Page 50 of Ella’s Desire

With supper having finished, Ella anticipated some indication from Bronson, either an offer to walk her to her chamber, or even a silent nudge to indicate he wanted her to visit him later.

Berry pastries were served with fluffs of cream, followed by the pouring of more wine, and still Bronson did not offer any sign of wishing to be alone with Ella. The bewilderment and frustration she’d felt earlier compounded into hurt.

At last, Lady Calville finally declared herself exhausted from the journey and was shown to her room. Once she had left, the remainder of the supper party began to make their departure.

Bronson caught Ella’s hand as she was beginning to leave and ran a finger down her palm. Pleasant chills prickled over her skin.

“I’d like to come to your room tonight,” he whispered. “I believe we have unfinished business, as you put it.”

Her mind shoved into the forefront memories of the pleasure they so often shared. The irritation she’d felt earlier slowly waned as her breath hitched. Before she realized what she was doing, she was nodding in ready agreement to see him.

As she waited for him later that night, her body warred with her mind, craving physical release as much as it did answers. When at last the latch to her door clicked open, she was met with a rush of bittersweet anticipation.

Bronson strode in wearing the same tunic and trews he had at supper, his intense gaze locked on her. A shiver of excitement ran through her.

“I see you left more clothing for me to remove.” He closed the distance between them and gently nudged her back against the wall. His pelvis met hers with an eager flex, his arousal already evident through the layers of clothing. “I’d hoped you’d be naked on the bed, waiting for me with that little smile you give me.”

He ran his finger over her breast, teasing the nipple hard through the silk.

Though simple, the caress made her go damp with arousal. “What smile?”

“The one you give me when you do wicked things.” He tilted her face up and leaned close for a kiss, when Ella put a hand to his chest.

“Stop.”

He froze and lifted a brow in question.

“You never informed me we were going to court,” she said.

He leaned an arm against the wall, casual and intimate all at once. “I didn’t think it warranted saying. Where else would we go?” His finger toyed free the bow of her sark from beneath her kirtle.

Ella leaned her head back to see him better in the low light. “To Berkley Manor.”

He frowned, as if the idea had never occurred to him. “That is Brigid and Lark’s home.”

“It could be ours too,” Ella said hopefully. “Or we could go to my dower lands.” The last suggestion was more ridiculous than logical, but he did not laugh.

“My home has always been at court.” He lowered his face once more and bit the ribbon to pull it free. “And it will be your home as well.”

She put her hand to his chest and again, he stopped. “I don’t enjoy court.”

He was daft if he had not gathered as much through the many conversations they’d had on the topic. She had languished over the pomp of it all and how terribly uncomfortable the clothes were. How could he not know?

“You could go to Berkley Manor.” He traced his finger down the side of her jaw and ran the tip over her lips.

Mayhap he was taking her idea into consideration after all. Ella relaxed somewhat.

“Although, I would want to visit with you often.” Bronson tilted her face up to his. “I cannot imagine going long without this. Without you.”

He bent to kiss her neck, but she pushed her hand to his chest a final time.

“You would be at court without me?” she asked.

“It’s where I belong, Ella.”

“I don’t want to go to court.” Tears burned in her eyes and she slid away from beneath his arm, turning her face so he would not see them.

“It’s your place as my wife to go with me.” Though he spoke gently, the words still struck deep within her. “But I will not force you.” He came behind her and caressed the side of her neck. “Get on the bed. I want to taste you.”