A Bought Bride Read online

  “Quinton, could we give them a little money? I promise to take it out of my bank account if you’ll lend me a couple of hundred,” Jillian whispered to him as the couple was engrossed with each other for a moment.

  He stared at her wondering what kind of woman he’d married. Was she always this freehearted? He wasn’t used to this, but for some reason he couldn’t say no to her. He took a wad of bills out of his pocket and peeled off five one hundred dollar bills. “Is that enough?”

  “That’s wonderful, Quinton. Thank you.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You give it to the man. It’ll mean more coming from you.”

  When the two couples left the chapel Jillian gave them both a big hug. “Be happy and take care of your baby.”

  “Oh we plan to. If it’s a girl, I’m going to name her Jillian after you.”

  “That’s sweet. I hope you have a wonderful life together.”

  “We will, and thank you again.” The man looked at Quinton as if he was some kind of god. “I thought we’d have to sleep in the car tonight, but now we can go out of town a ways and find a cheap motel. I want to save most of this money for the baby, but I also want to spend a night in a motel with my new wife.”

  Quinton didn’t have any idea why he did what he did next, but on impulse he told the couple to follow the limousine back to the luxury hotel.

  * * * *

  When they were in their suite, Quinton looked at Jillian and smiled. “That went well.”

  “Did you think I’d back out?” She smiled back at him.

  He cocked an eyebrow. “I wasn’t sure what you’d do. You keep surprising me, and you’ve been tense ever since we left.”

  “You couldn’t expect me not to be nervous. I can’t believe I went through with it. Now I wonder why I did.” She shrugged. “I guess you’re a very persuasive man.”

  “I’ve been accused of that.”

  Quinton watched her walk to the chair near the long window and sit down. She did look lovely. If she turned out to be as nice as she looked, he didn’t think being married to her would be a bad chore at all. Especially since he knew he could get out of it in a year. He wondered how quickly he could get her in bed to see how she passed the marriage test. To him the way a woman acted in bed was the real test of the power she had to keep him interested. So far, since his first wife’s death, nobody had been able to hold him for more than a couple of years. And it wasn’t from his lack of trying. Quinton had loved many women in the twenty-three years his first wife had been gone.

  He smiled to himself. Tonight was going to be interesting. He wondered if Jillian would be stiff and indifferent. Would she be wild and emotional? Would she be cold or would she be a warm and gentle lover? Or would she refuse to have sex tonight?

  His mind shifted. Maybe it would be best if we didn’t do it tonight. It might be better if we put if off a few days. Maybe on the honeymoon.

  He looked at her again.

  She was looking at the flickering lights in the semi-darkness as they danced and glowed with every color in an artist pallet. They cast a pink glow in the room and settled around her as an aura. She had shapely legs and a decent figure, but it was those breasts that intrigued him. He was anxious to see them without a covering.

  He wondered what she was thinking, but he didn’t ask. Instead he said, “They’ve left champagne here on ice for us. Would you like some?”

  “That’d be nice.” She watched him as he walked to the table and picked up the bottle. “You’re an amazing man, Quinton.”

  He was startled by her words. “Why do you say that?”

  “I can’t believe you set the young Mr. and Mrs. Reid up for a three day honeymoon here in this hotel.”

  “He said three days were all he could get off work.” He gave her an innocent smile. He didn’t want to admit he couldn’t believe he’d done it either. He didn’t usually do that sort of thing. The only way he ever helped people was by writing a check. Must have taken the lead from her generosity to the couple.

  He wasn’t about to tell her he’d told the man that if things got too rough for them at home, to look him up and he’d find him a job. He didn’t know why he did that either.

  The cork popped and he filled the fluted glasses. Taking the chair opposite her, he held out his glass and said, “To you, Mrs. Quinton Kincade. I’m going to try to make sure you don’t regret your decision to marry me.”

  “And I hope you feel you’ve chosen the right woman. Despite our unusual wedding, if you’ll let me know what you expect, I’ll try to be the kind of wife you want me to be.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure you’ll be worth all the money it’s costing me.” He knew he’d said the wrong thing when he saw a flash of hurt flicker across her eyes. She didn’t reply.

  He could kick himself. Why did he remind her she was a bought bride? She’d been nothing but cooperative and she deserved to be treated with the same courtesy.

  “Thank you for marrying me, Jillian. I’ll try to be as good of a husband as I can be.”

  She gave him a faint smile and nodded.

  They sipped their champagne and he changed the subject. “I’m getting hungry, but unless you want to, I’d rather not go out.”

  “I don’t mind staying in.”

  “How about we order room service?”

  “That would be lovely.”

  After ordering the meal, Quinton suggested they get into comfortable clothes. He thought Jillian looked pretty in her wedding dress. Now he wanted to see how she looked out of it. He wondered what kind of sleepwear she brought. He hoped she had a sexy nightgown because he was anxious to see how his straight-laced new bride looked in something sexy. He was also anxious to find out if those breasts of hers were real. It then occurred to him she was probably the kind to bring granny gowns, even though he knew she had some sexy sleepwear in her closet at home. He found that out when she was investigated, but for this trip, she might have felt safer in the granny ones, even if they were trimmed in pink bows and had a little lace here and there.

