Betrayal (Book 2: Time Enough to Love) by Jenna Jaxon Read Free Book Online Page B

reached her shoulder, he lifted his head to speak gently in her ear, his voice low and alluring. “Sweet Alyse, shall we seal our betrothal with a kiss?”
    She squeezed her eyes shut and gave a bare nod. The tender caresses and his beguiling tone were attentions she could cope with. A kiss, however...
    He moved his hands behind her head, cupping the thick locks of hair, pulling her face toward his. She trembled as his warm lips met hers, but forced herself to stillness. ’Twas only a kiss, after all.
    Thomas brushed his lips against hers, a sweet sensation that eased her fears.
    He would not expect more than she could give.
    She relaxed further. Then he pressed against her and flicked his tongue over her closed mouth. Startled at this audacity, Alyse drew a breath and opened her lips. He pressed his advantage at the invitation, sliding his tongue boldly into her mouth.
    As if a cup of cold water had been dashed on her face, the initial pleasure of his caresses fled. She pushed away from him, wiping her hand over her mouth. He must have expected such a reaction, for he withdrew from her without protest. He placed a brief kiss on her cheek and moved his hands to clasp hers.
    She breathed deeply in relief then remembered his earlier words. She arched her eyebrows. “Is this how you kiss your sister then?”
    His mouth dropped open but, after a stunned moment, his laughter rang out. It was so catching, Alyse had no choice but to join in. At last, Thomas wiped his eyes and settled his gaze on her. A flicker of admiration lurked there.
    “Nay, Alyse. Had I a sister, I would not kiss her in such a manner.” He chuckled then grinned at her. “However, as we do not yet live as brother and sister, I believed an un-brotherly kiss would be acceptable.”
    Alyse paused, wavering, then shook her head. “My lord, I pray you test me not in this manner. Give me leave a while to act with only sisterly affection.”
    With a sigh, Thomas good-naturedly kissed her hand. “Aye, gentle Alyse. I will bide my time.” He sent her a quick, devilish grin. “For now.”
     

Chapter 5
     
    Their wedding ceremony took place in front of the doors of the Cathedral of St. Paul in London three days later. The king had spoken a word to the Bishop of London, there being no time to read the banns. The bishop therefore dutifully agreed to preside over the nuptial mass following the vows. Princess Joanna, her brother Prince John, and Lady Maurya served as witnesses.
    Alyse wrung her hands, her stomach churning, but managed to say, “I take thee, Thomas, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold…” She spoke the words, staring down at her hand clasped in Thomas’s. Feeling as though she had shattered one vow by taking another.
    After the solemnities, Princess Joanna chattered to those assembled, acclaiming herself matchmaker to the couple.
    “I know it is unusual for me to stand witness to the marriage, but I needed to see my handiwork accomplished.” She laughed, her gaze darting between Alyse and Thomas.
    “Your handiwork, Highness?” Alyse cocked her head and shot an inquiring look at her bridegroom.
    That gallant sent a mischievous glance toward the princess then turned to his bride. “Princess Joanna made sure I had good opportunity to serve you in your darkest hour, my lady. ’Twas then, mayhap, the seeds of our match were sown.” Thomas bowed to them before moving to mount his horse for the ride back to Windsor and the feasting that would last late into the night.
    As the carriage rolled through the streets of London, Alyse stared out the window, heartsick at the thought of the humiliating ritual to come. She had been appalled when Anne and Maurya explained it to her that morning.
    “We shall make sure you are bedded proper, Alyse.” Anne’s words, spoken with her usual smirk, had confused Alyse as she donned her scarlet silk gown in preparation for the wedding.
    “Whatever are you talking about, Anne?” Alyse shifted from one