Sensual Danger (Venice Vampyr #4)

A husband—she’d never wanted one. She’d seen too many of the women she’d grown up with stuck in arranged marriages with older men in order to save their family’s waning fortune. She’d prayed to escape the same fate, but alas, her prayers had not been answered.

Now all she could do was bear her lot. But this didn’t mean that she would make it easy for her new husband. She could brush him off as if he were merely a dust particle on her pristine white gloves and make certain that after a few unsatisfying nights in her bed, he would seek his pleasures elsewhere. Maybe she should suggest he take a mistress so he wouldn’t bother her with his carnal desires. It was the best solution for both of them. After all, he’d agreed to marry her without even seeing her. It confirmed that he was only interested in the house, not in her. Surely, an arrangement by which he wouldn’t be encumbered by her presence, nor feel obligated to perform any marital duties, would suit him just as much as it suited her.

“ . . . by the power vested in me by God, I pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest suddenly said. “You may kiss the bride.”

For the first time, Oriana lifted her head and turned it toward the man standing next to her. Shock made her rock back on her heels, almost robbing her of her balance. The man she’d exchanged vows with only seconds earlier wasn’t at all what she’d expected.

He was young, perhaps only five to seven years older than herself. And handsome—extraordinarily handsome. Instantly her mouth went dry and her stomach quivered. Why had this man married her? Why would he possibly marry a woman he’d never seen? Something had to be wrong with him.

But she couldn’t continue her thought process, because her husband stepped closer, bringing his head close to hers. His eyes locked with hers, and the brilliant green in them struck her, sending another flutter through her core. She’d never been one to faint, had always despised the debutantes who did so at the slightest provocation, but now she herself felt as if her knees would give way at any moment.

Yet, she knew she wouldn’t fall because Nicholas Angelotti, the man who was now her husband, laid his hands on her waist and drew her against his body. His lips parted. Then he pressed them onto her mouth, kissing her softly.

She inhaled his masculine scent, drawing it into her body, opening her mouth in the process. As if seeing this as an invitation, she felt his warm tongue slide over her lips, licking gently before dipping inside her. It took her by surprise, so much so, that she instinctively gripped his shoulders. But instead of pushing him away from her, she pulled him closer.

Like a wanton woman, she tilted her head to the side, allowing him deeper access. A moan came over his lips as he danced with her tongue and explored her. She should be ashamed of herself for allowing him such liberties, but her body didn’t react to her commands. His kiss was passionate and seductive. It was indecent! Did all husbands kiss their wives like this? Her female friends had never mentioned anything like it. No, this was all wrong. She had to stop this. But her lips continued responding to him, relishing the firm pressure with which he captured her mouth, the seductive slide of his tongue and the sinful way with which his hands burned through her gown.

When the clearing of several throats entered her consciousness, he finally released her.

“Oriana, my sweet wife,” he said for all to hear. Then he bent to her ear and whispered, “I promise you, our wedding night will be more passionate—and last much longer.”

She gasped for air, shocked at his insinuation. At the same time, heat rose to her cheeks, making them burn as if somebody had doused her with scalding hot water.

“Signore!” was all she could exclaim.

When he pulled his head back to look at her, he smiled knowingly.

Outraged at his arrogance, she pressed her lips together. If he thought he could simply waltz into her life and turn her into a quivering female who would bend to his will, she would show him!





4


Nico couldn’t wait to see the back of his wedding guests as he ushered them out the door. Unfortunately they had taken their time and lingered after the ceremony, accepting the beverages his new father-in-law had offered. But finally, after what seemed like an eternity, not only his friends but also Oriana’s father had departed with his dreaded footman. Only the second footman, a maid, and the cook remained in the house.

In effect, he was alone with his wife.

Oriana took his proffered arm, and he led her to the stairs. Her face remained expressionless, and he could only imagine that she was afraid of what would happen in the marriage bed. As it happened, her mother had died many years earlier, and at the ceremony no elderly female relative had been present who could have talked to his bride about the goings on between husband and wife. It appeared Nico would have to explain things to her himself. Since he wasn’t in the mood for a lengthy conversation, he would have to show her instead. That prospect pleased him more than anything else.