Saint Or Sinner (4 page)

As her new husband scooped her up into his powerful embrace
and carried her over the threshold, all the assembled staff clapped and cheered
and she felt her face burning.

         “Philip! Put me down!”

He smirked at her, enjoying her obvious discomfort.

         “It is traditional after all, love.”

The wedding itself had been a quiet family affair but half
the village had turned up outside the church to wish them well and enjoy the
late summer sunshine. His face lit up when he saw her walking down the aisle on
her father’s arm and she hadn’t been able to take her eyes off him, so tall and
handsome in his formal attire. Her father couldn’t hide the tear in his eye
when they parted company after the reception, him in the direction of Sir
Horace’s house for a few days to give them some much-needed privacy and the two
of them to Philip’s estate, which would become home to them all very soon.

…………..

The kitchen had rustled up a special celebration dinner for
them that evening but she struggled to eat much, her stomach tied in knots.
Whether it was more anticipation or nerves she wasn’t sure, but all she could
think about was the forthcoming wedding night. He noticed her picking at her
food and placed his hand over hers, speaking low in her ear as the butler
looked discreetly the other way.

         “Sweetheart, stop fretting. We’ll take tonight at
your pace, there’s no rush. After all, we’ve got the rest of our lives together
now.”

She gave him a wobbly smile, losing herself again in those captivating
blue eyes.

         “I know. I’m just a little nervous, that’s all. I
don’t want to be a disappointment to you.”

He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a tender kiss
against the knuckles.

         “You could never, ever be that. It’s up to me to
make sure it’s a pleasurable experience for both of us, Mrs Hunt. And, believe
me, I fully intend to.”

The intensity of his gaze sent a tremor of arousal through
her and an insistent pulse started to beat between her thighs. She realised she
was actually more excited than afraid, throwing him a provocative glance from
under her lashes.

         “Can we go to bed soon, husband? I think you’ve
waited long enough.”

He grinned wickedly, his eyes dancing.

         “Let’s skip dessert then, shall we?”

…………

He undressed her slowly, taking his time, kissing and nibbling
his way down her throat and along her collarbone as he slipped her dress slowly
from her shoulders and watched it pool at her feet. When she was left in
nothing but her shift he led her to the bed and began to remove his own
clothing while she watched, the breath catching in her throat as her gaze raked
from his muscular shoulders down to the smooth expanse of chest and lower. He
kept his underwear on, probably so as not to frighten her she thought, but she couldn’t
miss the very healthy bulge and swallowed nervously, hoping it wouldn’t hurt
too much when the time came.

Gently he tugged her shift up and over her head, revealing
her luscious curves to his ardent gaze for the first time. She covered her
breasts self-consciously but he moved her arms away, drinking her in slowly.
His voice was husky with desire.

         “No, love, don’t hide yourself from me. Have you
any idea how beautiful you are?”

He dipped his head, his lips tracing the swell of a breast
while the featherlight touch of his fingers up her arms raised goose bumps, and
she gasped when his mouth captured a pebbled nipple and his tongue swirled teasingly
around it.

         “Mmmm …”

Her hands instinctively moved to tangle in his hair, holding
him close as her body arched towards him, craving more. He grazed his teeth
across the swollen bud and was rewarded with an impassioned whimper.

         “You like that, sweetheart?”

Pressing her down on the mattress, his kiss was tender,
unhurried and full of promise, his tongue exploring her mouth thoroughly while
his long fingers teased the other taut peak. She trembled under his skilful
touch, her breath coming in little pants when he finally broke the kiss,
replacing his fingers with his lips and sucking hard.

One hand moved down to trace delicate patterns over her flat
stomach before gently easing her legs apart and caressing the soft skin of her
inner thigh. She gasped as a finger slipped between her womanly folds, moaning
wantonly as he began to stroke her gently, teasingly.

         “Ohhhh!”

Her hips bucked up towards him as her body caught fire, all
thoughts of propriety consumed by an overwhelming urge for something more.

         “Philip! I want … I need …”

         “Hush, love, I know.”

He released her then, leaving her gasping and writhing on
the bed as he moved to discard his underwear, standing in front of her naked
and proud for the first time. Her eyes widened in fear as she took in the sheer
size of him, even while she found him utterly beautiful. He settled between her
thighs again and she shook with nerves as he cupped her chin tenderly, his
silver blue eyes searching hers.

