she hovered over Rose.
Sweet Mary, did everyone know what she and Dragon had been doing inside her chamber? “I am fine, Emily.”
Emily gave her a dubious look. “Are you sure? He did not… hurt you, did he?”
“I told you he did not.”
Emily all but collapsed in relief, but she still appeared skeptical.“When Lord Dragon entered the hall, he looked so fierce, I feared you had foolishly defied him.”
“Defy him? Aye, I shall always defy him,” Rose said obstinately. She grew thoughtful. “I learned something about Dragon today, Emily. Though his reputation as a ruthless warrior is obviously well deserved, I seriously doubt he would harm a woman. He is a knight, after all.”
” Tis unlikely he has ever crossed paths with a woman like you,” Emily reminded her, “so please watch your tongue. Men have been known to beat women who would defy them.”
Rose stood, wincing when certain parts of her body protested Dragon’s earlier handling. “I will try to remember, Emily, but it will be difficult.”
Emily’s attention was suddenly drawn to the bed.“Oh, my,” she said, placing a hand over her mouth.
“What is it?” Rose asked, following Emily’s gaze.
“Blood. This was the first time for you. We all thought… that is… it seemed unlikely that Lord Dragon would allow you to remain innocent this long.”
A trail of red crept up Rose’s neck. “My luck ran out,” she muttered.
“Are you sore? Did he misuse you?”
Vivid color spread across Rose’s cheeks. Dragon had not misused her, he’d given her pleasure. Her mouth flattened. That particular aspect of her deflowering was something she would admit to no one. Her response to Dragon had shamed her, overwhelmed her and confused her. Did all women feel the same pleasure she did?
“Except for some soreness, I am fine.”
Emily brightened. “A soak in a hot tub will do wonders for you. I will see to it immediately.”
Rose perked up. “A bath sounds wonderful.”
Emily turned to leave.
“Emily, wait,” Rose said. Emily halted and looked askance at Rose. “Would you answer a personal question if I asked? I have no one else to turn to.”
Emily returned to Rose immediately and placed an arm around her shoulders. “I will try.”
Rose took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I know that things of a… sexual nature are rarely discussed, and please feel free to refuse if my question offends, but ‘tis important to me.”
“What is troubling you?” Emily asked.
Rose glanced down at her tightly clasped hands and asked, “Do you find pleasure in the marriage bed?”
Emily’s gasp told Rose that she had crossed the line with her friend. “Forgive me, Emily.”
“You do not offend,” Emily said. “Your question just startled me. I am older and wiser than you are in these matters, so I will answer truthfully. Aye, I find great pleasure in the marriage bed, but it is not thus with all women. Much depends on a man’s expertise, and his willingness to… arouse his mate. Some men are too selfish to give pleasure and think only of their own needs. Eric is not that kind of man.”
Rose let this all sink in, then asked, “So it is not wrong or sinful for a woman to enjoy the marriage act?”
“Indeed not,” Emily said with conviction. “Oh, I know that priests contend a woman’s enjoyment of the marriage act is sinful, but I for one do not hold with such austere beliefs. Why should men have all the pleasure?”
She gave Rose a frank look.‘Did you find pleasure in Lord Dragon’s arms?Is that why you are upset?”
Rose nodded, then looked away, embarrassed to admit such a thing.
“Feel fortunate that your lord saw to your pleasure the first time he breached you,” Emily counseled. “Many women never experience fulfillment from the marriage act. I suspect ‘tis why men take lemans, though more often than not, ‘tis the husband’s fault his wife is frigid. Now, are you ready for that bath?”
Rose nodded and Emily hurried off. Though Emily had answered her question, Rose did not feel any better. Why could not she be one of those cold women unaffected by a man’s touch? Why could not Dragon be the kind of man with little patience or care for his wife’s pleasure? Passiveness on her part would have shown her contempt for the king’s champion. But, no, she had fallen to pieces in Dragon’s arms, enjoying the sensations claiming her innocent body.
How was she to bear it?
Chapter Six
It is by believing in roses that one brings them to bloom.
—French Proverb
Dominic did not return to Rose’s bed that night. He sat before the hearth in the hall, brooding over the unexpected pleasure she had given him. Before bedding her, he had feared he might encounter resistance from his pugnacious wife and lack of desire in himself, but he’d found the opposite to be true. His innocent bride had inspired lust in him and turned his brain to mush. Even more surprising, he wanted her again. As he breathed in her scent, which still lingered on his body from their coupling, he had a rather disturbing thought.
Twas neither healthy nor acceptable for a man to want his own wife to the degree he wanted Rose. Wives were for bearing children. They deserved respect but were rarely the object of their husband’s lust. Men kept mistresses for that purpose.
Dominic’s thoughts drifted back to Rose’s deflowering. With a start, he realized he had held nothing of himself back from her. He had been careful not to hurt her and had truly wanted to give her pleasure. Of course, Dominic reflected, ‘twas not in his nature to leave a woman wanting, but for some reason, satisfying Rose had been important.
