Saint Or Sinner Read online

  He seated himself on a nearby bale of straw and stretched his long legs out in front of him, tugging her down into his lap.

  “I need to talk to you, Sir.”

  He pressed a finger against her lips.

  “Me first. I meant what I said in the letter. Every word. If it wasn’t for the timely warning I’d be in the hands of the Excise men round about now, and I’d much rather be sitting here seducing you.”

  He smirked at her outraged expression.

  “I’d hardly call one kiss a successful seduction, Sir.”

  “Oh, I’ve barely started yet, love …”

  His lips dropped to the hollow at the base of her throat while one hand moved up to fondle a breast and for a few brief moments she was lost, surrendering willingly to the delicious sensations he was arousing in her. Then she came to her senses, wriggling out of his grasp and pushing his hand away.

  “No! We mustn’t …”

  He pouted at her and she tried not to stare at his sensual mouth.

  “Sweetheart, I’m only offering a little harmless fun, I promise. At least until after you’re married.”

  Her blood began to simmer under his predatory gaze. Reminding herself of exactly why she was there, she extricated herself from his lap and brushed a few stray wisps of straw from her dress.

  “I can’t deny I’m attracted to you. But I’m engaged to be married to Philip Hunt and I won’t betray his trust.”

  He got to his feet and moved closer, his eyes searching hers. When he spoke again, his voice was soft.

  “Do you love him, Sarah?”

  “With all my heart.”

  He reached up to caress her cheek.

  “Then I’m truly happy for you. But if you ever change your mind, just remember, I’ll be waiting …”

  She found herself pulled flush against his hard muscular body, his kiss so fervent that she knew she had to leave then or she was lost. She broke away from his passionate embrace, looking up into eyes now glittering with lascivious intent.

  “Goodbye, Sir. I wish you every success with your future endeavours, and please … take care.”

  And then she turned and walked quickly away before she could change her mind. He stood gazing after her, a wickedly knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  “Believe me, this isn’t goodbye, sweetheart. You and I have unfinished business …”

  Chapter 7

  As her new husband scooped her up into his powerful embrace and carried her over the threshold, all the assembled staff clapped and cheered and she felt her face burning.

  “Philip! Put me down!”

  He smirked at her, enjoying her obvious discomfort.

  “It is traditional after all, love.”

  The wedding itself had been a quiet family affair but half the village had turned up outside the church to wish them well and enjoy the late summer sunshine. His face lit up when he saw her walking down the aisle on her father’s arm and she hadn’t been able to take her eyes off him, so tall and handsome in his formal attire. Her father couldn’t hide the tear in his eye when they parted company after the reception, him in the direction of Sir Horace’s house for a few days to give them some much-needed privacy and the two of them to Philip’s estate, which would become home to them all very soon.

  …………..

  The kitchen had rustled up a special celebration dinner for them that evening but she struggled to eat much, her stomach tied in knots. Whether it was more anticipation or nerves she wasn’t sure, but all she could think about was the forthcoming wedding night. He noticed her picking at her food and placed his hand over hers, speaking low in her ear as the butler looked discreetly the other way.

  “Sweetheart, stop fretting. We’ll take tonight at your pace, there’s no rush. After all, we’ve got the rest of our lives together now.”

  She gave him a wobbly smile, losing herself again in those captivating blue eyes.

  “I know. I’m just a little nervous, that’s all. I don’t want to be a disappointment to you.”

  He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a tender kiss against the knuckles.

  “You could never, ever be that. It’s up to me to make sure it’s a pleasurable experience for both of us, Mrs Hunt. And, believe me, I fully intend to.”

  The intensity of his gaze sent a tremor of arousal through her and an insistent pulse started to beat between her thighs. She realised she was actually more excited than afraid, throwing him a provocative glance from under her lashes.

  “Can we go to bed soon, husband? I think you’ve waited long enough.”

  He grinned wickedly, his eyes dancing.

  “Let’s skip dessert then, shall we?”

  …………

  He undressed her slowly, taking his time, kissing and nibbling his way down her throat and along her collarbone as he slipped her dress slowly from her shoulders and watched it pool at her feet. When she was left in nothing but her shift he led her to the bed and began to remove his own clothing while she watched, the breath catching in her throat as her gaze raked from his muscular shoulders down to the smooth expanse of chest and lower. He kept his underwear on, probably so as not to frighten her she thought, but she couldn’t miss the very healthy bulge and swallowed nervously, hoping it wouldn’t hurt too much when the time came.

  Gently he tugged her shift up and over her head, revealing her luscious curves to his ardent gaze for the first time. She covered her breasts self-consciously but he moved her arms away, drinking her in slowly. His voice was husky with desire.

  “No, love, don’t hide yourself from me. Have you any idea how beautiful you are?”

  He dipped his head, his lips tracing the swell of a breast while the featherlight touch of his fingers up her arms raised goose bumps, and she gasped when his mouth captured a pebbled nipple and his tongue swirled teasingly around it.

  “Mmmm …”

  Her hands instinctively moved to tangle in his hair, holding him close as her body arched towards him, craving more. He grazed his teeth across the swollen bud and was rewarded with an impassioned whimper.

