Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 20

The sun streamed through the small windows of the forest cottage. The chittering of swallows outside, drew Penelope from her deep sleep. Her eyes fluttered opened, and she stretched her arms forward, her back arching as she pushed her muscles. Her body relaxed, languid against the pillows, she had never rested so well, and her body felt as though she was floating and her only conclusion was that whatever Johnathan had done to her body last night had changed her in someway. She sat up still lounging against the pillows, not ready to leave the warmth of the small bed or the heat of her memories from the night before.

The door opened, letting a cool breeze blow through the small cottage, followed by Johnathan. Penelope stared for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips. Johnathan set several items on the small wooden table, before turning towards the bed and catching Penelope's eye. She held his gaze for a moment before she was forced to look away and blush creeping into her cheeks, showing Johnathan that she had definitely been thinking about last night.

“Good afternoon little slugabed.” Johnathan chuckled, turning to continue to arrange items on the table, “We had better get on our way if we are going to find a safe place to stay before dark.”

“Afternoon? Have I really been asleep for so long?” Penelope scrambled out of the bed, momentarily forgetting her state of undress. Johnathan stared, captivated by her smooth, silky curves. He cleared his throat, motioning to her body when she looked up. Johnathan had never seen a woman's entire body blush the way Penelope's did. Her skin slowly turning a light shade of pink, which was very becoming.

Penelope quickly ripped the sheet from the bed and wrapped it tightly around her body before practically running to gather her clothes near the fire. She dressed quickly, and joined him at the table, not saying a word. Johnathan set several pieces of dried meat and a small amount of cheese before her, he reached for the berries that he had gathered on his walk this morning, before setting a place for himself and sitting across from her. They ate in silence, Penelope kept her eyes downcast, staring holes in the table. Her cheeks still tinted with pink.

“Penelope?”

“Hmm?” She looked up startled.

“Are you all right? You seem awfully quiet.”

“Umm, y-yes, I... I am fine.” She stumbled over her words, her ears darkening. Johnathan laughed then, knowing she was feeling embarrassment over last night and then renewed this morning. Her head jerked up, glaring at him, her eyes blazing.

“Why you...” Penelope started, her voice indignant. She reached her hand and scooped up a handful of berries, crushing them between her fingers and throwing them all over Johnathan's face. He sat stunned for a moment, before grabbing his own handful of fruit. Penelope immediately stood, causing her chair to tumble backwards.

“Johnathan no! You wouldn't dare!”

“Wouldn't I? Dear little one, you are sorely mistaken.” He grinned mischievously, holding up his hand, red juice slipping down his arm as he stepped towards her. She continued to step backwards attempting to escape him. As she moved further away her back came into contact with something solid, Johnathan's grin grew wider. He reached out for her, pulling her waist until she was pressed against his chest. He raised his berry covered hand above her head as she stared up at him, his lips shiny from the juice she had hurled at him a few moments before.

He brought his hand down, rubbing the berries and juice over her head and down her neck, lightly tracing his fingers over the edge of her breasts. The sticky liquid was warm and itchy against her skin. Johnathan held her for a moment longer before swooping his head down and licking some of the juice from her skin. She shivered as his mouth trailed across her skin, slowly licking the sweet substance from her flesh.

Her body flamed as his mouth teased her skin. Johnathan slowly kissed up her neck, nipping her skin softly, creating tremors that racked her body. He hovered over her for a moment before capturing her lips with his and ravishing her mouth. His tongue pressed against her lips, asking for entrance, which she granted. He swept her mouth, tangling her tongue with his own, deepening their kisses. Then as suddenly as it began, Johnathan tore his moth from hers and set her away, turning towards the table.

“We had better get cleaned up. We have a long way to go and we are without a horse.” He strode out of the cottage, leaving her to herself to get ready. Penelope was stunned, confused, but grabbed a cloth to clean the juice from herself and getting the table cleared.

A few minutes later Jonathan returned, placing the left over food in a sack. The couple took one last look around the cottage to ensure nothing was forgotten before heading out for the long walk they had ahead of them.