  He could tell she was hesitant when she stood, but she took night clothes out of her suitcase and went into the large bathroom. She was gone a long time and he thought about this marriage. So far he was pleased with the way she’d been so cooperative. If it would only continue for the next twelve months, things would work out fine for both of them.

  He shrugged. He knew he’d told her they had to sleep together at least once, but he changed his mind about waiting for the honeymoon cruise. Might as well get it over with tonight. If I enjoy it, we’ll do it again sometime. If not, at least the stores will be mine. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll do a quickie and get it over with. Then I won’t have to worry about what she thinks. It’ll be a done deal.

  When Jillian finally reappeared she was wearing a classic white silk robe with a yellow embroidered rose on the lapel and a yellow sash around the waist. He figured her gown was yellow. At least it wasn’t a granny style because he could see her throat and part of the skin on her chest. He also noticed it was silk. He liked the feel of silk.

  Without commenting on her outfit, he excused himself and changed into navy silk pajamas and matching robe. As he was coming back into the room, there was a knock on the door.

  “Room Service.”

  He opened the door and the white-coated waiter rolled the cart to the table at the window. When Quinton added a tip and signed the ticket, the waiter’s eyes got big. “Thank you, sir.”

  Quinton nodded and turned to Jillian. “Shall we see if we got what we ordered?”

  “I hope we did. I’m kind of hungry.”

  The food was superb, but they ate in almost silence. Quinton’s mind was running all kinds of scenarios in his head. He was sure Jillian was doing the same thing.

  Chapter 8

  She knew he’d said he wouldn’t rush her, but did he mean it? From the way he’d arranged the wedding, she was sure he was a man who got what he wanted, when he wanted it. She was equal
ly sure he’d insist they consummate the marriage tonight. Would he be gentle? Would he only be interested in his own pleasure? Could they put this off until a little later? Did he even want to make love to her at all or was he doing it because of the will? Then she smiled to herself. Of course it was because of the will, and she knew whatever, or whenever it happened, it only had to take place one time.

  “What are you thinking?” His deep voice gave her a start.

  “Nothing, why?” She blushed.

  “You were smiling. I thought maybe you liked the food or you remembered something pleasant.”

  “I think I’m a little nervous.”

  He grinned at her. “Maybe you need to be.”

  Not sure if he was teasing, or if his words were a threat, she didn’t answer, but continued to nibble at her lobster.

  After they finished eating and he sat back with a cup of coffee, Jillian stood and walked to the window. She knew she’d agreed to be his wife in more than name only, and the time had come. What was she going to do now? Her mind raced, and to put the inevitable off as long as possible, she muttered, “The lights are awesome. I never dreamed it would look like this.”

  * * * *

  “This city never sleeps.” Quinton set his cup on the table, stood, then walked up beside her. “Have you never been here before?”

  “No. Have you?”

  “A few times.” He smiled at her. “I like this city.”

  “Do you always stay in this beautiful hotel?”

  “Most of the time.” For some reason he didn’t want to admit he’d been in this hotel many times and with many different women. And of course, there was no way he’d ever let her know he was here a few months ago, and had spent most of his time in the room with Maddie. He glanced around trying to remember if this had been the suite. He didn’t think it was, but he couldn’t be sure.

  Damn. I should have made a reservation at a different place. What if somebody here remembers me here with Maddie? Jillian has been nothing but kind. She needs to be treated at least a little better than my whore. He shrugged. It was too late to think of this now.

  For several minutes they stood side by side in silence. In that time, he decided he was going to give Jillian his full attention while they were on their honeymoon. He wouldn’t take any calls and he’d make sure she was entertained the same as if they were an actual loving couple who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. He’d also be sure their sex life was one she would enjoy and get pleasure from. Of course the sex would be pleasurable for him. No matter how she reacted, he could make it good.

  He touched her arm. “I know it’s still early here, but it’s after midnight at home. I’m tired and ready to go to bed. How about you?”

  She didn’t answer, only nodded and bit her lip. He went on. “Then shall we retire?”

  * * * *

  She turned toward him. Could she dare ask him to wait a few nights to consummate the marriage? Would a day or two matter to him? What if he got mad? Maybe she better not risk it. “I suppose I’m ready.”

  They walked to the bed in silence. She glanced at him. “Which side do you prefer?”

  He didn’t hesitate. “The right.”

  Without speaking she moved to the left of the bed. She watched as he took off his robe and tossed it on a chair. With her heart pounding, she untied her sash and removed her robe. She couldn’t help wondering why she bought this outfit. The gown was a soft yellow and had a bodice of sheer lace. She knew her nipples were visible and there was a side split from the hem to the waist which made her feel exposed. Hurriedly she slipped into the king-sized bed and pulled the sheet around her shoulders.

  Quinton snapped off the light, and she felt the bed move as he climbed in beside her. The pink glow in the room from the outside lights made it possible to see fairly well. Because she didn’t want to see what was coming, she closed her eyes and hoped he didn’t want her to do anything kinky. She also hoped he’d get it over with in a hurry. Roman never bothered to mess around before sex. He was what everyone referred to as a “wham bam, thank you ma’am” man. When it was over for him, he’d always turn his back to her and go to sleep, leaving her frustrated and sad. At least she was used to that.

