Notorious by Virginia Henley Page B

would be her last morning at Hedingham. After the noon meal, her father and brother were returning to Flamstead Castle while she and her mother were off to Windsor.
    Brianna had promised Lincoln Robert that she would ride out with him before she left, so that they could enjoy a private farewell. When she arrived at the stable, she heard laughter and identified the voices of her betrothed and his brother Jamie.
    â€œThere’s one sure way to make Brianna beg to marry you long before she turns eighteen,” young de Warenne declared.
    â€œAnd what might that be, genius?”
    â€œGet her with child, of course.”
    Brianna was stunned at the blunt advice she had inadvertently overheard. She wanted to slap the young devil’s face.
    â€œMy own thought exactly!” Lincoln replied, laughing.
    Very bloody funny, I don’t think! She turned on her heel and left the stable, but halfway across the courtyard she saw the humor in the situation. They’d die of chagrin if they knew I’d overheard them. She wasn’t naive enough to think males didn’t discuss sexual matters; it was likely their favorite topic. Upon reflection she decided to return to the stables. This time, however, she made enough noise to alert them.
    Lincoln Robert came to greet her immediately. “Good morning, sweetheart. I’ve saddled Venus for you.”
    â€œHow thoughtful you are. Good morning, Jamie. It does my heart good to see brothers get along so well. Why don’t you join us on our ride? Lincoln and I would both enjoy your company.”
    Jamie glanced at his brother. “I don’t think—”
    â€œI insist…I won’t take no for an answer.” She watched the smile leave Lincoln’s face, and hid her amusement.
    â€œI’m afraid I must decline, Brianna. Father will have my scalp if I run off and—”
    â€œOh, go on…I’m jesting, for God’s sake. As if we want a chaperone along to observe our tender good-byes.”
    He laughed with relief and left them to their own devices.
    â€œYou should have seen your face. It turned dark as a thundercloud. I was only teasing.” She licked her lips. “I enjoy teasing you, Lincoln.”
    When he lifted her into the saddle, she gave him a provocative, come-hither look. “Catch me if you can.”
    By the time he finished saddling his own mount, she was out of sight. He didn’t catch up with her until he reached the orchard.
    Brianna dismounted and reached up to pick an apple. The one she wanted was beyond her reach, so she climbed into the tree. “I forwent breakfast this morning, so we could ride out together.” She picked two apples and bit into one with gusto.
    Lincoln was out of the saddle in a flash. He came to the tree and lifted his arms in invitation.
    Brianna took another bite and slowly licked the juice from her lips as she contemplated his invitation. Without warning, she sprang down into his arms and her momentum carried them sprawling to the ground. Lincoln rolled until he was in the dominant position. She held out the other apple and murmured seductively, “The woman tempted me.”
    He covered her mouth with his and kissed her hungrily. He was fully aroused and pressed his hard erection into her soft belly. He lifted his mouth from hers and gazed down at her with speculative eyes, as she lay supine between his thighs.
    â€œThere’s one sure way to make me beg to become your wife,” she whispered temptingly. “Make love to me and get me with child.”
    Lincoln groaned and sat up. “Christ, Brianna, you heard us talking in the stables this morning.”
    â€œIndeed I did, Lincoln Robert de Warenne. And I hereby give you fair warning that I have more good sense than to allow you to seduce me.” Her eyes sparkled wickedly. “For at least another year,” she added saucily.
    When she made no move to get up, he leaned back over her.