Courtly Love (14 page)

"Oh . . . nay, Gyles," Serena managed to choke out. Her hands reached out to touch, to explore the firm muscles beneath the flesh. "I have never seen . . . I never knew a man to be so magnificent!" Color flamed in her cheeks under his level gaze.

Carefully Gyles pulled Serena to him and drew the gown from her body. The appreciation in his eyes struck a flame in Serena and she pressed herself against Gyles. Their lips met and clung while Gyles lowered them both to the bed. His hands roamed freely, and by his gestures, Gyles encouraged Serena to do the same. She did not know how to deal with a man, but took her cue from Gyles and allowed her ringers to touch what they might. The muscles of his back and shoulders were firm beneath her touch, his hips slim, his thighs powerfully muscled from years of training and combat. Serena shied away from the most intimate point of contact and contented herself instead with teasing the wiry curls on his chest.

Gyles rolled to his side and his mouth burned a path down her throat and between her breasts. He pulled Serena on her side, before he bent to kiss each breast in turn, until the gentle tugging of his mouth caused her nails to dig into his shoulders. Still Gyles persisted in his glorious form of torture, his mouth placing kisses everywhere, while his knee rode between her legs so his hand could search freely.

Serena tingled all over, from her toes to her now maddeningly sensitive breasts. The ache for him was overwhelming and Serena's hand dropped from his shoulder until she had within her grasp Gyles's own aching manhood. Gyles moaned softly, and fearing she had done him some injury, Serena began to withdraw her hand, but Gyles quickly stilled her movement. Instead he taught her a motion that brought pleasure to them both.

The next kiss was aflame with both their desires and intuitively Serena moved closer to Gyles until he rolled to cover her completely. Her hands went up to feel the play of muscles in his back as Gyles altered his position, slightly, as if to draw away from her.

A small whimper broke from Serena's throat as she arched her body toward her husband. "Gyles . . . oh, Gyles, please...," she whispered.

Astride her now, Gyles gazed through passion-filled eyes at Serena's fairness. "I must hurt you. Serena. Forgive me, cherie," Gyles murmured thickly. His mouth came down to cover the groan that escaped Serena's lips as a searing pain coursed through her abdomen. Gyles was still, imbedded within her, not moving until he was certain the worst of the pain had passed.

Serena's eyes burned with unshed tears, the trance-like state she had been in shattered so that she was sure it could not be recovered. So this was how it ended— suffering on her part, while the man above her eased his need! In her innocence, Serena did not realize how wrong her conclusion was until she tried to ease away from Gyles.

"Be still a moment longer, Serena," Gyles's voice rumbled in her ear. "Allow the pain to pass." He kissed the hollow at the base of her neck.

"But... is it not over?" Serena blurted out.

Above her in the semi-darkness, Gyles smiled. "Ah, no, fair Serena, 'tis far from ended."

Gyles began to move, slowly, gently, filling Serena until he seemed to have invaded her whole being. What pain there was eased and then disappeared altogether and what replaced it was a sweet, rapturous thrill along with a primitive need that had yet to be fulfilled. With a will of its own, Serena's body met and matched the rise and fall of Gyles's, and when his lips left hers, Serena murmured sweet endearments against his ear, while her hands played along the length of his back. It started so deep within her, this sense of being one, of being united with Gyles, that when the surge of pleasure burst forth into full bloom, Serena's eyes flew open in astonishment and love.

"Gyles!" His name was a bare whisper upon her lips and his quiet, triumphant laugh fell gently upon her ears, while at the same time Serena felt a change in his body. Where before his movements had been gentle, Gyles seemed now to be driven by a passionate violence and Serena welcomed him with all her being. She held him tightly, her mouth playing lightly on his, and she felt it immediately when the first spasms tore through his body. Then he seemed to collapse upon her, and Serena tenderly brushed the errant locks of coal black hair from his forehead.

Carefully, Gyles rolled on his back, taking Serena with him in an iron embrace she could not have broken if she wished to do so. Serena made a column of her fists upon his chest and rested her chin on it while she smiled down at him. Gyles toyed with a strand of hair, wrapping it around his fingers to feel its silken texture.

"I think," Gyles said speculatively, as he gazed into the twin blue pools of her eyes, "that I prefer to meet you here rather than on the field of honor."

Serena's eyes widened in shock before she understood Gyles was teasing. She wriggled into a more secure position on Gyles's chest. "I am not so sure. I think that perhaps you have need of a few whacks now and then to fully appreciate me."

