Page 41 of A Touch So Wicked

Englishmen or no, Elissa objected to the murder of men in their beds. A bloodless coup was more to her liking but she knew of no way to make that happen.

Elissa drew the pins from her hair and ran her fingers through the fiery mass until it fell in thick, long waves down her back. In a dreamlike state she picked up a candlestick and left her chamber.

Her tread was light as she descended the winding staircase and across the deserted hall. Her heart was pounding erratically and her blood pumping furiously as she climbed the tower stairs. Her hand was trembling as she lifted it and rapped lightly on the door.

Damian didn’t answer immediately and she turned away, more relieved than she cared to admit. Then abruptly the panel opened. Larger than life and twice as threatening, Damian loomed in the doorway, his tall form barely covered by a robe tied loosely at the waist.

Damian’s startled gaze roamed leisurely over Elissa’s scantily clad body. He was scarcely able to believe his eyes, and surprise rendered him momentarily speechless. Elissa had come to him in her nightdress, her glorious hair down and her attitude meekly submissive. Submissive? Ha! He didn’t believe that for a minute. Everything Elissa did was suspect.

He leaned against the doorjamb, his arms crossed over his bare chest. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

He swore when he saw a flash of anger in her eyes despite her calm voice and composed features. “If you donna want me, my lord, I can leave.”

Not want her? He’d have to be insane to let her leave now. He held the door open and stepped aside. She swept past him with regal grace, the scent of violets trailing behind her. Damian shut the door and leaned against it.

“Dare I hope you’ve suddenly found me irresistible?”

“You may hope whatever you please. I’m here. What more do you need to know?”

He reached for her and gathered her into his embrace. “No games this time, Elissa. There will be no pulling back, no maidenly protests. What we do in this room tonight will happen because ’tis what you want.”

He saw her eyes widen and sought to allay her fears. “’Tis what I want too, sweeting, have wanted for a very long time. The pleasure we share tonight is just the beginning. There will be many more nights like this one.”

He kissed her then, holding her head steady with one hand while his other curled around her hip, bringing her hard against the burgeoning thrust of his manhood. Her lips were moist and sweet, but he could taste her fear. Was he that frightening? Or was it something else? Once again suspicion rose like a dark specter between them.

“Relax, sweeting,” he whispered against her lips. “You do want this, don’t you?”

“Aye, I am here, am I not?”

He released the tie holding her robe together and waited for her reaction. It was nearly imperceptible, but he still felt the tiny quiver she tried to suppress. He peeled the robe down her arms and tossed it aside. Her nightdress was so voluminous she could have been shapeless beneath it, but Damian knew better.

She was staring at him, her green eyes translucent in the flickering candlelight. He returned her gaze, knowing his raw need shown in it. “Elissa, you do know how much I want you, don’t you?”

She nodded mutely.

“Then give yourself over to me. Let me lead you where you’ve never gone before.”

She relaxed in his arms, and he heaved a sigh of gratitude.

“Take me where you will, Damian. I’m ready to follow wherever this night leads.”

She sounded sincere, but Damian wasn’t the fool she thought him. Did she carry a weapon? Did she intend to kill him this time? She’d brought no drugged wine, so there would be no repeat of the last time she’d come to his bedchamber.

He dropped his arms and stepped away. “Take off your nightdress, Elissa, I want to look my fill at you.”

She hesitated so long, Damian drawled, “Shall I do it for you?”

Her head rose sharply. “Nay, I’ll do it.”

Damian literally shook with impatience. His sex rose thick and rampant between his thighs. She had barely lifted the hem of her nightdress when his patience snapped. Grasping yards of material in his hands, he pulled her nightdress over her head and off. Her hands flew up to cover her breasts but he grasped her wrists and anchored them at her sides. Then his heated gaze trekked leisurely over her tempting curves.

When he’d looked his fill, his gaze returned to her face. Her eyes were closed, her face was pale. He released her wrists, loosened the belt on his robe, and shrugged out of it.

“Open your eyes, Elissa.”

Her lids slowly opened. Her startled gasp reverberated loudly in the waiting silence.

“Aye, neither of us have anything to hide now. You’ve seen my body before. Does it please you?”