  “You like that, sweetheart?”

  Pressing her down on the mattress, his kiss was tender, unhurried and full of promise, his tongue exploring her mouth thoroughly while his long fingers teased the other taut peak. She trembled under his skilful touch, her breath coming in little pants when he finally broke the kiss, replacing his fingers with his lips and sucking hard.

  One hand moved down to trace delicate patterns over her flat stomach before gently easing her legs apart and caressing the soft skin of her inner thigh. She gasped as a finger slipped between her womanly folds, moaning wantonly as he began to stroke her gently, teasingly.

  “Ohhhh!”

  Her hips bucked up towards him as her body caught fire, all thoughts of propriety consumed by an overwhelming urge for something more.

  “Philip! I want … I need …”

  “Hush, love, I know.”

  He released her then, leaving her gasping and writhing on the bed as he moved to discard his underwear, standing in front of her naked and proud for the first time. Her eyes widened in fear as she took in the sheer size of him, even while she found him utterly beautiful. He settled between her thighs again and she shook with nerves as he cupped her chin tenderly, his silver blue eyes searching hers.

  “Sarah, I promise you it will be one small fleeting moment of pain and then all the rest pleasure. Do you trust me?”

  She nodded dumbly and he began to ease himself into her slowly, one careful inch at a time. She winced at what was little more than a twinge of discomfort and he waited, searching her eyes for permission to continue, giving her chance to adjust. She was aware of her body stretching to accommodate him and yet the sensation of being filled so completely was far from unpleasant. When he was finally buried deep within her he paused, looking down into her flushed face with a question in his eyes. She stroked his cheek reassuringly.

 
; “You were right, it hardly hurt at all. Thank you for being so gentle with me.”

  Her body was still in such a heightened state of arousal that she felt instinctively there must be more, she just wasn’t entirely sure what. He chuckled, kissing her tenderly.

  “Believe me, that’s just the beginning, sweetheart …”

  He began to move, tentatively at first, while his lips feasted on her throat, her shoulders, her breasts, and she moaned her pleasure as he settled into a rhythm, thrusting harder, deeper. Her pulse quickened as ripples of desire coursed through her body and she felt as though she was climbing towards something unknown and wonderful, slowly, steadily, inevitably.

  He watched her face, her eyes closed, her mouth forming an ‘O’ of pleasure and guessed she must be close. Knowing he wasn’t going to be able to hold out much longer he paused, slipping a finger in between them, and his touch was enough to tip her over the edge. Overwhelmed by sensation, she cried out his name, her thighs quivering uncontrollably as tremors of bliss wracked her shuddering body.

  He followed soon afterwards, finally succumbing to her sweetness, the sweat beading on his brow as he celebrated his own release with a triumphant groan.

  Outside on the landing, two passing chambermaids looked at one another and sighed wistfully.

  “Lucky her. He’s so handsome.”

  “I know. Wish it was me warming his bed tonight …”

  They giggled and ran off arm in arm.

  Chapter 8

  Sarah gazed at her glowing face in the mirror and wondered if it was possible to be any happier. She’d never dreamed that married life would be so …fulfilling, she thought with a blush. It was all they could do to force themselves to get out of bed each morning, touching, teasing and flirting until they could legitimately excuse themselves and retire to the blissful haven of their room again.

  If one tiny thing bothered her it was that he always made love to her so gently and tenderly, and she sometimes felt he was holding a part of himself back. He was by nature a passionate man and she wished she could finds the words to tell him that she really wouldn’t mind if he was more forceful and demanding occasionally. She wasn’t made of glass after all, and the whole idea left her breathless with suppressed desire. A sudden memory of The Saint’s burning kisses assailed her and she pushed it away, glad that their clandestine meetings were over. Much as she wanted to, she knew she would struggle to resist him again now she was a woman of the world.

  She could see a clear reflection of Philip reclining back against a pillow in her dressing-table mirror, the candlelight playing over the smooth contours of his bare chest.

  “Come back to bed, love, I’m not done with you yet.”

  His voice was a low lust-filled growl, and she found herself wanting him all over again, wondering if they would still be as keen in a few years time especially if they were blessed with children. She really hoped so. She was delighted to find she rather enjoyed fulfilling her conjugal duties.

  …………..

  She was reading quietly in the window seat of her small sitting room one afternoon when Mary tapped lightly on the door.

  “Sorry to disturb you, my lady, but I have something for you.”

  She couldn’t help it, her heart leapt when she saw the letter, recognising the stationery and the distinctive style of the capital ‘S’ on the front of the envelope. She looked questioningly at the maid.

  “My brother delivered it to me this morning. I’m sure you can guess who it’s from.”

  “I can, but I’ve no idea what it means. I’m married now, it’s no longer … appropriate.”

  The maid shrugged.

  “Must be important, my lady. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

  She curtsied and left the room and Sarah eyed the missive thoughtfully for a few seconds before tearing it open with trembling fingers. As before, it was short but eloquent.

  My dearest S,

  I know you did not expect to hear from me again but I have to see you one last time. There is something vitally important I need to share with you, and it can only be done face to face. I beg you to meet me in the garden tonight. I’ll wait as long as it takes.

