Page 111 of The Rogue’s Embrace

Scruffy children skipped around Isabel as she walked through the bailey. She grinned at them as they tugged on her mantle, coaxing her to play with them. Isabel shook her head and pulled her cloak tightly about her. Shooing them away, she laughed silently to herself. The mud of the bailey had frozen solid and her breath misted in front of her. How they could want to play in these temperatures was beyond her.

Still, she inhaled deeply, the cool air revitalizing her senses. After so much time confined to her room, the bracing temperature was a welcome change.

A shiver shot up her spine. Jake. Isabel turned to see him walking from the keep towards her, his broad form towering above the peasants. His brown hair was tousled and his eyes bore into her from under his brow. Isabel gulped and blinked as he neared, her skin tingling as warmth spread rapidly through her cold skin. Would be recognize her reaction to him? She lowered her eyes as he stopped in front of her, peeking up at him through her lashes. His broad chest greeted her and Isabel forced her eyes back to his face. His kind eyes met hers. Lord, she should have kept her gaze to his chest.

"Isabel, I would speak with you."

I was walking.

"May I accompany you?"

She could feel her eyes light up, even as she forced her expression to remain neutral. Aye. She motioned over the wall. Can we?

The rolling landscape had taunted her from her window for so long; Isabel had found she was desperate to see it for herself. She had thought to talk Dominic into allowing her to leave with some guards, but it would be much more pleasant with Jake at her side. Much more pleasant.

"You wish to go outside the walls?"

She nodded.

"Are you well enough?"

Isabel raised her brow at him and he chuckled. "Aye, of course you are. Shall I send for Winnie to accompany us?"

A pang struck her chest and she shook her head vigorously. Did he not wish to be alone with her?

"As you will then, lass."

They walked silently down the mound and onto the surrounding hills. Isabel's breath came in sharp pants as they neared the top of the valley. She was not as recovered as she had thought. Jake offered her his hand as they negotiated several sharp rocks and Isabel took it gratefully.

Gazing around at the moorland, Isabel gathered her breath. She smiled with satisfaction as she looked down at Thornewall, nestled amongst the frost-covered heather. The borderlands certainly had a lot going for it. She glanced at Jake. Aye, a lot going for it.

Jake's fingers flexed around hers and she remembered they were still holding hands. Catching her eye, he squeezed them again before letting them go. She burrowed her fingers under her mantle, missing the heat of his strong hand.

"Isabel, we have received word from Brampton this morn. The outlaws that attacked you have been caught."

Her stomach churned as her contentment slipped away.

What will happen to them?

Jake shrugged. "A hanging, most likely."

Isabel nodded slowly.

"Are you not gladdened?"

I know not.

She was grateful the men were no longer out there, yet her stomach felt hollow. They would likely meet terrible ends.

"They near killed you. And they would not have thought twice about it."

Jake was right. They'd had no sympathy for her when she had fought back, afraid of losing the few valuables she had left. She had thought death was mere moments away that day when the largest of the men had wrapped his hands around her neck. They deserved no pity from her.

The sight of his chest a meagre pace away, drew her from her thoughts. He shifted closer, bringing his hand up and rubbing it across the tiny scar on her forehead.

"Thank the Lord, they did not succeed,"

he muttered under his breath.

Lips parting, Isabel stared up at Jake as his finger burnt across her skin. His brown eyes dropped to her mouth, tracing it. Could he hear her heart thunder? With the rush in her ears all but gone, it hammered heavily, competing with the gusting wind.

He dipped his head forward and waited. She could feel his breath upon her cheek and though the biting breeze swirled around them, Isabel could still smell his masculine scent. His eyes fastened back onto hers.

Waiting.

Reaching out, she settled a tremulous hand upon his shoulder. Jake must have taken this as her assent as his lips came upon hers swiftly. Her bruised throat gasped but only a wisp of air came out. Jake's solid arms came gently about her and Isabel found her hands grasping the front of his tunic, holding him close.

His warm lips moved carefully, teasing, testing. Isabel's head whirled as she gripped tighter, and Jake's hands pressed into her back. His tongue found hers, swirling, seeking, and she became lost in the taste of him.

