Slowly, like the rising sun at dawn, she realized what was happening to her. Curled in his lap before the fire with his hand inside her gown and his lips stealing kisses, she was becoming aroused. He took such deep pleasure from doing these things to her that she felt the power of her own femininity. Ada was rightit was possible to enjoy sensuality for its own sake. It was not lessened by the fact that you hated the man who aroused you; perhaps it was even heightened!

He was a bold and dominant man who would learn all the secrets of her body, but he could never learn the secrets of her mind. With firm yet tender hands, he pushed the gown from her shoulders, then shifted her slightly in his lap to pull it from her entirely.

She was quite breathless, and her breasts rose and fell temptingly from the delicate pink shift As his insistent hands removed the shift, she was aware of his sex, hard and throbbing against her bottom cheek. His hands did not stop until she sat nude upon his knee, save for her pink stockings and garters.

Ram stopped himself from thinking of the bed. He put an iron control upon the lust that demanded the drive and force of the dance of death. His urges were deeply sexual He wanted no handkerchief to tuck into his doublet, he wanted everything. He wanted her body and soul. He knew how to stoke the fires of desire by whispering wanton words into her ear as his hand stroked down across her hip and belly, seeking the scented, secret place that shielded her womans center.

She made a murmur of protest and closed her legs, denying him.

Hush love, tis easier tae get used tae my hand first.

Gently, he coaxed her legs apart long enough for him to slip his hand between Are yer curls as fiery down here?

he whispered, and suddenly she knew that between his legs would be blacker than soot Have ye any idea how often Ive pictured it nestled beneath yer fancy laces?

She hid her face against the hollow of his throat and knew her continual blushes secretly amused him. He slipped a finger inside her, and she gasped at the intrusion.

She hesitated, thinking such a thing was shameless, then gave way, knowing Black Ram Douglas would always take exactly what he wanted. The damnable part of it was he made her want it too! He stroked and circled, feather-light, until her core was afire. You must stop, she whispered.

Nay, if I stopped it would leave ye yearning and unsatisfied. Your body as well as mine has needs. This is just a little foreplay tae heighten our desire for each other. If we play out the game of love tae its natural conclusion, yell experience fulfillment. Give yerself up tae me, and Ill guide ye along the path tae paradise.

She lifted her face from his throat and looked deeply into his eyes. She saw herself there and thought, I am already a part of him. He needs me now and forever. I must become like a narcotic to him so that when I withdraw, he will die of it.

As their eyes locked together, an innate knowledge came to her. She would not give in too soon or too easily, but when she did she would hold back nothing.

She would not met him halfway, she would go all the way. It would be unconditional surrender; it would be cataclysmic!

He lifted her against his heart and carried her to the bed.

He laid her upon the golden lynx fur and stood at the foot of the bed gazing enraptured at the velvety texture of her skin against the fur. She lifted her feet playfully and rested them against the great slabs of hard muscle on his wide chest.

With teasing hands he peeled one stocking and garter from her leg, then in no hurry at all to remove the other, erotically threaded his fingers through her fiery red triangle until she arched into his hand. Naked, beneath his hot gaze, she was provocative. She could not help herself! She slid over onto her stomach and rubbed her tingling mons into the soft fur. Her uninhibited behavior was making him wild. Her hair spilled across the golden lynx in a shimmering torrent, and he tore at his clothes to rid himself of the impediment.

He ached with the need to cover her naked body with his, to feel the soft silken curves along the whole, hard length of him. He straddled her, his iron-hard thighs, enfolding her softness. He lifted her hair and trailed kisses all the way down her spine. His hands slipped beneath her to cup her breasts. Turn to face me, he demanded.

No, she teased, and rubbed her cheek into the luxurious fur. Your pelt is not so soft.

By God, its not soft ye want! he said hoarsely.

She moved her bum evocatively against his groin and experienced a thrill of pleasure when he moaned. Her power over him was growing. He bent to her ear. Are ye afraid tae see me?

She was, a little, but this only heightened her excitement. She decided to admit it. I think I am afraid. Im not ready to let you go further.