"And you are far too independent and cocky. Perhaps I should beat you regularly to keep you in line." To punctuate his remark, Gyles gave a playful slap to Serena's backside.

Serena switched tactics and began to trace light patterns on his chest. Serena gave Gyles her most innocent and beguiling look. "And what, pray, can I do to avoid such a fate at your hands? Or must I place my trust—not to mention my state of health—solely in your good offices?"

"That," Gyles said ironically, "would be a pleasant change."

"Very well then," Serena leaned forward to place a quick kiss on Gyles's mouth, "so be it. Do with me what you will—my life is in your hands." Gyles stiffened and his face took on such a grim cast that Serena—afraid she had gone too far in her bantering—left the protection of his arms to sit beside him on the bed. "Have I offended you, Gyles?"

"No," Gyles replied quickly. He rose on one elbow to study Serena and trace her jawline tenderly. "Serena, I have no wish to completely rule your life, and if I try, resist me, fight me, do anything but give in to me."

Serena's brows drew together in a puzzled frown. "I do not understand. I love you, Gyles. You are my life, why should I..."

"I will destroy you!" Gyles's voice was anguished.

Serena's heart ached with his painful exclamation, and she drew his arms around her and held his face in, her hands. "Nay, Gyles, whatever you may believe now, I know—I know!—you would never hurt me."

Gyles shook his head to negate her statement, but Serena only brought her face closer to his. "Accept what is, Gyles. My love will shield me from any harm."

Gyles's face was still troubled and Serena knew any further talk to be useless. Why he thought he would destroy her Serena did not know, but she was determined to sway Gyles from his dark thoughts. Deliberately Serena eased herself along the length of Gyles's body and nibbled at his lips. She felt his response to her closeness and pressed herself more firmly against Gyles as his hands moved along her body.

"Oh, Gyles, my darling, my love," Serena whispered as Gyles crushed her beneath him.

S
erena paced along the terrace that enclosed the courtyard where Gyles and his men practiced with their arms. Gyles and Edward roamed through the pairs of dueling men, correcting ill-aimed blows and weak parries. Serena shivered in the cool, late autumn breeze, mentally damning herself for not having worn a cloak. She stopped walking and sat on the low wall, studying the figures below. Her gaze rested finally on Gyles as he strode from one end of the courtyard to the other like a caged animal. He caught sight of Serena and paused, his eyes seeming to cut straight through her as his face set grimly. Tears pricked at Serena's eyelids, but she tossed her head defiantly at her husband and refused to obey the unspoken command that seemed to ring through the air. Serena saw Gyles mouth something inaudible and start across the courtyard to her. She knew when Gyles had reached her side, but Serena refused to look at him.

"You shouldn't be out here, Serena." Gyles's tone was impatient.

Serena nodded toward the courtyard. "You and Sir Edward have your task set before you if you hope to turn the new men into an effective force by winter. Look at the way they hack at each other—they couldn't defend themselves against a nursery full of babes let alone a well-trained band!"

Gyles dropped to the ledge beside Serena, one leg pulled up to his chest to form a resting place for his arm. "They are learning," he said negligently. "Return to the castle, Serena, 'tis far too cold for you out here without a cloak."

Gyles reached out to assist Serena to her feet, but she snatched her arm from his grasp. "Since you will not permit me to practice, the least you can do is allow me to watch," she snapped.

"We've already discussed this, Serena," Gyles warned her, recalling full well the heated battle of the day before when he found himself sparring with a knight who turned out to be his wife. Gyles had ordered Serena from the courtyard immediately, and that night had demanded the surrender of her armor—a demand she had refused to obey. The argument that ensued had ended with Serena throwing a drinking horn at Gyles's head and stamping from their chamber to the adjoining one, barring the door so Gyles could not follow. "I have instructed Edward that if you attempt to train with him again, he is to bring you to me immediately."

"At Broughton—" Serena began.

"This is Camden, not Broughton, and you are my wife, now, not the spoiled daughter whose every whim is allowed. I will argue no further, the matter is ended!"

Serena whirled on Gyles. "May I at least be permitted to ride?" Her eyes snapped defiance at him, and Gyles could not help admiring the beauty her anger brought forth.

Gyles shrugged. "Ride if you like, but not Demon, and take a groom with you."