Their cloaks swirled about their legs, merging them as one as Jake rubbed up her back. The kiss deepened and Isabel's body trembled. Lord, she had not realized it would be like this. So intoxicating, so intense.

Shuddering beneath his hands, Isabel released her grip on his tunic and slid her fingers up towards his neck. Wrapping her hands around him, she clasped him tightly to her, pushing against him as an urgent ache blossomed deep in her womb.

Jake growled and retreated, separating their bodies as he drew in a shaky breath. He kissed her tenderly and rested his forehead to hers, his strong nose aligning with her own.

"What am I to do with you, lass?"

Isabel flushed as she rubbed her thumbs over his neck. Kiss me again, she thought. Sweet Mary, she was wanton.

Drawing back, Jake slid his hands from around her and flicked a thumb over the bridge of her nose. "Don't look at me like that or you'll regret it."

Isabel scowled at him. How could she regret a single moment spent with this man? Her stomach twisted. Well, she could regret the secret she was hiding. Should she tell him? Nay. What if he sent her back? It was better to hide the truth than risk the consequences.

"What's on your mind, sweet one?"

Isabel gave him a weak smile. Naught.

Studying her, he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. Did he think she regretted their kiss?

In a bid to reassure him, Isabel snatched his hand and put a kiss to his palm. He stared at her, bewildered, as she grinned before a smile broke across his face. He flattened his palm against her cheek.

"Come, we must return. ‘Tis too cold and you are still too frail."

Jake folded her hand into his, ignoring her glare of protest. "I have duties that need attending to."

Isabel nodded half-heartedly and treasured the warmth of his hand around hers. What did this mean for them? Did it mean anything? A kiss like that…

Surely it meant something? She longed to ask him, to assure him of her feelings, but how could she possibly express an emotion that even she didn't understand without the use of her voice. Jake drew her to him with his silent honor and gentle ways.

Glancing up at the great warrior beside her, Isabel resolved to make her feelings known. She had to know where this would lead.

Jake raised his knuckles to knock on the door, his stomach twisting. He probably had the grin of a lovesick fool on his face. He had spent the entire morning grinning. He paused, realizing Isabel would be unable to bid him to enter and pushed the door open carefully, stepping quietly into the chamber.

He looked to the bed, expecting to find her in her usual spot but he quickly spied the wooden tub that occupied the space in front of the fire. Isabel lay languidly, the steam from the water mingling with the cool air of the room and enveloping her in a cloudy mist. Jake stared openly, his jaw falling slack. He pulled his gaze away only to find it snapping back to her. He was rooted, mesmerized by the creamy skin of her shoulders, the arch of her neck and the moisture beading on her face.

At any moment, she would open her eyes and see him. He knew this and he knew she would think him dishonorable but, for the life of him, he could not move. Sweet Lord, how she tormented him. Jake had been able to think of nothing other than the feel of her soft lips upon his since yesterday and he yearned desperately for another taste. And here she was spread out in front of him, unfolded like an offering. Och, but he could feel her under his skin. With her silent will and inner strength, she had burrowed into his heart - a place he thought no woman would ever reach again.

One eye creaked open, swiftly followed by the other one. Was she so attuned to his presence? He cursed inwardly and winced as she emitted a startled cry before hurriedly turning his head from her.

"Forgive me, Isabel. I?—"

Jake blinked and snapped his head around, his mouth dropping open. She stared at him with a flush of embarrassment, her hands clapped over her chest.

"Isabel, you just?—"

A hand came up from her chest and went to her mouth, her eyes wide. "I spoke,"

she murmured experimentally, her voice raw and husky. A grin flew across her face, her blush fading as her eyes sparkled. "I spoke!"

Jake couldn't resist the smile that stretched its way across his own face and he came rapidly to her side, kneeling beside the tub and gripping the hand that lay across the edge of the wood.

Isabel beamed at him, tendrils of damp hair escaping the braid that curled around her head. He had never seen anything so beautiful.

"Oh, Jake…"

His heart fluttered at the sound of his name upon her lips and he could feel his desire for her surge through his veins. His manhood twitched as he eyed her and his breathing thickened. Lord, he was lost to her. No fear could hold him back now.

