Rudolf sucked in his breath at the sensation and pushed her chemise down until she stood naked in front of him. “You are not wearing anything else,” he said.
“Stockings and garters and other fancy unmentionables are for the wealthy,” Samantha said. “While here, I am a simple girl.”
“There is nothing simple about you.”
Rudolf placed her gently on the cot. His hands moved to her swollen breasts with their darkened nipples.
Samantha sighed. Her husband was everything she had ever wanted. Her long-cherished dream was coming true.
Rudolf discarded his boots and trousers and then lay down beside her. The cot was so small he was forced to lie on his side.
Sliding his hands down her body, Rudolf caressed her breasts, the curve of her hip, the wet folds between her thighs. “Princess, lie on top of me.”
When she moved over him, Rudolf cupped each breast and brought them down to hover near his lips. He suckled each lingeringly, enjoying his wife’s throaty moans. She had wonderfully sensitive nipples.
“Ride me, wife.”
“Oh, yes.”
Samantha lifted herself into position and slowly impaled herself, inch by exquisite inch. Then she rocked back and forth while he grinded himself deep inside her.
“You are beautiful.”
Samantha cried out as spasms shook her body. Only then did Rudolf lose himself in her, holding her hips while thrusting upward again and again and again.
Later, after they’d napped, Samantha caressed his face. Rudolf turned his head and kissed her hand. “Husband, there is something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
“What is it, Princess?”
“Do you remember on our way to Scotland when we went shopping?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you purchase that ostrich feather?”
Rudolf shouted with laughter and hugged her close. “Princess, I forgot I bought that. I will show you what the feather is used for when we move into Montague House.”
“I don’t understand,” she said, looking into his dark eyes.
“Darling, the feather is used as a toy for adults,” Rudolf told her.
“An adult toy? What is it used—Oh.” Samantha felt her cheeks grow warm. After a time, she said, “We should get up and return to His Grace’s.”
“We can stay here for the night if you wish.”
“I would like that very much,” she answered, “but everyone will be worried.”
Samantha rose from the cot and drew her chemise over her head. Then she strapped the leather garter with its deadly dagger to her leg.
“Is that necessary?” Rudolf asked, watching her.
“One should always be prepared,” Samantha said, reaching for her boots. It was then she noticed the star ruby had darkened to the color of blood, and a chill ran down her spine. She pulled her dress over her head and sat on the edge of the cot.
“My aunt’s star ruby has darkened,” she told him. “Trouble is coming our way.”
Rudolf laughed. “I can handle anything that threatens us.”
Rising from the cot, Rudolf dressed and walked into the main room. After smothering the dying embers in the hearth, he lifted the box of ribbons off the table and followed her to the door.
When Samantha opened the door, Olga stood there. Behind her stood Vladimir with a pistol in his hand.
Olga slapped her hard. Samantha fell back against her husband, who kept her from falling.
“Princess Samantha, I thought you were such a sweet, innocent child,” Vladimir said, gesturing them inside with his pistol. “That angel’s face hid a devious mind. I never would have guessed you would be so wily as to fool us with an imitation.”
Rudolf set the box of ribbons down on the table. Then he stepped in front of his wife.
“Isn’t that sweet,” Olga said. “The bastard is protecting her. Too bad, both of you will be dead in a few minutes.”
“Brother, excuse my wife,” Vladimir said. “She gets carried away sometimes. If you will hand me the real Venus, we will leave you in peace.”
Rudolf inclined his head, reached into his pocket, and produced the black velvet pouch. He handed it to his brother, who placed it into his jacket pocket.
“Kill them,” Olga said.
“I will not kill my own brother,” Vladimir told her.
“Give me the pistol,” Olga ordered. “I’ll kill them.”
“Owww,” Samantha cried, falling to the floor in a faint, drawing their attention.
At the same moment, Rudolf knocked the pistol out of his brother’s hand. It slid into the princess’s shoe.
Olga bent to pick it up, but Samantha was faster. Drawing her dagger, she pointed its sharp tip against the blonde’s cheek.