         “Sarah, I promise you it will be one small fleeting
moment of pain and then all the rest pleasure. Do you trust me?”

She nodded dumbly and he began to ease himself into her
slowly, one careful inch at a time. She winced at what was little more than a
twinge of discomfort and he waited, searching her eyes for permission to
continue, giving her chance to adjust. She was aware of her body stretching to
accommodate him and yet the sensation of being filled so completely was far
from unpleasant. When he was finally buried deep within her he paused, looking
down into her flushed face with a question in his eyes. She stroked his cheek
reassuringly.    

         “You were right, it hardly hurt at all. Thank you
for being so gentle with me.” 

Her body was still in such a heightened state of arousal
that she felt instinctively there must be more, she just wasn’t entirely sure
what. He chuckled, kissing her tenderly.

         “Believe me, that’s just the beginning, sweetheart
…”
He began to move, tentatively at first, while his lips feasted on her throat,
her shoulders, her breasts, and she moaned her pleasure as he settled into a rhythm,
thrusting harder, deeper. Her pulse quickened as ripples of desire coursed
through her body and she felt as though she was climbing towards something
unknown and wonderful, slowly, steadily, inevitably.

He watched her face, her eyes closed, her mouth forming an
‘O’ of pleasure and guessed she must be close. Knowing he wasn’t going to be
able to hold out much longer he paused, slipping a finger in between them, and
his touch was enough to tip her over the edge. Overwhelmed by sensation, she
cried out his name, her thighs quivering uncontrollably as tremors of bliss
wracked her shuddering body.

He followed soon afterwards, finally succumbing to her
sweetness, the sweat beading on his brow as he celebrated his own release with
a triumphant groan.       

Outside on the landing, two passing chambermaids looked at
one another and sighed wistfully.

         “Lucky her. He’s so handsome.”

         “I know. Wish it was me warming his bed tonight …”

They giggled and ran off arm in arm.

Sarah gazed at her glowing face in the mirror and wondered
if it was possible to be any happier. She’d never dreamed that married life
would be so …fulfilling, she thought with a blush. It was all they could do to
force themselves to get out of bed each morning, touching, teasing and flirting
until they could legitimately excuse themselves and retire to the blissful
haven of their room again.

If one tiny thing bothered her it was that he always made love
to her so gently and tenderly, and she sometimes felt he was holding a part of
himself back. He was by nature a passionate man and she wished she could finds
the words to tell him that she really wouldn’t mind if he was more forceful and
demanding occasionally. She wasn’t made of glass after all, and the whole idea
left her breathless with suppressed desire. A sudden memory of The Saint’s
burning kisses assailed her and she pushed it away, glad that their clandestine
meetings were over. Much as she wanted to, she knew she would struggle to
resist him again now she was a woman of the world.

She could see a clear reflection of Philip reclining back
against a pillow in her dressing-table mirror, the candlelight playing over the
smooth contours of his bare chest.

         “Come back to bed, love, I’m not done with you yet.”

His voice was a low lust-filled growl, and she found herself
wanting him all over again, wondering if they would still be as keen in a few
years time especially if they were blessed with children. She really hoped so.
She was delighted to find she rather enjoyed fulfilling her conjugal duties.

…………..

She was reading quietly in the window seat of her small
sitting room one afternoon when Mary tapped lightly on the door.  

         “Sorry to disturb you, my lady, but I have
something for you.”

She couldn’t help it, her heart leapt when she saw the
letter, recognising the stationery and the distinctive style of the capital ‘S’
on the front of the envelope. She looked questioningly at the maid.

         “My brother delivered it to me this morning. I’m
sure you can guess who it’s from.”

         “I can, but I’ve no idea what it means. I’m married
now, it’s no longer … appropriate.”

The maid shrugged.

         “Must be important, my lady. Let me know if there’s
anything you need.”

She curtsied and left the room and Sarah eyed the missive thoughtfully
for a few seconds before tearing it open with trembling fingers. As before, it
was short but eloquent.

 My dearest S,

I know you did not expect to hear from me again but I have
to see you one last time. There is something vitally important I need to share with
you, and it can only be done face to face. I beg you to meet me in the garden tonight.
I’ll wait as long as it takes.

TS.

