Lady's Minstrel Read online

  Her breasts swelled in anticipation, her nipples puckering into tight nubs. She felt the familiar flood of cream between her thighs. She wanted her husband and she wanted him now.

  Alicia went to work on his clothing, making quick work of his tunic and shirt. She paused when she saw the long, white puckered scars that marred his skin. “So much pain,” she murmured. Leaning forward, she kissed each one.

  Reys unbound her hair and sifted his fingers through the long, thick mass. He briefly clenched his fists in it, holding her close. “I know they’re not pretty to look at.”

  “I don’t care about that.” Alicia raised her head long enough to scowl at him. “All I care is that you’re home.”

  He sighed and gave a rumble of pleasure as her nimble fingers made quick work of the ties of his chausses. Reys pulled away long enough to discard his boots and the rest of his clothing. Naked, he faced her.

  Moonlight trickled in from the window. Coupled with the firelight from the room beyond and the candle on the table, it was more than enough light for her to see him. He was lean, but it was all muscle, sculpted and hard. Scars of various sizes covered his arms and legs.

  Alicia swallowed back her anger and tears. They would not change what had happened. “Turn around.” She had to see all of him, know what he’d suffered.

  Reys turned slowly, giving her his back. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. It was a mass of scar tissue. It was a wonder he’d survived such brutal beatings. He was naked for her, she could do no less for him. Slipping the linen shift from her body, she padded over to him and wrapped her arms around him, pillowing her breasts against his back.

  He sighed and she sensed his relief. “I love you Reys of Hawkspoint. Nothing will ever change that.”

  He turned back around and lifted her into his arms. Carrying her to the bed, he knelt on the mattress, lowering her to the center.

  Reys didn’t want to speak, didn’t want to do or say anything that might disrupt this perfect moment. He’d dreamed of it so many times he wasn’t wholly certain it was real. Through months of fever and delirium it was thoughts of Alicia that had saved his soul and healed his body.

  He knew she didn’t think she was beautiful. That had always surprised him. From the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been drawn to her. It wasn’t only her lush curves, but her gentle personality. There was an innate kindness that radiated from her, extending to all those around her. How her rough and uncouth sire had produced such an angel was nothing short of a miracle.

  But the longer he’d rotted in prison, the more he’d doubted his memories. Was Alicia as perfect as she’d seemed? Was she happy he was gone? Had she remarried? That last thought had tortured him endlessly.

  When he’d finally been ransomed and made the long trek back to England, he’d known he’d had to find out or his doubts would haunt him forever. He’d devised the scheme to disguise himself as a minstrel. Traveling musicians were always welcome as they entertained and carried news of the world beyond.

  He’d wept when he’d stood on the hills beyond the castle and seen Hawkspoint for the first time in many years. There was a time when he doubted he’d ever see it again. When he’d composed himself, he finished the journey. Living in the castle and seeing it through the eyes of a stranger had been a revelation.

  Hawkspoint was a thriving, prosperous keep and the land surrounding it was well cared for. The people were happy and well fed. No lord could ask for more. Instead of making him happy, it had filled him with bitterness. They didn’t need him. Hadn’t missed him at all. The doubts had grown louder. Perhaps his wife hadn’t bothered to even search for him.

  He’d watched for days, strumming his psaltery each evening. Alicia had sat at the head of the table each night. She ate little and sat alone, except for one evening when the priest had joined her. There was no man by her side, for which he’d been grateful. He’d talked to the people of Hawkspoint. They were tight-lipped when he’d questioned them about the lord of the castle. And no one would talk about the lady except to say how much she was beloved and admired by all.

  Finally, he’d gone to Father Edmond, swearing the man to secrecy. The priest had wept and praised God. Then he’d berated Reys for not being honest with Alicia. It was Father Edmond who’d told him if he wanted answers he needed to speak with his wife. The priest would not betray Alicia’s confidence any more than he would betray Reys’s. Reys had sent his missive to the king, taking several days to ponder the priest’s words.

