The Secret Healer(59)

When Madlen first stepped into Johannes’s bedchamber on her wedding night, she was very nervous and insecure. Shouldn’t this be one of the happiest moments of her life? Finally, she could be as close to Johannes as she had secretly wanted over the past few weeks. But when the time came, she would have liked nothing better than to rip open the door and run away.

He put his finger under her chin and kissed her tenderly. Madlen stood frozen, unable to return his kiss or lay down in her new husband’s arms.

“What is it?” He looked at her in wonder. “Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head; no longer able to suppress her shivering.

“Are you cold?”

She shook her head again.

“Have you lost the power of speech?” He wrinkled his brow. Finally, he broke out into a large smile.

“I don’t know . . .” She paused.

“Do you love me?”

“Of course, I do.”

“Good. Then everything will take care of itself.”

To her surprise, he walked over to a chair next to a window. He took off his shoes, then his hose, and finally his doublet and shirt until he stood completely naked. Madlen hardly knew where to look. Without hesitation, he walked over to the bed. Only when he slid under the covers did she look at him again.

“We’re married, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to force you to do anything. If you want to stay where you are, you can. If you want to stay dressed or lie next to me here, you can do that, too. Do whatever feels comfortable.”

“Are you angry with me?” She was on the verge of tears.

“Why would I be angry?” He tapped on the other side of their marital bed. “Though it would be easier to talk if you sat here. I promise I won’t try to get nearer to you unless you say so.”

She sat on the bed shyly.

“That’s better.” He smiled. “I’ve never met a woman like you. Heaven forbid that I would ever do anything to hurt you. I love you, and you say you love me, too.”

“I love you with all my heart,” she whispered.

“Do you remember the day on the river when I asked you to marry me?”

“Yes.”

“We sat there for a very long time. You leaned on me, and I held you in my arms.”

“I remember.”

“Would it be better if you leaned on me, and I simply held you? Nothing more.”

Madlen took off her shoes and slid closer to Johannes until he put his arms around her.

“That’s nice.” Madlen sighed.

“I think so, too.”

They were quiet for a while as Madlen stroked his arm tenderly. “Can I get under the blanket? I’m cold.”

Without a word, Johannes lifted the blanket. His nakedness made a shiver go up and down her spine. She moved closer to him, and he put his arms around her again. Madlen’s skin tingled. She felt her heart beat faster. She wanted to slide her hand down his naked body. She felt his breath on her ear, and she tilted her head to the side to kiss his neck. His body tensed and he cuddled up closer. Madlen turned until he loosened his embrace and their lips met. They kissed each other tenderly, and Madlen began to explore his body with her fingertips. He let it happen, then stroked her dress, gently massaging her breasts. Suddenly, Madlen jumped out of bed and stripped off her clothes. She took great pleasure in seeing how much her nakedness excited her husband. He slid down lower and lifted up the blankets. Madlen accepted the invitation, pressing her body tightly against her husband’s. Their hands slid over each other, and Madlen enjoyed it in a way that she would have never thought possible. Johannes slid down deeper, then kissed her breasts, letting his hand glide down to her crotch. She did the same, felt his stiff member, and her desire became so intense that she drew his pelvis closer to her. He lay over her, breathing heavily. Slowly, his manhood inched inside her as Madlen groaned. She lifted her pelvis, forcing him to push himself in even further. His slow, deliberate thrusts grew faster. Johannes took possession of her and she embraced him, pulling him in even deeper. After several strong thrusts, she felt him release himself inside her. He dropped his head on her breasts for a moment; then he lifted his head to gaze into her face.

“I love you,” he breathed and kissed her on the mouth. Then he rolled underneath her, took her in his arms, and held her tight.

Everything around Madlen spun so much that it made her dizzy. She had only one desire: for this moment to never end.





Chapter Eighteen





“You’re what?” Madlen said, her eyes wide. “But Roswitha!”

The maid looked at her with tears in her eyes. “I know.” She sobbed violently. “We’re not married. It was a weak moment.”