Dare, Lydia - Tall, Dark and Wolfish

"I think ye made that quite obvious today," she scolded him gently. He growled at her as her hand brushed over his nipple.

She sat up to pick up a bottle of gardenia oil and poured a few drops into the bath. The oil shimmered on the surface of the water. But nothing shimmered brighter than her smile.

Elspeth sat back to pick up the cloth again, and his eyes trailed down her body. Her chemise was transparent when wet. Her nipples stood hard against the sheer fabric, the triangle between her thighs beckoning to him.

"How long am I expected to endure this torture?" he growled.

"About an hour." She put her hands on her hips. Her breasts shifted. "'Torture' is a mighty strong word for a perfumed bath," she scolded.

"I can't stand an hour." He reached for her hand and pulled it into the water. Her fingers fluttered briefly before they closed around his length. "And even less time if you do that," he snarled.

"Ye're the one who pulled my hand inta the water," she reminded him saucily as her fingertips continued to play across his flesh.

Ben groaned, and with just one arm around her waist, he lifted her from beside the tub and drew her into it.

"Ben!" she squealed as water rolled over the edges of the tub.

"If I have to stay in the bath for an hour, I'll have you with me." He turned her away from him so that her back rested against his chest. Then he cupped her breast in his hand, rolling the nipple with his thumb.

"We both canna fit in this tub," she gasped.

"I think I'll fit just fine," he whispered, the sound no more than a quick brush across her cheek as his hand slid between her thighs and parted her flesh.

"Aye, we both ken ye fit there." Her gasp broke when his fingers rubbed her folds, parting her silky flesh, finding her warm and willing.

"I want to be inside you," he breathed before drawing her earlobe between his teeth.

Ben's hands adjusted her body so that she opened above him. He parted her folds and pressed himself insistently against her center. She settled over him like a warm silken glove. He groaned as she sighed, her head falling back against his shoulder.

Ben lifted her legs over the rim of the tub, parting them so that he could rest his hand in her curls.

"This isna the best position, I'd wager," she said. But then she inhaled deeply when he firmly rubbed around her center.

"It's a perfect position," he groaned. As he began to stroke her, she arched her hips to meet him, moving along his length in time with his fingers.

Her tiny movements pushed him in farther and farther as his fingers moved faster and faster.

"Watch me," he whispered against her ear.

"No," she gasped, pushing her head into his forearm.

"Watch, or I'll stop." His fingers stilled until she lifted her head and looked down at his hand.

That was all it took to make her erupt around him, the sight of him toying with her, just as he'd known it would. He quickly followed.

Thirty-one

"Ellie," Ben began as she placed a bowl of hardboiled eggs in front of him. "I never thought to have my wife cook for me. I'm fairly plump in the pockets. Can't I hire someone for you?"

Hire someone to cook for her? Elspeth couldn't help but laugh. Then she slid into a seat across from her husband at the small table. "Eat the eggs, Ben; they're for rejuvenation."

"Rejuvenation," he grumbled. "What I really need is a new bed.

That

would rejuvenate me." Then he rubbed the back of his neck.

Which, of course, she knew. He

did

talk in his sleep. He also had a point. Her bed was rather small, especially for a man his size. "Well, I believe ye'll be happy with what Sorcha has planned for ye then."

"Oh?" he asked warily before plopping one egg into his mouth. After swallowing, he leaned forward. "I don't know that I liked the way you said that."

Elspeth smiled at him. "I think ye'll be pleasantly surprised, my lord."

"Meaning you're not going to tell me." He frowned as he eyed another egg. "How many of these do I have to eat?"

She laughed again. "My, ye're rather grumpy this mornin'. And ye have ta eat all of them, Benjamin. That's why I put them in front of ye."

Finally he smiled at her. "Simon will adore you."

"His Grace?" she asked in surprise. He so rarely spoke of his oldest brother, and then it was generally complaints.

"Hmm. You can take turns barking orders at me."

"Eat yer eggs," Elspeth said, rolling her eyes heavenward.

With a scowl he popped another egg into his mouth, and she slid from her seat to prepare him some more tea.

"I had no idea I married such a moody man, Ben. Ye seemed so sweet up 'til now," she teased.

In a flash he stood behind her, hands on her waist, grinning like a fool. "It's working, Ellie." He glowed like an exuberant child.

She glanced back at the table. "The eggs?"

He shrugged. "I don't know what exactly, but you're right. I

am

moody. I get moody, we all do, in the week leading up to the full moon."

That was good news. She turned in his arms and slid her hands up his chest. "Indeed? Does that mean I can look forward ta a difficult husband one week a month for the rest of my life?"

Ben pulled her flush against him. "We also become more carnal."

"

More

carnal?" she asked, twirling a lock of his hair around her finger. "How will I ever survive?"

Ben nuzzled her shoulder and neck, nipping her lightly. His teeth grazed her sensitive skin, sending frissons of desire straight to her core. Her knees almost buckled, so she wrapped her arms around his waist to keep from falling.

His fingers tugged at the bodice of her gown, then they stilled. "Damn!" Ben grumbled, lifting his head.

"What?" she asked breathlessly, wanting his lips back on her skin.

"A coach just stopped." He rested his forehead against hers, like a man defeated. "Ellie, I'm feeling much more like myself. Can't we leave? A fortnight in a carriage with only you would do wonders for me. No one stopping by unannounced. No one else vying for your attention. Every night a new inn with a decent-sized bed."

Elspeth leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Ben," she whispered, "ye should finish yer eggs."

"Rejuvenation, I know," he muttered.

She kissed him again. "My moody wolf." Then she righted her gown as a knock came from the door. She crossed the room, smoothing her skirts one last time before she opened the door.

From the threshold, Alec MacQuarrie winked at her then kissed her cheek. "My lady, you're looking well."

She opened the door wide. "Thank ye, Mr. MacQuarrie. Would ye like ta come in?"

He nodded and stepped into the room, his eyes focused on Ben. "Truly, in all the years I've known you, Westfield, I never thought to see you actually living in a cottage on the outskirts of Edinburgh."

"Me neither," Ben growled. "What do you want, Alec?"

Elspeth ignored her irritable husband and grinned at their guest. "I was just makin' tea, Mr. MacQuarrie. Would ye care for some?"

The man smiled back. "That would be nice, lass."

She started back toward the stove. As she walked past the table, Ben reached an arm out and pulled her onto his lap. She gasped in surprise. "Benjamin!"

He played with a lock of her hair, his hazel eyes twinkling mischievously. "In London, I have staff who will make tea for you, Elspeth. And a cook and more maids than you can count. Then you can focus all of your attention on me."

She scrambled off his lap and planted both hands on her hips. "Do try ta behave. Ye have a guest."

Ben shot an irritated look at his friend. "A guest who should know better than to disturb a newly married man."

MacQuarrie laughed as he took a spot opposite Ben at the table. "Aye, a friend who didn't take it personally when you skipped his wedding celebration in your honor."