The Tempest (25 page)

“Ouch! What was that for?”

She tried to look angry with him, and she whispered furiously. “Fiend. If the entire household heard me, it was all your fault.”
He only smirked, taking her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. Then he rolled to his back, taking her with him to hold her close, and she nuzzled her cheek against his breast. She sighed with contentment…and wonder.

“What you did to me…before. I never imagined finding pleasure in such a way. It is so very sinful.” She felt his hands tenderly stroking up and down her back. She softly moaned at the wonderful feeling of his touch.

“There are many ways of making love,” he quietly replied. “Some are much more wicked than others. But when performed with one that has your heart, there is no sin in sharing such joys.”

Smiling, she rose up to be nose to nose with him. “And I found much joy in it,” she declared. She placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Will you show me other such delights?”

His eyes shined with love for her, and he smiled. “With pleasure, my beloved. But I fear such lessons may have to wait. I have hardly slept these last days, and now you have drained every last ounce of my energy.”

She kissed the tip of his nose. Settling into the comfort of his arms, she felt her own eyes growing heavy. His strength and warmth, the events of a long day…their exuberant lovemaking…all combined to make a potent drug that soon found her sound asleep in his loving embrace.

*****

He stirred slowly, coming awake to the feeling of her back pressed against his chest. With a pleasured smile, he snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. He had been without her for so long, and too fresh was the painful memory of their separation. To ease his soul, he needed her as close as comfort would allow.

She murmured in her sleep, but did not stir…and he found that for once, he didn’t mind. He wanted just to look at her, to think of her. In the quiet of the night, holding her soft little body, his mind was in awe of how intensely she affected him.

What he felt for her was so deep a feeling, he could not express it. Not in words, and not even with kisses or the joing of their bodies. He could only look upon her, as now, and wonder how he’d ever been satisfied with something less. He knew there was no way of erasing every sin he’d ever committed. But God in heaven, it tore at his insides to think of all the countless women he’d wasted time with. They’d not meant much to him then, but now they meant less than nothing, and he wished somehow that he could wipe his memory clean.

But they were a stain that could not be wiped away. Those thoughts, those dark memories, were only lost when he was with Cassia. Needing the balm that only she could give him, he leaned down to softly kiss her shoulder. It was incredible that just that tiny bit of affection, that brief contact of his lips on her skin, was enough to bring some sense of calm to his soul.

And to spark his desire.

He heard the happy little sound she made as she woke. He smiled, brushing his nose from her shoulder to her neck, nuzzling her gently. He placed a soft kiss behind her ear, and he was pleased when she sighed with contentment.

“Mmmm. What a lovely way to be woken up.” She turned in his embrace, looping her arms around his neck. They shared soft, tender kisses…passionate, but unhurried. And though he knew words could not quite capture his feelings, he could not fight the urge to try.

“You are so beautiful, Cassia. There is not a one who can ever compare to you.”

She giggled softly, nibbling at his ear. “Continue with this, if you please. I am quite enjoying it.” He allowed it for a few moments. But then he pulled back, capturing her face in both his hands.

“I am being quite serious. You are such a lovely, radiant thing. At times I find it difficult to believe you are truly mine to have and keep.”

Her fingers came up to lightly clasp his wrists. “I feel the same, Guy. Every time I look at you, I feel so very blessed. And after what we have endured, it is truly a gift to have this second chance.”

“And we shall not waste another moment of it. Tomorrow, I shall ask your brother for his blessing. We shall be man and wife, even if we must seek out the priest on our own.”

She pulled his face to hers, worshiping him with tender kisses. “I love you, Guy.”

He returned her kisses, loving her more and more each passing moment. “I love you, Cassia. More than words have the power to say.”
She gave him a low, naughty chuckle. “Deeds are more powerful than words, so it has been said. Perhaps we should put such wisdom to the test.”

Sharing her mirth, adoring her boldness, he cradled her in his arms…and proved that the old adage was very true indeed.

*****

Lying beside him, their heads sharing a pillow, she heard him make a tiny sound of amusement. She looked at him, seeing ts. ht smile that came to his face. Though she delighted in seeing that handsome expression, she had to wonder what had prompted it.

