Unveiled. Part 9

"But no one else-" She gestured to the guests, who were still happily eating, and the musicians who were waiting in the corner.

"Come," Christopher commanded, taking her hand and leading her to the door. Katie tossed aside her napkin with abandon, laughing with him as they escaped to the ballroom, accompanied by the musicians, who reacted to a signal from Christopher.

The carpets had been rolled and pulled out of the way, and the floor was lightly sanded. The gaslights were very dim, in antic.i.p.ation of the later arrival of the guests when the dancing usually began. Katie reached to turn it up, but Christopher stopped her.

"Leave it. They'll all be in here soon enough. Today I wanted the first dance with you. Alone."

Her heart pounding in her chest, Katie found it difficult to breathe. She nodded quickly, tears coming to her eyes as the musicians began to play "Greensleeves."

Christopher was so romantic, so charming, and so handsome. She'd have to be careful, for he could easily steal her heart, and Lord knows she couldn't go through that again. But Katie couldn't resist running her hand down his arm as he reached for her, feeling the muscles beneath his coat. She giggled, recalling the day when she'd hidden his clothes, and he glanced down at her, smiling fondly.

"What?"

"I was just thinking that I certainly gave you a run for your money," she said with a grin. "Most men would have given up long ago."

"I always get what I want," Christopher said. His tone was earnest, but he still smiled. "You never had a chance."

His voice had grown husky, and when she looked back up, his expression took her breath away. It was smoldering with sensuality and desire, and she realized that she was feeling the exact same things. He gathered her closer to him, and she noticed that they fit perfectly together, his long lean body leading her, swirling, over the dance floor.

It couldn't be any better than this, Katie thought dizzyingly, but then it was. She could smell the sweet scent of his limewater, feel the crispness of his dark hair against her fingers. The movement of his body, so warm and close against hers, nearly made her faint with antic.i.p.ation. And as the music continued, hauntingly beautiful, she moved effortlessly with a grace she never knew she possessed.

"My G.o.d," he whispered. "You are so sweet."

No man had ever said that to her. Katie glanced up at him and what she saw made her tremble. The emotions on his face were so intense, so powerful that she was reminded of the first time they'd met. It was like glimpsing the future with an unearthly power that was all the more hypnotic as it was inexplicable.

They didn't realize when the musicians had finished. Instead they swirled around the dance floor long after the music had died, wanting nothing more than to stay in each other's arms. Katie never wanted it to end. She wanted to stay here, like this, forever, safe and secure, knowing that Christopher Scott wanted her and thought she was sweet.

"What are you doing in here with the lights out?"

A small boy skidded into the room and Katie laughed, breaking the spell. Christopher groaned, and reluctantly released her when it was obvious that the child wasn't about to leave. Bending down, Katie took his hand and addressed him solemnly, the same way she talked to Sean.

"You are right, we are silly, aren't we?" When the little boy nodded in agreement, Katie continued. "Then you must fetch us some company. Why don't you tell Ella and the Scotts that we all need to dance?"

The little boy grinned, obviously pleased to be treated seriously and given a task of such importance. He slid back out of the room, delighted with the sandy floor, which provided a wonderful skating rink.

"Now you've done it," Christopher said. "Now we'll never get rid of them."

"We're not supposed to." Katie grinned, her freckles crinkling. "This is a wedding, remember?"

"Yes, but I wanted you all to myself. I guess I'll just have to wait until later."

Katie blushed at his bold reminder of the night to come. She was rescued from further comment as guests returned with the little boy, eager to dance. Charles Pepper stole her out from Christopher's arms, ignoring his friend's scowl, while the others sought out partners.

The music began in earnest, and Katie smiled as she saw the other couples gliding beside her. Christopher was almost as sought after as she, for as the missing Fan Pemberton, she could not claim a recent acquaintance with many of the guests while Christopher could. Nor did he shirk his responsibility to the older women. Katie noticed that he sought them out deliberately, especially Eunice and the other matrons who were there alone. They were so grateful to be asked to dance, especially by the young and handsome groom, and Katie found herself beaming at him from the dance floor. When he asked Ella to dance, treating her with all the courtliness of a medieval knight, she wanted to kiss him then and there.

Christopher looked up and, seeing her expression, finished the dance with Ella and came to her side. She was dancing with Stephen Pemberton by then, laughing at something he said. The train of her white gown was tossed over her arm, her bridal veil having been removed long ago, and her hair gleamed in the gaslight like polished onyx.

"Come," he said, interrupting her dance, heedless of Stephen's indignant expression. "I think it's time we said good night."

