Chapter Eleven

Countess of Hadfield. Bronwyn pinched herself as she repeated her new identity. Instead of rollicking nerves and questions over what her future now entailed, Bronwyn's thoughts were solely focused on the consummation. Bound hand-in-hand to Landon, she entered the empty inn with Peyton and Jacobs behind them.

She nearly lost her balance as Landon came to a stop and turned to address the staff. "We won't be needing your services this eve." Her husband continued up the stairs to their chamber for the evening, leaving her no choice to follow. It also eliminated all chance of Peyton sharing any information she'd obtained on how Bronwyn should please Landon. Her bound hand began to sweat. How were they to have marital relations with their hands tied? She hated feeling unprepared. Their interludes in the coach had all centered around her pleasure. Even a ninny could deduce that there was more to the intimate act of consummating their marriage.

She turned slightly sideways to face Landon, in order to go up the narrow staircase. Her heart thudded harder against her ribs with each step they took.

Landon bent at the waist, causing her to hunch over too. Mirroring his movements invoked a sense of closeness. He slipped his free arm under her knees and lifted her, squeezing them through the tight doorway. In opposition to her natural tendency to seek out distance, Bronwyn straightened her back and wrapped her arm about his neck, bringing them even closer. Secure in his arms, Bronwyn rested her head against her husband's shoulder and closed her eyes. All her life, she had been bound by constraints to serve PORFs, and now she was one herself. While she didn't doubt that being a countess would have its own challenges, held in Landon's strong arms she found the freedom to simply be. None of her reactions to her husband were consistent.

Still cradling her in his arms, he sat on the bed. "I hope you don't mind. I didn't want to tread upon your toes, trying to enter through the blasted door."

Uncertain of what was expected of her, Bronwyn remained quiet and waited. Her husband's tempting lips were curved into a lopsided grin. Resisting the desire to pull him closer and kiss him, she ran her free hand down over his shoulder and chest. Her breath hitched as his muscles flexed under her palm. Cursing the fine lawn fabric that separated them, she lowered her free hand to rest in her lap. The snow-white ribbon binding their hands caught her attention. Bound together. She was safe and secure, and oddly at peace with their union. But as Landon tugged at the loop of the material and untied the knots, her confidence unraveled. Fear filled the space between their hands, separating them anew.

Landon loosened the last knot. "You'll be free in a moment."

"I apologize for my sweaty hand."

"Oh, and here I believed mine was the sweaty one." His dimple appeared, and Bronwyn's heart melted.

She spied her wedding gift to him, lying upon the desk in the corner. Bronwyn had convinced Rutherford to create a pair of cuff links embossed with the letter "H" surrounded by laurel leaves. Old Man Rutherford had argued it would take him a week to create such pieces, but Bronwyn had wielded her power as Landon's wife-to-be, and the jeweler had acquiesced. At the time, a pang of guilt had her questioning her decision to employ the authority of a PORF when she had yet to officially become one.

As soon as her hand was freed from Landon's, she hopped off his lap and skipped over the desk, eager to see his reaction. She paused in front of two boxes of similar size—both with Rutherford's stamp upon the top and white ribbons securing the lid.

Bronwyn jumped as Landon's hand fell upon her shoulder. She frowned. "I'm not sure which one is my gift to you."

"Then let's both of us open them."

He reached around her, picked up the box on the left, and placed it upon his palm. "You pull on this end, and I'll pull the other."

The ribbon fell away, and Bronwyn tentatively lifted the lid to reveal an exquisite charm bracelet. The bracelet itself was fashioned from silver and pearls. She lifted it out of the box to examine the charms. A horse. A falcon. A tiara. An angel and a harp. How very clever of him to select charms that represented both PORFs and the Network.

She glanced up to thank him, but his eyebrows had lifted with an element of surprise. "Is it not what you had ordered?"

Her husband cleared his throat. "It's perfect. But…" Landon sighed. Instead of continuing to speak he took the bracelet and opened the clasp.

She held out her wrist for him. The cold metal upon her skin raised goosebumps to her elbow. She waited for him to finish his sentence. Her breath caught in her throat as he brushed a finger along the inside of her wrist.

Landon inhaled deeply and then said, "It was not I who placed the order. Theo did on my behalf."

"It's still a thoughtful gift, no matter who gave Rutherford the order." She lifted her hand closer to inspect the charms.

"Theo always chooses the best gifts."

Had she heard correctly? Landon hadn't merely asked Theo to pass along the order. He had asked his cousin to select the wedding gift entirely. Her heart deflated.

She angled her face toward the floor to hide her disappointment and reached for her gift to him. When she turned to give it to him, he lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.

"I'm sorry I've disappointed you. I should have selected your wedding gift myself, even if I made a hash of it."

