Libertine's Kiss by Judith James

Author:Judith James
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HQN
Published: 2010-06-07T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“WILLIAM, I am exhausted!” Elizabeth flopped down on his settee with a grateful sigh. They had just shared a jug of wine and a cold capon for supper. She had no doubt they had walked for miles, up stairs and down stairs, along gravel paths and through secret corridors. He dropped down beside her, wedging himself in so that they sat shoulder to shoulder. The air had cooled sharply since the sun went down and her stiff muscles and chilled skin relaxed against his warmth. “This is really not what I was expecting. Your reputation is larger than you are.”

“Sadly that is the fate of many an infamous legend, but I hope it isn’t true in all respects. What were you expecting?”

“Naked nymphs, amorous statues, naughty pictures. There were more of those in the queen’s bathing chamber than here.”

“And are you disappointed?”

She looked around the room carefully. The opulent bed with its silken sheets and mound of pillows looked suitably rakish and decadent, but the rest of the room was devoted to globes and maps, stacks of books, and endless reams of paper. “No. I’m relieved.” She shifted position and twisted her neck from side to side, trying to ease strained muscles. The shoes she’d worn were beautiful confections, but hardly made for walking.

“I’ve naked nymphs chained in the back room,” he offered, once she’d stopped squirming.

“Pah! You lie, sir. It’s probably filled with clocks and strange rocks and unicorn horns and other curiosities.”

William chuckled appreciatively. The wench was sharp and still knew him better than anyone else did. In fact, she might be the only person who knew him at all. She was certainly the only one with whom he shared any sense of camaraderie.

“I like your wine, William. We only drink ale at home. I’ve never had such a fine beverage.” Her eyes sparkled, her cheeks were flushed, and her movements were uninhibited and languorous.

“It’s imported from Spain and is a favorite of the king. You are drinking wine fit for royalty.”

She shifted again, trying to get comfortable.

“Come here. Turn around.” He pulled his knees up, making a backrest for her, and began to knead her shoulders with a soothing circular stroke.

“Mmm…William, that feels so good. It reminds me of when we used to sit in the old hollow as children.” She sighed and closed her eyes, a sweet smile on her face. She was exquisitely aware of every place his body touched hers, and she allowed herself to relax and enjoy it. His solid warmth and skillful fingers and the heat cast by the fire lulled her back to a simpler time.

“There’s something I forgot to give you this morning. I think you’ll find it suits this dress.” His gentle nudge brought her back from her daydreams. “Hold up your hair.” She held her hair back off her neck and gasped in pleasure when he dipped a magnificent sapphire necklace between her breasts. It was a luminous collection of vibrant blue stones, set amongst two intricate ropes of gold.

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