Page 107 of Her Dark Seduction
“Thank you,” I said brightly, “my husband is somewhat thirsty tonight.”
Adelia made a small sound, not unlike a suppressed giggle. Vane’s jaw was set hard but the corners of his mouth were beginning to curl into a smile.
“Witch! You torment me.”
“Is that a request, husband?”
I was surprising myself by my boldness, but Adelia smiled encouragement. For the first time in my life I felt relaxed and happy.
Before the servants cleared away the meat dishes, Vane asked if we could be excused. Adelia nodded, a sly smile on her lips, before suggesting he escort me to my chamber.
“But the meal is not finished,” I protested. “I have no wish to dishonor Sir Roger by taking my leave so early.”
“My dear child,” Adelia laughed, “did you not hear my husband? We celebrate your marriage tonight and thus you are expected to take your leave and consummate your union.”
Vane pulled me to my feet and a cheer rose. I blushed at the bawdy remarks and gestures the men aimed at Vane as we crossed the floor. Approaching Oliver’s seat, Vane glared and curled an arm round my waist, challenging him to speak. The young man blushed and cast his eyes down.
“Lovesick colt,” Vane growled under his breath, “I’ve a good mind to geld him.”
“Jealous, love?” I laughed.
The breath was forced from my lungs as Vane squeezed my body and tipped me back. He fondled my buttocks, tightening his hold, before sending a trail of kisses along my neck, until he reached my ear. He drew my earlobe into his mouth and nipped it sharply, the message clear though the words remained unspoken.
Mine.
“I believe only one stallion can satisfy this mare,” he declared before swinging me up over his shoulder. A rowdy cheer erupted.
“Let me down!” I struggled in his grip, but a sharp smack on my buttocks told me he had no intention of doing so. The cheering increased, and I surrendered, letting him carry me out amid the joyous cacophony of thumping and laughter.
Vane kicked my chamber door open, letting it crash against the wall before setting me back on my feet and slamming the door behind us. I backed away. A platter had been placed on the table and a pile of honeyed figs glistened in the candlelight, together with a flagon and two goblets. Instinctively I reached for a fig.
“Do not touch them.” Vane advanced toward me, his tall frame dominating the room, the suppressed strength in his muscles rippling underneath his tunic. His eyes were dark, almost black, their expression ravenous.
“Wife, remove your clothes.”
A shiver of fear rose inside me until his mouth lifted into a broad smile. His eyes danced with merriment.
“As my husband wishes.” Moving toward the bed, I unlaced my gown and stepped out of my slippers before pulling off the surcoat and undergown. I lifted my thin chemise over my head to reveal my naked body.
A low growl made me look up. Vane stood before me in all his naked glory, his hard muscular body tense. His shoulders sloped downward, and I followed a line with my gaze down his throat, drinking in the sight of him; the hard planes of his chest covered with a light dusting of black hair, the muscles of his stomach, which dipped into a v shape above his groin. Nestling amid a mass of black curls, his beautiful manhood jutted out, thick and firm, beckoning to me.
My skin tightened with need, and my breasts ached, the nipples puckering from the heat of Vane’s smoldering gaze. A fire radiated from my core, which began to pulse faintly. Embarrassed, I lifted my hands to cover myself, but he shook his head, his voice a low rumble.
“Lie back on the bed.”
I reached behind me until I felt the edge of the bed. Not taking my eyes off him I lay back and waited.
“Close your eyes.”
“Vane…”
“Do as you are bid.”
Closing my eyes heightened my other senses and my heart throbbed with anticipation. I heard movement but not knowing what he was doing only increased my need for him.
I sensed, rather than knew, he was close, when something brushed against my lips.
“Open your mouth.”
