Chapter 7 #2
He stripped and slipped into the bed beside his bride.
She watched every move from when his head popped above the windowsill to now as he drew her into his arms. His broad shoulders had bunched beneath his shirt as he leveraged himself through the window.
His powerful thighs flexed as he approached.
But when he undressed, Vinita found it hard to catch her breath.
When their gazes met, the predatory gleam made her sheath clench.
Once they were in bed together, their kiss was a continuation of their interrupted one.
Theo rolled her onto her back as he suckled her breast. She ran her fingers through his hair, her nails grazing his scalp when he moved lower to suck on her pearl.
“Theo, don’t stop.”
“I won’t. Not now and not for the rest of our lives.”
“I—want to touch you, too. I don’t want to wait.”
Theo pushed onto his elbow as he considered Vinita’s request. He knew how they could join without his sword finding its home within her sheath.
He wasn’t certain if she knew too. He’d seen illustrations in a book when he first arrived in India.
He left England experienced, but he’d arrived in Bikaner an expert, even if he hadn’t practiced the knowledge he’d gained.
“Do you know how we can do that?” Theo asked hesitantly.
“Yes. Come lie next to me.” Vinita pat the bed.
Theo followed Vinita’s instructions, watching her intently as she shifted onto her hands and knees.
As she straddled him, facing his toes, she glanced back with uncertainty.
The moment Theo gasped her bottom and squeezed, a groan escaping, she knew he appreciated her suggestion.
She no longer felt embarrassed having her backside in the air.
When his tongue flicked her pleasure button, she sank her mouth on him.
They set a rhythm that matched, each striving to give pleasure.
Her long, low moan signaled her release.
She redoubled her effort until Theo tried to stop her.
When she tightened her lips around his rod, he could hold back no longer.
She licked his length before turning toward him, the look of a seductress meeting Theo’s gaze.
Her disheveled hair, her flushed face, her air of pride.
It made him want to abandon his ethics and claim her.
“Nita!”
“My mother.”
Theo knew who it was. He leaned back with his hands behind his back.
He chuckled at Vinita’s horrified expression.
She hurried to don the kurta she’d worn the day before.
He shook his head but climbed from the bed.
He didn’t appreciate having the lovely view cut short.
From her frown, she felt the same way when he pulled his breeches on.
They barely covered themselves before Chandra opened the door and screamed.
She continued to scream until Suniti, Rob, Surat, and Sarla crowded her. Surat pushed past his wife to barge into the chamber. He went immediately to the bed and threw back the covers. The stain he expected wasn’t there.
“You defiled my daughter before this!”
“No, Baba. I’m still a maiden, but just barely.”
“Just barely?” Surat lunged forward. Theo did nothing to defend himself, but he pressed Vinita behind him. He took one blow after another to his face and abdomen as Vinita sobbed.
“It’s his right, sweetling.” Theo reassured Vinita, but the endearment only enraged Surat further.
“You had no right to touch my daughter.” Surat swung around and stalked to Suniti, who Rob stepped in front of. “This is your fault. You tempted your sister into this with your lustful ways.”
“No, she didn’t, Baba.” Vinita hoped to reason with her father. “I already knew how I felt before that day in the market. Theo feels the same.”
“Feels? How the hell will the Maharaja of Jodhpur feel when his son receives a sullied bride?”
“Vinita’s only husband will be me. I will take your accusations, and I will take your punishments.
But you will not take her from me.” Theo’s resolute voice made Surat pause.
He looked at the young man and found an unbending will that dared the older man to make good on his threat.
The Maharaja shook his head as his shoulders slumped.
“I suppose you wish to marry at the same ceremony as your sister.”
“I don’t want to intrude on Suni’s day.”
“It’s not an intrusion, Nita. I want you there.
I know Rob does too.” Suniti stepped around Rob then looked back at her husband, who nodded.
He didn’t know what to make of the situation.
He thought it was bad enough that anyone discovered him kissing Suniti in the market.
This was beyond anything he’d imagined Theo would attempt.
It made him wonder to what extremes Will would go to marry Sarla.
“Thank you.” Theo worked his jaw side-to-side. The pain was setting in, and the bruising would soon show. Compared to what he’d done that night to the men who threatened Vinita, he considered it a small price to pay.
“Leave now,” Chandra demanded. She struggled to reconcile both her daughters marrying Englishmen. She was prepared to lock Sarla in her room until Surat found her a husband and took her to him.
“Maan,” Vinita pleaded.
“No. He’s been here long enough. He may return for the wedding in one week.”
“No!” Vinita spun and hurried to Theo. Once in his arms, she burst into tears. “He sees me every day, just as he already has, or I will declare us already married.”
“Vinita, your mother is trying to do what she believes is best for you.”
“No. You are what’s best for me. After last night, I am not comfortable being far from you.”
“What happened last night?” Surat demanded.
“We met just beyond the palace walls, Baba. Five men attacked us. Theo fought all of them. I—I don’t know what happened to the fifth one, but the rest died.”
“He is dead, too. They’ve all been disposed of.
They will not threaten anyone again, and I doubt another Company man will fathom such a poor choice.
” Theo’s voice was emotionless, but his gaze met Surat’s over Vinita’s head.
The maharaja and father understood. Theo was not a man dissuaded from protecting Vinita.
He’d seen it that day the three young officers rushed to their rescue.
He’d heard how the man died. He suspected that was merciful compared to the example he must have made of the attacker last night.
He nodded. He would have to convince Chandra to see what he did.
Vinita would be miserable in her arranged marriage, and they feared for her.
But Surat felt trapped until now. He would pay whatever he had to, but he would ensure Vinita's and Theo’s marriage happened.
“He may return for the evening meal.” That was the most Surat would concede for now. Theo kissed Vinita’s forehead and leaned to whisper in her ear.
“I love you, my love.” He kissed her temple.
“I love you, my love.” She stretched to reach his cheek.
Sarla watched in silence throughout. She and Will would have to reconsider their plan before her parents locked her away to prevent a triple wedding. Once everyone left Vinita to ready herself for the day, Sarla slipped away.