Free The Defiant Bride by Leslie Hachtel Page A

soaking me as though it were my own.” She shuddered. “I had spent many days and nights alone, but I was not afraid until the day the first nightmare came. I knew I was on my own and could call on no one to aid me if there was danger. It was my punishment and I was powerless. The dream haunts me.”
    Suddenly, she seemed to gather her wits and pulled back to stare at him. She realized she was in his arms, nearly naked, and quickly grabbed the sheet to cover her breasts, blushing furiously. “I should not have told you that story. And my head. It aches so. Why did you wake me? Do you require something, my lord?” Her voice was now edged with irritation.
    “I had come to consummate our vows, dear wife, but you were sleeping peacefully. I believe you drank too much wine. I sought to leave you to your rest, but you came at me like some wild thing and then began to cry. But now that you’re fully awake, perhaps I can indulge my original pursuit.” He tried to be seductive, but he could tell from the glare in her eyes that he was failing. After a moment, she softened her gaze. “Be kind, William. My head throbs. Have a care for my pain. Do not speak so loudly.”
    Was she truly trying to dissuade him with that excuse? “You survive alone in the forest, but a mere bit of wine overcomes you?” His voice softened. “I promise no one will harm you.”
    “But you have
harmed
me, my lord.”
    “Listen, my dear wife. You mock me once too often. I have come to consummate our vows and I shall see it done.”
    “Whether I agree or not? Without a word of love? Well, I shall not make your task any the easier.”
    “Words of love? Would those once spoken penetrate the ice of your heart?” His voice had risen; he was annoyed with himself. He fought for control.
    “My heart? At least I have a heart. I would not drag someone from her home and force her into a marriage she did not desire. You are a selfish, heartless ass.”
    “And you, dear girl, are a fool. Drag you from your home? A hovel in the forest? Hiding like a criminal. Living like a servant instead of the gentle-born girl you are? You should praise God I came to you when I did, before you were mangled by wild animals or worse.”
    “I managed to survive without you. If you recall, it was I who saved you, not the other way around.” Her cheeks were crimson with her fury and she stiffened her spine, causing the sheet to drop slightly and reveal the tops of her creamy breasts.
    “I will not force you. It goes against my nature. But, woman, I want you as I have never wanted anything before in my life. We are husband and wife. Can you not try?”
    Inflamed beyond control by her nakedness, William pushed her back onto the soft, welcoming bed and hovered over her. His lips came down and crushed her mouth, seeking, moving, tasting her sweetness as he stripped his clothes from his body and tossed them to the floor. She lay beneath him, unresponsive. He was desperate to be inside her, but he forced his logic to intercede. The first time would be the time remembered. He could not rape her. Would not. He reached deep for control. He caressed her arms, her waist. He moved to her breasts, teasing the nipples to hardness, then lightly tasting the soft, pink peaks. She moaned with pleasure, but still remained rigid. He ached for her, but he wanted to convince her of his feelings. He needed her to desire him. “I know you are angry. I, too, would be. Please, Dariana—please let me love you. I have been high-handed and it is too late for wooing. If you can find it in your heart to give me a small space, I will be ever your slave.”
    His words must have touched her, since he saw a tear drop to the coverlet. She swallowed and lifted her arms, wrapping her fingers in his hair and pulling him down to her.
    Encouraged, he moved all over her body, exploring it, working to arouse her pleasure, massaging ribs and stroking legs. He slid his fingers between her thighs and touched the curls