Page 38 of The Mercenary

But this time, the feeling grew stronger and stronger until Sabine wanted, nay needed, more.

She wrapped her hands around his neck, desperately grabbing at his hair. Moving upward, she was finally able to get a good anchor on him. Gripping his hair, she met his every thrust, allowed herself to be pulled deeper and deeper into the moment.

Still holding on to her, Guy pulled back suddenly and looked at her so intently that Sabine was sure he was prepared to say something profound.

“Damn, wife. You can kiss.”

Not precisely what she’d been expecting.

“I’ve had practice,” she said as seriously as she could. Waiting a moment, enjoying his scowl, Sabine finally relented and grinned. Realizing she jested with him, Guy growled and kissed her again, so thoroughly that Sabine was sure her lips would be bruised for the effort. Even so, she kissed him harder, urging him to increase his pace.

Every time she’d wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to be close to him, her imagination had failed her. This was so much sweeter.

This time, it was she who broke away. Not because she wanted him to stop, precisely. Just the opposite in fact.

“What you’re asking for”—Guy wiped her bottom lip with his thumb—“I’d not give you here.” He gestured to the uneven ground beneath them. There was no need for clarification—this particular clearing was not very private. As they approached Noreham, the road had grown wider, more heavily trafficked. Just before they’d stopped, two men, knights by their appearance, had emerged from the very riverbank by which they now stood beside.

“I did not ask for anything,” she argued.

“Oh, but you did. And I’d most willingly give it were your safety assured.”

He reached up, cupped her head in his hand, and then ran his fingers down through her tresses.

“Tonight.”

He kissed her. Hard.

When Guy did pull back, Sabine wasn’t even annoyed with his self-assured expression. He looked like a man who’d gotten exactly what he’d wanted from the start. She may be stubborn, but her father had also taught her the uselessness of being spiteful.

Instead, she smiled back. “Then I shall look forward to this evening, husband.”

She’d meant it as a promise, but that last word likely reminded them both this was no typical pairing between two people.

It would be a consummation of a marriage.

Chapter 18

“Sir Guy Lavallais!”

Guy suppressed a groan. He had one mission this eve: to get Sabine out of the camp as quickly as possible. Although Larebridge House attracted fewer unsavory patrons than The Fiddler’s Inn, it was not a place he’d care to leave Sabine unattended. As such, he’d been forced to bring his wife to a mercenary camp. Specifically, to the camp of Bande de Valeur, one of the most deadly and badly behaved companies in existence. He knew the fact well. Guy had fought with many, both while he ran with his father and since he’d left him as a young man.

Already Sabine had likely seen more violent and wanton behavior than she’d probably expected to witness in her lifetime. As they led their horses through the field, dark but for the moonlight and several campfires, she’d seen more than enough to warrant the expression she now wore.

A nearly naked camp follower bent before them, picking up a gown that had been tossed from a nearby tent. Wearing nothing other than a thin chemise, the woman yelled back inside, though her words were mumbled.

Guy turned toward the voice that had called to him, but not before the woman offered him a knowing wink as she strode away.

“Christopher.” Guy stuck out his hand. “Well met, lad.” When last they’d seen each other, Christopher had been more boy than man, but he’d grown several inches and his cheeks had narrowed. He’d always had a fondness for the lad.

“No longer that,” his former companion said, shaking his hand vigorously. He grinned as if Guy were his long-lost brother.

“Aye, you’ve grown into a man.”

“I’d not expected to see you again.” Christopher shifted his gaze to Sabine, the look he gave her much too appreciative. Nay, no longer a boy.

“Meet my wife, Lady Sabine.”

Christopher bowed prettily.