  But his time had run out. Suspicious of him, Alicia had summoned him to her solar. Reys had taken advantage of the situation to push for answers. All his doubts were unfounded. Alicia had remained true of heart, searching for him. Her words had lightened the burdened he’d carried, her tears of joy washing away much of the bitterness and pain.

  “Reys.” She touched his face gently. “What is wrong?”

  He shook of his melancholy thoughts. The past was done. The future was spread before him. His wife was naked and waiting. “Nothing. There is nothing wrong. For the first time in many years, everything is right.”

  Leaning down, he kissed her.

  Chapter Three

  Alicia hated the shadows that lurked in Reys’s eyes. He’d left her moments before. Not physically, but in spirit. He was back now and she planned to do everything she could to keep his dark memories at bay. She knew he would never truly be free of them. For good and bad, they had shaped the man he’d become.

  Firelight danced over his face as he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. Sighing, she released all her doubts and concerns. There would be much to deal with in the days and months ahead, but for now, her husband was home. Her prayers had been answered.

  Looping her arms around his neck, she held on tight. Reys lowered his body over hers until they were touching from shoulder to knee. She felt the scars on his chest abrade her skin and wanted to weep. And she would. In private. Not now. Not with her husband kissing her. Now was the time for pleasure, for reconnection, for reunion.

  His shaft was thick and hard, pressing against her mound. He flexed his hips, rubbing his erection against her as he continued to kiss her. Heat surrounded her, warming her from the inside out, reminding her of how cold she’d been without him these long years.

  Their tongues touched, tentatively at first. Reys groaned and deepened the kiss. Tongues twined, breath mingled as he ate at her mouth, devouring her as though he couldn’t get enough of her.

  He broke off the kiss, pressing his forehead against hers. “I have dreamed of this moment, but I find my memory faulty. You taste like the rarest of spices mixed with honey.”

  Alicia smiled and kissed his chin, loving the feel of his lightly bristled jaw against her lips. Reys always made her feel beautiful. He had since the first moment they’d met. “Oh, Reys.” She wanted to say so much more, but the words caught in her throat.

  He kissed her temples, her cheeks, her nose, and her chin. Taking his time, he worked his way down to her collarbone. By then she was a mass of writhing need. Her cleft was wet and aching to be filled by him.

  But Reys was in no hurry.

  Sliding her hand down his chest, she marveled at the strength of him. He was thinner, yes, but he was still so strong. The head of his shaft bumped her hand as it drifted below his bellybutton. She clasped her fingers around his cock and gently squeezed.

  “Alicia.” Her name was a raspy groan, torn from her husband’s lips. She felt liquid seep out of the slit at the crown and wet her hand as she continued to stroke up and down the length of his shaft.

  Reaching down, he grabbed her hand and pulled it away. “Not this time, my sweet. I am too close.”

  Reys focused his attention on her breasts, plumping the twin mounds in his hands before lapping at the tight nubs. Alicia’s skin was on fire, her body quivering with unrequited love and lust. It was a heady combination.

  She clasped his biceps, feeling the play of muscle as he shifted his attenti
on from one breast to the other. As he plucked at her nipple, sensation burst between her thighs, hot and thick. Tilting her hips, she rubbed her cleft against his cock. Panting hard, she did it again, crying out when his shaft stroked the tight bud of nerves at the apex.

  A low growl vibrated in her husband’s chest as he left her breasts and shifted his attention lower. Her nipples were damp from his ministrations and the cool night air made them pucker even tighter. The ache, low in her belly, grew stronger. Her inner muscles contracted, desperate to hold him.

  Reys lapped at her belly, his teeth grazing her hipbones. His tongue swirled inside her bellybutton, teasing and tickling at the same time. Perspiration dotted her skin as the inner heat threatened to engulf her in its embrace.

  He lay between her thighs, all his attention focused there. Her folds were slick with cream, every nerve ending tingling in anticipation. His breath was warm on her sensitive flesh. He blew softly, sending a shower of goose bumps down her arms and legs.