Dominic stared into the dancing flames, recalling the exact moment Rose had placed her body into his care. Whether or not it had been intentional, she had accepted him and let herself feel pleasure, and that gave him a great deal of satisfaction. But he knew intuitively that returning to her bed tonight was not a good idea. Giving in to sexual need displayed weakness in a man and gave women power. Rose was the kind of woman who aspired to power, and he could not give her an edge over him. If Rose thought she could control him sexually, there would be no stopping her. He intended to remain the only warrior in the family.
Dominic puffed out a heavy sigh. No matter how hard he tried to rationalize his reasons for avoiding Rose’s bed tonight, he could not deny his body’s arousal. He could find a willing woman upon which to ease himself, but curiously, another woman held little appeal.
“Damnation!”
“What troubles you, master?”
Dominic started violently. “I wish you would not do that, Raj.
”
“Do what, master?”
“Sneak up on me. How long have you been standing there?”
“A long time. You were too absorbed to notice. Has your woman refused you again?”
“Nay.”
“Shall I find another woman to serve you? I am sure I can find a wench willing to serve the Dragon Lord in such a manner.”
“Do not trouble yourself, Raj. Fetch some furs; I will make my bed before the hearth.”
Raj did not immediately obey. “Why are you denying yourself your wife’s bed?”
Dominic stared at him. “When did I give you permission to arrange my life? I do not want my wife to think she can control me with her body. Veronica never aspired to that kind of power.”
Raj returned his stare.“Perhaps, master, you should count your blessings. Why not control Lady Rose withyour body. Tis a wise man who recognizes his appeal and uses it to his advantage. To my knowledge, none of your women have complained about your sexual prowess.”
Suddenly Dominic smiled. ” Tis a rare man who dares to counsel his master… and a foolish one. I will overlook your impertinence, Raj, for you are wiser than I. Forget the furs; a warm bed and a hot woman hold more appeal.”
Raj smiled. “I took the liberty of preparing a bath for you in the solar. I had the tub set up before the hearth in the sitting room so as not to awaken your lady.”
“What would I do without you?” Dominic said, rising.
“I will assist you,” Raj said, falling in step behind Dominic as he mounted the stairs.
Dominic glanced toward the closed bedchamber door when he entered the solar and had to force his thoughts away from his sleeping wife. He was not a man ruled by emotions, and he certainly was not obsessed with Rose of Ayrdale. Plagued, mayhap, but not obsessed.
“Let me help you disrobe, master,” Raj said, “before the bathwater grows cold.”
Moments later, Dominic lowered himself into the tub, relaxing against the rim as Raj moved behind him to lather and wash his hair.
“Go seek your bed.Raj,” Dominic said when Raj took up the cloth to scrub his back. “I can finish my bath myself.”
“You will find the drying cloth on the bench beside the tub,” Raj said. “I will not be far away, master.”
Once he was alone, Dominic leaned back and closed his eyes. His thoughts began to wander. But only as far as the bedchamber where Rose slept. He knew better than to hope that Rose waited for him to join her, her body soft and pliant with anticipation. She was probably sound asleep, dreaming of ways to bedevil him.
Dominic’s body reacted spontaneously to his lusty thoughts, and he aimed a speculative glance toward the closed door. Dammit! Rose was his wife, and he wanted her.
Dominic surged from the tub, reached for the drying cloth and dried himself before the fire. His cock was throbbing and already hard when he dropped the drying cloth and strode naked into the bedchamber.
Rose appeared to be sleeping soundly and did not stir as he raised the covers and slid into bed beside her. She lay on her side with her back to him, her breathing deep and steady. Dominic placed an arm around her waist, pulled her into the curve of his body and waited for her to acknowledge him. To Dominic’s chagrin, she remained blissfully unaware of his need.
His hand slid upward to cup her breast. Except for a deep sigh, she did not respond to his caress. He cursed beneath his breath and reluctantly gave up trying to awaken her. Anyone who slept as soundly as Rose had to be exhausted and was better left alone. Turning his back to her, he tried to focus his thoughts elsewhere until sleep claimed him.
The night turned bitter cold. The heavy drapery did little to prevent the icy wind from seeping into the chamber. Rose woke up shivering in the darkest part of the night and moved closer to the firm, warm weight planted solidly beside her. Still not fully awake, she curled spoon-like into the beckoning heat and sighed contentedly.
. She awoke abruptly to the realization that she was not alone in bed, that the solid mass she was clinging to was hard male flesh.
Dragon.
Embarrassed that she had sought him out in the night, she tried to remove her arm from around his middle and found it trapped in a steely grip. He stirred against her, and she realized he was awake.
“Did I disturb your sleep?” she asked on a shaky breath.
“You did indeed. Twas impossible to sleep with your soft body pressed so sweetly against mine.”
“I was cold,“she explained. “It meant naught.”
