Elena could only stare at the amazing a.s.sortment. So many styles and fabrics. How could she ever be expected to choose just one gown when they were all so exquisite?

Madame Rasch.e.l.le held up a velvet gown with a square neck and long fitted sleeves that ended in points. aThis is one of my favorites,a she said, smiling.

Elena ran her hand over the soft, cream-colored velvet. Lace edged the neckline. The skirt was gathered up on one side, revealing more lace. It reminded Elena of dresses worn in medieval times.

aWhy donat you try it on?a the dressmaker suggested.

With a nod, Elena took the dress and hurried up the stairs to her chamber. She changed under the curious eyes of the cat, then glanced around, only then remembering that there was no mirror in the room. She frowned as she realized there were no mirrors in any of the rooms of the castle.

Lifting her skirts, she made her way down the stairs.

aSo,a Madame Rasch.e.l.le asked, smiling. aDoes it suit?a aI need a mirror.a The dressmaker glanced around the room, then rummaged in her bag and produced a large hand mirror, which she offered to Elena.

aOh,a Elena murmured, ait is lovely, isnat it?a aQuite. Perhaps you should try them all on?a There was no need, Elena thought. She had already made up her mind. Still, who knew when she would ever have a chance like this again? Between the two of them, they carried all the garments up to Elenaas room.

Trying on all the gowns was not only time-consuming, but a mistake. Elena had been certain the velvet was the gown she wanted, but there was a lovely silk adorned with pearls, a beautiful satin with an empire waist, an elegant ivory brocade fit for a queen. How was she ever to decide?

aLord Drake instructed me to tell you that you might keep them all, if you so desired,a Madame Rasch.e.l.le remarked.

aAll of them?a Elena had never seen such lavish attire, could scarce imagine their cost.

aHe is a man of wealth and power,a the dressmaker said. aHe can well afford the price.a aBut . . . all of them?a Aside from her wedding, when would she ever again have need of such finery? aPerhaps just the velvet. And the blue satin. And the rose silk. And the ivory brocade.a Madame Rasch.e.l.le laughed heartily as she began hanging the gowns Elena had selected in the wardrobe.

aOf course, you will also need shoes.a Reaching into her valise again, the dressmaker produced a pair of satin pumps and placed them on the floor.

She reached into her valise yet again and pulled out a long, thin box. Lifting the lid, she shook out a shoulderlength veil.

aOh, itas lovely,a Elena murmured, stroking the delicate lace.

aI knew you would like it. And now, the pice de rsistance,a the woman said, and dipping into the valise once more she withdrew a long white nightgown that was so sheer, it was little more than a mere whisper of diaphanous cloth.

Elena stared at it, thinking it was as delicate as a spider web. A web for catching a manas interest.

aFor the wedding night,a the dressmaker said, a knowing twinkle in her eyes.

aBut . . .a Elena bit down on her lower lip. Had Drake misunderstood her? Theirs was to be a marriage in name only.

Madame Rasch.e.l.le smiled. aThe nightgown was my idea. I added it to his order when I saw that he had neglected to think of it.a Elena forced a smile. She was relieved that the nightgown hadnat been Drakeas idea. Wasnat she?

aI wish you every happiness, my dear,a Madame Rasch.e.l.le said. aIf you have need of more gowns, you have but to let me know.a aThank you,a Elena said sincerely, though she doubted she would be calling on the dressmaker any time soon.

Elena accompanied the older woman to the front door, bid her good-bye, and then closed and locked the door behind the rather eccentric dressmaker.

She stood there a moment; then, realizing it would soon be sundown, she hurried back to her room to bathe and dress.

Drake stood in front of the fireplace, a gla.s.s of wine in one hand as he waited for his bride to appear. The priest from the next town sat in one of the chairs facing the fire, his hands folded in his lap, his benign expression belying the nervous tic in his left eye, the rapid beating of his heart.

Drake grunted softly. He had never seen the cleric until tonight, when he summoned him to the castle, yet it was obvious that the good Father possessed a strong inner sense that warned him of danger. Though Drake meant the man no harm, it was an instinct for survival that would serve the priest well if he but listened to it. The priestas cook and her husband stood nearby, called to serve as witnesses.

At the sound of footsteps, Drake glanced toward the staircase. For a moment, he stood frozen as he watched Elena descend the steps. She was exquisite. The cream-colored velvet gown clung lovingly to each curve, outlining a figure so perfect as to make other women weep. A delicate lace veil covered her face, giving her a ghostly appearance in the flickering light of the candles. Her hair fell over her shoulders like a fall of thick black silk.