I only want tae kiss ye, he promised, and the magic words did the trick. She turned over, and her golden eyes devoured him. His skin was smooth, tanned a dark, swarthy copper. A heavy black pelt covered his powerful chest. He reminded her of a satyr. She dared not glance at the upright evidence of his manhood and slipped her arms about his neck to bring his mouth down to hers.

He could deny his hunger no longer. His kisses were not leisurely nowthey were hot and demanding, taking not giving. They were ravenous, smoldering, and savage. Her own kisses grew in intensity. They were wicked and scandalous, erotic, yearning, yielding.

His tongue plunged in to take all her sweetness, and she opened to him, allowing him to plunder her mouth, ravishing her as surely as he had before, only this time he had her consent. They were both lost to reason. She lay trembling in the furs, sensual and ripe.

He did as his dark, sensual nature compelled him to do.

He despised caution, thought it showed a miserly attitude to life. The head of his shaft glistened with the sheer drops of his bodys lubrication. He opened the tiny folds between her legs, took hold of his manroot and rubbed her cleft to moisten it, then he plunged in and saw her eyes dilate with pleasure-pain. When one jumps across a deep chasm, it is better to do it in one bold leap than two.

For one agonizing moment she thought he had done it to her again, but by sheer force of will she gave herself up to him. He branded her insides so erotically, she screamed from excitement. Together they were like fire and ice, love and hate, life and death. Deep spiraling sensations blotted out all words, all thoughts for both of them. He made love like a whirlwind, like a storm raging in the Atlantic.

Their senses reeled, built then shattered, over and over, like waves tossing high, before they pounded the shore.

Their coming together was too intense, too consuming to be drawn out. Their cries and their mouths and their fulfillment mingled together in a feral explosion. His look was so fierce, she wondered if he hated her. The Douglas passion unleashed was devastating. Suddenly she burst into tears.

Instantly he was contrite, cradling her. Honeylamb, did I hurt ye?

Yes no, she whispered.

He stroked her hair and her back tenderly. Im sorry. Was it still lifes greatest disappointment for ye?

She lifted her face and sought his eyes. Her eyelashes were spiked with tears, and her hair tumbled in wild disarray. No, it was like a revelation.

He hugged her to him and began to laugh with relief. It was contagious. Suddenly Tina was laughing through her tears. She didnt know why exactly, except perhaps in the game of war in which men and women engaged, she was no longer the victim, but the victor.

He was reluctant to part with her, so they lay curled together beneath the furs. She had a great curiosity about his body and its workings, but she would save her explorations for next time, when some of her shyness had vanished.

He dipped his head to kiss her good night and murmured, Honeypot. She stiffened, for he had hurled the promiscuous name at her with contempt in the past.

His arms tightened. My honeypot, he emphasized. God help him, he already wanted to take her again. But he curbed his lust. She was in wonder over what had happened between them, and he would not spoil it for her for anything on earth. Tomorrow well ride tae Solway Firth, and Ill make a sailor of ye.

Chapter 22.

When she awoke in the big bed, she was alone.

She sat up and blinked in disbelief that it was morning.

How could she have slept so soundly in the same bed with a strange man? And that man her enemy!

She was relieved that Ram Douglas was not there with his dark, intense eyes to watch her rise, yet at the same time she experienced a sense of loss. When she threw back the fur and swung her legs from the bed, she blushed to see that all she wore was one stocking. It felt even more scandalous than sleeping nude.

Ada was ready with her bath. She cast her an anxious glance. Are you all right, Tina? I heard you screaming in the night, but I didnt dare to come in.

Scream? Tina repeated blankly, then her cheeks suffused with pink as she recalled how vocal both of them had been. The corners of her mouth lifted. It must have been Douglas when I gave him the coup declat.

Ada knew it was when Ram had given her the coup depe e, or swordthrust, but she decided the moment called for a little discretion.

As she stepped from the water, Tina said, He said something about riding to the Solway. Probably wants to get a good look at the Kennedy land Ive brought him along the River Dee and gloat over it.

