Chapter 5

“I love you,” she whispered.

“And I you.” Unable to continue lying still within, Edward pulled out nearly all the way, then pushed back in.

“Yes,” Katherine cried.

Lacing his hands through hers, he plunged into her. Over and over, thrusting into her moist heat. The feel of her erect nipples rubbing against his chest tightened his balls. He needed to release, but wouldn’t until she did.

Releasing one of her hands, he inched his hand down to between their bodies, probing for her clit.

“Edward!”

There!

Alternating between stroking and flicking it, Edward drove into her faster and harder.

“Come for me, my love,” he urged. He couldn’t last much longer.

She trembled beneath, clenching her legs around him.

“Ahhhh,” she screamed.

He snapped his hips, thrusting and pouring into her as she clenched around his shaft.

A little while later he pulled out of her and pulled her to him. He kissed the top of her raven locks.

Katherine rested her hand over his heart. “I should be rising and dressing for the tournament.”

“In a moment. I want to lie with you here just a little longer.” He smiled. Life was perfect. Well, almost. If he would want one more to make his life complete…he would not think on it.

* * * *

“Everything is prepared, Sir Gregory.”

Sir Gregory smiled at his young squire. “Thank you. Naught else is needed until the tournament. Go and find something to occupy yourself until then.”

“Aye, sir.” The boy grinned and ran off in another direction.

Gregory glanced around at the colorful tents of the other knights participating and the marketplace that had been set up for those attending the tournament being held in Baron Rycliffe’s honor.

Edward.

Gregory’s chest constricted thinking of his former lover. Before last night, it had been years since he’d seen him. Now he’d touched him, fucked him, tasted him again. And…he could not wait to see him again. Edward was married now. If he wanted any part of Edward’s life, Gregory would have to share him with Lady Katherine. Until recently, he’d not thought about the possibility. Then he had received the missives.

There was no other reason for him to be there at the tournament. There was naught to prove regarding his abilities as a knight.

Gregory pulled the hood of his cloak up to cover his face and dark hair. It was time to meet with the one who sent the message.

* * * *

Lady Katherine waited for him in her private solar. She rose from the cushioned bench and gave him a welcoming smile. He’d been acquainted with Lady Katherine from the years she’d been married to her first husband, Lord Tremaine, whom Gregory had known from tournaments they’d both entered. Gregory had no idea where Edward was at that moment.

“Sir Gregory, it is good to see you again,” she said, offering him her hands. He placed kisses on both her wrists. “I am so glad you received my missive about my lord’s tournament.”

She really was an amazing beauty. She wore her long raven hair braided down her back. A few strands on either side of her face had been curled to frame her delicate creamy face. Her lips were plump and a dark shade of red. Her cheeks dusted with pink. Gregory was a little surprised to see her only dressed in a brown under dress with no kirtle or overdress covering her.

“I cannot deny Edward,” he replied. “I also received a message from him.”

Her smiled widened. “I am glad. Then you have already seen him?”

Gregory didn’t answer at first, wondering what she wanted to hear. She seemed pleased he’d heard from Edward, and he knew from her contacting him that she had a special relationship planned for the three of them. What he didn’t know was why.

From his experience of Katherine while she was married to Tremaine, she’d been a shy innocent woman. Hardly one to suggest what she seemed to be suggesting.

“I have seen him, yes,” he admitted, but not elaborating. Not yet.

She sat on the bench again and patted the spot next to her for him to sit.

After sitting, Gregory inclined his head. “I must confess I was a little startled to receive your missive.”

She bit her lip. “Yes, I…I wasn’t sure how exactly to-to word it.”

“The implication was that you wish the three of us to become lovers,” Gregory said bluntly.

Her face reddened. “Yes,” she whispered. She held up her hand. “I…I am aware you and Edward had been lovers before.” She lowered her lashes. “That is true, is it not?”

“It is, though I wonder how you came by such knowledge. We acted discreetly. My lady, you must know that the sort of acts you refer to between two men are not condoned by the church or our kingdom.”

“Of course, and I would never betray Edward’s confidence or yours,” Katherine said, her words rushed.