Page 45 of Ella’s Desire

Ella smiled. “I can hardly wait.” But in truth, she could wait.

Things were perfect as they were with plenty of time for her and Bronson to sneak away for romantic trysts. If he had to entertain his family once they arrived, what would happen to the stolen moments of pleasure throughout the day?

“Is there a certain kind of tale the troubadour ought to tell?” Leila patted the bench beside her, and Hardy leapt up onto the cushion. Despite folding his long, thin legs beneath him, he still took up most of the seat.

“Father will not like that if he sees it,” Ella warned her.

“Then he mustn’t find out.” Leila slid her a glance. “As he doesn’t find out how often you slip away with Lord Calville.”

“Leila, we said we wouldn’t mention it,” Cat hissed.

Heat warmed Ella’s cheeks. Apparently, the moments of privacy she’d taken with Bronson had been noticed. She would need to refrain going forward. After the one they had planned that afternoon, of course, for it was far too late now to cancel.

“Well, I suppose I’ve seen nothing.” Ella winked and her sisters laughed.

“Then we are back to my original question about the troubadour.” Leila bent her head toward Hardy, giving him a scratch under his collar. The sunlight coming in played over her dark hair and made it gleam like polished onyx. “You said he reads your books, correct? What story does he seem to like best?”

Ella hesitated. He had not mentioned reading her books in several days and she had not seen him in the solar. Had he stopped? Rather than confess this to her sisters, she lied again. “I believe he likes the story of the female knight and the prince the best.”

“That’s Geordie’s favorite too.” Leila grinned at Cat.

“How do you know?” Ella asked.

Leila hopped off the bench and Hardy followed behind her. “It was in his letter. I need to take Hardy outside, but I have everything necessary for putting together the wedding.” Leila paused and pressed a kiss to Ella’s cheek.

Ella sagged back after Leila’s affection. Geordie’s letter. Ella had forgotten. Cat had meant to read it to her the night Ella changed to the mistress of the castle’s chambers.

“Oh, Cat.” Ella opened her arms to her sister. “I’m so sorry.”

Cat waved off the embrace as well as the apology. “You have been busy falling in love.” She caught Ella’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m so impressed that you know him so well that you can answer these questions so thoroughly.”

Heat rose in Ella’s cheeks. She nodded her thanks, as speaking it seemed nearly impossible at that exact moment.

“I’ll leave you to your afternoon while I settle the arrangements with Nan.” Cat embraced her, pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek and was gone.

Bronson entered the room only a few moments later. His green eyes lit up when they found hers. “Good afternoon, my dove.” He glanced about the room. “Are we alone?”

He no longer had to wear his sling, but still favored his right arm over his left.

Ella nodded. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if he still read her books, if he still enjoyed the stories, but his arms were around her in an instant and all thoughts and concerns flitted away.

His lips brushed over her jawline. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you,” he growled.

She tilted her head to the side to allow him better access to her neck, her breasts, craving the heat of his mouth. “And I you.”

“I need you.” He took her hand and put it to flap of his trews, where he was already hard and hot.

Ella moaned in anticipation. She jerked free his ties and drew out his hardness as he carefully walked her backward, toward the door to the solar. While the door didn’t lock, it could be held shut with their bodies, especially if they leaned against it. With the privacy and golden warmth of the small solar, it had become one of their favorite rooms to meet.

Bronson lifted her skirt, his fingers immediately finding her center. His arm had healed properly enough for full use of it again, and the pleasure he gave with two arms was intensely wonderful.

He lifted her leg against the wall, spreading her open for him, as he grabbed his cock in his free hand and positioned it at her core. The heat of the swollen tip blazed against her sex.

Ella wriggled in his hold, desperate for him to plunge inside of her.

A knock sounded at the door. They both straightened immediately. Ella’s dress dropped down while Bronson’s hands disappeared under his tunic to tie shut the closure to his trews.

“What is it?” Ella asked in a sweet tone.