As soon as his name left her lips, Isabel could not fail to detect the darkening of his eyes. Her skin tingled as elation turned to lust and she glanced down at her bare body, the heat of the water doing little to stop the shudder that coursed through her.

"Say it again,"

he murmured as a hand came up to cup at her cheek.

"What?"

she breathed.

"Say my name."

His thumb pushed across her damp face and her lips parted as her heart pounded faster.

"Jake."

He groaned and pulled himself up so he could lean across her. His lips joined with hers in a rush of movement and her breath caught at the sudden heat of his mouth upon hers. Intuitively falling into a motion that was both so familiar yet so excitingly new, she kissed him with enthusiasm, enjoying the way his breathing stilted as their passion increased.

His tongue swept inside her mouth, searching for hers, and Isabel entwined her wet fingers around his neck, forcing him closer. His tunic dipped under the water and brushed across her breasts but he paid little heed, instead bringing his other hand up to support her head, his fingers digging under her damp braid.

As the kiss deepened, they both moaned and her hair loosened while his fingers delved through it, sending it tumbling over the edge of the tub. A splash resounded through the room as his hand left her cheek and dove under the water to grab at her body. Jake's fingers curled around her ribs, drawing her closer to him and she let out a gasp.

Jake's hand froze briefly but Isabel drew a hand from his neck and placed it over his, pinning his hand in place. He relaxed and dragged his lips across her cheek to her ear.

"What are you doing to me, lass?"

he whispered.

She quivered as his breath grazed over her ear and his hand continued to massage at her bare skin under the water.

"No more than you are doing to me."

As if to prove just how crazed with lust he could make her, he nipped at her ear before covering her neck with hot kisses.

But it was not just lust, was it?

There was something there; an intangible connection between them that elevated whatever it was she was feeling to something much more precious…and fragile. Her throat tightened fleetingly, would he forgive her deception?

The ache eased as his hand flexed underneath hers, the veins and sinew rippling with restraint. She arched up to his touch, coaxing his hand towards her breast. As his rough fingers sealed themselves over her swollen nipple, she released a long, low breath. Whatever happened, it would be worth it. For just a short moment, he would be hers.

And if that were all she ever had, it would be worth it.

This knowledge blossomed through her and Jake chuckled as she tugged his head impatiently back to hers so she could return the favor, pressing soft kisses across his jawline before meeting his lips once more.

He kissed her urgently as she met his tongue feverishly, and his hands fumbled over her body, exploring every dip and curve. Isabel longed to do the same but her fingers met only fabric and she muttered a curse.

Jake pulled back, an odd look of surprise and admiration on his face.

"I thought you a lady."

Isabel flushed and bit at her lip. She had heard him curse often enough but it was hardly the behavior of a noble woman.

"Lass, I would happily listen to you curse all day,"

he said with a laugh, propping a finger under her chin and raising her face to his.

"I feel little like a lady at the moment,"

she admitted with a shy smile as she glanced down at his hands upon her body.

He followed her gaze and Isabel saw his eyes darken once more as he traced her curves with them. Isabel's breath stilted as his gaze returned to hers, a question lingering in them. They had spent so long communicating without speech she didn't need ask what it was. She simply nodded.

Never had before had she been more certain of anything.

He extracted his arm from around her, the water adhering his white shirt to his arm, and plunged it in the other side, tucking it under her legs. His other hand pushed further under her head until she lay in the crook of his arm. Jake pulled her from the tub in one movement, the water sloshing onto the wooden floor as he tucked her into his embrace.

Her skin tingled as it met the cool air but her eyes remained on Jake as she burrowed into his solid arms with a sigh. Chestnut eyes met hers, tumultuous and penetrating. Her stomach clenched and her breathing hitched as he snatched the linen towel that had awaited her and set her onto her feet. Her teeth chattered and Jake quickly threw the towel around her shoulders, rubbing the fabric up and down her arms.

As he gripped at her arms, he drew her closer, placing a kiss to her forehead before working his hands down the outside of the towel, pressing it over the damp skin of her back and her buttocks, cupping at them as he went.