She forced her lips to curl into a smile at his sincere apology. Logically she knew it impossible for a man like Landon to love her. He'd only had a few days to come to know the real her. She had opened up, wanting to make sure Landon was fully aware of who he'd be marrying once they crossed the border. Their time together had confirmed what a genuinely brilliant man Landon was and solidified her attraction to the rogue that lay beneath the surface.

Her smile transformed into a grin, and then Landon's lips were upon hers, banishing all thoughts and worries. She gave herself over to the man whose kisses awakened a feeling she never imagined possible.

Holding her tight, Landon asked, "May I have my gift now?"

She lifted her hand and held out the box for him.

Landon opened his gift, and his dimples appeared in full force. "Now, these are a thoughtful gift. I shall treasure them forever." He placed them back on the desk. "How can I atone for my mistake?"

"You could kiss me again."

Her husband didn't hesitate. He gathered her back into his arms. His fingers ran along the seam of buttons at her back as his lips glided over hers, hungry with desire.

Gasping for air, Landon twirled her around. He made quick work of removing her gown and stays. Standing in her chemise, stockings, and slippers, she stared at the bed. Anticipation crept up her spine and her stomach did a flip. This beautiful, brilliant man was to be hers in every way. Certainty that she was going to fail him refused to leave her.

It had always worked to her advantage when she took matters into her own hands. She grabbed Landon by the hand and led him to the bed. At her gentle push, he fell back and sat upon the straw-stuffed mattress.

Before he could question her, she placed her hands on her hips and said, "I've decided upon a different punishment." She nearly laughed out loud as his eyes enlarged to the size of saucers.

His Adam's apple bobbed up and down. "I'm ready for my sentence."

"For the remainder of the evening, you will be required to tell me your preferences and dislikes—in words, not via sounds or movements." She lifted the hem of her chemise up and over her head.

Landon's gaze affixed to her breasts.

She bent to remove her garters, stockings, and shoes. Bronwyn rose until they were eye to eye. "Do you understand?"

"I believe so."

Naked, she stepped between his legs. Steadying her hands, she removed his cravat and said, "Good."

Landon licked his lips, and Bronwyn's fingers faltered as she worked on the buttons of his waistcoat. Her husband didn't appear at all perturbed at her bold actions. His responses merely empowered Bronwyn to continue with her brazen acts. At the same time, she was powerless over the intense craving to have him touch and pleasure her.

Landon's hands wrapped around her hips, and he tugged Bronwyn closer. Her skin burned as warm breath brushed against her breasts. "I'd prefer you undressed me quicker." Desire and desperation that matched her own rang clear in his voice. His lips skimmed over her nipples, eliciting a moan from her.

Taking a half step back, Bronwyn said, "Very well. Stand."

Landon released his hold on her, but not before running his hands over her bottom and giving her a little swat. The brief sting sent a thrill of excitement through her that clenched the inner muscles at her center.

He toed off his court shoes and slowly stood, feet braced apart. Her breathing and pulse both accelerated as she divested him of his coat, waistcoat, and lawn shirt. When she reached for his falls, he captured her wrist. "I was wrong." His voice was raw and deep. "I'd prefer you to take your time."

His words ignited a war within her. For days, Bronwyn had been curious as to what his manhood would feel like in her hand. Her fingers trembled as she reached for his falls. The need to please him superseded her own cravings. The material of Landon's breeches was stretched taut, easing slightly as she released each button through its hole. His shaft sprang free and grazed the back of her hand. Wrapping her fingers about his member, she slid her palm down until she could run her thumb over the tip.

"Perhaps you…you could continue your exploration." Landon's breathing became erratic. "Once I'm upon the bed." He released a groan as he grew in her grip. "I fear my knees might buckle."

Glad it wasn't only she who felt weak when caressed, Bronwyn slipped her hands beneath his waistband at his hips and shimmied his breeches down until they dropped to the floor. Dropping to her knees, she rolled down his stockings. He lifted each foot, allowing her to remove them from his big feet.

His hard shaft bobbed once as she drew level with it. Steadying herself, she placed her hands upon his muscled upper thighs, stuck out her tongue, and licked. Finding the taste not unpleasant, she ran the tip of him along the seam of her lips.

Landon's fingers threaded through her hair, and with a little pressure, pressed himself against her mouth. Instinctively she opened, and she slid her lips down his member, which twitched. Her hands roamed to the sides of his taut thighs up to his hips and then back round to his tightly clenched butt cheeks. The man had dimples. Imitating his earlier actions, Bronwyn ran her hand over his ass and gave it a slap. His grip tightened in her hair. Her moan mixed with his. A second groan of pure pleasure escaped her husband as she tightened her lips about him. Bronwyn inched back to the tip. With a pop, she released him. "You're not using your words."