He moved quickly toward her, eager to be near her, to touch her. To taste her. Reining in his rampant l.u.s.t, he took her hand in his. Her skin was cool; he could feel her trembling. aHow lovely you are,a he murmured. aAnd how lucky I am.a She blushed prettily. aThank you, Lord Drake,a she replied, emphasizing the last two words.

He lifted one brow.

aWhy didnat you tell me you had a t.i.tle?a aIt is merely a t.i.tle of respect,a he said with a shrug. aAre you ready?a aYes.a Keeping hold of her hand, he led her into the hall where the priest waited. aElena, this is Father Andrew. He will be performing the ceremony.a Elena smiled tentatively. aGood evening, Father.a Rising, the priest offered her his hand. aGood evening, my child.a Elena smiled at the man and woman who were to be their witnesses. She thought they both looked ill at ease. Certainly they didnat believe the rumors about ghosts in the castle?

Elena tried to concentrate on what the priest was saying, but she couldnat stop stealing glances at Drake. He was devastatingly handsome in a pair of black trousers, black boots, and a long black coat over a white silk shirt. When he looked at her, a thousand b.u.t.terflies took wing in the pit of her stomach. Was it fear? Or excitement? Or perhaps a bit of both?

When he squeezed her hand, she realized Father Andrew was waiting for her response. She blinked at the priest. If she said yes, there was no turning back, no changing her mind. How could she marry a man she hardly knew?

Panicked, she looked up at Drake. The calm a.s.surance in his eyes drove her uncertainty away. Lifting her chin, she murmured, aI do.a A rush of heat warmed her cheeks when the priest p.r.o.nounced them man and wife. And then Drake was lifting her veil, taking her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her, and everything else faded into the distance. There was only a pair of strong arms to hold her, a pair of firm lips playing over hers, his tongue teasing her own. She leaned into him, wanting to be closer. A soft moan rose in her throat as she slid her fingers up his nape to curl in his hair.

A cough reminded her they werenat alone. She moved away from Drake, her cheeks burning with embarra.s.sment when she saw the priest and the witnesses staring at her, mouths agape.

Mortified, Elena turned her back to them.

Moments later, she heard the creak of the front door opening as Drake ushered the priest and the other two people out of the castle.

The sound of the door closing brought a sense of relief, and an unexpected rush of anxiety. She was Drakeas wife now. If he chose not to honor his promise to leave her chaste, there was nothing she could do about it. It was a husbandas right to make love to his wife and no one would condemn him for it. She was his now, for better or worse.

aYou have not eaten, wife,a he said when he returned.

aNo.a He gestured at the trestle table in the hall. aSit,a he said, and left the room.

Already giving her orders, Elena thought with a flash of resentment, but she did as she was told, noting that the table was covered with a clean white cloth. Several vases filled with primroses and yellow daisies were grouped in the center, surrounded by a number of flickering red candles set in wrought-iron holders.

Drake returned moments later carrying a large covered tray. He placed it before her, then removed the lid with a flourish, revealing a roasted hen on a bed of rice, a small loaf of fresh bread, a pot of b.u.t.ter and another of honey. Lastly, there was a bottle of wine and two delicate crystal goblets.

aThereas only one plate and one set of silverware.a Elena looked up at him, a question in her eyes.

aHave you forgotten that I prefer to take my meals alone?a aNo. Why didnat you tell me you were rich?a aYou never asked.a aBut . . . why do you live here, in this old castle? I mean, itas lovely, but thereas no plumbing or electricity or . . . or anything.a aI have other holdings that are more modern,a he said, abut every now and then, I like to come here for a while and meditate.a Sitting in a chair across from hers, he filled the winegla.s.ses, then offered her one. aA toast,a he said, touching his goblet lightly to hers, ato my bride. I give you my oath that I will cherish and protect you for as long as you wish.a He watched as she lifted the gla.s.s to her lips, his gaze moving to her throat as she swallowed. Sipping from his own gla.s.s, he could not help wishing that it was his wifeas sweet nectar flowing smoothly over his tongue.

Elena kept her gaze on her plate as she ate her dinner. Nevertheless, she was acutely aware of her husband watching her every move. Perhaps that was what made her so careless as she cut a piece of chicken. She gave a little cry of dismay when the knife slipped in her hand. Blood welled from the shallow cut, dripping down the blade onto her plate.

Drakeas nostrils flared as the scent of warm, fresh blood filled the air. Reaching across the table, he took Elenaas hand in his, lifted it to his lips, and licked the blood from the wound. Sweet, he mused, sweeter by far than the finest wine.

