Virtue and Vice (42 page)

Her frenzied fingers tore at his shirt, wanting to feel the heat of his skin beneath her touch. His hands speared into her hair, anchoring her head in place as he plundered her mouth. She moaned low in her throat, her need for him like a thirst that had to be quenched. He responded by deepening the kiss, his tongue sliding wetly against hers, his breath becoming her breath as they strained against one another. He nipped at her lips, her chin, her neck as he moved down the bed. His hands left her hair to reach for the hem of her night rail and he tore it from her, baring her to his hungry gaze. She flushed with pleasure and excitement.

He stared down at her. “God, Izzy. You’re so beautiful.” His warm hands slid down her sides, outlining her waist and then her hips.

She arched up off the bed and reached for him.

He shed his breeches, then returned, lowering himself between her thighs. As she spread her hands across the sleek muscles of his back, desire tightened into a taut coil deep within her belly. She drew her hands over his shoulders, tracing the corded muscles of his neck and collar, then trailed her fingers across his chest, over his oval nipples, and lower still, until she grasped his hot shaft with one hand. She stroked him, long and hard, then slow and soft, until his harsh panting echoed in her ears, the sound like an aphrodisiac to her starved senses.

He groaned, then lowered his head and drew her nipple into his mouth. She cried out at the sensation of fiery tongue against sensitive breast. He slid one hand between her thighs and stroked her slick flesh, groaning when he found her already damp for him.

“So wet…so good,” he rasped, using the pads of his fingers to spread her own hot moisture over her aching skin. “You drive me insane, Izzy.”

She tossed her head and gripped his buttocks tightly, urging him closer, begging him through touch for what she needed.

When he lifted his head their eyes met and held Izzy understood immediately what he was feeling, for she experienced it too. They stood at a precipice, ready to topple over the edge together. Never before had they made love for the sole purpose of becoming one. Not even in those early halcyon days in the crofter’s cottage had they shared their bodies without an ulterior motive of some sort, without lies and deceit between them.

She shifted against him in blatant invitation and he surged forward, plunging into her with one hard thrust of his hips. She cried out with utter fulfillment at their joining. She needed this, needed him, so much. His hands sought hers and brought them up on either side of her head, entwining his fingers within hers. And then he began to move, never taking his eyes from hers.

Shudders of intense pleasure wracked her as he withdrew then thrust deep, over and over, breaching every defense she’d ever erected to join with her in the most profound way possible. She wrapped her legs about his waist, pulling him deeper still while the tension in her belly continued to tighten and his body urged hers on to release.

Her body sang at his possession, and she began to cry out, low moans that turned into soft cries of ecstasy as he rode her closer and closer to the edge of climax. When she couldn’t bear the unrelenting pleasure any longer, he sped his movements and she tumbled into oblivion, gasping as her body exploded in bliss. As she trembled and shuddered around him he took her face between his hands, looked into her eyes, and found his own release. A harsh cry burst from him and he pulsed inside her, again and again. For a moment they remained frozen, locked together, staring into one another’s eyes, until he lowered his head into the crook of her neck, breathing heavily, breaking the magical spell that danced and flitted around them.

Izzy was overcome. Never before had it been like this between them. Nothing she’d experienced came close to the magnitude and intensity of what they’d just shared. It wasn’t possible feel as close to another soul as she felt to Ram. Clenching her arms around his neck, she embraced him, fighting tears of profound joy. When he lifted his head to look at her, his eyes were liquid stone. He’d experienced the same magic.

“I love you.” she whispered.

His eyes briefly closed and he pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. “And I, you, my love.”

Epilogue

Eight weeks later…

Chesworth house was beautifully decorated for the celebration that followed the renewal of their wedding vows. This time there was no fear, no deceit, no trepidation as Izzy stood before Ram and promised to love and cherish him for the rest of her days.

His eyes were warm as he repeated the same vows, then twinkled when he threw in an additional vow to always be patient with her, which caused laughter amongst the small number of assembled guests. Laughter turned to sighs when Ram took her into his arms and kissed her long and slow, demonstrating his love for her before the world.

Shortly afterward, while Ram shared a drink with his friends, Izzy managed to get her cousin alone. “Just imagine. In only another few weeks you’ll be standing here, repeating the very same words to Lucien.” Belinda smiled, her eyes automatically seeking out her betrothed, and Izzy thrilled to see the love that shone in Bel’s blue gaze. Izzy snuck a peek in Lucien’s direction, content when she caught the gentle smile he sent back to Belinda. She adored the man who made Belinda look so very happy.

She’d always thought Belinda pretty, but Belinda in love was beautiful, and wasn’t it just too bad for all the gentleman who’d never noticed until now, when it was too late? Lucien was a prince amongst men with exquisite taste and a wholly undeserved reputation as a libertine as far as Izzy was concerned.

