Page 31 of Ella’s Desire

He arrived at the dais and waited, standing, for her to arrive. He was not alone. Bear and Wolf leapt to their feet and took off in her direction as soon she entered the great hall. Her long hair was glossy in the candlelight and she beamed at the sight of the two dogs racing toward her.

Even Hardy slipped away from Leila’s side long enough to enjoy Ella’s affection without Moppet attempting to intervene. The little beast wasn’t allowed at the great hall while food was served. Something about having thrown a wild fit once, and a roasted boar ruined by the wretched little creature. Bronson couldn’t say he was disappointed at the squirrel’s absence.

Ella knelt to pet the dogs with a genuine smile lighting her face, then rose and glided toward the table, her movements so light and airy, she almost appeared to be floating. Her eyes met his and sparkled with pleasure.

God’s bones, she was beautiful. Her crimson kirtle had small gilt flowers stitched on the hem and sleeves. It was a gown to be noticed in. Except he noted what others did not see, the gleam in her eye, the subtle coyness of her reticence. Hers was a dress for seduction.

He guided her to her seat before taking his own next to her as quickly as decorum allowed, lest his eagerness for Ella be humiliatingly aware to all.

“I hear you were attacked.” Lord Werrick cast a hard stare in their direction as he cut off a piece of meat from the trencher before him. “Not the Grahams?”

Ella shook her head. “Nay, Papa. I couldn’t tell which clan they belonged to but I am certain it was not the Grahams. Besides, we were away from the castle. By the Old Pell cottage.”

Lord Werrick frowned. “The Kerrs have been causing trouble about the East March on the English side. I’d not put it past them to coordinate attacks on our land to further cause disruption. He still fancies he can get a grip on England by taking Werrick.” He popped a bit of roasted pheasant into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “I’m glad I had Drake accompany Marin and Bran home. It might be prudent to bring an armed guard with you next time you venture out.” He nodded to Cat and Leila. “You both as well. I will not have you taken from me.”

Bronson, for one, was disappointed to hear this news. It meant no more quiet afternoons away from the castle with Ella.

Leila nodded obediently to her father, her eyes wide. Cat kept her gaze fixed on her food, suddenly intent on the roasted vegetables in front of her. Most surprising, however, was Ella’s ready agreement to her father’s request.

The matter settled, supper went on as normal. Or at least, as normal as it could be with Ella’s leg constantly brushing against Bronson’s. Though the fare had smelled good to his hungry stomach when he’d first entered the great hall, now it lodged stubbornly in his throat, too thick to swallow in his distraction.

Was there ever a better distraction than Ella?

Finally, at long last, the meal drew to a close.

“It has been a very trying day.” Ella drooped in her seat.

Bronson regarded the Earl of Werrick in his great carved seat at the head of the table. “Might I have your permission to see Lady Ella to her chambers?”

Lord Werrick looked between them. His eyes narrowed, suggesting he saw exactly what was there between Bronson and Ella, lying in wait. Emotions played like words over his face, announcing to all what he felt. Surprise. At their new bond, mayhap? Concern. And he had good cause for that given how Ella was like a purring cat at Bronson’s side. But then came relief, no doubt that Ella would be more inclined to wed.

“Aye,” the earl conceded at last.

Bronson held his hand out to his betrothed. Ella accepted and together they left the clatter and thrum of the noisy great hall behind them. She clasped her hand to his, her palm warm and her pulse thrumming wildly against his wrist.

They turned down one hallway, then a second, their steps growing faster with each corner that led them further from the great hall and closer toward privacy. She spun around abruptly and reached for him. He needed no encouragement, or even words, for that matter.

He pulled her against him, their mouths crashing in a battle of mutual lust. Tongues stroked, lips tasted, teeth nipped. Footsteps echoed around them. As quickly as he and Ella had come together, they now broke apart.

A guard Bronson did not recognize strode past and offered a cordial nod in their direction.

They did not touch again, not even to hold hands. Not until they were down the hall where Ella’s chamber was located. Bronson guided her in the direction he knew, but she stopped him with her hand folding around his once more.

“This way.” She led him in another direction.

“You don’t wish to go to your room?” He asked, his voice deep with lust.

“Aye, I do, and we are.” She twirled around briefly to face him. “I’ve changed chambers.” She completed the slow turn and was forward once more, continuing to lead him.

“You’ve changed chambers?” He found himself grinning.

She stopped in front of a door he hadn’t been to before. “I realized I might have need for privacy.” She leaned into him and her eyes drifted closed in expectation.

He braced his hands on either side of the doorway, framing her as he pressed her back. His mouth closed over hers and he gently sucked on her lower lip. He released it with a groan. “What do you require privacy for, pray tell?”

She broke away from him with a wicked grin. “Come in and find out.”

The clatter of a latch sounded, and the door opened inward, all but spilling them both into a large set of chambers. The ones belonging to the mistress of the castle. Bronson hesitated. “Ella…”