Gavin and Drummond Douglas had returned in the night. They had anchored in the Dee, not seven miles away. Tina breakfasted alone and hoped she kept Hotspur waiting, but when she finally emerged into the bailey, she saw that no sign of impatience marred his dark brow. When his eyes swept over her, she felt beautiful.

A man-at-arms held Indigo for her, and as she mounted and rode forward, she was amazed that her mare touched noses with Ruffian, who though beautiful was a vicious creature, untamed except to one mans hand.

Ram felt the warmth of the radiant smile Valentina gave his brother Gavin like a twist in his gut. She steeled herself against Rams teasing, fully expecting him to banter and make her blush about what had taken place between them.

Ye were right about yer French chef. I never tasted anything like that salmon before.

She gave him a bewitching look from beneath her lashes and said, I thought the dessert was spectacular.

The look he gave her was so intense and forbidding, she realized that whatever had happened between them was absolutely inviolate. Whatever happened in the privacy of their bedchamber would never be referred to in public. Against her volition, her opinion of him rose a notch.

She cleared her throat and changed the subject. My mare Indigo is suddenly accepting Ruffian.

When I had her in my possession, I hope he served her as stud. She could be in foal, he speculated.

Suddenly she was blazing mad. His bloody stallion had spoiled her lovely Barbary, and he sounded damned pleased about it! Why did he think he could take whatever he fancied? Hed gotten possession of Indigo again through her, and now hed own the colt too! She rode in angry silence then raised her eyes to look across the River Dee and saw the land hed snatched from her. Your Douglas land on the far side of the river is far superior to the Douglas land on this side.

He cocked an eyebrow and corrected her. Yonder is still Kennedy land. I hold it in yer name until we are wed.

Well never be wed, she vowed silently.

The Douglas ship that Drummond captained, the Antigone, lay at anchor in Kirkcudbright Bay. The posse of men drew rein, and Ramsay invited, Come aboard, my lady, and choose a gift brought back from Flanders.

Although Tina was mollified, she chalked up two more black marks against him for the time when she would even the score. She loved ships and all things nautical but had never been allowed to indulge her passion, even though her father owned a fleet of merchant vessels.

Though Ram handed her aboard, he summoned Colin to look after her needs while he went to the forecastle with Drummond and Gavin. Tina was enchanted with the cargo. There were bolts of cloth, everything from fine wool to shimmering brocade. A shipment of tapestries caught her fancy. One in particular, depicting a tawny-coated lynx with its short tail, long legs, and silky ruff on each side of its face, appealed to her most.

It would look spectacular hung above their bed at Castle Douglas.

Colin rolled it up for her. He was happy that Drummond had remembered to bring him a fresh supply of oil paints, pigments, and canvases from Holland. To get into the aft holds required first going up on deck, and as she glimpsed Ramsay, she saw he was grim-faced and having a most serious discussion with his men She did not question Colin, though she was curious. The Douglases were clannish, and she wanted no tales carried back to Ram about her unseemly interest in their affairs.

Before she went down into the hold, her nose told her the Antigone had brought back spices. Mr. Burque would never forgive her if she did not acquire a little of each for him She knew the spices were not native to Flanders or HollandColin explained they were from the Indy Islands, owned by the Dutch. There was nutmeg with its distinct piquant aroma, and pepper, which tickled the nose and produced sneezing. Then there were cloves that she knew cured toothache and were so precious, they were doled out one at a time.

Cinnamon had by far the nicest aroma and the sweetest taste, but ginger too was delicious.

After she had examined and smelled all the different spices she began all over again with the perfumes. The oils and musk had been distilled from exotic plants and barks, then in Flanders they had been mixed with poppy and freesia and lily that grew so abundantly in the fields.

Tina chose a fragrance that was a mixture of spice and freesia, with only a hint of musk. Most of the perfumes were too heavy and cloying for her taste.

At last Ram was ready to disembark, but Drummond stayed aboard and some of Rams moss-troopers stayed behind with him. Gavin, however, stayed at his brothers side, and as they remounted their horses, Tina heard Ram say, Wait until ye see her. Sleekest lines Ive ever seen. Nothing will be able to catch her.