ELEVEN.

The champagne lace peignoir felt wonderful against her damp skin. Katie brushed out her long, black hair, then added a touch of scent behind her ears the way Eileen had shown her.

A gla.s.s of wine waited beside her in the dressing chamber of the hotel. Katie drank of it deeply, thinking of the night ahead. She was now Christopher's wife. A pleasurable rush swept through her, followed by an uneasiness. Would he be gentle? Would he be kind and considerate, or would he take advantage of the situation?

Katie recalled the time she'd slept with John Sweeney. She had been barely eighteen, and he had been so handsome, so charming with his wild Irish grin and his jokes. She had thought she was in love, for no one made her feel the way he did. And when he'd taken her in his arms and promised her he'd never leave her, she'd believed him. She gave him the most precious gift she could have offered any man: herself.

And he took it.

Katie cringed as she remembered what followed. It wasn't that he was rough or unkind. It was just that the entire act seemed distasteful and unfulfilling. She didn't know what all the fuss was about, what all the books and poets and songs referred to. It couldn't have been that painfully embarra.s.sing moment when John Sweeney tried to penetrate her. He thrust himself into her, ignoring her gasp of pain. He groaned, his pleasure almost immediately spent, then he lay on top of her, breathing hard.

"G.o.d, Katie darlin'," he'd whispered. "What a woman you are!"

A woman. Tears came to Katie's eyes as her lover lay in her arms, her fingers brushing his dark curls. She felt cheated and empty, as if her initiation into womanhood should have been more meaningful. And when she'd found out she was pregnant, he'd left her alone to fend for herself, taking her heart with him.

It's in the past, Katie told herself. Tonight was a new beginning, a fresh start. Finishing her gla.s.s, she placed it on the table and walked out to the bedchamber, determined to be brave.

Christopher saw her approach and his breath stopped. If she had looked beautiful as a bride that day, she looked breathtaking now. Her hair, brushed until it shone, was a glossy black against her fair skin. Her nose, turned up and sprinkled with freckles, was a delight, and her eyes, bluer than the sea, sparkled with sweet antic.i.p.ation.

"Fan, you look gorgeous," Christopher said, obviously sincere.

"No, you do." Shyly she indicated his satin robe, decorated with a rich paisley pattern and trimmed with red edging. "That's pretty. It looks so luxurious. It suits you."

"You never cease to amaze me," Christopher said with a chuckle, taking her in his arms. "You've grown up with so much money, so many riches, and you always appreciate them as if seeing them for the first time. I think it's what I like best about you."

Katie managed a smile, aware that she'd have to be more careful. She was Fan Scott now, and had to stop thinking like Katie O'Connor. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then withdrew for a moment, returning with a wrapped package in his hand.

"I know you received a lot of wedding gifts, but I wanted you to have something from me. It's not much, just a remembrance of this day."

Tears filled Katie's eyes and she opened the box excitedly, tearing at the fragile paper and the silver ribbons.

Inside, on a bed of velvet, was a necklace. A gold shamrock glittered from the end of the long chain with a solitary emerald winking from a heart-shaped leaf. Picking it up with reverence, Katie saw the inscription on the back. To the beginning. May it always be this wonderful. Christopher.

A tear dropped down Katie's cheek and her eyes lifted to Christopher's. "It's beautiful," she breathed, admiring the gift. "I've never had anything like it, and I'll treasure it always."

"The shamrock's for luck," Christopher said, indicating the charm. "Although I don't think we'll need it. Fan, there's a lot of things that we've never talked about, but I want you to know that I really mean to make this marriage work. We get on well together, we have a lot of fun, and we both like to laugh. I want to keep that alive between us."

Katie nodded, her eyes glistening.

"And I want to start a family. I've always liked children, my reputation to the contrary, and I'd like to have a few of my own. When I saw you talking to that little boy at the wedding, I knew you'd make a wonderful mother. I'd like to give you a son of your own."

The pounding started in Katie's chest and she thought her heart would break. G.o.d, how she longed to tell him that she already had a son, a wonderful child that he would adore. But how could she ever? How could she confess the existence of an illegitimate child?

"I'd also like to become more established. True, we'll have your dowry and all that goes with it, but eventually I want more. All of that is none of your concern, however. But I do want you to know that I think we've made a good beginning, and that we have a splendid future ahead."

What was he talking about? Katie was so disturbed by the mention of children that she scarcely noticed. But then he took her in his arms and kissed her slowly, leisurely, with a barely restrained pa.s.sion that made her want to cry out with pleasure.

