Page 97 of A Touch So Wicked

Before she knew it, Elissa found herself sitting at the edge of the bed, her legs spread wide and Damian kneeling between them. His wicked grin warned her he would allow no quarter as he buried his head in the vee between her legs and proceeded to pleasure her in the same way she had pleasured him, his mouth and tongue moving intimately over her slick, swollen flesh. There was no denying him. Elissa clutched a fistful of bedclothes in both hands and succumbed to mindless abandonment.

Her climax was still thrumming through her when he pushed her flat on the bed and thrust inside her, deep, so very deep she had to bite her tongue to keep from shrieking aloud as her pleasure intensified. She held him against her, savoring the hot, wet thrusting of his shaft inside her, the luscious heat of their bodies clinging as they rode the peak together. She felt herself ascending to a new level of excitement, her passion rising once again to meet his demands.

With every muscle locked so tight she was shivering, Elissa shattered. In the dim recesses of her mind she heard Damian shout her name and felt his wet heat filling her. They rested, then loved again. Nothing mattered…not Captain Harding nor those below in the hall waiting for them to appear for the evening meal; their time together was too short and the thought of parting too painful.

Elissa couldn’t hold back the dawn, no matter how desperately she wished to. She arose at daybreak and packed clothing for her journey in a small satchel. She was startled when Damian leaped from bed, grasped her shoulders, and said, “We could leave by way of the secret tunnel and board a ship for France. I could have my men create a disturbance, drawing attention away from the hidden door while we make good our escape.”

Elissa gave him a sad smile. “Nay. I wouldna ask that of you and I canna leave Mama and Lora behind. There’s virtually no hope of getting us all out together. Dragging Mama and Lora about the countryside with winter coming on would harm their health. Besides, you gave your word that I wouldn’t try to escape, and I know how you value your honor.”

Damian’s shoulders slumped. “I do value my honor, but this is different! This is your life we’re talking about.”

“I have to believe the king will show mercy.”

“It depends on how far Kimbra stretched the truth.”

“Do I have time to bid my mother and sister goodbye?” Elissa asked.

“If you hurry. Captain Harding is probably eager to leave. I’m surprised he didn’t come up here last night to check on us when we didn’t appear for the evening meal.”

As if to reinforce his words, Captain Harding pounded on the door. “Lord Damian, ’tis time to leave. Send out the woman.”

“We’ll be down directly, Captain,” Damian answered.

“Now,” Harding demanded.

“My wife isn’t ready yet.”

“Damian, what about Mama and Lora?” Elissa whispered. “Do you think the captain will let me see them?”

“I’m assuming Captain Harding doesn’t know about them. Calling attention to them now would be unwise. I’m sorry, sweeting.”

“I understand,” Elissa said, swallowing her disappointment. “I’d never forgive myself if I placed them in danger. Tell them I love them and explain what happened.” She squared her shoulders. “Open the door. I’m ready.”

“Just remember,” Damian said, “I won’t abandon you.”

Elissa threw her arms around his neck and choked back a sob. There was so much she wanted to say and so little time. They were able to share one final kiss before Damian opened the door to Captain Harding’s persistent pounding. But it was a kiss Elissa would remember till the end of her days. Sweetly passionate, agonizingly tender, and filled with promise, it was if they had renewed their wedding vows with that one kiss.

“It’s about time,” Harding grumbled, shuffling impatiently on the landing. He grasped Elissa’s arm but Damian retrieved it, placing it beneath his own.

“I’ll escort my wife to the hall,” he said in a voice that brooked no argument.

Arm in arm they descended the staircase. Harding followed close on their heels, carrying Elissa’s satchel that Damian had thrust into his hands.

“Damian, look,” Elissa cried when they entered the hall.

Damian halted. It appeared as if every Fraser from miles around had gathered in the hall. They stood together in small groups, speaking in hushed tones and glaring defiantly at the king’s soldiers.

Sir Richard pushed his way through the crowd. “Our men are poised to fight,” he whispered in a voice that only Damian and Elissa could hear. “You have but to give the word. And from the way the wind is blowing, the Frasers appear ready to join in the fray. They want to protect their lady, just as we do.”

Before Damian could reply, Elissa clutched his arm. “Nay! No one must die on my behalf. Donna give the order to fight, Damian, please.”

Damian summed up the situation in one sweeping glance. Captain Harding had joined his soldiers, prepared to give the order to retaliate should anyone attempt to interfere with their duty to king and country. Should a battle ensue, it would be a costly one.

“Nay, Dickon, there must be no bloodshed.”

Dickon blinked. “You would let them take your wife away without a fight?”

Elissa touched Dickon’s arm. “Damian has made the right choice, Sir Richard. I must go.”