Lessons of Love by Jolynn Raymond

be rid of her even though his body was sated. No, his wife would remain in his arms. Cole told himself it was so he could take her again at will, but he could just have easily d one that by tying her to the bedposts and rolling over so he could get some sleep. Yes this little one was bewitching, and deep inside he had to admit it. Cole shook his head and looked at her beautiful face. H er features were relaxed and shone with conten tment. He gently kissed her and settled her close to him, denying that he felt anything for her at all.
    Cole continued to make love to Jolie through the night. His desire for her was never sated for long and she always responded in turn. She was a little h ellion in bed, full of fire and unbelievable passion. Cole couldn't get enough of her. Time and again she met his every movement, wrapping her arms around him and crying out in ecstasy as he took her over and over.
    Once initiated into the art of lovemakin g Jolie held nothing back. Cole had told her the truth when he'd said there would be no more pain. She was sore, yes, but it was an ache from being well loved and it was more than tolerable. She relished the feelings he ignited in her body and denied him n othing, meeting his passion with a fire of her own. There was no force involved when it came to their lovemaking. Jolie closed her mind to what he was, refusing to think about what he did to make money. There was no rational thought inside her while his ha n ds, mouth, and body loved her.
    Morning found Jolie sleepy and content. She had been well loved and her body was achy and exhausted. Cole gathered her close as the sun rose, peeping through the heavy silk curtains. He knew he had work to do but he couldn't tear himself away from her. Unfamiliar feelings came over him as she snuggled against him and smiled in her sleep. God she was beautiful, so soft and sensual, but it shouldn't matter. He had beautiful women in his bed all the time. Why did this one stir h is fee lings? What made her special?
    Was it because they were bound together by marriage? How could that matter when he didn't even believe in the sanctity of the ritual? He'd planned on using Jolie like all the others, taking her when he desired, ignoring her presence the rest of the time. She was here to be an object of respectability in the outside world and a plaything in his bed. If she begot him a child so be it.
    The thought of an heir pleased him, but she was meant to be easily dismissed. He would b e a fool to care for this woman. Women were to be used and discarded. They had no place in a wise man's heart. Tenderness would be a sign of weakness, and weakness couldn't be tolerated, so why was he having such a hard time letting her go? Who cared if s h e woke up alone and scared? He c ertainly shouldn't. But he did.
    He stroked her silky hair and closed his eyes. Business could wait awhile. Cole knew Gregor had set his sights on a new girl yesterday and with any luck she was locked up in the cellar right n ow. If that were true, she certainly wasn't going anywhere and his men knew not to disturb him. For all he knew, the girl had been captured before he'd come home with Jolie last night. Whatever the circumstances, Cole wanted to make sure Jolie remained ign orant of the girl's presence. It would be just like his little spitfire wife to challenge him and argue about the new slave. It was best to simply prepare the young woman and sell her as soon as possible.
    Jolie sighed in her sleep, and her hand slid low on Cole 's stomach, curling in the fine hairs of his abdomen. Cole 's muscles clenched and a fire sprang forth from where she touched him. His manhood stirred but Cole denied the urge to take her yet again. He would sleep here with her for a couple of hours an d then see to his business. It wouldn't hurt to stay with Jolie on her first morning in his house. She would be moved into her chambers later, and summoned whe n and if he desired her again. A t least that's what