The Douglas rode up beside Tina. Did ye find something ye fancied, lass?

Everything! I chose a jewel-toned velvet from a place called Veere, and I begged spices for Mr. Burque. Hell be able to make gingerbread.

Did he ever bake ye a gingerbread man? Ram asked indulgently.

Oh yes, they are the best kind of man to have. Always sweet and silent, and if they give you trouble, you can bite their heads off.

He laughed with her. He had begun to enjoy the little barbs she threw his way. There were a lot of things he was beginning to like about her that had once annoyed the very devil out of him, but that was before she belonged to him. Now he admired her wildness, and the way she rode rather than needing a carriage. The way she let the wind stream through her hair to show it off to the world. The way she wore fine jewels and gowns so elegantly, as vain as any French courtesan. But most of all he liked the reckless way she threw herself into lovemaking, holding nothing back, giving all. A small voice warned him, Dont let her think she has you on a string.

They rode west to Wigtown Bay, where several ships rode at anchor. The Valentina, however, stood out like a jewel. She had been built for speed, so her lines were sleek, and like her namesake she was most pleasing to the eye. She was all white and gold, glittering in the afternoon sun.

Tina had deeply conflicting emotions when she saw the ship. She was proud of the Kennedy vessel that had been named for her, yet a wave of resentment washed over her that her father had used it to bribe Douglas to take her. If she felt resentment toward her father, it was unadulterated black hatred she felt toward Hotspur Douglas at that moment.

As he admired the ship, she noticed, his eyes had the same possessive look as when he looked at her.

Though it was not her ship, had never been her ship, in that moment she wanted to own it. She decided to try her power over him. There is one more present I would have from you this day, she said prettily.

Name it, he said low, his voice almost a caress.

The Valentina she said, nodding toward the ship.

His face hardened. For once yer sense of humor doesnt amuse me. Come, Ill take ye aboard.

Hold! she cried, raising her voice for all to hear. Tis still Kennedy property until I formally turn it over to you. I shall take you aboard.

He cocked a black eyebrow but held his peace. They dismounted, and all crowded into a great longboat and took their seats at the oars. With a solemn countenance, he handed her an oar. Proceed.

A look of dismay came into her face as she glanced down at her expensive sky-blue riding dress, but as she looked up, she saw him exchange a wink with his men.

Her resolve hardened. Be damned, she said, and pulling her riding gloves from her belt, she jerked them on and picked up the oar.

He had not expected this reaction. He laughed and said, Give me the oarI was teasing ye.

Her golden eyes narrowed. Ill row this damned boat if its the last thing I ever do!

Yer almost as stubborn as me, he mused.

She was so inept, she only hindered the men in their rowing, but when the boat pulled alongside the graceful ship and the Douglas men climbed the rope ladder to the deck, at least a dozen hands reached down to aid her aboard, and she felt warmed by the grins of approval the dark-visaged Douglases bestowed upon her.

The Valentina had only a skeleton crew of Kennedys, and Tina marched straight to the forecastle. She recognized the men aboard as her brother Donals men and spoke up immediately Fetch me the logbook, she ordered, and the wind whipped her hair and lifted her blue skirt playfully to show her legs and undergarments.

While a Kennedy seaman hurried below for the log, Tina stood facing Ramsay, her chin high and her eyes blazing. The long minutes stretched out, while all his moss-troopers stood enjoying their confrontation When the log was handed to her, with great ceremony she held it out to him. The lady is in your hands, Lord Douglas. Though she has beautiful lines, she isnt as easily handled as you presume Her look was triumphant, and none present missed the double entendre.

As her new master, I can assure ye she will never be in better hands.

She bit her lip Damn the arrogant swinemust he always top her? I hope you can read storm clouds, she warned.

When it storms at sea, I am in my element. I only hope ye are aware of how violent it can be.

Should she heed his warning or accept his challenge?

As she stared into those pewter eyes, she had a moment of misgiving and decided upon the former. With a shrug of her shoulder and a rueful little smile she said, Your hospitality is shamefully lacking to keep me standing here, freezing to death.

Ill take ye below and warm ye up, he murmured in her ear.