Secluded with the Rogue

Chapter 6

Six

S kye took a delicate bite of the roast pheasant, savoring the rich flavors that burst across her tongue. Across from her at the long dining table, Bradford watched her intently, admiring the rosy glow of her cheeks in the flickering firelight.

“I do so look forward to this afternoon’s activities,” Skye said, dabbing at her lips with a linen napkin.

Bradford smiled, his blue eyes glinting with mischief. “I believe you shall find the afternoon’s activities quite enjoyable, my lady.”

Skye tilted her head, intrigued by the hint of mystery in his voice. “And why is that, my lord? Have you some surprise in store?”

“You shall have to wait and see,” he replied lightly, though inwardly his heart quickened at the thought of whisking her away on a private sleigh ride through the snow-blanketed hills and valleys surrounding the inn.

She laughed, a musical sound that made his breath catch. “You are incorrigible, keeping a lady in such suspense!” She leaned forward, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “I shall get it out of you yet, Lord Greenwich.”

“I look forward to you trying, my lady,” he said, desire stirring as he imagined stealing a kiss from those sweet lips during their sleigh ride tryst. For now, he would savor keeping her guessing, even as his own anticipation mounted.

Just before luncheon, Bradford had discreetly arranged for the sleigh to be prepared, speaking in hushed tones with the innkeeper. He pressed a few extra coins into the man’s palm, ensuring their ride would not be interrupted.

As he waited for the perfect moment, Bradford’s gaze lingered on Skye. Her golden curls shone in the winter sunlight streaming through the dining-room windows. She laughed gaily at some remark from a fellow guest, the sound warming him more than any fire could.

Soon, he thought, drinking in her beauty. Soon he would have her all to himself, if only for a little while. The sleigh awaited, the blankets were ready, and the hilltop clearing he had scouted earlier would make a fine, secluded spot to steal more than just a kiss from his captivating companion. Anticipation simmered within him.

Meanwhile, Skye noticed the inn staff bustling about, preparing for something. She spotted stable hands leading out finely groomed horses, their coats glossy and plumes festive. Maids came through the dining room, caring blankets and warming bricks with quiet efficiency.

What are they up to? Skye wondered, intrigued. She glanced at Bradford, but he seemed occupied scanning a newspaper, giving nothing away. Still, she sensed an air of expectancy about him, though she could not guess the reason.

Something delightful is afoot, she thought with a smile. For now, the mystery continued, even as behind his paper Bradford could barely contain his eagerness for their imminent sleigh ride rendezvous.

He folded his newspaper and stood, straightening his waistcoat, then approached Skye and offered her a slight bow.

“My lady, might I interest you in some fresh air?” he asked, extending his arm. “The snow has slowed, and it’s a fine day for a stroll.”

Skye’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “Why yes, my lord, that sounds divine.” She placed her gloved hand in the crook of his elbow. “Though I wager you have more planned than just a simple walk around the grounds.”

His mouth quirked. “You know me too well, Lady Skye. I may have one or two surprises in store.”

Her musical laugh filled the room. “Excellent! I do love surprises.”

Together they made their way outside, the cold air invigorating after the stuffy warmth of the inn. Skye gasped as she took in the pristine snow coating the landscape, glittering under the winter sun. In the distance, a sleigh awaited, two impressive horses pawing the ground impatiently.

“My lord, you shouldn’t have,” she exclaimed. She turned to him, cheeks flushed prettily from the chill. “This is too much. I don’t know how to thank you.”

His eyes smoldered as they roamed her face. “I can think of a few ways, my lady,” he murmured. Taking her hand, he guided her toward the sleigh and the romantic adventure that awaited.

Skye allowed him to help her into the sleigh, gathering her skirts to make room on the plush velvet seat. As she settled in, he grabbed a thick wool blanket and draped it gently over her shoulders.

“We wouldn’t want you catching a chill,” he said, his voice a low caress.

Skye clutched the blanket closer, acutely aware of his nearness, as he took the seat beside her. She breathed in the crisp, pine-scented air, admiring the snow-laden trees they passed.

“It’s so peaceful,” she remarked softly. “Like we’re the only two people in the world.”

His gaze lingered on her profile. “It does feel that way, does it not?”

He shifted closer until their thighs touched, and her heart quickened. The sleigh bells jingled merrily as they glided over the snow, but all she could focus on was the hard strength of his leg pressed to hers.

This was highly improper, being alone with him like this—even for a widow. But she found she didn’t care. All she wanted was more. More time with him, more of his caresses and kisses. She wanted all of him. What a revelation, but could they have a future together?

