Her Devious Scoundrel

Chapter 11

What seemed like hours later, they finally came upon a building, the sun still making it’s way to it’s peak point in the sky above them. The small but cozy looking inn was quiet, a few men stood outside the door conversing in low tones. A small barn sat off to the side, the stable hand stood next to a tall gelding, wiping him down as if he had just come in from a ride. With a sigh, Penelope found a final burst of energy and ran towards the inn, eager to rest her aching feet and fill her growling belly. Johnathan stopped as he reached the barn, waving her on and indicating he would join her momentarily. She moved forward bursting through the doorway, unaware of the glances she was receiving from the men outside.

The inn was a little run down but clean, thankfully. A few patrons where scattered around the various tables and benches throughout the common room. Behind the bar was a plump woman, with ruddy cheeks. Her dark eyes narrowed as she glanced at Penelope, throwing down the rag she had been using to wipe the counter.

“Wot can I do fer ye?” The gruff older woman asked, glaring down her nose at Penelope.

“Err, Well I..I” Penelope stammered, she had never been spoken to in such a harsh manner, especially by a serving woman.

“Well?” The woman spat, “I ain’t got all day to stand here jawing wit ye” Penelope stood dumbfounded, unsure of what to say.

“Ahh, my good woman, two mugs of warm ale and… let’s see… how are your meat pies?” Johnathan came up behind Penelope, sliding his arm around her waist, startling her.

“Best this side o’ London!” The woman exclaimed.

“Wonderful! Two of those as well,” He ordered, moving his hand to the small of Penelope’s back, “My wife and I have had a trying morning and are in need of a place to rest as well.”

“I gots only one room available, it’s yers, if ye wants it.” She stated, before handing over the key and directing Johnathan to the room, once he had deposited several coins in her outstretched hands. The lady held out her palm and Johnathan placed several coins in it before steering Penelope towards the stairs on the far side of the inn. Up the stairs and through the third door on the right, he turned and placed the key in the lock before swinging open the door.

“Your WIFE!” Penelope practically screamed as she whirled away from him inside the room. “Why did you tell her that!” Penelope paced away from Johnathan and he lazily loosened his cravat.

“I had too, did you see the way all those men were watching you down there? You are safer if you are under my protection.” Johnathan stated unbuttoning his shirt.

“What are you doing!? Why are you undressing?” Penelope spun away, turning her back to Johnathan as he peeled off his shirt and walked to the water basin. She couldn't help but notice the muscle that was revealed from under his shirt. Her face flamed and she coughed to cover her suddenly harsh breathing.

“We have been walking all morning and I am caked in dirt, I am going to wash up before our food comes.” He stated simply. Penelope could hear the light splash of water and peeked over her shoulder. She had never seen a man without a shirt before, not even her brother or father. Johnathan’s skin was darkened like he had been standing naked in the sun for too long, water glistened in his hair. Her eyes roamed over his impressively muscular arms, the sinewy cords flexing and writhing beneath taught skin. She couldn’t help herself as her gaze traveled over his chest, the light spattering of hair covering it, trailing down his muscular belly before tapering beneath his trousers.

Penelope’s mouth went dry as she stared at the man washing in front of her. Her skin tightened, gooseflesh forming up her arms, she could feel her face getting hot as warmth washed over her entire body. She had never seen such a beautiful man in her life, and never once had she had such an intense reaction to someone. He rose, grabbing for a towel to dry himself, she quickly spun away, so she would not get caught gawking. In her haste she stumbled, falling to the side.

She thudded into something warm and hard, her hands buried into soft fur. His arms came around her, braking her fall. Penelope lifted her head, her lips colliding with a soft, heated pillow. Her eyes widened momentarily, meeting his, before drifting closed. Neither of them made a move to break the contact of their mouths. His lips were soft and gentle as he slowly began to move them over hers. Penelope turned, seating her body more firmly into the circle of his arms. She smoothed her hands across his chest, pressing closer to him as he pressed against her lips more firmly.

Johnathan’s mind was blank as his mouth moved slowly over Penelope’s. Her smell surrounded him, like fresh vanilla and strawberries. He opened his lips to deepen the kiss, sliding his tongue over her mouth, gentle but demanding. As his tongue slipped past her lips and brushed along her teeth. She inhaled sharply, and he slide his tongue over hers, deepening the kiss.

His hands tangled in her hair, loosening the pins that held the already sagging hairstyle. A groan sounded across the quiet room and he was unsure if it came from his throat or hers. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he drug his lips from hers, resting his forehead against hers, his breath ragged. He watched her chest rise and fall rapidly, the faint outline of her n*****s, straining in her dress. Penelope pulled away, her fingers playing over her swollen lips, eyes glistening with heat.

“Err… I, uh, I need to wash up.” She stated dumbly, wringing her hands. Johnathan could tell she was confused about what had just happened, and he turned away from her as she sat down the peel off her muddy stockings.

A knock sounded at the door, a moment later a maid entered the chamber, holding a tray with two large mugs of steaming ale and a couple of lumpy pies.

 “Just set them anywhere,” Johnathan directed, hastily donning his shirt. “Penelope, I am going to check on the team I hired to go back to the carriage, you’ll be needing a new dress, that one is covered in dust.” He turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, leaving Penelope to her own devices.