He turned to face her and pulled her against him, hip to hip, breast to breast. “Let me warm you.”
Rose’s pulse raced and her breathing became erratic. “I am fine now, thank you.”
His hands moved provocatively over her body. “Your flesh is still chilled.”
Rose recognized danger when it stared her in the face, even though it was too dark to see Dragon clearly. “What are you doing in my bed?”
“I believe this is my bed.”
“Then I shall find another.”
“You are being deliberately obtuse, wife. Married couples are expected to share a bed.”
His hands were roaming freely over her body, seeking out places that definitely warmed her. “Please, my lord, ‘tis the middle of the night.”
“Desire recognizes no time. You were sleeping when I came to bed and I did not want to disturb you then. But we are both awake now.”
In a surprise move, he pulled her atop him. She felt his tumescence stirring against her, and a biting comment came unbidden to her lips. “Are you thinking of your mistress again, my lord?”
Dragon stiffened beneath her, and she knew she had angered him, but she could not help it. Marrying a stranger was bad enough, but knowing that her husband pined for another woman was a blow to her pride.
“Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?” Dragon asked. ” Tis your duty to obey me in all things. It is not your place to question my thoughts or logic,” he said as he shoved her legs apart and placed them on either side of his hips.
When he found her nipple with his mouth and suckled her, Rose moaned in despair. Not again, she thought. How many times would she have to fight her own desire before she learned to resist Dragon’s assault upon her senses? He licked her nipple, and she shuddered. He found the tender cleft between her thighs and teased her with his fingers. She cried out a protest, startled when it came out as a ragged plea.
“I know not why you fight this,” Dragon muttered, “when you find it so enjoyable.”
“I do not!” Rose denied. Her denial ended in a startled gurgle when he spread her with his fingers and carefully shoved his cock inside her. She was tender still and was surprised that he was careful not to hurt her. She had heard that a man in full rut cared for naught but his own gratification.
“Pull in your thorns, Rose, and let me love you,” Dominic whispered against her ear as he slowly filled her until she feared she would burst.
Despair rode Rose. She did not want this, had in fact resolved earlier to remain unresponsive to Dragon’s loving, but her body betrayed her. She felt intoxicated, as if her blood had turned thick, flowing hot and burning to her loins. He knew how to touch her and where to touch her in a way that called forth the wildness of her untamed spirit.
Rose bit back a moan when Dragon grasped her buttocks and moved her up, then down the length of his erection, creating a splendid friction that spurred her inexorably toward the ultimate satisfaction. When he grasped a dangling breast in his mouth and flicked her erect nipple with his tongue, she splintered and cried out. She felt Dragon stiffen, heard him call her name and felt his heat explode inside her.
When it was over, Rose was overcome with sadness, surrounded by it, consumed in it. Once again she had responded to Dragon and experienced pleasure. Was there no justice in the world? Why could she not remain limp and impassive while Dragon used her? He filled her mind and body with every part of himself despite her resolve to accept none of him. The shame of
it was nearly killing her.
Tears leaked from the comers of Rose’s eyes as Dominic held her against him and buried his face in her hair. She lay silent and melancholy in his arms as night air cooled her heated flesh. She wished herself anywhere but in the Dragon Lord’s bed.
Dominic held Rose close, listening to her slowing heartbeat while his own still raced out of control. His mouth found hers and he kissed her, surprised when he tasted tears.
“Did I hurt you?”
“Nay.”
“Why are you crying?”
After a prolonged silence, she said,“I am crying because I am sad.”
Dominic chuckled.“You did not sound sad a few moments ago. You sounded happy.” He paused, his curiosity piqued.“Did I give you pleasure, Rose?”
Rose freed herself from his arms and flung herself away from him before he could stop her. “You gave me pleasure I neither wanted nor asked for. Responding to you as I did betrayed my father’s memory, and that makes me sad.”
“Your father was a traitor, you have naught to feel guilty about Go to sleep, Rose.”
Dominic turned away from Rose but remained awake. He needed a quiet moment to ponder his unaccountable fascination with Rose. What made her different from Veronica or any other woman he had bedded? Naught, he decided. It just so happened that he needed a woman and Rose was handy. Aye, that was it That simple explanation brought him a measure of satisfaction. He closed his eyes and welcomed sleep.
Dominic was gone when Rose awakened. The noise that had disturbed her was merely Tyra kindling the fire. Rose yawned and stretched and was immediately sorry when the soreness between her thighs reminded her of the unaccustomed activity she and Dragon had engaged in last night.
“Do ye want me to open the drapery, my lady?“Tyra asked when she noticed that Rose was awake.
“Nay, I prefer to keep the cold air outside where it belongs,” Rose answered.
“Do ye want me to help ye dress?”
“Not this morning, Tyra, thank you. Have I missed Mass?”
“Aye, the bell just tolled Terce. Lord Dragon said to let ye sleep as late as ye wish this morn.”