Her heart was beating wildly with anticipation and already
she knew that she would go to him, telling herself that the information must be
worth the risk but all the time knowing it was just an excuse to see him again.
Philip was away overnight and she guessed that The Saint was aware of this fact
and would seize his final opportunity to seduce her if she let him. A wave of reckless
desire washed over her at the thought of his demanding lips possessing hers
again, their tongues duelling hungrily while his long fingers caressed,
stroked, teased until she was all one flame of need …

The heat pooled between her thighs and she swallowed
nervously, afraid that her body would betray her and she would be powerless to
resist his advances this time. She thought about her husband and how much she
loved him, and resolved to stay strong. However tempting one night of unbridled
passion with The Saint might be, her marriage came first and she was utterly determined
not to jeopardise it in any way.

………….

The garden was bathed in moonlight as she made her way
nervously along the path, feeling as though there were accusing eyes watching
her from behind every hedge and bush. Her heart was pounding almost out of her
chest and she jumped with fright at every rustling leaf and creaking branch,
her feet crunching softly on the gravel. At long last she reached the familiar
copse of trees and paused, taking a few deep calming breaths.

Suddenly two strong hands seized her around the waist and
she squeaked in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth as a familiar voice
whispered in her ear.

         “I knew you’d come …”

His warm breath ghosted over her skin and she gasped as his sensual
lips caressed her throat.

         “Oh! You frightened me, Sir.”

He nibbled his way slowly, teasingly to the crook of her
neck and she could already feel her body vibrating with desire in response to
his nearness.

         “I’m the Big Bad Wolf, sweetheart. Too late to run
away now.”

Without warning he spun her around, his mouth claimed hers
in a bruising kiss, demanding, passionate and all-consuming, stealing all the
breath from her lungs. One hand held her flush against him while the other
moved up to tease a nipple through her dress and she moaned involuntarily
before attempting to push him away. She could feel his hardness against her hip
and her legs went weak.

         “Don’t … please!”

         “Tell me you want me to stop, Sarah. Say the words
…”

He nipped at her shoulder before pressing hot open-mouthed kisses
along her collar-bone, moving lower to tease between her breasts with his
tongue. She was panting now, and as he started to tug her dress up over her
knees she knew she was on the verge of succumbing entirely. She made one last
valiant attempt to regain control, her throat dry, her voice husky.

         “Sir, it seems I’m incapable of refusing you. But
you must know that I love my husband with all my heart and soul and if you succeed
in seducing me tonight I will regret it for the rest of my life.”

He paused, resting his forehead against hers, and then he sighed
heavily and released her, turning away as if trying to master himself.

         “I’m sorry, love. My desire for you is so all-consuming,
I forget myself. I would never force you into something you truly didn’t want
and I admire your loyalty.”

She was very close to going to him despite her impassioned
speech but before she had the opportunity he spoke again, still not meeting her
eyes.

         “Please, leave me now before I have a change of
heart.”

She took her chance, fleeing swiftly away from wicked temptation,
and he watched her go, his expression unreadable.

…………

Her emotions were in complete turmoil and her body still trembled
with repressed desire, so she decided to spend a few minutes in the stables to
calm herself before going back to the house. She was sure her face must be
flushed and her hair dishevelled, and she dreaded bumping into one of the
servants in such a state. What if news got back to Philip?

She paused by her mare’s stall and the animal whinnied
happily as she fed her an apple and stroked her muzzle absentmindedly, lost in
her own thoughts.

         “Sarah? Why on earth are you out here at this time
of night?”

She almost leapt out of her skin, clutching at her throat as
she spun round to see her husband standing a few feet away.

         “Philip, you scared me half to death! What are you
doing back so soon?”

         “It seems I missed my lovely wife too much to stay
away.”

His eyes were alight with passion and she gasped in surprise
as he backed her into an empty stall and pinned her up against the wall, his
lips capturing hers in a demanding kiss. She moaned as his tongue ravished her
mouth, surrendering to him willingly, her hands fisting tightly in his hair as
he fanned the flames of her earlier arousal. She was dizzy with lack of oxygen
when he finally released her, and then with no warning he calmly grasped the
front of her bodice in his hands and ripped it wide open. She squealed in
surprise as her ample breasts tumbled free.

         “Ohhh! Philip!”

His lips latched onto a taut nipple, teeth grazing over the
swollen peak, and she forgot all about the ruined dress, arching her back with
a groan of pleasure and pushing herself closer to his talented mouth. The other
straining bud received the same treatment and then he stood back, looking down
into her flushed face with a wicked grin. His voice was a lustful growl.