Elena gasped, startled by his action, and by the sensual heat that curled in the center of her being when his mouth closed around her finger. She had licked her own blood before. Who hadnat? It was a normal thing to do when one received a small cuta"a scratch from a thorn or some other minor injury. But to have someone else do it was oddly erotic and slightly repulsive at the same time.

After a last lick, Drake tore a strip from her napkin and wrapped it around her finger.

Murmuring her thanks, Elena stared at him. What kind of man had she married?

It was a question that continued to plague Elena later that night when she went to bed. Lying there, she relived the evening.

After dinner, she had removed her veil, and then she and Drake had danced to music provided by an old-fashioned music box. Elena had never considered herself to be much of a dancer, had never really enjoyed it very much, but all that changed when she was in Drakeas arms. His very nearness caused her whole body to hum with pleasure as they waltzed around the room. She followed his lead as if she had been doing it for years.

aI never knew dancing was so much fun,a she had remarked with a shy smile.

aNeither did I, until tonight, wife.a aYouare very light on your feet for such a big man.a He arched one brow. aDo you find that odd?a aWell, um, yes. I remember watching my uncle dance with my aunt when I was a little girl. He lumbered around the floor like a great clumsy bear.a aAnd did he roar, as well?a aOnly when he was angry,a she had replied with a grin. aAnd he was angry most of the time.a Laughing, Drake spun her around and around until she clung to him, breathless. And then he kissed her, ever so lightly.

Later, they had taken a walk under the stars. Standing in the shadows, with their arms around each other, she had marveled at the wonder of the stars that twinkled like tiny diamonds carelessly tossed across the vast black expanse of the heavens. He had pointed out the constellations. There was Andromeda, the princess; Ca.s.siopeia, the queen; Draco, the dragon, and Leo Minor.

Elenaas heart had skipped a beat when he drew her into his arms, there, in the drifting shadows of the night. She gazed up at him, bewitched by his nearness. Even though she couldnat see his face clearly, his eyes gleamed with an odd reddish glow in the moonas light. She could feel the tension in his arms as he pulled her closer. As he lowered his head to hers. As he claimed a kiss.

Her eyelids fluttered down as his mouth closed over hers. At his touch, the strength seemed to drain out of her legs, and she grasped hold of his biceps to steady herself; the muscles in his arms felt like iron beneath her fingertips.

His kiss went on and on and she leaned into him, hoping he would never take his mouth from hers.

She smothered a small cry of protest when he broke the kiss. She pressed her fingertips to her lips. She had no right to ask for more, shouldnat want more, not when she had insisted on a marriage in name only. Perhaps that had been a mistake.

Now, lying in bed, she stared up at the ceiling, confused by her yearning for a man she hardly knew. What was there about him that intrigued her so? That made her long for more than his kisses? Why did he refuse to dine with her? Where did he go during the day?

She was drifting, on the brink of sleep, when he slid into bed beside her.

Startled to full wakefulness, she sat up, the covers clutched to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. aWhat are you doing?a aThat should be obvious,a he replied.

a Yes, but . . . we . . . you . . .a aI am your husband. You are my wife. I promised not to consummate our marriage. I never promised not to share your bed, which is, after all, my bed.a She stared at him. Even though the room was dark, she could see that he was shirtless. Was he completely naked under the covers?

aGo to sleep, wife,a he said, and turned his back toward her.

She sat there a moment, her heart pounding. This was something she had not bargained for. Slowly, she slid under the covers, careful to avoid touching him. Turning onto her side, she closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.

Was he really naked?

She fought the temptation to ease her foot across the short s.p.a.ce between them and satisfy her curiosity. Oh, this was never going to work. How did he expect her to sleep when he was lying there beside hera"maybe stark nakeda"and taking up most of the bed?

She flopped over onto her stomach, opened her eyes just a bit, and glared at the back of his head. His hair was long and thick and black and straight. Ever so slowly, she eased one hand out from under the covers, and like a soldier sneaking across a battlefield, she inched her fingers toward a lock of his hair. It was remarkably soft. She jerked her hand away when he rolled over to face her. His eyes glinted in the darkness.

aWhat are you doing, wife?a She swallowed hard. aNothing.a aTurnabout is fair play.a aI donat know what you mean,a she replied indignantly.

aDo you not?a She stared at him, mute, as his fingers sifted through her hair.

aAnything else you would like to touch?a he asked.

With a shake of her head, she put her back to him again. Oh, but he was the most aggravating man!