Demon was Serena's favorite mount, a chestnut stallion with an irascible disposition, which only she could deal with. "Do you wish to select the horse for me?" she spat.

"The dappled mare should suit your purpose." Gyles rose and stood looking down at her. At last he sighed. "Serena, I have explained to you why I sent Alan to Normandy. The land he will one day inherit is there, and he must learn to love it and the people."

"But he is so young, Gyles! You could have waited several years before sending him away." Tears clung to her lashes now, and Serena brushed absently at them.

How Alan had wept when Gyles had informed him of his journey. And how Serena had stormed at Gyles in the privacy of their chamber, even though she knew it was not her place to interfere with the way Gyles raised his son. Failing to change Gyles's mind she had wept bitter tears at the knowledge that Alan would soon be residing in far off Normandy and she would no longer be able to hold and comfort him. Unfairly, Serena refused to listen to Gyles when he explained his reasons for sending Alan from Camden. Serena sensed that Gyles had not told her the real reason behind his actions, but she refused to question him on the matter. Perhaps Gyles had never really cared for his bastard son.

"Serena?" Gyles rested a hand lightly on her shoulder. "Perhaps you should visit your father for a while."

"Are you trying to rid yourself of me, also?" Serena questioned spitefully.

Gyles shook his head. "I thought a trip might improve your spirits, 'tis all. Things cannot continue between us the way they have been—surely you realize that. It has been a fortnight since Alan left, and in all that time I have not heard you speak a kind word to me. If you have accusations, then speak them plainly. For I warn you now, I will not abide your shrewish behavior any longer. Either resign yourself to the fact—though you may not believe it—that what I did was best for Alan, or retire to your dower lands." Gyles walked a short distance from her and stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Tell her you fool! Gyles's mind raged at him. Tell her it would have been easier to cut off your arm than to send Alan away. It had torn at Gyles to send his son from him, but it would keep Alan safe should Beda decide to accuse Gyles of Kier's death, which she had begun again to threaten to do. Alan was safe, but what of Serena; would she suffer if Beda succeeded? No, Gyles assured himself, Serena could always flee to her father and brother for their protection.

"Gyles?" Serena's small voice broke into his thoughts. "Is it your wish that... that I leave Camden?"

Gyles turned and eyed her impartially. "The choice is yours. You have until this evening to decide."

Serena watched Gyles return to the courtyard before she turned to seek the warmth of the castle. The great hall was deserted—Mara and Lydia were in their solar, the servants had retired to their homes until the evening meal, and the empty room seemed to mock Serena's loneliness. A shrew, Gyles had called her. Well, had she not the right to be angry and rage at unkind fate? Everyone, it appeared, was wanted by someone, except herself! No, Serena corrected herself, that was not entirely true. Alan had loved her and Gyles—despite whatever stopped him from loving her—did need her, even if he was too stubborn to admit it. Serena could tell by the look in his eyes whenever they were alone that with every day that passed Gyles enjoyed her company more.

Footsteps sounded behind Serena and she turned wearily, resenting the intrusion.

"Where is Gyles?" Beda greeted Serena rudely.

Serena's chin lifted a notch. "My husband is with his men in the courtyard, they are holding practice with arms this afternoon."

"Gyles was supposed to come to my chamber after the noon meal," Beda said sullenly.

Serena's hands clenched at her sides. "I will remind him of it when he returns. Or perhaps you would care to tell me whatever troubles you instead of bothering my husband."

Beda's shrill laughter echoed through the deserted hall, causing the hair on Serena's neck to prickle. "What I have to say I will say to Gyles, and no one else." Beda moved closer to Serena. "You have known Gyles for less than a year—do you truly believe you have any influence over him? If so, you are a fool. Gyles and I have been . . . friends . . . since he arrived at Camden five years ago. I know him better than you can ever hope to, Serena." Beda stood directly in front of Serena now. "What will you do when Gyles tires of you? He will, you know, just as he quickly tired of his conquests at William's court. If you wish to save yourself from their fate, take my advice and leave here, now. Take what you can and return to your father. You can rest assured that Gyles will not trouble himself to follow you—and should he try, you have my word that I shall detain him."