Nuzzling the heated skin of his neck, she inhaled his musky scent while his fingers continued to blaze a path back up her spine before coming around her ribs and resting on the edges of the towel, his fingers causing her skin to tingle.

Isabel looked down as Jake did the same, his forehead coming to rest on the top of hers. His dark hands contrasted against her pale skin. Could there be any sweeter image?

They both stared as his thumbs left the towel and skimmed over her stomach, her muscles undulating under the slight touch as his fingers forged a path through the wet droplets that still clung to her skin.

Isabel inhaled sharply as Jake dropped abruptly to his knees and flattened his lips against her belly, his tongue lapping at the moisture as he seized her hips.

Her hands clutched at his head, his soft strands escaping through her fingers. Isabel's sigh echoed through the room as he moved upwards, savoring every part of her until he reached her breasts. Carefully, he came to his feet, keeping his head dipped as his mouth descended upon her breast.

Leaning towards the heat of his mouth, Isabel kept her hand clasped around his neck as the tremors of sensation set her legs shaking. A sturdy arm came around her back to support her and she was trapped. Trapped against the delicious torment of his mouth. She released a heavy sigh. There was no place she would rather be.

Jake's mouth abandoned her breast and she trembled as her skin tightened, warming only when his lips pressed firmly upon hers.

"Do you tire of me, lass?"

Isabel chuckled. "Nay, I would beg you to banish the very thought. I just tire of being the only one with naught on."

Jake's mouth twitched and he shook his head, stepping back. With leisurely movements, he plucked aside one side of the towel before pushing the linen from her. His brown eyes raked over her and her nipples hardened further as the heat in her stomach expanded into an ache.

"Now you have naught on."

Isabel blushed, sure she probably did so from head to toe.

Seeing her embarrassment, Jake took her hand and tugged her against him so she sprawled flat against his chest.

"I have never laid eyes upon such beauty before,"

he murmured against her cheek. "You are perfect, Isabel."

Isabel pushed aside the compliment, thinking mayhap this was the talk all men used when bedding a woman but, coming from Jake, it sounded entirely sincere. And she knew of his aversion to lies. So mayhap he spoke the truth. A warm glow settled in her chest at the thought of holding his regard. She would endeavor to make herself worthy of it.

Impatient to revel in Jake's masculine beauty, she fingered the cool metal of his belt buckle as she kept her eyes connected with his. Slowly, she drew the leather from the metal, the clunking sound just masked beneath their heavy breathing. She flung it aside, their eyes remaining on each other as it struck a brace of unlit candles, sending them toppling. Isabel battled with his tunic but he was too tall, so she contented herself with pulling it up half way, brushing her fingers over the smooth skin of his stomach. Isabel kept her hands there, the heat of his skin burgeoning through her body, as he removed his tunic and white shirt, and flung it aside.

Jake's torso was huge. Her pulse leapt but Isabel eyed him assuredly, for she understood the kind nature that sat behind that wall of muscle.

She traced the ripples of his stomach, brushing briefly over the trail of hair that led down into his chausses. He hissed and she darted a look up at him to see his eyes glazed over with desire.

Desire for her.

No one had ever looked at Isabel like that and she doubted anyone else ever would again.

Her eyes fell upon the scars scattered across his chest and she traced them, each one telling a tale of duty and honor. An angry raised welt skimmed across his side, no more than a few finger-widths wide, but she knew it had nearly cost him his life. How could anyone want to hurt Jake, let alone his wife? It was beyond her comprehension and she pitied the woman that could not see beneath his rough manners and warrior-like appearance, nearly as much as she felt for Jake.

He stiffened as she brushed against it and she expected him to snatch her hand away but he allowed her perusal of him, the trust he put in her tugging at her heart.

"God, Jake, you are beautiful,"

she murmured, delighting in the fact she could say it out loud.

He chuckled, giving her a disbelieving look.

She needed to see the rest of him. Her fingers tangled in the laces of his chausses, and she yanked impatiently at them. Jake helped her, brushing aside her fingers and hauling down his chausses and braies in one go as he kicked off his boots.