  TS.

  Her heart was beating wildly with anticipation and already she knew that she would go to him, telling herself that the information must be worth the risk but all the time knowing it was just an excuse to see him again. Philip was away overnight and she guessed that The Saint was aware of this fact and would seize his final opportunity to seduce her if she let him. A wave of reckless desire washed over her at the thought of his demanding lips possessing hers again, their tongues duelling hungrily while his long fingers caressed, stroked, teased until she was all one flame of need …

  The heat pooled between her thighs and she swallowed nervously, afraid that her body would betray her and she would be powerless to resist his advances this time. She thought about her husband and how much she loved him, and resolved to stay strong. However tempting one night of unbridled passion with The Saint might be, her marriage came first and she was utterly determined not to jeopardise it in any way.

  ………….

  The garden was bathed in moonlight as she made her way nervously along the path, feeling as though there were accusing eyes watching her from behind every hedge and bush. Her heart was pounding almost out of her chest and she jumped with fright at every rustling leaf and creaking branch, her feet crunching softly on the gravel. At long last she reached the familiar copse of trees and paused, taking a few deep calming breaths.

  Suddenly two strong hands seized her around the waist and she squeaked in surprise, her hand flying to her mouth as a familiar voice whispered in her ear.

  “I knew you’d come …”

  His warm breath ghosted over her skin and she gasped as his sensual lips caressed her throat.

  “Oh! You frightened me, Sir.”

  He nibbled his way slowly, teasingly to the crook of her neck and she could already feel her body vibrating with desire in response to his nearness.

  “I’m the Big Bad Wolf, sweetheart. Too late to run away now.”

  Without warning he spun her around, his mouth claimed hers in a bruising kiss, demanding, passionate and all-consuming, stealing all the breath from her lungs. One hand held her flush against him while the other moved up to tease a nipple through her dress and she moaned involuntarily before attempting to push him away. She could feel his hardness against her hip and her legs went weak.

  “Don’t … please!”

  “Tell me you want me to stop, Sarah. Say the words …”

  He nipped at her shoulder before pressing hot open-mouthed kisses along her collar-bone, moving lower to tease between her breasts with his tongue. She was panting now, and as he started to tug her dress up over her knees she knew she was on the verge of succumbing entirely. She made one last valiant attempt to regain control, her throat dry, her voice husky.

  “Sir, it seems I’m incapable of refusing you. But you must know that I love my husband with all my heart and soul and if you succeed in seducing me tonight I will regret it for the rest of my life.”

  He paused, resting his forehead against hers, and then he sighed heavily and released her, turning away as if trying to master himself.

  “I’m sorry, love. My desire for you is so all-consuming, I forget myself. I would never force you into something you truly didn’t want and I admire your loyalty.”

  She was very close to going to him despite her impassioned speech but before she had the opportunity he spoke again, still not meeting her eyes.

  “Please, leave me now before I have a change of heart.”

  She took her chance, fleeing swiftly away from wicked temptation, and he watched her go, his expression unreadable.

  …………

  Her emotions were in complete turmoil and her body still trembled with repressed desire, so she decided to spend a few minutes in the stables to calm herself before going back to
the house. She was sure her face must be flushed and her hair dishevelled, and she dreaded bumping into one of the servants in such a state. What if news got back to Philip?

  She paused by her mare’s stall and the animal whinnied happily as she fed her an apple and stroked her muzzle absentmindedly, lost in her own thoughts.

  “Sarah? Why on earth are you out here at this time of night?”

  She almost leapt out of her skin, clutching at her throat as she spun round to see her husband standing a few feet away.

  “Philip, you scared me half to death! What are you doing back so soon?”

  “It seems I missed my lovely wife too much to stay away.”

  His eyes were alight with passion and she gasped in surprise as he backed her into an empty stall and pinned her up against the wall, his lips capturing hers in a demanding kiss. She moaned as his tongue ravished her mouth, surrendering to him willingly, her hands fisting tightly in his hair as he fanned the flames of her earlier arousal. She was dizzy with lack of oxygen when he finally released her, and then with no warning he calmly grasped the front of her bodice in his hands and ripped it wide open. She squealed in surprise as her ample breasts tumbled free.

  “Ohhh! Philip!”

  His lips latched onto a taut nipple, teeth grazing over the swollen peak, and she forgot all about the ruined dress, arching her back with a groan of pleasure and pushing herself closer to his talented mouth. The other straining bud received the same treatment and then he stood back, looking down into her flushed face with a wicked grin. His voice was a lustful growl.

  “Turn around, Mrs Hunt. I’m having you right here, right now, and never mind what the livestock might think about it.”

  He spun her around and she clutched at the top of the stall for support as he hoisted the hem of her dress up and over her body, exposing her from the waist down. She gasped as a questing finger slipped between her thighs, her legs threatening to give way as he toyed with her, urging her on until she was almost incoherent with need. She’d never been more aroused and she whimpered in frustration as he ceased his teasing ministrations, kicking her legs further apart and unbuckling his breeches. He grasped her hips tightly and she wriggled against him, desperate now.