BindingPassion by Katherine Kingston Read Free Book Online

be harsh when it’s required. I would have them know I can be generous as
well.”
    Pleasure and gratitude chased the surprise from her face as
she understood. “My lord, that is a wonderful idea,” she said.
    “You’ll see to the arrangements?” he asked. “I would be as
generous with the food as we might. The ale as well. We must have music and
dancing, and whatever else is appropriate.”
    “It will be done, my lord,” she said. The excitement on her
face was almost reward enough for any effort he might make for the feast.
    “You’re pleased with this?” he asked.
    “Aye, my lord,” she said. “It’s a wise course.”
    “For many reasons.” Philip moved closer to her. He was
surprised and gratified when she didn’t flinch back from him. “To see such joy
on your face, for instance.” He reached a hand toward her and waited until she
took it. “Lady Mary, I’m going to kiss you.”
    He paused a second, allowing her time to protest or resist.
When she did neither, he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers.
She jumped in startlement at the contact, then settled down and waited. Her
lips were sweet and soft. His cock leapt to attention as his heart raced, even
though she remained still and unreacting.
    He let his mouth slide carefully along hers, tasting fully
the honey of her lips. For a moment she was still as he caressed, but then she
quivered gently and her lips moved a bit under his. He ran his tongue along
them, first outlining, then moving inward to the damper, smoother region near
the gums. He drank in the small sigh she let out as her body softened and
relaxed out of the tense fear. He knew then he would win her over and it
wouldn’t take all that long if he remained careful and controlled until he made
her forget the expectation of abuse.
    Her lips softened and parted. She put her arms around him,
resting her hands on his back, pulling their bodies closer together. He probed
gently into her mouth, brushing her teeth with his tongue. Her breath came
faster and he felt her chest rise and fall with the quicker rhythm. He put his
hands on her face, running his fingers under the wimple and into her hair. Her
skin felt like satin.
    For long minutes he explored the hot recesses of her mouth.
When she moved her tongue to meet his, they danced together, stroking each
other, receding, then advancing to dip and touch. She made a sound like a sob
deep in her throat.
    He moved in closer, but when she felt the hard staff of his
aroused cock press against her, she jumped and moved away, tearing their mouths
apart.
    Still, her eyes had sparkled with excitement and her lips
curved in a sweet smile before his arousal had frightened her.
    “Your pardon, lady,” he said. “Some reactions cannot be
controlled. A man’s cock will rise in the presence of a lady he admires. Yet,
the choice to use it remains his decision. I’ll not let my body have its way
until you’re ready to enjoy it as much as I will.”

Chapter Six
     
    The noise surrounding her would have been unbearable save
that it was the first time in many years such joyful sounds had filled the air
around the manor. Music floated across the lawn from a group of local serfs
piping and plucking with more enthusiasm than skill. Fortunately a more
talented group of traveling minstrels would play later.
    The hundred or more people already gathered on the grass in
front of the manor sang, laughed, shouted, and talked. A few were already
dancing, practicing the steps in preparation for more serious efforts later.
    Mary’s heart lightened as she circulated among the people
gathered there, asking about families, babies, marriages, elders, crops, and
other news. As her mother had, she tried to keep up with the concerns of their
serfs, but she’d been neglecting the job ever since the arrival of Sir Benwyck
changed her life so dramatically. It was time to catch up again.
    But even more than their own concerns, all wanted to talk
about their new