No one kissed like Christopher. Katie firmly believed he possessed some kind of magic, for as soon as his mouth touched hers, she forgot everything, all of her trepidations and uncertainties. He demanded a response from her and she gave it, forgetting John Sweeney, forgetting the past, forgetting everything but how much she wanted him.

"Fan..." His voice was a hoa.r.s.e whisper, revealing everything he was feeling. He nuzzled her throat. "Fan."

"Please," she whispered. "I know it's silly, but just for tonight, would you call me Kate?" When he looked at her searchingly, she managed a smile. "My father used to do that when I was little. He always wanted to name me Katie, but my mother wouldn't hear of it."

"Of course, if that's what you want. Kate." His mouth met hers and Katie sighed with pleasure. She didn't think she could have gone through with this if he continued to call her by someone else's name. No, she needed to know that he was kissing her, wanting her, loving her.

He kissed her again and all rational thought left. She could only feel, her body keenly aware of the cool linen beneath her, the scent of Christopher's limewater, the crackle of the fireplace behind her as he lowered her to the bed. When his mouth left hers and his hands began to untie the laces of her gown, she lifted slightly, making it easier for him to loosen the lush fabric and pull it away from her overheated skin. Katie cried out when his mouth made intimate contact with her flesh, trailing enticingly from her throat to the soft valley between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Every part of her was alive, tingling with warmth and sensation and want The nerve endings of her skin seemed to cry out for him, responding to his touch with a wild pleasure that she'd never before experienced. She could sense that he was forcing himself to go slowly, teasing her subtly until she was practically sobbing.

When his mouth took one of her nipples, even the sound of his suckling seemed like an aphrodisiac and powerfully erotic. Blindly Katie reached for him, wanting to return the pleasure, wanting to make him feel as out of control as he was making her. She heard his soft laugh, then he held her hands at her sides.

"No, Katie. Not yet. Please. I won't be able to hold on if you do."

Frustrated, she had no choice but to obey him. Still, the pleasure was delirious as his hand swept over her, down from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s that were swollen and aching and wet, down to her belly and lower.

Katie gasped as his hands caressed her thighs, making her cry out desperately wanting more. His fingers teased her, touching her everywhere except where she was throbbing and needing him, exploring the silken inner flesh of her thighs and the soft black curls above. When she thought she couldn't stand it another moment, his fingers slipped lower, giving her what her body unashamedly pleaded for.

A grateful sob tore from her throat and she arched her back unconsciously, wanting every sensation, everything he could possibly give her. His mouth continued to caress her, placing burning kisses along her belly and legs. And when he replaced his hand with his mouth, she thought she'd go out of her mind.

Her fingers buried in his hair and she writhed in pure pleasure. Her breathing came faster, her voice caught in weak little gasps as the tension mounted. Her aching flesh responded wickedly to his mouth, and she cried out as wave after wave of pure pleasure flooded through her.

Never had she felt so drawn out of herself, lost to a world that she'd never dreamed existed. Her body contracted, her fingers dug into the sheets, her toes curled against the mattress. He seemed to know exactly what was happening to her, and by the time she opened her eyes, stunned by the intensity of what she was feeling, he was reverently kissing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s once more.

"My G.o.d," he whispered, softly caressing her cheek. "I just can't get enough of you."

Katie flushed, but her eyes held him, aware of the firelight in their dark depths and the emotion they contained. She was his then. Whatever he wanted, she would return this incredible pleasure.

Her hands reached out and caressed him boldly, hearing the sharp intake of his breath as she touched him where he was hot and throbbing and almost painfully hard. Smiling back at him, Katie took control and imitated his actions, returning his kisses with a pa.s.sion that made his blood boil. When her hair brushed his thighs and she returned his intimacy, he almost lost control.

"Stop," he commanded, drawing her up on top of him. "I want you so badly. Please..."

He entered her, her body still astride him, and Katie gasped with the joy of it. She was so warm, so aroused, and so ready for him that it began again almost instantly for her. Hearing the soft sounds she was emitting, Christopher lost all control and thrust deeply into her. Katie's breath caught and she swallowed hard as intense erotic pleasure swept through her. She clung to him, moving with him as a ritual older than time possessed them, taking them past the physical into a realm where reality didn't exist.

They didn't speak, but something changed between them. From this moment on, Katie knew she wouldn't be afraid again. Somehow everything would work out. When their pa.s.sion was spent and she collapsed into his arms and he stroked her sweat-streaked hair, she knew that it had happened.

G.o.d had finally forgiven her.

