Desire and Duty Read online

  “All right. We can do as much or as little as you like, just so you know.”

  She smiled. “As much as I like? Should an old man like you be making that promise?”

  He ran his hand over her ass. “I’ll keep my word, young lady.”

  Taking a deep breath, she said, “There’s just this one thing. I’m a … virgin, and I’m guessing you need to know that. That it makes a difference and all.”

  “Being with you would be special no matter what. But yes, it’s good for me to know.” His hand settled on her waist. “But be sure about it, all right?”

  “I am sure. Never really wanted to before. Been curious, but not enough to take any action.” She caressed his cheek, amazed at how different he seemed now when she looked at him. She’d always noticed his kindness, but now she could see his softness and vulnerability, too. “I’d like for you to make love to me.”

  Orman captured her hand and kissed it before pulling her into a sweet embrace. He kissed her gently but thoroughly, and she could feel her body reacting as they moved against each other slowly. At first, he just kissed and caressed her, but then he sat up and stripped his shirt off. She reached one hand up to caress him right away.

  “Love it when you touch me,” he said as he traced his fingers over the contours of her face. He unlaced the top of her gown. She’d picked a very conservative one so he wouldn’t think she was trying to seduce him, and now she just wanted the thing off. But she loved his slow movements and let him continue. He parted the neckline and ran his knuckles over her skin and the swell of her breasts. He pushed the material aside and leaned down, kissing her skin and working over to her nipple.

  She sighed when his lips closed over it. She knew it felt good when she touched them and rolled them between her fingers, but the caress of his mouth blew those sensations away. He moaned as he suckled there and then swirled his tongue over the aching bud. “Need you out of this gown,” he said.

  She sat up and wiggled about to get herself out of it. “My thoughts exactly,” she said, feeling a bit nervous about what she was supposed to do. She wasn’t about to do any of the things she’d heard her brothers talking about—some of them didn’t even make any sense. Looking up into Orman’s face, she tried to relax. He was the first man to see her naked. “I wore this old granny gown so you wouldn’t think I was moving too fast.”

  Orman’s gaze roamed up and down her body before he focused on her. “When it’s the right person, it doesn’t matter. They don’t judge.” He cupped her cheek. “Just relax. But tell me to stop if you don’t like something.”

  “I liked what you just did,” she said, her voice almost inaudible.

  His hand moved up to her other breast, and he ran his thumb back and forth over her nipple. She drew in a breath as he did so, and he leaned in and kissed her neck. “Are they sensitive?” he asked.

  “Right now they sure as blazes are.”

  He pushed her to her back and took her other nipple into his mouth. His movements were gentle but not tentative. His fingers caressed her stomach, and she knew for a fact she’d misjudged him. The man knew exactly what he was doing, and he was about to prove it. He spread her legs but only caressed her thighs at first. He kissed down her stomach and moved between her legs.

  She’d never heard anything about this. Orman kissed her thighs, and she started to tremble. She could feel how wet her pussy was, but it didn’t seem like they should be getting to that yet. When he pushed her curls aside and flicked his tongue over her clit, the pleasure overwhelmed her so much she didn’t have more than a second to feel stupid for not getting what he was about to do. A little cry came from her mouth, and he chuckled against her flesh as he licked and sucked on her clit.

  “Guess you never imagined me doing this to you,” he said before swirling his tongue again.

  “Gods, no, but don’t you dare stop.”

  He chuckled again before licking her slit and then sliding one finger into her. He worked his fingers in and out as he teased and tormented her clit. It hurt a little every now and then, but the next moment would feel so good she didn’t dare object. She’d ridden so many horses she wasn’t worried about pain that much, but she couldn’t do anything about how tight she was. She sighed as he drove deeper and moved his fingers apart gently, as if reading her thoughts and trying to loosen her up. He moved two fingers in and out as the tension built to the point she didn’t think she could take any more, and then he quickened the movements of his tongue and sent her soaring. Her blood roared in her ears as the pleasure drove higher. He thrust his fingers deep as her pussy squeezed them. The release felt better than any she’d ever given herself. When he finally drew back, she watched him suck his fingers clean. The sight sent another tremor through her body.