Isabel realized she was staring but she could do little about it. Sweet Lord, he was big. And magnificent. But Lord, he was big! Flicking a look back up to his face, she detected his look of uncertainty. Her heart fluttered. How could such a strong man feel so unsure of himself?

Pressing herself to his chest, his rigid heat prodded her stomach and he groaned as her breasts flattened against him. Jake's eyes filled with longing and he hurriedly swooped down for a kiss, enveloping her jaw in his big hands. Isabel curled her hands around his shoulders, attempting to cling on as she quivered uncontrollably.

Jake ran his hand down one shaking leg and swiftly picked her up. His fingers bit into her flesh as he clasped at her buttocks, and Isabel wrapped her legs around him, her wet folds nuzzling against his hot flesh. He released an agonized moan as she pitched against him and he sank back onto the bed, his tongue sweeping the inside of her mouth.

Isabel's breath came in short, sharp pants and her head swam. This extraordinary, wonderful man had her entirely captivated. She couldn't even bring herself to be nervous. She came up onto her knees, clutching his face, as he had hers. She stared deep into his eyes as her knees pressed into the bed either side of him. Sensations bolted through the air between them and her pulse skipped.

A flash of vulnerability resounded in his gaze, so at odds with such a powerfully built man. Could he not understand why she looked at him so? If he could only see what she could. If he allowed her, she would make him realize just how incredible he was. Isabel pressed a tender kiss to his lips and lowered herself onto him, his arousal pressing against her delicate juncture.

His fingers gripped her bottom, cautiously drawing her onto him. They both gasped as their bodies merged, the air vibrating around them. A burning feeling made her wince and he held her gratefully, murmuring soothing words in her ear.

As it subsided, Isabel's body gradually responded to the deep thickness that sat inside of her. It was like nothing she had ever known. He fit her so perfectly, so beautifully, and she hoped he felt the same. From the thunderstruck look in his eyes, she suspected he did.

Cautiously, he raised his hips, sliding his shaft deeper. She let out a moan of appreciation and he carefully pumped into her, guiding her hips up and down as she sat on top of him. As she became familiar with the rhythm, his hands came around her back, stroking up and down her skin. His eyes remained on her face, and she could see the delight he took in every catch of breath, every look of rapture, as the friction blossomed and spread.

A raw, animalistic instinct began to govern Isabel's movements and she found herself writhing against him with complete abandonment.

"Hell fire, Isabel,"

Jake grated out as he propelled his hips upwards, meeting her thrust for thrust.

Isabel could do little other than cry out as the exquisite sensations spread down her limbs and her body tightened with pleasure.

Glistening with exertion, Jake buried his head between her breasts, licking and kissing at them erratically as his own pleasure took hold. Isabel clasped his head there, holding him against her heavily beating heart.

Sinking fiercely down onto him, the sweet tension exploded, its vibrations streaming through her entire body, and she threw her head back and called out his name.

He held her limp body tightly to him and drove himself into her several more times, his gaze fastened to her passion-filled face. With a deep, rumbling groan, he spilled his seed inside of her, and Isabel shuddered, flopping forward against him.

Cradling her carefully, Jake remained inside of her, his soft touches reminding Isabel of the tenderness that sat behind his solid form. Jake placed tender, lingering kisses to the side of her neck as her forehead rested in the crook of his shoulder.

"Ah, my sweet lassie,"

he whispered.

She lifted her head and gave him a slow, satiated smile. Her chest swelled with unbridled joy to hear him refer to her as his.

He gently lifted her off him, grinning at her mumble of complaint. Laying her on the bed, Jake wrapped his arms about her. Isabel burrowed into the heat of him as her skin tingled in the cool air of the room, and he pulled the sheets over them and drew her closer, cocooning her in his warmth.

Was it possible to die of satisfaction?

Gratification seeped through her limbs and her eyelids turned to lead. She struggled to stay awake, not wanting to miss one moment of his embrace.

Jake swept a finger over her cheek. "Sleep,"

he told her softly.

Isabel's lids dropped and her head swirled with memories of their lovemaking as she slowly drifted into slumber.