  He surged upward and rolled onto his back, taking her with him. Their positions were reversed and she was lying on top of him, her legs tangled with his. “I want you too badly.” She could see the dots of perspiration on his forehead. A muscle ticked beneath his right eye. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Tenderness flooded her. She loved this man so much. Leaning down, she kissed him lightly on the lips, across his stubborn jaw and down the strong column of his neck. She kneaded the muscles of his arms and chest as she licked a trail down the center of his stomach. She knew what she wanted.

  Reys stilled, every muscle in his body tense as she blew on the head of his cock. It jerked upward, as though reaching toward her. “Alicia.” Her name was both a plea and a warning. Lowering her head, she swirled her tongue around the tip. She could taste his essence—musky and male, more potent than the headiest ale.

  She closed her mouth, savoring his unique flavor. It had been so long. His shaft twitched, brushing her cheek. Smiling, she gripped the lower part of his cock with her hand and began to pump. Opening her mouth, she took him inside. His hips arched off the bed, his fingers tangling in her hair. Alicia took as much of him as she could, gently skimming her teeth over his hard length.

  Reys swore and thrust his hips up twice more before pulling her mouth away. She released him with a wet pop and a groan of displeasure. She wasn’t done yet.

  “Not this way,” he gasped, his chest expanding and contracting with each huge gulp of air he took. “I want to be inside you.”

  His eyes were darker, like a stormy sea at night. She knew what he needed. Still holding his cock in her hand, she straddled his hips.

  Reys was a hairsbreadth away from spilling his seed. Having Alicia’s mouth on his cock had been both heaven and hell. The feel of her soft tongue bathing the head of his shaft was the sweetest torture he’d ever endured. Another time he wouldn’t have stopped her, but this time, this first time, he needed to be inside her. Needed to feel her soft, welcoming flesh grip him as they both found release.

  Like some erotic nymph, she sat up on her knees, his cock in her small hand. Her thick brown hair tangled around her face and shoulders, tumbling around her back and down her chest. A lock tickled his stomach. He wanted to wrap himself in her hair, feel the silken locks against his skin.

  Her breasts were perfectly shaped and large enough to fill his hands. Nipples the color of ripe raspberries begged to be plucked. He reached out and strummed his thumbs over them. Alicia gave a throaty cry of pleasure, her head tilting back.

  He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on something else. Anything. But nothing could distract him from Alicia. His eyes flew open as she moved, shifting so that the head of his cock was pressed against her slit.

  Poised over him, she stared down at him and smiled. “Welcome home.”

  Her words shattered him. Gripping her hips, he thrust hard, burying himself to the hilt. Her heat surrounded him, accepting him, bathing him in her healing warmth. She rose up on her knees again and he felt his shaft sliding out of her warmth. His fingers tightened around her waist. He would not be denied.

  But his wife had no intentions of denying him. She lowered herself over his cock and rotated her hips. Reys saw light flash behind his eyes as she did it again. Her breasts swayed as she rode him hard.

  He could feel his balls drawing tighter to his body. He was so close. Straining, he reached for completion but it danced just out of reach. He needed to get closer.

  Lifting her, he withdrew from her hot depths. She cried out as he shifted her position until she was on her hands and knees on the mattress with him crouched behind her. Alicia spread her thighs wide, offering him a glimpse of her engorged, slick folds. He bent down and lapped at her hot cunt.

  Alicia cried out, her legs trembling. Swearing, Reys positioned himself at her slit and drove his cock deep. His head fell back and the cords of his neck tightened. “Yes,” he hissed. This was what he wanted.

  Capturing her breasts with his hands, he began to fuck her. Short, hard jabs followed by long strokes. He varied them until he thought his head would explode. Alicia was whimpering beneath him, her inner muscles contracting tighter around his shaft with each stroke.

  Releasing one of her breasts, he slid his hand between her thighs and touched her. Her back bowed and she cried out. Her sheath clamped around him so hard he couldn’t move for several seconds, trapped in her sweet embrace. Her heat flooded him and he pumped his hips hard, short, deep thrusts that finally pushed him over the edge.