For propriety’s sake, Izzy’s mother had not let Belinda and Lucien be alone for more than a few minutes at a time. Izzy knew Belinda ached to spend a few moments in the arms of her beloved. Izzy was so incredibly happy with her own life she wanted everyone she loved to be just as content. Gaining Belinda’s attention, she whispered into her ear. “When Ram and I retire for the evening, use the distraction to take Lucien out to the gardens.”

Belinda’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, and Izzy laughed at her obvious eagerness. Somehow they’d both become slaves to the men they adored and it was marvelous. “Who would have thought mere months ago that either of us would end up here?”

Belinda smiled. “I suppose I was wrong. Picking a random man to give your virginity to turned out to be just the perfect solution to your marital dilemma.”

They both dissolved into laughter at the reminder of what had started them on this journey.

Strong arms encircled Izzy’s waist from behind and she leaned against Ram’s chest without hesitation, trusting him to support her, loving how the strong muscles at her back cocooned her with safety.

“What’s so funny?” he murmured in her ear.

“Just women talk. Nothing you’d be interested in.”

“Mmm. Doubtful, but it’s probably best if I don’t know.” He nuzzled her neck. “Does a renewal of vows entail a second wedding night? I believe I have much to make up for from the first.”

Izzy sent an amused look in Belinda’s direction, whose cheeks had turned pink, even as she pretended not to hear the exchange.

“I believe it does, my lord. Shall we bid our guests good evening?”

“I can’t think of anything I’d like more. At least not anything appropriate for this kind of gathering,” he lowered his voice to the intimate tone that thrilled her. “That will have to wait a while longer, I fear.”

Izzy pressed a kiss to his cheek, then darted a look at Belinda, imparting her silent message with a glance. Understanding immediately, Belinda disappeared into the crowd without a word of farewell.

“And just where is Belinda hotfooting it off to?”

Izzy turned an innocent look on her husband. “I’m sure I wouldn’t know.”

“Keeping secrets now, wife? I’m sure you do know.”

“Well…” she drawled, thinking about the biggest secret she had yet to share with him. That would come later this evening. “If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say she plans to use the coming distraction to find a few stolen moments with your friend.”

“Troublemaker.” He laughed, and, understanding her intent, took her hand and lead her off to make a spectacle of their departure.

***

It was almost another hour until Ram carried Izzy over the threshold of their chamber. She hoped Belinda utilized her time with Lucien wisely, because now Izzy’s thoughts were securely focused upon her husband and would be until morning arrived. At the earliest.

She turned the key in the lock, then walked a direct path to Ram, pulling pins from her hair as she went. When her curls tumbled down her back she carefully removed the garland that sat upon her head like a crown.

“I can’t believe you got this for me,” she exclaimed for at least the tenth time, carefully laying the pretty adornment on the vanity where it would remain safe. It was nearly identical to the one he’d bought her during the May Day festival.

“I know how much you regret losing the first one.”

“I didn’t realize you were such a romantic at heart.”

He grinned. “Would you rather I’d given you your white mob cap to wear today instead? I warrant it wouldn’t have been nearly as pretty.”

Eyes wide with surprise, she spun to face him. “You jest. Surely you didn’t keep my cap!”

“Surely I did.”

“But…but why?” she spluttered.

Grasping her by the hand, he tugged her closer. “Because even back on May Day I sensed our meeting was momentous. I’ll always be grateful for that cap. Without it we might never have met that day at the river. I’m quite fond of it.”

She marveled over how easily he surprised her with simple proof of his love. She warmed. How she adored him. Outwardly, she only rolled her eyes and exclaimed, “you’re insane.”

“Only for you.” He drew her into his arms and in moments she stood before him in only her chemise. She glanced at the bed with longing and he laughed before seating himself upon it, pulling her to stand between his thighs. Her fingers immediately went to work divesting him of his formal attire.

“I’ve something for you first, love.”

“Mmm?” She pushed his doublet off his broad shoulders. As she lifted his shirt, he leaned around her to the bedside table and lifted a box she hadn’t noticed before. He waited until she’d flung the garment to the floor, then presented the box to her with aplomb.

“What’s this?”

“A true gift. A new wedding present for a new beginning.”

Unlike the first time Ram gifted her with a wedding present, this time Izzy squealed with glee and leapt onto her knees on the bed, holding out her hand. Ram chuckled and held the box just out of her reach. After one failed attempt at claiming it, she dove at him and tickled him under his upraised arm.

“Pax!” He exclaimed, laughing. “You don’t play fair!”

“How many times must I tell you I’ll never play fair? Besides, since I’ve always been shorter than nearly everyone I know, as a child I learned to adapt. With three older brothers it’s survive or perish.”

He grinned. “I like you small. It makes it easier to do this,” he grabbed her by the waist and flipped her to her back, then descended upon her, tickling her mercilessly at her ribs. She shrieked and tried to wiggle out from under him but he held fast. Finally, with tears of mirth in her eyes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, effectively putting an end to his shenanigans. She took his lower lip into her mouth and sucked gently while she ran her fingers through his hair, losing herself in his taste. With a grunt he tightened his arms around her and deepened the kiss until she was panting.