  She couldn’t think of a thing to say, and probably couldn’t have spoken if she had thought of something. Instead of seeing to his own need, he climbed back up her body and kissed her neck and cheek. Then he captured her lips. He hadn’t finished undressing, but she could feel his cock pressing against her leg. He simply went on kissing her, gazing down at her in a way that made her tremble in a completely different way.

  He stood up and slid his linen pants off. One hand stroked over his cock as he watched her, possibly trying to gauge her reaction. She eyed him, wondering if it would be the width or the length of his cock that would give her the most trouble. She lowered her gaze as he moved back onto the bed. He knelt between her legs and leaned over to kiss her. Not penetrating at all, he simply guided the head of his cock along her wet slit and over her clit. When she returned his kisses with more heat, he spread her with his fingers and slid in a bit. There wasn’t any pain, but the invasion felt odd. He looked a bit tentative, so she wrapped her arms around him.

  “I’m fine. I know you’ll be gentle,” she said, wanting to feel him deeper inside her.

  ****

  Orman didn’t feel as if he could be gentle, but he knew he had to be. His previous lovers hadn’t been virgins, and he didn’t want to hurt Gwynn for even a moment. He slid his length in and out, giving a bit more each time. She gave a little cry when he pushed deeper, but he massaged her clit as he kissed her to take the sting away. She clung to him as he began to move deeper, and he slowly felt her body relaxing.

  Being inside her made it hard for him to think. He moved carefully to try to find that special spot deep inside her, and soon she began to thrust up to meet his strokes. He panted above her, not sure how long he could hold on. He’d loved making her come earlier, and he wanted to bring her pleasure again. Her grip tightened, and her fingers dug into his back.

  He looked into her eyes, and she yanked him closer for a kiss. He quickened his pace as her body tightened around him, and she cried out when she came a second time. He drove deep and said, “You’re so beautiful like this. I love you so much.”

  Her eyes widened, but then her gaze softened as she ground her body against his. He came then and captured her lips as he spilled into her. They both shook as they came down, and everything but the feel of her body fell away. He’d been unable to hold the words back, but he felt her acceptance as she caressed him and they settled into the twisted covers.

  She sighed and patted his arm. “Thanks. Been meaning to take care of that little matter.” She sat up and began to get out of bed. “Must be off. Best of luck to you.”

  He grabbed her around the waist and yanked her back into his arms as she dissolved into a fit of giggles. “You’ll pay for that,” he said before kissing her long and hard.

  “Maybe I was angling for that reaction,” she said with a grin.

  Ha laughed. “Why should I believe that?” he said, loving the teasing look in her eyes.

  “You’re laughing. You know you thought that was funny.”

  He drew her closer and locked his fingers behind her. “What if I’d believed you? Break a man’s heart like that.”

  She put one hand on his chest, just over his heart. “I’d never do tha
t. Never.”

  Sighing, he said, “I meant what I said. I am in love with you. I’ve spent years thinking only of others. Putting myself last and focusing on my duties and responsibilities. What I do is fulfilling. Rewarding even. But it never really became a joy until you came along. I wanted you and kept telling myself to wait. It was stupid to ignore my desires. I know you need time, but I want you to know how serious I am.”

  “And you think I’m not?” She smiled. “Gods, you worry so much. I know you meant those words. You wouldn’t just say that to a girl.” She met his gaze with an earnest expression. “I did the same thing, you know? Just pushing such thoughts away and getting lost in my work. I think I love you, too. I admired you, and I think it was turning to love without me even knowing it. And now? Well,” she smiled again, “I wormed my way into your bed, didn’t I? I’d say I’ve fallen under your spell well enough.”

  He laughed. “Fallen under my spell? I love the sound of that.”

