Lady Thief - By Rizzo Rosko Page 0,28
held an air of power over her, even when on his knees, that made his claim difficult to swallow. Not for the first time she wondered what it had been that made him ignore his studies with a blade.
Just looking at him brought her back to her former state in that church. He held her, pressed her to him, and she felt his strong arms and chest consuming her. While he warned her that his skills were lacking, she had no doubt that his strength left naught to be desired.
Except now she truly desired him. She had for some time if she was to be honest with herself.
They were silent for so long that the sun finished tucking itself away, and the only light and warmth in the room came flickering and crackling from the fireplace. Marianne’s hot bath turned cool, and William was the one who broke their spell. “I realize I have not made good on my promise and would like to rectify the situation.”
She cocked her head. Surely he could not be scheming to get her into his bed? He said it himself that he wanted to give her passion, would she not have to be wild with wanton emotions for that to happen?
Granted, she did want to be in his bed, but at the same time she did not. She was going mad, because no other woman in the land could be subject to such conflicting thoughts.
She put her hands to her forehead to still the spinning.Stop it, stop it, stop it!
“Marianne?”
The water splashed as she lowered her arms, catching his sleeves. “Aye, I apologize my—William, I was lost in thought.”
He gave the dripping material a glance before turning his attention back to her. She recognized the mischievous grin right away. “Your William? I enjoy the sound of that.”
He caressed her jaw and she shivered. That feeling in her breasts and between her legs intensified, the pulsing quickened and she could not calm her breathing. She jerked away from his touch to stop it. But he continued to stare and the pulsing did not vanish.
“You know ‘tis not what I meant.”
“Yes, but I enjoy it nonetheless. Now, to my original topic…”
She cleared her throat, gripped the sides of the tub and stood. Paying no mind to her nudity or the chilling air as she walked, dripping to the chair where her robe lay. She tugged it on and tied it tight. She heard William groan and felt a bubbling satisfaction rise within her.
There was no sin in showing her body to her husband, but was it sinful to enjoy the torment she caused him?
Most likely, but God would forgive her. She had a valid excuse, she was curious about how she affected him and wanted a little revenge for the way he affected her.
“Yes, you should be ashamed for deceiving the lady of the house.” She teased and faced him.
He shifted as though he were uncomfortable and his jaw clenched harder than a stone.
Well, well, well. It seemed she affected him just as much as he did her. The knowledge was an empowering comfort.
He coughed and rubbed his nose. He was trying to prevent her from seeing the flush in his cheeks. “Aye, I have, forgive me. As I said I wish to make amends for my behavior.”
She folded her arms and walked across the room to where her comb lay next to the basin of water. She sat and, as William had sent everyone away, set to work combing her hair. “That sounds promising. You may start by telling me where you go every night that you do not spend in our bed.”
She spared him a glance. He blinked before the confusion in his eyes flashed. “Where I go? My dear, I would almost believe ‘twas jealousy I heard in your voice.”
She looked away, combing her hair with more vigor. “Jealousy? Pray, is there someone I should be jealous of?”
His barking laughter made her turn to him. He nearly doubled over, his face red with delight.
She saw red herself and slammed her hand on the table. “There is someone else!”
Marianne could not explain why she was so angered. ‘Twas not uncommon for the lord of the house to keep a mistress under his roof, and she had barely allowed William to touch her, why would he not seek companionship elsewhere?
She should have predicted it, have prepared herself for the inevitable time when a mistress was confirmed. Instead she flew at him, pounding against his chest,