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Ruby arched into the warmth. If this was truly a dream, part of her longed to remain forever and forego the realities of the world. Tristan’s wicked whispers replayed in her mind, tempting her to sin. She remembered lying down next to him and...wait, was she was still lying beside him? She shifted, but her body refused to budge. Something heavy and warm held her tight.
At some point during the night, they had become intertwined. Tristan was pressed against her back, his arm thrown across her stomach, his legs tangled with hers. His insistent erection rubbed against her arse making her moan.
Tristan’s grip tightened, pulling her more firmly into contact with the full length of his body. She bit her lip, suppressing a whimper. He had been right about one thing. She did want him, in every way a woman could possibly desire a man. Her thoughts drifted to the night before, when he had her pinned beneath him. Never had she dreamed being dominated by a man could be so arousing. She had nearly succumbed to his sinful invitation. One night with him, one night to do as she wished.
He had wanted to kiss her; she saw it reflected in his actions, in his eyes. Part of her wanted him to seize the opportunity. Why did she want to give him so much power over her? She worked hard to be independent and protect herself as her parents instructed her. Was she truly willing to throw it away for a man she knew practically nothing about?
No, but one night...She squashed the thought like a beetle beneath her boot. It did not stop her from wondering if his kiss would be like the rest of him—confident, selfish, and intoxicating. Ruby had been kissed before, but the single occasion was uninspiring, leaving her feeling dirty and ashamed. Something about Tristan, the way he carried himself, the way he spoke, promised his kiss would be life-changing.
Tristan’s breath caressed her bare neck, brushing across her shoulder. Her body thrummed in tandem with her racing heart. Ruby’s flesh prickled, aware of his every breath, every touch. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. Once he woke, the fantasy would shatter. Her breath came in soft pants. She attempted to steady herself, focusing on nothing in particular, anything to distract from the man holding her.
The soft press of his lips against her bare skin made her shiver. Ruby feigned sleep, forcing herself not to react. His feather-light kisses brought her closer to the inferno. His hand drifted across her stomach under her tunic, brushing against the underside of her breast. She sighed as his hand closed over it. Her body screamed in reaction. All she had to do was roll over and claim his lips. Surrender to his touch, his seductive embrace. She rubbed her arse against him again, inadvertently encouraging him. He groaned and slid his hand down her body, cupping her quim through the hose. At the touch, Ruby’s eyes flew open. She whimpered.
“My sweeting,” he whispered in her ear, drawing the lobe between his teeth. His fingertips rubbed against her in slow circles.
My sweeting. He thought she was one of his whores. Ruby scrambled from his embrace and out of the bed. One thing she knew for certain, he would use her like the countless women before her. She glared down at him, crossing her arms. Tristan lay on his side, his head propped on his hand.
“What in the name of the saints do think you are doing?” Ruby set her jaw. He looked so comfortable, so at ease, she longed to smother him with a pillow. He truly had no conscience. She had been right to push him away.
“Tell me you did not enjoy my touch,” Tristan prompted, a sinful grin playing on his lips.
She shook her head and gathered her belongings. “I shall take my leave.”
“The sun has barely broken the horizon.” He glanced toward the window.
“All the more reason for me to leave.”
“I shall join you.” He jumped from the bed and stood in front of the door, blocking it. She stared at him in disbelief.
“Why do you insist upon forcing your company upon me?” She crossed her arms, praying he did not touch her again. Her body still sang to the memory of his touch, begging for a release she knew only he could bring. “Who are you?”
“Does it matter?” His blue eyes flashed with...was that fear?
“It does.” She propped her hands upon her hips. “You are not an outlaw, not a tradesman or a farmer, which leaves only a man of wealth, something you clearly do not possess. Judging by the lack of calluses on your hands and the fine cut of your clothes, I can only guess you are of noble birth. But, saints above, why are you stumbling across the countryside without a horse, with very little coin, and no direction?”
He hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. “My father cast me out,” Tristan ran his hand through his dark curls. “He told me not to return until I learned how to behave as a proper son and gentleman.”
“So indulging in fights and frequenting whorehouses is your solution?” Ruby scoffed. “How typical. Every nobleman I have ever known thinks his shite smells of roses. He believes he can come and go as he pleases, while he steps on the backs of the poor to elevate himself. Your kind makes me violently ill.” She pushed past him and reached for the door latch.
“Where will you go?” Tristan’s voice remained steady.
“None of your bloody concern.” She grit her teeth to keep from railing him further.
“I love when the fire comes shining through.” He stepped closer, making her back up. His proximity confused her senses, and she fumbled with the latch.
“Stay away from me.”
“Or you will cut me as you vowed to do before?” Tristan chuckled. He grabbed her waist, pulling her against him and pinning her hands behind her back. “I can be of service to you, my lady.” His whisper sent a shiver of lust singing through her body.
With him so close, Ruby found it difficult to concentrate. All she had to do was claim his lips and be done with it. One taste would never be enough. If she crossed the line with him, she would never forgive herself. He embodied everything she abhorred. His arrogance spoke of his entitled beliefs and dismissive attitude.
Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding and he released her. What am I doing? This is insanity. “Under one condition.” Ruby jabbed her finger into his chest.
He stared down at her. “Your wish is my command.”
“Never touch me again.”
Tristan smiled and stepped away. She scowled. How had she let him persuade her into this ridiculous agreement? Not persuade, seduce. She scolded herself as he dressed. Within moments, they left the inn, the rising sun guiding their way.