  “Oh, I’ll bet you do.” She rolled over so they were in a spooning position and then pulled his arms back around her. “Now, go on back to sleep. You’ve worn me out, and I need some rest.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Whatever you say.” He snuggled as close as he could and buried his face in her hair, her scent surrounding him as her gentle breathing lulled him to sleep.

  ****

  Gwynn left Lord Vane’s room, glad he seemed a bit more chipper today. They hadn’t had any word from Ash and Locke yet, but Vane’s improved temperament was still something to be happy about. She went to Orman’s study to check in, but he wasn’t there. His desk was very neat except for a stray piece of paper in the middle of the desk. It was a note that read “Come to the fountain”. No one except her and Lord Vane came into Orman’s study when he wasn’t there, so this had to be for her. She left the room and found the closest mirror, giving her hair a quick check before heading outside. She’d never fussed over her appearance before, but it honestly seemed that the fact she cared meant more to Orman than her appearance itself did. She smiled as she made her way to the fountain. The suns had both sunk down low enough that a pink glow filled the sky. She stopped short when she came in sight of the fountain.

  Candles lined the edges all the way around, and the water was full of flower petals. Putting her hands on her hips, she walked over and looked into it. When she felt someone come up behind her, she turned around and said, “Must be something special going on to waste all those pretty blooms.”

  Orman replied by kissing her soundly. When he finally let her go, he said, “Yes. Something special indeed.”

  She knew what was coming, yet her throat still constricted when he actually went down on one knee and drew out a gold ring. Five small diamonds dotted the band. She gazed down at him, unable to do anything else.

  “Gwynn, will you marry me?”

  To try to maintain her calm, she said, “No grand speech then? Hmmm, I don’t know about this. You’re usually so thorough.” Her heart pounded as she said the words and gazed down at the delicate ring.

  He took her finger and slid the ring on anyway. “You aren’t one for grand speeches. You want action.” He stood up. “And if you come inside with me now, you’ll get just that.”

  “Don’t you need an answer before you haul me off for ravishment?”

  “Ravishment? Is that a word?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Yes. It means very forceful sexual conquest.” She gazed down at the ring, running one finger over it. “And … to overwhelm one with emotion.” She smiled. “I was a very fine student, thank you.”

  “Then what is your answer? If it’s yes, I’m going to carry you inside and show you how happy I am.”

  “And if it’s no?”

  “If it is, then I’ll toss you over my shoulder and do pretty much the same thing. Just with more vigor to convince you to change your mind.”

  “Hmmm.” She put a finger to her lips. “I’m thinking of changing my answer then.”

  He drew her into his arms. “You going to make me wait until I’m even more ancient then? How cruel.”

  She slid her arms around his neck as best she could. “It’s yes. What in blazes did you think I’d say?”

  “You’re unpredictable at times. One of the things I love about you.”

  “What else do you love about me?” she whispered.

  “Come inside and let me show you.”

  She gestured to the fountain. “What of this beautiful display my darling lover set up? Shouldn’t we enjoy it?”

  He bent and tossed her over his shoulder. “I’ll have someone paint a picture for you.” He proceeded to carry her into the castle.

  “If you don’t put me down, I’ll change my answer,” she said.

  “You do and you won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”

  Gwynn looked up just as two maids froze in their tracks in the hallway. For good measure, she smacked him on the ass. “I can give as good as I get, you know.” She noticed they were taking a back way, so those two startled girls were likely to be their only audience. He’d still done it on purpose to vex her, she knew.

  “I know you can. Why do you think I’m doing this?” He set her on her feet outside his room and then pulled her inside. “Forgive me? You’ve got me feeling a bit too vigorous, I guess.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” she said before pushing him down onto the bed and climbing on top of him.

