The Black Diamond (Black Diamond 2)

"We've only been traveling two hours," she announced. "That gives us more than enough time to rebuild the fire—several times, in fact."

Laughter rumbled from Julian's chest. "Are you going to be insatiable, my beautiful bride?"

"Would you mind?"

"I'll adjust—somehow." Julian tugged her into th

e circle of his arms. "Of course, we'll have to save our more inventive explorations for my bed, where I'll have room enough to fully enjoy you—in every way." He kissed her hair, traced the delicate column of her spine. "But I think we can find enough to keep us occupied. At least for the duration of our journey."

* * *

They arrived at Julian's Polperro manor in an utterly disheveled state—if the flustered expressions of the driver and footmen who saw them alight were any indication. Thankfully, the remaining servants were all abed, partly because the hour was late and partly because they'd been advised to make themselves scarce. Thus, no one else witnessed the newly married couple's less than conventional entrance.

Julian ushered Aurora straight to his bedchamber, along with the tantalizing promise that she could explore the manor to her heart's content—after he'd finished exploring her to his.

Aurora was more than happy to delay her explorations indefinitely.

Kicking off her slippers, she crawled onto the bed, eagerly awaiting their next foray into the exhilarating world of passion. As if on cue, her body registered a protest, the discomfort between her legs intensifying, the muscles in her limbs throbbing a dissent. Hell and damnation, she admonished herself, watching Julian cross over to the fireplace, stoke the flames a bit higher. A long, enticing night awaited—a night she refused to forego because of her own understandable but intolerable physical limitations.

Julian turned, his gaze sweeping over her, probing, astute. "Rest for a minute," he commanded gently. "I'll be right back."

Relieved for this opportunity to recoup her strength, Aurora complied, curling onto her side and wriggling about until she found a comfortable position.

She half-dozed. From a distance, she heard sounds, but their meaning didn't register until she felt Julian undress her, swing her into his arms. Then she blinked, glancing about, and realized with surprise that while she'd rested, he'd produced a large copper tub and filled it with pots of steaming water.

"In you go," Julian murmured, lowering her into the bath.

Aurora sighed with pleasure as the hot water washed over her, relaxing her cramped muscles and magically easing the soreness between her thighs.

"Better?" he asked.

"Heaven. How did you know?"

One dark brow rose. "How did I know? I'm the cause of those aches, remember? The man who just spent long hours ravaging his virgin bride in a cramped carriage."

A smug smile curved her lips. "I remember. I also remember doing my share of the ravaging."

"So you did." With a wicked grin, Julian began stripping off his clothes. "Nonetheless, the time has come to restore your poor battered body." So saying, he seized a bar of soap and stepped into the tub. "Of course you'll require a lady's maid to help you wash."

A giggle escaped Aurora's lips. "You're a very formidable lady's maid."

"Ah, but a very good one," he attested. "I'll make certain you're well scrubbed and thoroughly relaxed."

"Well scrubbed, perhaps. But thoroughly relaxed? That I doubt."

"Such a skeptic." Julian eased behind his wife, settling her between his legs, his back against the side of the tub, hers resting against his chest. "How's that?"

She sank against him. "Perfect. I apologize for doubting your abilities to soothe."

"Apology accepted. Now lie still." He massaged her shoulders, kneading the tension away in blissful, gradual increments.

Aurora made a soft appreciative sound, her eyes sliding shut as Julian worked his magic. Her body felt light, buoyant, all the stiffness and discomfort dwindling slowly away.

Long, languorous minutes passed, interrupted only by the sounds of rippling water.

Gradually Julian altered his approach, addressing the duties he'd vowed to perform. He lathered his hands, smoothing them up and down Aurora's arms. "Time to act the part of lady's maid. I'll begin with your arms."

A frisson of pleasure accompanied his every caress. "Mmm," Aurora murmured.