After a few minutes of drugging kisses he lifted his mouth a few inches from hers. “Don’t you want your gift?”

“What gift?” she sighed.

With a laugh he sat, taking her with him. He put the pretty white box in her hand.

She gasped with pleasure when she opened it and saw the beautiful pair of ruby and diamond bracelets lying on a bed of dark blue velvet.

“They’re divine.” She whispered. She lifted one and studied it. The bracelet was truly exquisite. “I adore them.”

“If you please me, Wife, I might be willing to part with the matching necklace and earrings.”

“I can rise to that challenge.” She gave him a coy glance. “The question is, can you?”

He returned her look with a lewd one of his own. “You’ll have to work long and hard,” he warned.

“Mm. Long and hard. My favorite.”

His hands settled at her waist and he pulled her closer. “My wife is wicked and wanton, and I love it. I’m the luckiest man alive.” He took her earlobe between his lips and nuzzled her.

She laughed and touched his cheek. “Before you show me how much you appreciate me, I’ve a gift for you, too.”

“Do you?” He released her ear and leaned back upon the bed, resting his weight on his elbows once more. She gazed hungrily at the taut muscles of his chest, laid out before her like a feast for the eyes. “Aren’t you going to get me your gift, Izzy, before we move on to what you so clearly have on your mind?” he asked in tone suffused with amusement.

“Nay.”

He frowned. One eyebrow lifted as he waited for her to elaborate.

“Your gift is not yet finished.”

“You had weeks in which to plan!” he pointed out with an indignant laugh.

“Even so, you must be patient.” She shrugged innocently. “I won’t be able to present my gift to you for another seven months, give or take a few days.”

She held her breath, waiting for realization to dawn.

He made an inarticulate sound and bolted upright. His eyes snapped to hers, darted to her still-flat belly, and back to hold her gaze. “Are you...Are we… Will there be a babe?”

She nodded, releasing her breath and laughing in delight as he whooped with happiness, coming off the mattress to lift her into his arms. He placed her on the bed with the greatest of care, then shed his breeches and lay beside her, taking her hand in his.

“Izzy, my love, I can honestly say you’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”

“Surely there’s something else I can do for you since I can’t give you your gift tonight?” She pushed him to his back and covered his body with hers. She began to shimmy her way down his chest, intent on pleasuring him in a way she hadn’t done in so long, but had fantasized about for days.

Much to her annoyance he hauled her up against his chest before she reached her destination, so they were face to face. “I never did ask where you learned that particular trick. It was the memory of your skill that convinced me, more than any words you uttered to your father in the study the day of our wedding, that you were no innocent.”

She blushed. “A woman should be allowed to have some secrets of her own, my lord.”

“Isabelle”- his voice oozed warning.

“You are never to call me Isabelle again. I should have had
that
added into your vows.”

“I can’t guarantee that in moments of extreme exasperation I might not be able to help myself.” He grinned wickedly.

“Very well then,” she heaved a sigh. “I received a lesson.”

His fingers tightened around her arms and though she maintained a calm façade, she thrilled in his possessive grip.

“A lesson? From whom?” His eyebrows drew together as he turned a fierce frown upon her.

“Do you know Maura of Egloshayle?” At his surprised look, she smirked. “Of course you do. Every male who grew up in these parts knew her when they were young men.”

He had the good grace to look sheepish.

“I paid her for advice when it became apparent that
Julian
wasn’t going to cooperate in the taking of my virginity.”

Utter shock blazed from his eyes. “Izzy! You went to a
prostitute
for instruction?”

She nodded and clasped her hands primly across his chest.

At his sudden bark of laughter her gaze flew to his face. And then he was overcome, laughing so hard tears rose in his eyes. He pulled her against him, holding her tight. “You are incorrigible!” he gasped.

“I shall take that as a compliment,” she rolled her eyes when he only laughed harder. “I didn’t know what else to do! She gave me a lesson and guaranteed it foolproof to entice Julian to make love to me. Apparently, I was fool enough to ruin something foolproof. I failed terribly and would like another attempt.”

His laughter turned to loud guffaws. “Sweetheart, you didn’t fail, not in any sense of the word, but if the outcome wasn’t what you desired, it was only because you were
too
good at it.” He continued chuckling when she glowered in mock indignation. “
Julian
was a fool. He should have taken your virginity and never looked back.” Ram pressed a kiss to her forehead. His lips wandered over her hair. “Did Maura teach you any other “tricks?” he whispered huskily against her ear.

A shiver coursed through her and liquid heat pooled between her legs. Desire flared, hot and potent.

“She may have,” Izzy replied saucily.

“Then as your husband I demand you tell me all the secrets you learned. Remember, you vowed not once, but twice to obey me.”

She slid down the bed again, toward the part of him that fascinated her most. “What if I demonstrate for you, instead?” she murmured, stopping to dip her tongue into the indentations of his navel.