  Epilogue

  Gwynn stood in the corridor waiting on Orman. She glanced at a nearby clock. They’d said nine. Where was he? She knew he could get tied up at times in the mornings, but she’d thought he would be extra anxious to join her so they could tell Vane about their engagement. She’d been unwilling to take her ring off, so they wouldn’t be able to keep the secret much longer. She glanced out the window and watched everyone milling around.

  The sound of running caught her attention soon enough, and she turned around to see what was going on. Orman came barreling around the corner, and Gwynn hurried toward him, wondering what might be wrong. Orman didn’t typically get in a hurry, so his haste meant either something really good or something really bad. He beamed at her as he waved a piece of paper in her face.

  “What is going on?” she said, trying to snatch the paper from him. She finally managed to grab it out of his hand.

  “A message dated day before yesterday. The courier rushed here on Ash’s orders. They’ve found him! And he’s coming here. They probably set out yesterday. He agreed very quickly, Ash says.”

  “And what of the poor courier?” Gwynn very quickly scanned the letter.

  “Oh, he’s being taken care of. Become a bit of a celebrity, everyone was so happy when he said why he was here.”

  “Amazing. So if Vane can just make it another day or two, it should all be fine, right?”

  “Probably. Vampires who can drink from their fated mates almost always recover.”

  “Then let’s go tell him! He’ll be so happy.”

  Orman put his hand on her arm to stop her. “Perhaps we should delay our news. There’ll be much to do, plus you know Vane will be anxious about seeing Arion.”

  “Why would we do that? I mean, if his mate had just arrived, I’d say so, but he’ll give us that look if we hide it now. Come on!” She grabbed his arm and dragged him to Vane’s door. She knocked and then threw the door open.

  “Gwynn, I’m not sure—” Orman said before she cut him off.

  She held up the letter and said, “They’ve found Arion. He said yes right away, and they’re on their way.” She dragged Orman to the bed, handing over the letter and then holding out her hand. “And Orman asked me to marry him. I said yes.”

  Vane stared first at her ring and then at the two of them. Then he looked down at the letter, his expression unreadable as his eyes moved back and forth. He sucked in his lower lip. Gwynn came to sit beside him and pointed to the line that had caught her attention. “See what Ash says. ‘Arion became distressed when he heard you were si
ck, and he agreed to come right away.’ He cares. I know it might be awkward, but I don’t think it will be as bad as you were thinking.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Naysay all you want. I’m so happy.”

  Vane folded the letter and laid it in his lap, his expression still a bit stunned. “This is no time to talk about me.” He looked up at Orman and then back at her. “I’m not surprised, but I didn’t expect it this quickly.”

  “Neither did I!” Gwynn said. She looked at her ring. “Right size and everything. Sneaky man that he is.”

  “Sneaky? Hardly. Hopeful, perhaps. The diamonds were from a necklace that belonged to my mother. After our picnic went so well, I had the jewelry maker set them in a ring for me. I thought I’d be hanging on to it for a while, but…” He shrugged.

  “I crept into his bed. The poor thing felt honor bound,” she said, grinning at him and winking at Vane.

  Orman grinned back and crossed his arms. “You said yes, so tell people anything you damn please.” He looked at Vane. “Tell me where you want a room made ready for Arion, and we’ll get on it.” He held his hand out to Gwynn. “I still have a castle to run, and I’ll be needing my best helper.”

  “Aye, we need to get on that.” She wanted to insist that Arion sleep in the adjoining chamber, but she held her tongue, waiting to see what Vane would say.

  “Perhaps across the hall,” Vane said.

  “Actually, they’re still working on the window. The hail damage last week. The new panes of glass only arrived yesterday. Even if they finish in time, the room will smell of paint. Very unpleasant. But he should be kept close so you won’t have to send servants for him.” He nodded to the next room. “Perhaps the secondary bedroom in your suite? It just needs fresh linens from when I slept in there the night you first fell ill.”

  Vane hesitated and then nodded. “Yes, you’re right. He can’t just sit around waiting for me to need blood, and there’s no use sending a maid back and forth at all hours.”