Skye let her gaze drift over the snow-covered hills and valleys, finding beauty in the way the sunlight glinted off icy tree branches. She inhaled deeply, the cold air stinging her lungs.

“It smells so fresh and clean out here,” she commented. “Like the whole world has been scrubbed new.”

He chuckled. “Trust you to find poetry in the landscape, Skye.”

“Oh hush, I’m appreciating the moment,” she teased, giving him a playful nudge with her elbow.

He grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Skye felt her heart do a little flip. When he smiled like that, so boyish and unguarded, he was utterly charming.

They continued on in a comfortable silence for a time, the only sounds the rhythmic clop of hooves and the soft tinkling of bells. She snuck a glance at his profile, admiring the powerful line of his jaw and the way the winter sunlight brought out golden highlights in his tousled hair.

“You’re staring, my lady,” he said, though his eyes remained fixed ahead.

She blushed, caught out. “I was just thinking how handsome you look today.” She leaned in closer. “In fact, I find you quite irresistible.”

He turned to meet her gaze, one eyebrow arched. “Do you now?”

His voice was low, edged with suggestion. She felt her cheeks grow even warmer, but she refused to back down from the unspoken challenge in his eyes.

“I do,” she affirmed boldly. “What do you plan to do about it, my lord?”

Bradford’s lips curved into a roguish smile. “Well, since you find me so irresistible...”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together beneath the blanket. She gasped softly at the contact, her pulse quickening. His face hovered mere inches from hers, his breath warm against her skin.

“I suppose I shall have to thoroughly kiss you,” he murmured.

Her eyelids fluttered closed as his mouth descended on hers. His lips were firm yet gentle as they moved over her own, sending delicious shivers through her body. She sighed into the kiss, lifting a hand to curl around the back of his neck, fingers tangling in the soft hair at his nape.

Bradford deepened the kiss, parting her lips with his tongue to stroke hotly against her own. Arousal coiled tight and low in her belly, every nerve alive and tingling. She shifted against him restlessly, craving more contact.

With a low groan, Bradford broke the kiss, his breathing ragged. “Bloody hell, woman. The things you do to me.”

She smiled coyly up at him through her lashes. “I assure you, my lord, the feeling is quite mutual.”

His eyes darkened, pupils dilating with unrestrained want. “Minx,” he growled affectionately before swooping in to capture her lips once more.

Skye sighed blissfully into the searing kiss, her body melting against the hard planes of his. The winter landscape faded away until nothing existed but the two of them, wrapped up in each other and the growing passion between them.

He trailed heated kisses along her jaw and down the slender column of her throat. She tipped her head back, eyes fluttering closed as she surrendered to the pleasurable sensations.

“I want you, Skye,” he rasped against her skin. “Here, now. Say you’ll let me make love to you.”

A thrill rushed through her at his bold words. Though they were alone in the secluded winter landscape, such an impulsive tryst was shockingly improper. And what of the cold winter air? Yet she found herself uncaring of propriety, her body aching with need for this man.

“Yes,” she breathed, meeting his intense blue gaze.

In a flurry of movement, blankets were arranged and clothes discarded until it was just flesh against flesh. Skye shivered as the cold air met her bare skin, but Bradford’s heated body beneath the wool blanket quickly chased away the chill.

He worshipped her with hands and mouth until she was writhing beneath him, desperate and ready. With a groan, he joined their bodies in one smooth stroke. She cried out, arching up to meet him.

As they moved together in primal rhythm, the world narrowed down to sheer sensation. Snow swirled around them, but they felt only the heat of passion, the intensity building until ecstasy crashed over them.

Afterward they lay entwined beneath the blankets, skin flushed and hearts racing as their breath formed frosty plumes in the winter air. Skye smiled up at him, this surprising, maddening, irresistible man who made her feel truly alive for the first time in forever.

She nestled against his broad chest, her body still humming from their passionate encounter. His arms enveloped her in a warm, secure embrace as they caught their breath, the evidence of their tryst steaming in the cold air.

She tilted her head up to look at him, his chiseled features softened in the afterglow. “That was...” she began, searching for the right words.

“Incredible,” he supplied, his voice a low rumble. He brushed a sweat-dampened curl back from her face, his eyes drinking her in with undisguised admiration.

Skye’s cheeks flushed pink, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Yes, incredible,” she agreed. She traced abstract patterns on his bare chest with her fingers. “I daresay, I hope the snow never melts.”