Part 13 (1/2)
Both of his hands now clenched the arms of his chair.
Oh, yes. There was indeed more than one way to capture the attention of a very naughty Scottish lord.
And oh, how good that attention felt.
She pushed her gown from one shoulder, then stopped. ”I'd best remove my boots first.”
His eyes darkened with amus.e.m.e.nt. ”Would you like me to undo them?”
”That would be much faster, I'm sure.”
He stood and walked toward her, proud and unbowed. She supposed there were benefits to not winning an argument; they were still able to face each other with their heads held high.
They were two of a kind in many ways. She didn't like losing, either. And they both enjoyed the heat of pa.s.sion.
She s.h.i.+vered as he knelt before her, his hands cupping her calf. He slowly untied the lace and glanced up at her. ”Put your hand on my shoulder.”
She did so, marveling at the warmth that soaked through his coat.
He held her leg with one hand and pulled her boot free. ”There,” he said, dropping the boot onto the floor.
Fiona caught her breath as his hand slid a bit farther up her leg.
He flashed a wicked smile and lifted her other foot; in seconds, he dropped her other boot beside the first.
She looked at the tub. ”Do you think we mightboth fit in your tub? It seems quite large.”
He chuckled, standing up. ”It's plenty large if you sit on my lap.”
Her body quivered at the thought. ”Shall we, then?”
Jack bent to nuzzle her neck, kissing a line from her collar to her ear.
Fiona pulled loose the ribbon that held her gown closed, and it fell to the floor. Pretending she didn't notice Jack watching her, she picked up her gown and tossed it over a chair, then untied the ribbons of her chemise. s.h.i.+mmying free of that, completely naked, she stepped over the edge of the tub and slid into the water.
”Ahhh!” She closed her eyes, the heat and steam caressing her as the water lapped against her.
”Move forward, sweetheart.”
She opened her eyes. Jack stood before her naked, a faint smile in his eyes. She gawked. She couldn't help it; he was so magnificent, his body a ripple of muscles and taut skin from his broad shoulders to his flat stomach to his well-developed thighs.
She slid forward in the tub, pulling her knees up as Jack climbed in behind her. He slid his legs to either side, lifting her and settling her in his lap. It was heavenly, sitting in a bath surrounded by nothing but Jack. His thighs made a perfect seat for her. His muscular arms stretched to either side of her, his shoulder enticingly near her head.
They sat there for a long moment, just soaking in the luxury of the water and each other. Fiona snuggled against him, tilting her head back so that she could see his face.
He kissed her forehead. ”I apologize for not introducing you to the servants. I didn't think of it. That was inexcusable.”
She shrugged, her skin sliding along his, the wetness holding them together. ”I am more interested in discussing your propensity for gaming h.e.l.ls. I know what goes on in those places. I have brothers, you know.”
He slid a hand to his side and grimaced. ”I am very well aware of that.” He reached around her to cup her b.r.e.a.s.t.s with both hands, then rubbed her nipples, the warm water lapping at her sensitive skin. Beneath her bottom, she could feel the distinct stir of his manhood, and her body arched as sparks of desire flashed through her. Fiona lifted her lips to his, sliding her arms around his neck as he slipped his hand between her thighs.
And then she was lost, lost in the heat of his touch, and she gave herself up to Jack's embrace.
Chapter Ten.
Like all women, the White Witch was possessive. Therein lay her mistake. It does not pay to be possessive of a man determined to remain free. All you'll win is an empty bed and an achin' heart.
OLDWOMANNORA OFLOCHLOMOND.
TO HER THREE WEE GRANDDAUGHTERS ONE COLD NIGHT.
The sun was sinking below the horizon when the last footman staggered up the front walk, carrying
bundles and boxes of countless shoes, boots, gowns, an evening wrap of silvery tulle, three new reticules, and a blue pelisse trimmed with ermine.
Jack followed behind Fiona. ”Well, my lady, are you pleased with our many purchases?”
”Yes,” she replied breathlessly. ”You didn't need to buy so much.” He shrugged. ”My grandfather left her entire fortune to me-yet another reason my stepfather cannotabide me.”
Fiona t.i.tled her head. ”Surely you exaggerate.”
”No, I don't. Not that it matters; I have long since ceased to need a family.”
She halted. ”You cannot mean that. Everyone needs a family.”
She looked so outraged that he grinned. He touched the end of her nose. ”After spending some time
with your brothers, I find the thought of needing a family ludicrous.” ”Oh, Jack! You just don't know them yet. Gregor has a heart as big as the world, though he'd rather no one knew it. And Hugh writes the most amazing poetry. He carves, too; our house is filled with his work. And Alexander is-” ”A saint, I'm sure.” Jack placed his hands on Fiona's shoulders and turned her toward the shrubbery. ”Nowtell me how wonderful your brothers are.”
Before them stood a large tree, the leaves shredded, the bark faintly scarred. The ground was covered with torn bits of foliage, leaves, and the ripped edges of the rosebushes surrounding the house. Fiona winced. ”The hail.” Jack nodded, sliding his hands from her shoulders down to her arms. ”Your brothers may be wonderful to you, but they have been less kind to me.”
She sighed. ”My brothers are sometimes overzealous in their endeavors, but they are good people, and -”
Jack kissed her, hard and fast, oblivious to anyone who might be pa.s.sing by on the street. He wasn't sure why he did it. All he knew was that the urge was overwhelming. Once it was over, his lips lifting from hers, he knew he'd done the right thing.
For the past two days, they'd done nothing but shop, make love, sleep, and talk. Uncharacteristically, he hadn't gone out the last two nights, but that was the nature of freedom: he was free tochoose to stay home and sleep in his own bed. A soft and pa.s.sionate woman with ripe curves and a smoky laugh was a very compelling choice.
Jack knew Fiona was using their marital bed as a way to keep him home, and he was all too willing to allow her to do so-for now.
He traced the line of her lip with his thumb, amazed at the sensual response that flashed in her eyes. Sheneeded to be kissed, d.a.m.n it. Every pa.s.sionate, ardent inch of her, and he was just the man for the job.
Fiona watched the play of emotions across Jack's face. The embrace had left her breathless and wanting. Her cheeks hot, her lips tingling, she smiled. ”I thought you'd had enough of that this morning.”
He grinned roguishly. ”Is there such a thing as enough?”