“Something amuses you?” she asked.

He took in a slight breath. “I was recalling a dream…well, it was perhaps more of a nightmare. I once envisioned that we were together, as we are now. Happy, as now. But then, a knight on a white horse appeared, seemingly from nowhere. He took you from me, and I was helpless to stop it. And you went to him willingly.”

She moved so that she could look down into his eyes. Her expression was solemn.

“Why would I do that?”

His eyes met hers…and his smile had lessened. “It was your husband.”

She opened her mouth, but found no words.
“But I am smiling because now I realize it was just the twisted logic of dreams. It was your brother returning to find you…it was not your husband. And it was my fear that triggered the illusion.”

Her look was pained. “You feared that I would leave you?”

He nodded, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, putting her arms around him. He embraced her, letting out a deep breath.

“I am aware of how foolish it must seem now. But in those days, I always feared that you would suddenly see the light…that you would see what you had bound yourself to, and wish to escape.”

She clung tightly to him. “Why would I ever want to leave a man such as you?”

He sighed again, the sound almost sad.

“Well, for one, there is the matter of my sordid past. And then, there is the matter of my physical presence. I am not what one would call an ideal image of a man.”

She lifted her head, taking his face in her hands, her demeanor almost aggressive. “You are
my
ideal of perfection. I do not desire a fair-haired paragon on a white horse.” Then she smiled, her eyes glowing with mischief. “I like my knight dark and dangerous, with a pair of sinful eyes that can melt me into a puddle with just one look.”

He raised an eyebrow, his little smile teasing her. “He sounds quite intriguing. Do I know this person?”

“You should. He is quite tall, with an incredible physique that would turn the head of any sensible woman. But it is quite fortunate for me that he is mine, and only mine…”

*****

They slept once again, close together as they had been each time before. But when Cassia woke, turning her head to glance out the window, she knew that the darkness would not remain for much longer. She was careful in removing herself from Guy’s arms. Several times during the night, she found that when she moveven the smallest distance away…to stretch or adjust her position…he would tighten his hold on her, as if he feared being separated from her. When she was out of his embrace, she crept from the bed and found her discarded nightgown. After she slipped back into it she sat on the edge of the bed, tying the ribbons…and she smiled when she felt the weight shift on the bed behind her. A moment later she felt his arms around her shoulders, his breath hot upon her neck as he murmured softly.

“Must you go so soon?”

She smiled, leaning back against him. And she sighed. “The moon is low in the west. The servants will be up soon…and I must be in my chamber before the house begins to stir.”

Despite the words of caution, despite the knowledge that their night was at its end, neither was willing to go. Guy was more vocal in his displeasure, grumbling his protest softly against her skin.

“I can hardly bear these separations.”

He rocked her back and forth in his embrace, as if seeking comfort from the motion. She turned in his arms, pressing her cheek against his shoulder, her arms clinging to him. She tried to sound more cheerful than he.

“I shall not be so far away. We will share company in the afternoon and in the evening.”

His whisper had an urgent note to it. “That shall hardly suffice.” She heard him sigh. Then, he held her back slightly to look in her eyes. “Will you come to me again? Tonight?”

Her answer was instant. “Of course. And every night, if I am able to manage it.”

He let out a ragged breath. “I can hardly wait until we are wed.” He kissed her firmly…and then he smiled. His eyes were shining with amusement. “I think it is time you made an honest man of me.”

She giggled, kissing him back, wishing she could stay…but knowing she could not. Before temptation could lure her back to his bed and his willing arms, she pulled away and rose to her feet. He followed her to the door, his fingers linked with hers…unwilling to let her leave until the last possible moment. Just before she slipped out, he grazed her cheek with his fingertips.

“Good night, my beloved.”

She clutched his hand, pressing it against her face for a long moment…and then she left, taking great caution to move as silently as she had only a short time ago.

