The Beloved Scoundrel (40 page)

“You most certainly did.” He studied her expression. “I believe you’re displaying concern. How peculiar. You must be plotting something.”

“No.” She moved over to the saddlebags. “Not at the moment. I’m too hungry. If you’ll make a spit, I’ll skin the rabbit.”

“That’s why I brought in the branch you used to club me with. Sit down and rest. I don’t need help.” He looked at the dust-covered chairs and added, “You’ll stay cleaner if you spread your cloak on the floor and sit on that instead of those chairs.”

“I haven’t worried about cleanliness for weeks.” Still, she did as he suggested, then sat in front of the fire. She watched him as he began to whittle one end of the club. “Where did you send Gregor?”

“To the village. He’ll be back in the morning to see if I’ve survived.” His lips curved ruefully. “I’ll tell him it was not an easy task.” He looked from her face to the large round window gracing the wall across the
room. The stained glass depicted a scarlet sun shooting out golden rays of light as it sank down behind purple hills. The sun pouring through the brilliant panes cast a long beam of multihued light that struck and formed a radiant circle on the oak floor in the center of the room. “That’s very beautiful. Your grandmother’s work?”

She nodded, her face lighting eagerly. “Grandmama did all the stained glass in this palace. Wasn’t she wonderful?”

“Yes.” He glanced at the window again. “But I think the work you did at Cambaron is better.”

Her eyes widened in astonishment. “You do?” Then she immediately shook her head. “No, that couldn’t be true. She was a magnificent craftsman. No one did better work than Grandmama.”

“Until Marianna.”

“Truly?” she whispered.

“Truly.”

Happiness surged through her. He meant it, and though it might not be true, it was wonderful to hear praise from his lips. “You should see her windows in the chapel. That’s where her best work is displayed.”

“And where you took the Jedalar.”

Her smile faded. Everything always came back to the Jedalar, casting a cloud over every joyful happening between them. “Yes.”

“Why?”

She looked away from him. “Do you wish me to skin that rabbit or not? I’ve gotten quite skilled at the art in the past weeks.”

For a moment she thought he was not going to allow the evasion, but then a smile lit his face. “I
know.” He knelt on the hearth and drawled, “By all means. Such crudities are totally beyond me.”

Her spirits lightened as she recognized the lazy, mocking tone she had heard a thousand times at Cambaron. The coming conflict between them was inevitable, but it was not to be yet.

E
at.” He frowned. “You’ve had only a few mouthfuls.”

“I’ve had enough.” It was true she had eaten only a little of the rabbit roasting on the spit in the fireplace, but she was satisfied. Her appetite must have lessened due to the scant fare on the journey here. “You eat the rest.”

“You’ve got to be hungry. You’ve not had a bite since last night.”

“How do you know?” Then she shook her head as she guessed. “You were that close to me?”

He shook his head. “Niko.”

“I feel very stupid. I never realized anyone was following me.”

“You weren’t stupid. Niko is an expert tracker, and we stayed several miles behind. You did better than most men would have done.” He looked away from her into the fire, and the next words came awkwardly. “I was proud of you.”

Her eyes widened. “You were?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I suppose it’s due to a few unimportant qualities I’ve noticed in you. You never give up. You have a fine mind, and you’re brave as a lion. Oh, and one
more reason.” He still was not looking at her. “Because you belong to me.”

She tensed. “I don’t belong to you.”

“Not yet. I have to make it so.” He looked up and held her gaze. “Will you wed me, Marianna?”

She stared at him, stunned. “Wed?”

“I’ve decided it’s the only way you’ll stay with me. You would never break your vows.”

Her astonishment caused her to blurt out the first thing that came into her head. “Your mother broke hers.”

“She had reason. My father was the worst kind of bastard. I’m not stupid enough to follow his example.”

“You don’t mean this.”

“Why not?”

“You’re the Duke of Cambaron. You know such a marriage is unacceptable.”

“You’ve been listening to that balderdash Dorothy has fed you,” he said roughly. “I accept such a marriage, and I’m the only one who counts. The rest of the world can go to perdition.”

She shook her head.

“Do you think you’re unworthy of me?”