She awoke to the soft sounds of the church bells ringing and the crash of the waves on the sh.o.r.e. For a brief second she couldn't remember where she was, for the bed was so luxurious and the linen as fine as silk. She was even more astonished when she realized that she was not alone. She struggled up on one elbow, a rush of joy sweeping through her.

Christopher. He was still asleep, his eyes closed, his breathing quiet as he lay on the snowy pillow. Somehow she hadn't thought about this, that she'd awaken beside him, but it was heavenly and she didn't want to move, afraid of breaking the spell. He looked so innocent, his wavy black hair falling over his forehead, tempting her to touch it. His mouth was perfect, full and generous, and his body, barely covered with the sheet, brought a blush to her face as she remembered the tremendous pleasure he had given her last night.

Her wedding night. Katie sighed, aware that no wedding could ever have been as wonderful, or the night that followed as romantic. It was almost too perfect, and the Irish in her was afraid.

Live, Katie darling. Be happy.

Katie smiled, wiping at the tears of joy that misted her eyes. It was foolish to be anxious. She was married now, and the life that could have disappeared at any moment was now hers. She was Mrs. Scott, and no one could say otherwise.

A delicious giggle surged up within her. She would awaken like this every day, with Christopher at her side. Aye, she may not love him yet, but she wanted him. Last night had proven that. Love would come, she was certain. She had the rest of her life to make this work, to form some kind of a new family. And somehow she would find a way to bring Sean into their lives so that he could grow up like Christopher, happy and secure. She wasn't sure how she could accomplish that, but she'd think of something. Katie had learned to stop questioning fate. She had been meant to answer that ad, to become Fan Pemberton, to marry Christopher. It had all happened for a reason.

Christopher rustled in his sleep and she smiled fondly at him. Ah, he was so good-looking, so carefree. There were times when she felt so much older than he, having lived as she had, but she didn't begrudge him his money. She allowed herself the pleasure of looking at him, her eyes memorizing every small detail as if he would disappear....

"Did I pa.s.s inspection?"

Katie gasped as she realized he was fully awake and was watching her with a grin. She tossed her pillow at him, hearing his laughter, but before she could stomp out of the bed, he caught her wrist, dragging her back against his chest.

"You should have said something!" Katie chided, then melted into laughter as he rolled her onto her back, trapping her effectively beneath him.

"Why? You seemed to be having a good time. The last thing I want to do is interfere with your pleasure."

"You are the most conceited, swellheaded-"

"Unscrupulous," Christopher supplied helpfully. "Egotistical-"

"Excuse for a husband," Katie finished, still laughing. She wrapped her arms around him, delighted with the way his body warmed hers, and the sensual way he kissed her. When his face lifted to hers, she shivered at the smoldering desire she saw in his eyes.

"Are you happy?" he asked softly, taking her hand and kissing her fingers.

Katie's breath caught and she gazed up at him, amazed that so simple an act could make her stomach contract and her legs feel weak. "Very," she managed, closing her eyes as his mouth caressed her palm, arousing her in a way she'd never dreamed possible.

She must be a wanton. Surely he didn't mean to take her again, in broad daylight on Sunday morning, and surely she didn't want him to! No decent woman felt what she was feeling. She'd heard the whispered conversations of other women, about a wife's duty and a man's privilege, and she was certain that her first s.e.xual experience with John Sweeney was common. Squirming, she managed to extricate herself from his embrace.

"Fan? What's wrong?"

Katie blushed, especially when he called her by that name. Good Lord, she couldn't do this, especially with the church bells ringing! She clutched the sheet more tightly about her naked body and gestured to the window.

"The bells. We have to get ready for services."

Christopher shrugged, toying with the edge of the sheet "We have time. There is a second service at ten."

"We have breakfast," Katie said quickly. "Remember? Your aunt is giving a breakfast in our honor this morning."

"Brunch," he corrected her. "And that isn't until eleven. Fan, what's wrong?"

Katie shrugged, growing more embarra.s.sed as she remembered the previous night. Fan Pemberton would not have reacted to him with such abandon. Real ladies didn't derive pleasure from s.e.x, only taproom wh.o.r.es did that. And last night her response had been unmistakable. Surely he must be thinking the worst....

"It's not decent," she said shyly.

Christopher frowned, staring down at her in disbelief. "Fan, you've lived with another man. A gambler, they say." His eyes darkened as if this fact troubled him immensely, but he continued in the same tone. "That's almost the same as being married. Surely in all that time you made love in the morning?"

Katie swallowed hard. He expected her to have much more experience than she did. "Not really," she murmured. "It was...not the same."