Page 18 of War King's Treasure

“You’ve been crying,” he whispered, running his thumbs under her eyes. Then his arms were around her. His mouth met hers in a soft brush as his palm cupped her buttocks and lifted her into him. She felt him. All of him pressed firmly against her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, opened her mouth under the coaxing of his, and held on tight.

Chapter Eight

Gavin had only meant to offer comfort, but when she came alive under his touch, he couldn’t help himself. He took what she unwittingly offered. Tasting, touching, consuming and needing more. He wanted her as he’d never wanted. Only sheer force of will had him easing away from her, and when he glanced down to see her eyes closed, lips parted and damp from their kiss, he groaned.

Those gorgeous eyes blinked open.

“Did I hurt you?”

He took her hand in his and guided it to the front of his leathers, another groan spilling as her hand closed reflexively around him and squeezed.

“I don’t know what to do,” she whispered but didn’t remove her hand. “Tell me what to do.”

Gavin knew he had to wait. He’d given his word. But there were other things they could do. Ways he could show her the pleasure they’d share between them.

“Do you hurt?” he asked as he slid her hand up over his stomach to the safety of his chest.

She nodded, her pink tongue coming out to lick over her lips. She was killing him and had no clue. “I ache.”

“Where?”

She hesitated for a moment then brushed her fingers along her breasts.

“Where else?”

“Gavin.”

“Where else?” he demanded, needing to know if she burned as hot as he did.

Her hand dropped low on her abdomen, stopping just above the juncture of her thighs.

“Will you trust me to ease you?”

“Yes.”

She surprised him with her quick consent, but he wouldn’t question his good fortune. Instead, he pulled her to him, taking her mouth again while he worked to free her from her dress. He didn’t stop kissing her until she stood before him in nothing but her shoes and stockings. He went to his knees then, leaning in to kiss the curls above her sex before lifting one of her feet to his knee.

“Gavin.” Her voice was a husky whisper with just a breath of fear.

“I’m going to take care of you, Nori. Take care of the ache with my mouth and hands. You want that, don’t you? For the ache to go away.”

He placed kisses along her thigh as each inch of creamy, pale flesh was revealed. Then he treated her other leg the same until not a stitch covered her. He surged to his feet, scooped her up against his chest, and carried her to the bed. He placed her gently atop the bedding, pulling away only long enough to remove his boots before stretching out beside her.

“What about your pants?” She reached for the ties, but he caught her hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing her fingers before guiding them to his shoulder.

“I think it’s best if they stay on for now.”

“Don’t make me wait. You’re my husband. I accept that. I accept you. Why wait any longer?”

Gavin gazed into her eyes. She was telling the truth, and it humbled him. Still.

“I gave my word. Two days.”

“I never asked for that.”

She had no idea how badly he wanted to concede, but not yet. He leaned down and took her mouth again. This time, he let his hands caress her while they kissed. First, he merely touched. Her skin was soft under his fingertips. He grazed along the sides of her breasts then inward over the slight curve of her belly before moving out to brush along the curve of her hips. She whimpered, rising into his touch and trying to follow the movement of his fingertips.

“Please,” she begged, pulling away from his kiss.

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