Smiling inwardly, Drake closed his eyes and let himself disappear into the dark sleep of his kind.

Elena was surprised to find herself alone in bed when she awoke in the morning. Not exactly alone, she thought. The cat lay curled up on Drakeas pillow.

She lingered there for some time, contemplating the night past, recalling Drakeas kisses, the sensual heat that had flared between them. In spite of her insistence that they not make love, she couldnat stop wondering what it would be like to let him have his way with her. Would it be wonderful ? Or degrading? She supposed it all depended on who you talked to. There had been girls in school who claimed to enjoy it, girls who did it just to be popular, and girls who did it once and said it was disgusting. Maybe a girlas point of view depended on the guyas expertise.

Sighing, Elena stroked the catas head. At the first touch of her fingers on the animalas fur, her mind flooded with images of herself and Drake lying in each otheras arms, making love.

With a start, Elena jerked her hand away.

The cat purred loudly, its golden yellow eyes unblinking. And then it pushed its head under her hand.

aGo away!a Elena gave the cat a shove. aGo on! Get out of here!a With lazy grace, the cat hopped off the bed and padded silently out of the room.

Elena stared after the beast. What on earth had just happened?

Later, after breakfast, Elena decided she had been cooped up inside long enough. An earlier exploration of the castle had revealed a small door in the kitchen that led to a large garden surrounded by a high stone wall. The door creaked loudly, making her wonder how long it had been since anyone but herself had opened it.

Crossing the threshold, she stepped outside, then lifted her face to the sun. Its warmth felt wonderful on her skin and she stood there for several minutes, absorbing the warmth of the light, the chirping of the birds, the faint breeze that stirred the leaves of the trees.

A glance around showed the garden to be badly overgrown. A few primroses fought for survival in a forest of weeds. A small round fountain and a wrought-iron bench were almost completely hidden under a ma.s.s of tangled vines.

Her only experience with gardening was growing tomatoes and carrots in a small garden in her uncleas backyard, but she found work gloves and a pair of shears in a wooden shed and went to work with a vengeance. She worked steadily for two hours before taking a break. Stepping back, she removed the gloves and wiped the perspiration from her brow as she eyed her handiwork. With most of the weeds removed, she saw that a few daisies and daffodils bordered the primroses.

She regarded the weeds piled to one side. She would have to dispose of them, but not just now.

She sat in the shade of one of the trees for twenty minutes, then attacked the vines that shrouded the fountain and the bench. The vines proved to have very small, very sharp thorns. She let out a little yelp of pain when one of the nasty little spines sc.r.a.ped her arm, drawing blood.

As if attracted by the scent of it, Smoke appeared with a loud meow.

aWhat do you want?a Elena asked irritably. Sitting on the newly cleared bench, she pulled a tissue from the pocket of her jeans, but before she could wipe the blood away, the cat lapped at the thin line of crimson on her arm.

Horrified, Elena sprang to her feet. She was about to lash out at the animal when she realized that the pain was gone, the shallow cut was no longer bleeding, and the skin was, in fact, knitting together even as she watched.

She stared down at the big gray cat, who stared back at her. What kind of creature was it? Surely this was no ordinary cat.

Telling herself she was thirsty, she hurried into the kitchen, shutting the cat outside.

She paused a moment, her back to the door, the image of the cat licking her blood melding with a similar image of Drake doing the same thing.

Shaken, she went to the ice chest for a bottle of water, then made her way up the stairs to the main hall. With a shake of her head, she sank down on the sofa in front of the hearth, felt an odd foreboding when the cat padded into the room.

Jumping up on the back of the sofa, the cat purred loudly, then sat down and began to wash its paws.

Elena shivered as a chill ran down her spine. She had shut the cat up in the garden only moments ago. How had it gotten into the castle?

Chapter 7.

Knowing that Drake would appear with the coming of nightfall, Elena felt a growing sense of excitement as the shadows grew long. She was anxious to tell him about the odd behavior of the cat, curious to hear what Drakeas reaction would be.

But as she thought it over, she began to wonder if she had imagined the whole incident. After all, how could a catas tongue heal a sc.r.a.pe on her arm? But something had happened, because there were no scratches on her arm, nothing to show where the thorns had nicked her skin. There should have been something therea"a red line, a scab. Something. But her skin was smooth and clear.

She was still pondering how the animal had managed to get inside the castle when Smoke jumped off the sofa and ran out of the room.

With a shake of her head, Elena went down the stairs to the kitchen to prepare her evening meal, something simple tonight. Just a tuna sandwich, a bowl of tomato soup, and a gla.s.s of milk.