Page 68 of The Lord's Compass
She stared at him for a moment before her lips parted. “Are you calling me well-used?”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Not yet, love. But you will be – by me. Only me.”
The endearment fell out of his mouth before he even realized what he was saying, but she didn’t comment upon it. Before she could respond, he leaned down and kissed her, sealing his lips over hers.
This woman drove him crazy. But he was telling the truth when he said that he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The carriage jostled them as Eric deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring the inside of her mouth while his hands roamed her body. She moaned into him, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. The sound of the wheels on the cobblestones outside was a distant hum as they lost themselves in each other.
Eric broke the kiss, trailing his lips along her jawline to her neck. He drew back the fabric of her gown to nip at her skin, leaving marks that would last for days but would be visible only to him. She arched her back, offering herself to him, and he knew that despite the shields she had raised, deep inside she wanted him as much as he did her.
He obliged, sliding his hand under her dress, feeling the wetness between her legs, which only fueled his desire. He couldn't get enough of her.
He leaned back, pulling her up with him so that she was straddling him, her dress bunched up around her hips. She looked down at him, her eyes dark with desire, and he knew that she understood exactly what he was about to do.
He dipped two fingers inside of her, causing her to gasp. She threw her head back, her hands clutching the fabric of his breeches for support. He loved watching her, loved knowing that he was the one who had put that look in her eyes, that he could make her feel like this. She might not be able to say how she felt in words yet, but her body spoke volumes.
He continued stroking her insides, increasing the speed of his fingers as she started to tighten around them.
When her breath turned to gasps, he knew she was close. He wanted to feel her tighten around him, needed to hear her scream his name.
She let out a keening cry, and he could feel her release around his fingers.
He slowed, wanting badly to unfasten his fall and lift her over top of him, but he stopped himself. He had wanted to show her how he felt, not ask for anything of her in this moment.
Faith reached down to release him, but he stopped her, holding onto her fingers as he looked into her eyes.
“That was for you,” he said. “My gift.”
“But—”
“No buts,” he said gently.
Faith slid off his lap and their eyes met and held as the carriage slowly bumped along. It wasn’t until the door opened behind them, causing them both to gasp, that Eric realized they had come to a stop.
“My lord?” The footman said, clearing his throat. “We have arrived at the inn if you would still like to stop.”
“Yes, of course,” Eric said, stepping out of the carriage before reaching up and offering Faith his hand. He hadn’t undressed her, but still, she appeared slightly dishevelled and when he noted the redness of her cheeks, he smiled, proud of himself for putting it there.
He held his arm out, privileged to lead such a beautiful woman inside – as his wife in truth this time.
The tavern in front of them was a modest, timber-framed building, with a thatched roof and a signboard outside welcoming all to The Sword and Thistle, in words as well as a rather impressive pictorial. Beside the door were garden beds that were beginning to turn yellow with the season, and the windows were covered in curtains that held a great deal of soot.
“Have you been here before?” Faith asked, and Eric nodded.
“A few times. It is a common stopping place when travelling to Castleton. I am assuming you have?”
“Of course.”
“Lady Faith.” A portly gentleman walked over to them, holding his hands out. “It has been some time since I have seen you.”
“Mr. Johns,” Faith greeted him. “It is good to see you. Lord Ferrington, this is Mr. Johns, the innkeeper. My husband, Lord Ferrington.”
The man turned wide eyes onto Eric as he broke out into a smile.
“I had not realized our Lady Faith – my apologies, Lady Ferrington – had married.”
“We are travelling to Castleton and were hoping for a meal,” Faith said, and the man instantly began to move.