"How kind of you, Beda," Serena said drily. "But you will not have to exert yourself on my behalf. In fact, I would not dream of inconveniencing you." A tight smile flickered across Serena's face as Beda stiffened. "So, in the event you have forgotten your place here, pray let me remind you: Your chamber is in the women's quarters." Serena advanced upon the older woman and Beda steadily retreated before the warning that flashed in Serena's blue eyes. "And I assure you, Beda, should I discover that you have at any time lost your sense of direction within the castle walls, I shall derive the greatest pleasure in seeing you safely back to your rooms!" Beda opened her mouth to retort, but Serena cut her short with an impatient gesture. "Good day, Lady Beda!"

Serena watched Beda's unhurried ascent to her chamber with narrowed eyes. Of all the unmitigated nerve! Serena's anger rose—if ever anyone deserved a good hiding or thorough instructions in morality it was Beda. And if Beda thought for an instant that Serena would gracefully accept Gyles taking a mistress—

Masculine voices and laughter broke into Serena's thoughts as the knights filed into the great hall to warm themselves by the fires and quench their thirsts with ale and wine. Gyles brushed by Serena, filled a horn with ale, drained it, and then turned a critical eye on his wife.

"I thought you were going riding," Gyles said casually.

That remark snapped the slender thread Serena held on her anger. " 'Twould appear that you are the one who has been doing most of the riding, my lord!" Serena ground out. "One of your mounts waits for you in the women's quarters, and the other is only too happy to take your kind advice and absent herself from your presence." Good riding, m'lord!"

Serena whirled and disappeared up the stairs to her chamber while Gyles looked after her in confusion until the meaning of her words struck him. With an oath he set down his horn and then strode resolutely to the women's quarters. At Beda's door, Gyles did not pause to knock, but flung wide the portal without warning so that Beda, indulging herself with a scented bath, shrieked and her servant scurried into a corner.

"How dare you!" Beda gasped.

Gyles ignored her. "Leave us!" Gyles instructed the servant with a jerk of his head. As the door closed behind the girl, Gyles turned his attention to the woman who still lounged in the water. "You, madame, deserve to be flogged."

"Whatever for, dearest Gyles?" Beda asked innocently. She rose slowly from the tub and made a great show of finding a cloth to wrap herself in. Her breasts hung like overripe melons and Gyles turned away, repelled by the over-generous endowments when he compared them to Serena's delicate form. Beda wound the cloth around her and perched on the edge of her bed. "Don't tell me our precious Lady Serena came crying to you about our conversation."

Gyles's interest was pricked but he concealed it. "My wife said that you wished to see me."

"My wife, my husband!" Beda mimicked. "Do you never address each other by your Christian names? In truth. Gyles. I am amazed that you haven't sent your wife scurrying back to her father yet. Surely that skinny child doesn't give you any pleasure! Your taste—as I remember —runs more to well-fleshed females."

"Such as yourself?" Gyles asked.

Beda lay back on the bed and stretched. "How kind of you to remember. Tell me," she slanted a look at Gyles, "have you decided to renew our arrangement?"

"Not if I were dying and it would save me!" Gyles snorted.

"That could be arranged, my churlish knight," Beda mused aloud. "No. Not you, but, perhaps, Serena. She does lead quite a reckless life at times, you know. Especially that steed, Demon, that she rides. I'm surprised Serena hasn't been thrown yet. If you place any value on her dower lands, you should wateh her more closely. Accidents have been known to happen. Remember poor Kier—" Beda twisted on the bed and propped herself up on her elbows. "I did hear that Serena planned to go riding, didn't I? I am glad that Alan is in Normandy—it would have been tragic if Serena had met with an accident while Alan was with her. Don't you agree, Gyles?"

Gyles stood as if turned to stone, the curved scar on his cheek showing starkly against the rest of his face. He had to swallow several times before he could force his voice through the constriction in his throat. "Speak plainly, Beda. Are you threatening Serena's life?"

Beda gave a shrill giggle. "Why, Gyles, how could you think such a thing? I but meant to caution you, 'tis all." Abruptly her face hardened. "And now, leave my chamber."

It took only two strides of his long legs to carry Gyles to the bed and jerk Beda to her feet. "I have never hurt a woman, but in your case, Beda, I am sorely tempted to make an exception."

Beda laughed. "You haven't the nerve, Gyles. If you abuse me. I have only to call upon my brother-in-law's protection."

"Do you believe my father-in-law would come to your aid?" Gyles sneered. "Geoffrey would think first of his daughter, not his wife or her kin. Remember that should any injury befall Serena. And heed this also: Sir Arthur has contracted for your hand and I am still considering his offer. Do not force me into a rash decision, for your own sake."