  His cock jerked as he filled her with his seed. Her cunt milked him dry, pulling every last drop of him into her. Alicia collapsed onto the mattress and he followed her, his large body covering her much smaller one. He shifted to the side to keep from crushing her, but he didn’t withdraw from her silken depths. He wanted to stay there as long as possible.

  He must have dozed because the next thing he knew Alicia was shivering beneath him. The room seemed much cooler now. Forcing himself to move, he sat up and lifted his wife, pulling the covers out from under them and settling her beneath them.

  He sighed as he pulled her into the curve of his shoulder. She rested her head against his heart and draped a silky thigh across his much larger and hairy one. Her hand rested on his scarred chest, her voice but a whisper when she spoke. “I love you, Reys of Hawkspoint. Welcome home.”

  He tightened his arms around her, unable to speak. When he knew she was finally asleep, Reys closed his eyes and wept.

  It was the heat that woke her. Alicia started to push back the covers only to find she couldn’t. She was held captive by a pair of strong male arms. Alarm shot through her, quickly followed by the memories of the night before. Reys. It was Reys in bed holding her, warming her. She tilted her head back and opened her eyes. Even asleep, the lines on his face were evident. His scars, a testament to the horror he’d survived. His hair was slightly longer too, falling to below his shoulders. On some men it would have made them appear older. But not Reys. Even injured, he looked as handsome as ever to her.

  His fingers began to play along the curve of her spine, drifting up and down. She sighed and arched into his touch. “Have you been awake long?” The low rumble of his voice made her toes curl.

  “Not long.” He opened his eyes and she was captured in their blue gaze.

  “I thought it was naught but a dream until I woke to find an angel snuggled in my arms.” He kissed the top of her head, his fingers not stopping their rhythm as they stroked her back.

  His touch was making her skin tingle and not just on her back. “It wasn’t a dream. You’re home now.”

  “Home.” There was a wealth of emotion in that one word.

  She cupped his jaw, the thick stubble scratching her skin. Leaning up, she placed a kiss on his cheek. He turned his head, capturing her lips. There was no rush this time, no sense of urgency. He lifted her leg over his thigh and slid into her. She was wet and ready. Staring at her husband’s face, she held on to his
broad shoulders as he rocked them to completion.

  Resting in his arms, she heard the sounds of the castle stirring for the day. Sun was shining in through the window, brightening the room. “William will be along soon,” she warned. “He will not wait much longer.”

  Reys chuckled. The sound was rusty, not the loud, lusty laugh she was accustomed to. Still, it warmed her heart.

  Rolling out of bed, he padded to the hearth. Crouching down, he stoked the embers, adding several more pieces of wood until there was a cheery blaze. Alicia sat up in bed with the covers tucked around her, admiring the play of muscles in his back. Scars marred his flesh, but that did not detract from the strength of the man, only added to it.

  He grabbed the pitcher of water that sat on the hearth and poured it into a wooden basin and began to wash. She watched, enjoying the flex of his buttocks and the sheer joy he took in washing. She imagined that was a luxury after being imprisoned.

  “I’ll have the men drag up the large wooden tub so you can soak this evening.”

  Reys turned his head toward her and smiled. “I would like that.”

  Sliding out of bed, she went to his side. Taking the cloth and a sliver of soap, she began to wash his chest. When she was done, he took the cloth from her and used it to wash her from head to toe. He found every curve and crevice. When he was done, her skin was rosy and her breathing was ragged.

  He tossed the rag away and reached for her just as a knock came on the outer door. “My lady.” It was William.

  Giving her husband an apologetic smile, she shrugged. “I told you he would not wait much longer.”

  “So you did.” Smiling, he patted her on the behind. “Get dressed, I’ll deal with William.” Totally unconcerned by his nakedness, Reys strode to the door, opened it a crack and spoke to the captain.

  Realizing she was simply standing there watching him, Alicia scolded herself and went to her trunk, rummaging around until she came up with a clean shift and her best gown. It was the one she was married in. A deep stormy blue, it matched her husband’s eyes. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to wear it after he’d left. It reminded her too much of his absence.