She lifted her chin. “Why should I think that? I’m probably too good for you.”

He chuckled. “Then we agree.”

“But it’s not what I think. They will—”

“I’m tired of listening to what ‘they’ think.” His expression turned grim. “I want you as my wife and, by God, I’m going to have you.”

“Because I wouldn’t be your mistress.”

“I wouldn’t be satisfied if you consented to that now. I want more.”

“Why?”

He was silent, as if searching for words. “I love you,” he finally said haltingly.

She felt an incredible burst of joy. It was a miracle, an unbelievable gift. She wanted to—

It
was
unbelievable.

A deep thrust of pain tore through her as she realized how gullible she was to have had that initial response. She swallowed to ease the tightness in her throat. “How very convenient.”

He muttered a curse beneath his breath. “Convenient? I’ve never said ‘I love you’ to any woman before, and you say it’s convenient? It’s not convenient. Do you think I want this? It hurts like the devil.”

It did hurt, and the pain was growing with every moment. “You said I wasn’t stupid, and yet you expect me to believe you,” she burst out. “I won’t be duped again, Jordan.” She tightened her lips to keep them from trembling. “I always thought you honest. I didn’t think you’d lie to get me to give you the Jedalar.”

His eyes glittered with anger. “Christ, I can
take
the damned Jedalar. It’s here in this palace.”

“But you don’t know how to put the puzzle together. You need me for that.”

“I need you.” He added, “But not for that. If I have to do it, I’ll figure it out for myself. It’s not—” He stopped as he saw her expression. “I’m wasting my time. You don’t trust me.”

“Can you blame me?”

He smiled crookedly. “No, I suppose it’s too much to ask. It’s clear I’ll have to prove myself.”

She shook her head wearily. “There’s no time.”

“Nonsense, we have all the time in the world.” He
took a few moments to subdue his exasperation and annoyance. “After we finish with this business, I shall set out to court you.”

After they finished with this business, he would not even wish to look at her. The thought sent a surge of panic through her. She wanted to reach out and touch him, fill herself with warmth to ward off that chill future. “No!”

His lips tightened grimly. “Resign yourself to it. I’m going to find a way to have you. I’m even willing to be as civilized and correct as even Dorothy could wish. What the devil else do you want from me?”

She said unsteadily, “I want what we had at Dalwynd.” She paused, then added, “Now.”

He went still. “Even though you have no trust in me?”

She nodded. “I don’t have to trust you to know that you will bring me pleasure.”

“Oh, I’m to be a toy for your pleasure?”

“Isn’t that what you wanted of me at Dalwynd?”

“Not entirely. As a matter of fact, during that period my motives were often muddled even to myself.” He shrugged. “But I have no objection to the role. You can be assured I’ll endeavor to please. Take off your clothes.”

She stared at him in bewilderment.

“Well, since you’re so eager, you surely didn’t expect me to waste time seducing you?” He started to unbutton his shirt. “You evidently have no need of sweet words.”

“I don’t remember you ever giving me sweet words.” The words of seduction he had spoken to her had all been raw and shimmering darkly with sensuality.

“But you listened to them with all the attention of an acolyte to Venus.” She became aware of the faint bite beneath his usual mockery. He stripped off his shirt. “I’ve never seen a woman so eager to be convinced.”

“You’re trying to hurt me.”

“Why should I try to— Yes.” His lips twisted. “But why should that make a difference?” He sat down and began to remove his boots. “A bit of conflict can be exciting as a prelude to bed play.”

It did make a difference. She did not want bitterness and pain to mar this last encounter.

“But perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps you want more from me.”

She had hurt him. No, she must not believe she had that power. She must not believe any of the things she desperately wanted to be true. In this place, at this time, he was the enemy. She took off her cloak and dropped it on the floor. “No, that’s all I want.”

“The devil you do!” His eyes were blazing. He took a deep breath, and she could almost see him put on the mask of mockery and sensuality. He leaned back in the chair. “Then you’ll have to shed more than that cloak. I’m beginning to get bored. Shall I help you?”

“No.” Her hands were trembling as she went to the fastening of her gown. “I’ll do it myself.”