  She felt Quinton’s hand on her shoulder then he slid his arm around her and pulled her to him. She clamped her teeth together and didn’t resist. She waited for him to roll on top of her and get down to business.

  She was surprised when he began stroking her shoulder and whispered, “I know you’re nervous, Jillian. I’m not going to rush you.” He pulled her head to his shoulder and slipped his arm behind her neck. “Relax.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “I know and I’m willing to give you time.”

  She felt him bury his face in her hair. She whispered, “Thank you.”

  “I like your nightgown. I think it’s perfect for a wedding night.”

  She didn’t answer and he went on, saying, “It’ll look perfect on the floor beside the bed.”

  She stiffened as she felt his hand push the spaghetti strap off her shoulder. Oh, Lord, he wants me naked. Roman never cared what I had on as long as he could get between my legs. What do I do now?

  Quinton must have sensed her hesitation because he stopped pushing the straps down. “Do you feel more comfortable with your gown on?” She nodded.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” she managed to say.

  He moved his hand from her shoulder to her breast. “Nice,” he whispered as he began kissing her ear and down her neck.

  In spite of her nervousness, his lips felt soft and gentle on her skin. She began to have twinges in her body. Twinges she’d never had before. She didn’t understand it. Roman had never made her have twinges.

  Quinton didn’t stop kissing her neck as he slipped his arm from behind her head and leaned over her.

  Here it comes. He’ll put it in me and then it’ll be over soon. Oh, I hope it doesn’t hurt. It’s been a long time since Roman.

  But he only slid the top of her gown down and his kisses trailed down her throat, then he was kissing her breasts. Her heart began to beat faster. She couldn’t believe he was doing this. She’d only read about this kind of sex in a few romance novels. She figured men didn’t actually do this to a woman. Especially the women they were married to. Didn’t all they want to do was release the buildup in their loins then go to sleep? Wasn’t the sensual part reserved for the loose women her mother warned her about?

  Again her thoughts stopped as he gently began kissing his way back to her mouth. Her breath was getting harder to control as he slid his tongue between her lips and danced it around her teeth. She didn’t know what to do. In all her years, no man had ever kissed her like this. Some instinct made her open her teeth and she let her tongue wrap itself around his as they began a dance of love.

  Jillian was conscious of the fact that his hand found the slit in the gown and there was no more satin material between his hand and her skin. His palms were big and she felt as if her skin was beginning to burn from the inside of her body everywhere he touched.

  He explored her side, her stomach and then was on her breast again. All the time, his kisses were making her want this to go on and on. “Are you sure you don’t want to get rid of the nightgown?” he whispered as he pulled his mouth away from hers.

  “Okay,” she mumbled.

  He pulled the gown over her head and tossed it to the floor. Quickly he unbuttoned his pajama top and sent it to lay with her gown. Jillian wasn’t sure when he discarded the bottoms, but she knew they were gone because she felt his naked hardness against her leg when he pulled her back into his arms.

  Then he was kissing her again. She put her arms around his neck and hoped he didn’t mind. For some reason she wanted to pull him as close to her as she could get him. She didn’t understand this at all. In the years she was married to Roman, all she ever wanted to do was get sex over with and go to sleep. Now here she was hoping this stra
nge man would continue to love her like this all night.

  Again he leaned over her. She reached up, touched his chest, and had to take a deep breath when she felt the soft dark hair there. Roman didn’t have more than a dozen hairs there, and for some reason she thought what was on Quinton made him more intriguing and exciting.

  He began to explore her body again and she slipped her hand to his head. She ran her fingers through his thick hair and let out an uncontrollable moan. Nothing had ever affected her like this man. Certainly nothing to do with sex.

  This was something she’d never experienced before and she felt herself about to go over the edge. Why had nobody ever told her sex could be like this?

  Then he moved on her and she didn’t mind his weight, she didn’t mind anything. This was like nothing she’d ever known before, and she knew if she died at this moment she’d die happy. She put her arms around him and pulled him as close as she could. She wanted to feel his chest pressing against her breasts. She wanted to get as close to him as possible. Instinct made her lock her legs around his. When she knew there could be no more pleasure she reached a peak that seemed to melt them together. She let out a little scream as he moaned and collapsed.

  For a moment they didn’t move then he rolled to his side, pulling her with him. They were both panting and gasping for breath. Finally after a short silence he whispered, “That was wonderful, Jillian.”

  “Yes,” was all she could say. She was still trying to comprehend if this was the way sex was supposed to be between a man and his wife, or if Quinton knew some magic that other men didn’t know.

  * * * *

  Quinton was surprised but pleased by Jillian’s reaction to their first sex act. He’d expected her to be stiff and passive. And at first she had been. He could have handled that, but when she began to respond, his plan to do it and get it over with failed completely. Her body’s responses forced his to respond in the same way. Though he’d made love with his share of women, he was stunned by the discovery that this was one of the most pleasant sexual experiences he’d had in a long time.