Page 81 of A Touch So Wicked

“Sooner or later it will happen. I cannot believe you’d prefer to become my mistress. Wouldn’t you rather bring legitimate children into the world?”

“This talk of children is senseless, unless you’re referring to your children with Kimbra.”

“This is the last time I’m going to say this, Elissa. I have never bedded Kimbra. She’s an accomplished liar and troublemaker.”

“What happens when you tire of me?” Elissa asked. “The Demon Knight’s reputation for using women and abandoning them is legend.”

Grasping her shoulders, he brought her against him. “Don’t believe everything you hear,” he said in a low, seductive whisper.

His mouth hovered just inches from hers. She closed her eyes as his full lips slowly descended. She thought she was prepared for his kiss, but she wasn’t. Nothing could have prepared her for the powerful emotion that surged through her the moment their lips connected. His potent kiss snatched the breath from her lungs. His mouth moved slowly over hers, his tongue gliding wetly over her lips, then thrusting inside as he devoured the taste and scent of her. Her knees weakened; her mouth molded to his as her body melted against his heat and hardness.

Sweet surrender beckoned…until she remembered that Damian had given her no choice. He had simply assumed they would marry without allowing her the courtesy of accepting or refusing. He had arranged their marriage without her knowledge or approval.

Damian abruptly broke off the kiss and she clung to him for support. Why was her head spinning? Why was Damian smiling at her with that smug look on his face? Why did her heart pound and her body burn?

“Here comes your mother,” Damian said, moving slightly away from Elissa as Marianne approached. He searched Elissa’s face. “Are you all right? You look dazed.”

“I’m ready to return to the keep, my lord,” Marianne said, her gaze shifting from Damian to Elissa. “Am I interrupting something?”

“I will explain later,” Damian said. He turned to the priest. “We will expect you in five days, Father. Kindly inform your flock that they are invited to the keep to celebrate my marriage to Elissa. I’ve already spoken to Dermot about hiring musicians. We will have music and dancing and feasting. ’Tisn’t every day the Maiden of Misterly takes a husband.”

“Father Hugh told me of your plans, my lord,” Lady Marianne informed Damian.

“Do you approve, my lady?”

Marianne slid a glance at Elissa before answering. “I want what’s best for my daughter and Misterly. I will pray for a happy union.”

“’Tis what I want as well, my lady.”

Damian handed Lady Marianne into the cart, then turned to help Elissa, but she climbed onto the seat and took up the reins before Damian could touch her. She snapped the reins and the cart rattled forward.

“Are you upset with Lord Damian’s arrangements, daughter?” Marianne asked when Elissa remained quiet.

“He should have asked my approval.”

“He may have gone about it the wrong way but I know you no longer wish to wed Tavis.” Marianne’s fine brow furrowed. “I would have objected had I thought the marriage unwise. There are advantages to such a match.”

“Advantages? Have you considered the consequences once the Hanover learns that Damian refused to wed Lady Kimbra?”

“I have, but I think Lord Damian is capable of standing up to the king. If you’re worried, ask Nan to consult her voices.”

“I donna trust Nan’s voices, Mama, and neither should you. She’s old and fanciful; she doesna know what she’s talking about most of the time.”

Marianne sent her a sharp look. “Has Nan said something to upset you?”

She shrugged. “No more than usual. Donna let it bother you. Damian and I will settle this ourselves.”

Marianne sighed. “You’re right, daughter. This is between you and Damian. I’m too weary from my outing to give the matter proper attention.”

The cart clattered to a halt in the courtyard. Damian rode up beside them and dismounted. But before he could lift Marianne from the cart, Sir Brody appeared and shoved Damian aside.

“Allow me to carry Lady Marianne to her chamber, my lord.”

“As you will,” Damian replied, giving way to the knight’s bulky form.

“Your mother has a champion in Sir Brody,” Damian observed.

“They do seem to enjoy one another’s company.”