         “Turn around, Mrs Hunt. I’m having you right here, right
now, and never mind what the livestock might think about it.”

He spun her around and she clutched at the top of the stall
for support as he hoisted the hem of her dress up and over her body, exposing
her from the waist down. She gasped as a questing finger slipped between her
thighs, her legs threatening to give way as he toyed with her, urging her on
until she was almost incoherent with need. She’d never been more aroused and
she whimpered in frustration as he ceased his teasing ministrations, kicking
her legs further apart and unbuckling his breeches. He grasped her hips tightly
and she wriggled against him, desperate now.

         “So eager for me, eh, wife?”

He plunged into her without further hesitation and she cried
out in surprise and delight as her body moulded readily to his. She’d wanted
him to be more masterful and God knows, he was exceeding all her expectations
tonight. When he was buried deep within her, he paused and leant forwards to whisper
in her ear.

         “Haven’t you guessed it yet, my love?”

She moaned wantonly, her head spinning, but some part of her
mind was working through the events of the evening and she knew she was missing
something. And then he spoke again, and all the pieces of the jigsaw finally fell
into place.

         “I always told you I’d have you one day, Lady
Sarah.”

It was the familiar gruff northern tones of The Saint, and
she began to tremble uncontrollably as he pounded into her hard and fast, his fingers
digging into her flesh. The idea of being taken, possessed, by both men at one
and the same time quickly pushed her over the edge and she shattered beneath him
with a cry of ecstasy. Hips moving like a blur, he finally surrendered to his
own release, exploding deep inside her with a groan of pure pleasure.

Collapsing onto a bale of hay he took her along with him,
her dress still bunched around her waist, and she nuzzled into his neck, basking
in the afterglow.  Gradually her heart rate slowed and the realisation of what
had just happened slowly began to dawn on her. She sat back and he met her clear-eyed
gaze with a certain amount of apprehension but she just smiled, shaking her
head in disbelief.     

         “I think somewhere deep inside I must have had my
suspicions, but I kept doubting my instincts because the two of you were so
different.”

He stroked her cheek gently.

         “Opposite sides of the same coin, love. Sir Horace almost
ruined my family and I found a way to get back at him while also doing some
good in the world. I didn’t want you to guess before we were married, even
though the chances were you would after we’d been … intimate.”

She furrowed her brows at him.

         “You don’t sound remotely the same.”

         “My father was from the north, so I’ve never had a
problem imitating the accent.”

She cocked her head to one side.

         “And you even smell different.”

         “Not difficult. I wear a splash of cologne and The
Saint doesn’t. I keep up the act even in front of the men, it would put them in
grave danger if any of them guessed The Saint’s true identity. You’re the only
one who knows my secret, and I trust you with my life.”

He squeezed her hand, dropping a tender kiss against the
knuckles, and she smiled affectionately at him.

         “I would never, ever betray you, Philip. You have
my word on it.”

         “I know that, sweetheart. I’ve never doubted it.”

She narrowed her eyes and stared at him, crossing her arms.

         “So why the ridiculous charade, then?”

He had the decency to look suitably sheepish, scuffing a boot
on the floor.

         “I needed to know you truly loved me and that you
weren’t just marrying me to escape from Sir Horace’s clutches.”

Her mouth dropped open in disbelief, and for a split second
she was tempted to slap his face. Sensing her reaction, he closed his eyes and
braced himself in readiness.

         “Go ahead. I thoroughly deserve it.”

He looked so crestfallen she knew she had no choice but to
forgive him. Eventually. After a few moments he opened one eye tentatively and
squinted at her.

         “Not going to resort to violence, then?”

Her mouth twitched with barely-contained amusement and he grinned
at her ruefully.

         “It was stupid, I know. My only defence is that I
love you so damned much and I couldn’t bear to think you might not feel the
same way. Am I forgiven?”

She pursed her lips, pretending to consider it.

         “Hmmm. Did I pass the test?”

He pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her
and nuzzling into her hair.

         “With flying colours. You told The Saint you loved
me with all your heart and soul. After that, I’d have forgiven you even if you
had let him seduce you.”

She sat back again, mock-affronted.

         “I should think so too. Seeing as he turned out to
be my husband!”

He smirked, cupping her chin.

         “So I haven’t ruined things between us, then?”

She placed her hand over his and shook her head.

         “No. I think I could forgive you just about
anything, except perhaps another woman.”