“Ah, what an independent spirit you have. Have I ever told you how much I admire that quality?”

“Even while trying to crush it?”

“I never wanted to destroy your spirit. I just wanted to channel it so that no one could enjoy it but my humble self.” He stood up, shed the rest of his garments, and then resumed his seat, completely at
ease in his nudity. “I visited a sultan in Morocco once who had a splendid palace in which to store his charming treasures. I did not envy him at the time.” His voice hoarsened as his gaze went over her now-naked body. “I do now. Would you walk to the center of the room?

“Why?”

“To please me. I promise I will please you in turn.”

She started slowly across the room. She was acutely aware of his gaze on the hollow of her spine, the curve of her buttocks. She abruptly stopped and turned to face him. “This is ridiculous. I feel like a slave on an auction block.”

“What a terrible experience for a woman of independence. I had no such intention. Just another few steps.”

She hesitated, and then she suddenly realized what he wanted. She took four more steps, and she was in the radiant circle of color formed by the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass window. She felt the warmth of the sun’s rays on her naked body.

“Splendid,” he said softly. “You look like a Nereid from beneath the sea.”

She glanced down at herself and felt a strange thrill. It was like looking at a stranger. Her body was crisscrossed by scarlet and gold lines and, where there were no brilliant streaks of color, soft muted pinks vied with lavenders. She wondered what color her hair was in this light. She reached up to touch it and then turned her head back and forth; her hair felt heavier and more sensual as it swung about her shoulders. Her entire body felt different, as if it belonged to someone else. “Nereids should be cool and blue.”

“Perhaps in the panels you fashion.” She heard him rise from his chair. “My Nereids bask in sunlight, and there is nothing cool about them.”

He stepped into the circle of color and became one with it.

Nude. Magnificent. Aroused. His cheeks were hollowed, and his light eyes shimmered as they looked down at her. “Isn’t this amusing? Tell me, do you suppose we look like figures in a stained-glass window?”

“No.” She swallowed. “Stained-glass windows must be on display.”

“And I’m a trifle shocking for public display.” His gaze went to her breasts. “And so are you, my love.”

She knew what he meant. She felt her entire body ripening and readying and a tingling ache beginning between her thighs as she looked at him. Lean, muscular, and streaked with fire, he was the most beautifully sensual creature she had ever beheld.

“You like this, don’t you?” he whispered. “And why shouldn’t you? When you were making your beautiful windows, you must have sometimes felt that you were part of them.” He paused. “Or wanted to be part of them.” He took a step closer. “And now you can.”

She was trembling. He was towering over her, and she felt small and helpless and completely woman.

He took her hand and brought it to his body. “I’ve always been jealous of your work. Did you know that?” He closed her hand around him. A shudder went through him as he held it in place. “You would never share it with me, and I wanted all of you.” His other hand went out to cup her breast. “You’re so tiny, your hand barely goes around me.” He urged
softly, “Think how we look now. Imagine us as the figures in one of your panels.”

She was imagining it. She could see him.…

Dear heaven, she could see both of them. Her breast was lifting and falling beneath his hand as his thumb teasingly flicked her nipple.

“Am I part of it?” he whispered.

“Yes.…”

He smiled. “That’s not enough.” He suddenly lifted her, wrapped her legs about his hips, and plunged deep! “I want to be all of it.”

She cried out, her hands clutching his shoulders.

“Take me!” His voice was a guttural growl. His hips worked frantically back and forth as he held her sealed to him. “All of me!”

She was moaning, grunting, savagely trying to press closer, as if she were a different woman from the one who had stepped within that circle of light. She was vaguely aware of him falling to his knees and then pushing her down on the floor. The wood was cold on her back, but the sun was warm on her body, and Jordan was hot.… His face was only a dark shadow above her, but his body was outlined in a fiery radiance.

Vulcan, she thought feverishly. Vulcan striking …

His dark hair had come loose from its queue and brushed her breasts with every thrust. “Think—of—me.” He punctuated every word with a deep plunge. “I need to be—”

“Be still!” she gasped. “I can’t think at all. I don’t even know what you—”

She arched upward as explosive release tore
through her. She was aware of Jordan’s hoarse cry above her.