The Caged Countess by Joanna Fulford

Author:Joanna Fulford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-08-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

When Anthony woke later the sun was high. For a moment or two he wondered if he had dreamed the events of the previous night, until he turned his head and saw the woman lying beside him. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, he propped himself on one elbow and watched her sleeping, his gaze exploring all the delicate lines and curves of her body. It was made for a man’s caresses; his caresses. Possession had not satisfied desire, rather it had increased it. Allied to that was aching need. Both had been there since Paris although, initially, he had failed to recognise that. It had required longer proximity to reveal what his deeper feelings were. He smiled and traced a finger lightly down her side.

Claudia stirred and turned on to her back. Then she opened her eyes. He bent to kiss her naked shoulder.

‘Good morning.’

She smiled. ‘Good morning yourself.’ Then, squinting at the clock on the mantel, she added, ‘Although there’s not much of the morning left.’

‘There’s time enough. What would you like to do today?’

‘I should like to see something of the city.’

‘In that case we might go for a drive.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘Very well.’

His hand caressed her lightly from shoulder to breast, letting his thumb brush the delicate skin. The response was immediate and electric. At the same time the need to talk to him and to tell him the truth was ever more pressing.

‘Anthony?’

His lips nuzzled her neck. ‘Mmm?’

It was suddenly much harder to concentrate. ‘Anthony, I...’

‘What is it, darling?’

She hesitated, dreading his anger, knowing that if she told him now the present mood would be destroyed. After all that had happened between them she was reluctant to do that. Besides, his touch was re-awakening all manner of delightful sensations. Love making was a risk, but, after last night, this could surely make no difference.

‘No matter.’

‘Something, surely?’ His hand slid between her thighs and stroked gently.

Claudia drew a sharp breath and resolution faded. ‘It’ll keep for a while.’

‘This won’t,’ he replied.

She felt his weight shift, pressing her down into the bed and then all other thoughts disappeared for some time.

* * *

Later they went out together for the promised drive. On so fine a day it was delightful to ride in an open carriage. The sunshine was warm, lifting the spirits, like the sight of new green on every bush and tree, and pink and white blossom in gardens. Everywhere the earth had thrown off the icy shroud of winter and was returning to life with renewed vigour. Claudia saw it all with quiet approbation. Moreover, Brussels was a fine city. It would be exciting to explore more of it. She glanced at her companion. It would be exciting to explore it with him. His presence added a different and exciting dimension to the entire situation. Moreover, the tension so evident earlier in their relationship was lacking now. Of course, he still didn’t know about her visit to Genet. The thought of having to tell him, of spoiling this new-found harmony, was unappealing.

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