Rendezvous With Yesterday (The Gifted Ones #2)(83)

Robert’s heart stuttered as Beth rose onto her toes and fastened her lips to his in a kiss so rife with hunger that he forgot they were standing in the middle of the bailey. Locking his arms around her, he dragged her against him and lost himself in the feel of her. Her warm, slick tongue stroked his own. Her full breasts teased his chest. Her fingers clenched in his hair. And her hips…

Cupping the back of her head with one hand, Robert slid the other down to urge her hips closer and assuage the ache she inspired.

“Ahem.” Something thumped Robert’s shoulder. Hard.

Reluctantly abandoning Beth’s sweet lips, he raised his head. Michael’s back swam into focus. Apparently he had bumped into them on his way to…

Actually Michael did not seem to have any particular destination in mind. Why had he bumped them?

Blinking, Robert glanced around and gradually became aware of the gaping stares directed their way by virtually every man, woman, and child in the bailey. A quick look up confirmed the avid interest of the guards atop the walls. Even the hounds that had been romping with the children seemed to have paused in their play long enough to goggle.

Beth’s face flushed a bright red.

“We seem to have attracted a bit of attention,” he understated.

“Believe it or not, I only meant to give you a quick kiss.”

Robert smiled. “If you think I am objecting, you are mistaken, love.”

“Really?” She plucked at the front of his tunic. “You aren’t angry?”

“Shall I repeat what I have already told you? I care not who approves or disapproves. Were I to receive such a greeting each time I returned home, I would forever be a happy man.”

Pursing her lips, she cast him a flirtatious look. “But you would be happier if we were both naked in a bath, right?”

Robert groaned and laughed at the same time. “Unless you wish me to take you here before all of Fosterly, sweetling, I suggest you restrain that wicked tongue of yours.”

“I will do aught with my wicked tongue that you request,” she countered in a sultry voice, nigh making his knees buckle with the passionate images her words evoked.

Latching onto her hand, Robert practically ran up the stairs to the keep, her light laughter following and making him grin.



A resounding cheer followed them through the huge double doors.

“I could be wrong,” Beth proclaimed breathlessly as they raced up the narrow stairs inside, “but I think they may know what we have in mind.”

Robert laughed, feeling lighter and younger than he had in years. At the top of the steps, he swept Beth into his arms and claimed another kiss.

A kiss that didn’t end as he staggered down the corridor, trying to carry her and fondle her at the same time, the lust she incited robbing him of his usual finesse.

Never had he been so frantic with need.

He groaned when she eagerly wrapped her legs around his waist and locked her ankles behind his back. His mouth never leaving hers, Robert pressed her up against the wall just outside the solar and supported her weight with one arm. The other hand he slipped up between them to knead one full, tempting breast.

Beth moaned, tightening her thighs around him and urging him to rock against her. “Off,” she whispered raggedly, tugging on his tunic. “I want it off. All of it. Now.”

Pushing away from the wall, Robert carried her inside his chamber and kicked the door closed behind them. Their laughter resurfaced, shaky with passion now, as he set her down and they began to fumble with each other’s clothing, their hands clumsy in their haste. When both at last were naked, he urged her back onto the bed, then slipped his hands beneath her knees and dragged her back toward him until her bottom rested near the edge of the soft mattress. For many long seconds, he stood staring down at her, his hands kneading her spread thighs, his chest rising and falling swiftly.

Finally, Beth said hoarsely, “Robert, if you don’t touch me soon, I’m going to scream.”

She almost did scream when he gave her a heated smile, knelt on the soft rushes at his feet and buried his face in the soft curls at the juncture of her thighs. Moaning, she sank her fingers into his hair and clenched them into fists while he laved the tiny hidden nub with his tongue. She tasted so good. Was so passionate. So eager for him, crying out as a first climax overtook her.

Her breath still came in gasps as Robert rose above her.

Her beautiful breasts beckoned. Fastening his lips on her breast, he sucked hard, nipping her with his teeth.

She moaned.

He guided her legs around his waist once more, his body trembling with need. Every muscle was taut. And he clutched her so tightly he feared she would have bruises the next day.

When he reached between them and positioned himself at her entrance, she increased the pressure of her legs and drew him in.

He groaned, burying his face in her neck as he sank into her. “Do you know how good this feels?” he asked hoarsely.

She nodded, her hands roving his back.

Unable to remain still any longer, Robert began to move. Long, deep strokes he mimicked with his tongue as he claimed her lips and teased her breasts with rough hands, driving her swiftly toward a second climax.

“Robert!” she cried.

“More,” he growled.

And the pleasure began anew.





Chapter Fourteen