"Wife. You may take me in your mouth any time you like."

"Would you like for me to now?"

"If you wish, but I believe I stated my preference to be abed."

Her gaze darted between the bed behind him and his hard shaft. Bracing against his muscular thighs, she slowly rose, brushing her nipples against him as she stood.

Landon growled, "If I'm to consummate our marriage, you had best get into bed."

Scrambling under the covers, Bronwyn settled herself on her back.

Landon slid next to her and placed his hands behind his head. "Would you like to continue your exploration, or may I conduct my own?"

Hmm. What a dilemma. "What would you prefer?" Bronwyn asked.

"In this instance, I have no preference and will defer to your wishes." Landon rolled on to his side and stared, waiting for her decision.

"May I touch you if you are the one conducting the expedition?"

"Certainly."

"Then I wish for you to lead."

Landon's hand cupped her face. Her breath hitched as he leaned forward to run his tongue along her bottom lip. Her skin pricked as her husband's broad hand traveled down her neck. She pressed her aching breast into the palm of his hand and then placed her own hand over his. Bronwyn squeezed, causing his fingers to pinch her nipple the way that sent sparks throughout her body. She rolled onto her side to get closer, but Landon pushed her flat on her back. Peppering kisses down her neck, over the swell of her breast, Landon removed his hand and circled her nipple with his tongue. Hedonistic and delightful shocks of pleasure ran down to her core. He obliviated her fear of the unknown and of new experiences and replaced it with yearning. Bronwyn pressed Landon's head to her just as he had pressed himself to her earlier.

He grazed his teeth against her nipple and suckled until she writhed against the bed. Releasing her breast, he moved on to the other, repeating his torturous movements.

Bronwyn silently called out his name, but only moans of pleasure escaped her throat.

Landon shifted closer. "Spread your legs." Settling himself between her thighs, he loomed over her and whispered in her ear. "I've waited four long days. Wanting to bury myself deep inside you." His declaration disproved her brother's claims she'd never attract a man with her boyish interests and behavior.

On a ragged breath, Landon said, "I prefer to linger. But tonight, I can't wait." He trailed kisses along her jaw. "I promise next time…" He grabbed his member and guided it over her nether lips, before gently pushing at her entrance. "Later, we can both explore."

She wiggled, unsure if she wanted more of him or to squirm away. When he stilled, she did too. His features were strained.

"Is something the matter?" Bronwyn asked.

He let his head fall to her shoulder. "I don't want to hurt you. I can't."

She had heard whispers that some women found marital relations painful or unpleasant, but every one of Landon's touches brought her pleasure. "I've not experienced any discomfort."

Landon moved to roll onto his back.

The loss of pressure between her legs made her ache with an intensity that bordered on pain.

She grabbed his hand and placed it against her core. "I need you…"

His fingers curled and entered her, relieving some of her need, but it wasn't enough.

She moved to straddle him. Hovering above his shaft, uncertain of exactly how to proceed, she said, "I want you inside of me, not your fingers."

He grabbed his member and like before, he rubbed it against her as she slowly pressed down, lowering herself inch by inch. His thumb circled the sensitive nub that sent heated waves of excitement through her. She was nearly fully seated upon him when a sharp sting made her flinch and close her eyes. Her legs collapsed, causing her to sink all the way to his base.

His groan opened her eyes. "Was that the pain you wished not to cause me?"

"Aye." He shifted, and the movement sent pleasure shooting up her spine. Oddly, her nipples became sensitive.

Her breasts ached. She reached for his hands, guiding them over her sides and up to cup the sensitive globes. Landon kneaded the tender flesh. The urge to move was impossible to ignore. Her husband's small movements urged her to rock back and forth. Uncertain how to alleviate the mounting need within her, she set a tentative pace. Landon lowered his hand to her hips, and Bronwyn increased the pace of her actions. His fingers dug into her backside as he assisted her in raising slightly. Bronwyn sank back down and circled her hips. His hands roamed back up to her breasts. Bronwyn rose and lowered herself, slowly at first and then faster and with more vigor as Landon's groans became more profound and louder. Proud she was able to please her husband, Bronwyn increased her efforts.

Landon pinched her nipples hard, and an upsurge of pleasure rolled through her, sending her over the crest of the wave. She collapsed against her husband's chest as he continued to pump himself into her over and over. His fingers bit into her hips, he let out one long moan, and then he slowed his movements.

Landon stroked her back up and down along her spine. "Next time, I promise it will be better."

How could it be better? Would she able to endure more?

She wasn't certain. Her brain was incapable of working at that moment, and her body was limp. Sleepily she mumbled, "Goodnight, husband."

"Rest while I recover."

Landon's response was confusing. But being a good wife, she obeyed her husband and closed her eyes.