*****

She slept quite late into the day…and cursed herself for it. She had wanted to see Guy at breakfast, before Stephen took him out on their journey to meet the tenants and examine the property. But as she lay in her bed, thinking on the night that had just passed, she smiled sheepishly…thinking perhaps that meeting him so soon again would not be wise, particularly if others were watching them.

She had a strange wish to be a little bird at that moment, so she might discreetly follow along with Guy and Stephen and hear their conversation. Guy had said he would seek Stephen’s blessing today, and she prayed that her brother would be rational. He had his reasons for not liking Guy, but surely he would not deny her the happiness of having the man she loved.

At her request the maid prepared a bath and brought her a tray of food, and soon she was left alone with her thoughts. Rosalyn had said that Stephen would take her feelings into consideration…and he’d made Guy his second Steward, which made her think he was at least trying to be reasonable.

But she was well aware that marriages were not meant for love. A lord based his allowance of marriage on what he thought to be the best situation for the parties involved. It mattered not that she was Stephen’s sister. She could only pray that he would allow his heart, and not his pride, to ultimately affect his decision.

Later that afternoon, impatience gnawed at her as she took a long turn around the property with Rosalyn. The children accompanied them, escorted by their nurse. While the three were at a distance ahead, Cassia and Rosalyn walked side by side, observing them. Stuart ran far ahead, as fast as his little legs would carry him. Then he came running back, a wide smile on his face.

“Mama…Auntie…I can run fast!”

Rosalyn gave him a loving smile, reaching down to smooth his flaxen hair. “We see, darling. But be careful. Do not fall.”

He gave a little giggle…and proceeded to run full speed ahead down the path.

“He is a fine boy,” Cassia said. “So sweet, and so full of energy.” She smiled, watching Stuart as he bravely managed the few steps leading down a section of the path. “He reminds me of Stephen’s temperament when we were children. He was always bold and gregarious.”

Rosalyn beamed with pride. “My son will make a fine knight one day.”

To that, Cassia’s smile waned. “I must confess. If I have sons, I hope that their ambitions do not venture towards warfare. I can recall too clearly how painful it was to see Stephen and Edwin gone to seek such glory. I would prefer that my sons look to commerce, or agriculture…perhaps even the clergy.”

Rosalyn looked sympathetic. But as always, her compassion was tempered by her aristocratic upbringing…her total devotion to the rules of society and of her status.

“If only it could be our decision to make, dear sister. Sons shall follow their fathers. It is a fate that we mothers cannot change.”

Cassia sighed. “Perhaps. But it is my hope that my husband directs our children on a more peaceful path in life.”

“Does Sir Guy speak to you of his wishes for the future?”

She shrugged. “At present, we would be grateul just to begin our lives together. He seeks my hand, Rosalyn. He told me he would speak to Stephen today.”

Rosalyn took her hands, joyfully squeezing them. “Oh Cassia, that is splendid news.”

“Only if Stephen accepts us.” She lowered her eyes, coming close to tears. “Without his consent, Guy and I can make no such plans.”

Rosalyn gathered her in her arms, and Cassia leaned on her, grateful for the small comfort.
As they turned back to the house, a footman appeared from within. He gave a bow to Rosalyn.

“My lady, the master returns.”

Cassia felt her insides quiver with nervousness, wondering what news Stephen would bring. Rosalyn gave her hand a gentle pat, and together they walked in, the nurse following behind with the children.

They waited near the staircase, and at the sight of Guy walking beside Stephen, Cassia’s heart beat fast. When he walked through the door, he remained at a polite distance as Stephen came forward to greet his wife and children, and to give Cassia a peck of the cheek. But her eyes remained on Guy, as his eyes were on hers. She found it difficult to restrain herself. She wanted to rush to him, to throw her arms around him and kiss him. But such behavior was not permitted, and this they both knew. He appeared cool and restrained, the way she had often seen him in those days when he’d carried out his duties in Nottingham. But she knew he must have been eager to speak to her, to tell her what had transpired between himself and his new lord and master. And he was eager to express his affection. She could see it in his expression as he came close. It was in his eyes, which darkened in color as he took her hand, pressing his lips lightly to her knuckles.