Free The Fire Lord's Lover - 1 by Kathryne Kennedy Page A

for his lovemaking. She'd barely felt any pain and her shyness had fled with his ministrations.
       There appeared to be more to General Dominic Raikes than he allowed others to see. Could she possibly gain enough of his trust to allow her to use him?
       Cassandra's head spun in useless conjecture while she sipped her tea, then tucked the herbs back into her trunk and finally returned to the bed. She slowly parted the curtains, the glow of the fire revealing the nude body of her sleeping husband. Her breath caught.
       She'd felt every inch of him and yet hadn't seen him at all. That thick silvery hair of his—which had felt like spun silk in her hands—parted slightly over the tips of his ears and spread out around him like a sparkling halo. He lay on his back, one arm thrown above his head, his face softer in sleep, the angles less harsh. His pale skin appeared to glow in the darkness, highlighting the muscles of his chest, the ridges in his abdomen. The long sinews in his thighs. She averted her gaze from the part of him that had brought her so much pleasure, and blushed. She hadn't the boldness for that. Not after one night.
       Suddenly his lids flew open, that black gaze of his seeming to swallow her whole, seeming to know her every thought. The fire reflected in the crystalline brilliance of his eyes and Cassandra shuddered. He was so very beautiful.
       "You're cold," he said, his voice deep and low.
       She nodded and crawled into the shelter, lay down next to him as rigidly as her favorite parasol. Then she heard the bedcovers move and felt the heat of him against her back. He pulled her against him, his mouth nuzzling her hair, his arms enfolding her in a gentle cage of firm muscle. He sighed and slowly resumed the deep, even breathing of sleep.
       Cassandra lay awake for a long time, listening to that oddly comforting sound.
    * * *
    She awoke the next morning alone. Parted the curtains around the bed and squinted at the brilliant sunlight. It looked as if she'd slept half the day away, an unusual occurrence for her. She slipped from the bed, donned a robe, and padded through the rooms. No sign of her new husband, not even the slightest trace of a dropped glove or a dirty teacup. Faith, he did manage to take care of himself without need of a servant.
       She returned to the bedchamber and stared at the black velvet curtains. Had she dreamed it then? That night of lovemaking with a passionate yet gentle lover? If only he had been here this morning, she wouldn't be so confused. He would touch her with familiar intimacy and then she would know it had been real. Perhaps they could even… perhaps she could go find him and then…
       Did she so long for him to make love to her again? Had she no shame?
       Her breasts tingled and she crossed her arms over her chest. Apparently not. But she reassured herself it had nothing to do with the general or his extraordinary beauty. He had just introduced her to a new delight and her body craved more. Quite simple, really.
       A knock sounded at the door and she nearly ran to open it. But only Gwen stood outside in the hallway and Cass struggled to suppress her frown of disappointment.
       Gwen performed her awkward curtsy. "Morning, my lady. I got to thinking ye might need help with yer buttons. 'Cause how can ye come fetch me if ye can't get dressed proper?"
       "You were right to come," replied Cassandra, stepping aside to let the waif in. The child followed her to her trunks and watched with wide eyes as Cass pulled forth one gown after another, finally choosing an ivory sacque dress of heavily embroidered linen. Burgundy, pink, and lavender roses climbed up the loose skirt and pleated back, creating a garden of summer color. Cassandra loved it. Her father had exquisite taste in clothing, but she'd chosen it for its lack of buttons and ease of movement.
       Gwen found it difficult enough to lace Cass's stays, which remained looser