"Och, but I love you, lass."

She smiled at his words before sleep consumed her.

It was nearing suppertime and Isabel had still not roused. Jake had dozed on and off but kept awakening, as if to check she was still there and he was not indeed dreaming. His gaze drifted across her freckled nose and the curve of her cheek. God's blood, but he loved her. Here was a woman he would do anything for. Her open passion had served to seal the truth of his feelings for her.

Jake was surprised to find he was no longer filled with doubt, or fear. She had offered herself to him, not only in body but also in soul, and though it was true he was not sure why he was worthy of her, he found he did not doubt himself or their bond. Aye, she had not said she loved him, but he was sure of it now. He had spotted it in her eyes. He would dearly love to hear the words from her lips but he was secure in the knowledge the love between them was real.

Gone was the hurt and doubt his wife had inflicted upon him, erased by the sweet touch of his Isabel. She had worked into the hole in his heart and healed him. Ever would he be grateful that the fates thought to bring her to him. Isabel would never hurt him so. She was too honest, too open to be capable of deceit.

Aye, she would look after his heart well.

Her eyes fluttered open, mayhap sensing his observation, and the blue depths caught him, his heart coming to rest in his throat. He ached to spill his thoughts out to her, but he was unable to. He was no poet, no creator of words. Jake kissed her deeply, hoping to convey his feelings instead through touch.

Isabel responded to him instantly and clutched firmly at his head. Her silken body brushed against his flesh and his loins stirred instantly. He suspected he would never tire of her; his seemingly constant state of arousal around her would likely never abate.

She must have noticed as her eyes glinted.

"Lass,"

he said reluctantly, "Would that I could take you again but ‘tis nearing supper time and I would not wish to dishonor you by being caught in your chambers."

Isabel pursed her lips in mock displeasure. "You have already dishonored me today, surely ‘twould not hurt to do so once more?"

He groaned at her invitation but honor won and he detangled himself from her limbs as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I am sore tempted, Isabel, but I wish to do right by you. I'll not have you become the source of servant's gossip."

"Winnie would not gossip and you well know it!"

she told him scathingly.

He pushed himself up from the bed, well aware of her eyes on his swollen manhood, a clear display of his desire for her.

"In a keep such as this, the walls have eyes and ears. I swear ‘twill not be long until we are joined again, my love, for I do not think I can bear to be parted from your sweet body for long but I will not do so at the risk of your reputation."

Isabel humphed, sitting up and folding her arms under her breasts. Jake wondered if she realized how difficult this was for him. His brow beaded with sweat as he eyed the sweet swells. But, nay, he would not take her again. Their next joining would be an honorable one; he would make sure of that.

Jake dressed hurriedly, feeling her eyes follow his every move. His shirt was still damp and it stuck to his flesh as he struggled to pull it on. Isabel gathered the sheets around her and padded over to him, keeping the sheet tucked beneath her arms as she helped him pull down the sleeve. He eyed the curve of her breasts and the way her nipples hardened beneath the linen under his stare.

He gulped and pressed a hurried kiss to her cheek. If he did not leave at once, he did not know if his control would last another moment.

"I'll see you this night, I…I thank you, lass. I'm not deserving of you but I'll do all I can to prove myself worthy."

Isabel cocked her head to one side and shook it. "You are a fool, Lord Jacob, for ‘tis I that does not deserve you."

He sighed with a smile, "I'll not argue with you, I am but a fool, just as you are too generous. But, fool that I am, I give you my heart for you to do with as you see fit."

Pleasure at his words mingled with hesitation in her gaze and he pondered as to what it was that prevented her from opening her heart to him. Mayhap she feared giving her heart to him, unsure of his intentions.

On the morrow, he promised himself. On the morrow, he would make his intentions clear. Jake grinned at the thought, forgetting himself and claiming her lips in a scalding kiss. Before he could be dragged further under her sweet spell, he prized himself away and snatched up his tunic and belt.

Isabel watched him leave with a wry smile on her face and Jake realized he would never forget her that way, wrapped in nothing but a sheet and glowing and satisfied from their lovemaking. Aye, how the fates had smiled down upon him.