Page 58 of A Raven Returns

“Now do it.” He motioned his chin toward her breast.

The wet fingers somehow made the sensations far more powerful. She groaned as pleasure rippled through her body. She held out her other fingers and he smiled before sucking them into his mouth. Rubbing wet fingers over both nipples simultaneously sent her spiraling toward that now familiar peak of ecstasy.

“Ash.” His name came out as a desperate plea. She wrapped her legs around him and urged him deeper into her body, needing as much of him as she could get.

Her thighs shook as her pleasure heightened, intense tendrils spreading to her nipples as a burgeoning need for release filled the rest of her body.

He dipped his head down and kissed her briefly. “I want to watch your face as you lose yourself to the pleasure.” His voice was deep and it trembled with his own need.

His declaration was the final nudge she needed and a maelstrom of sensation burst through her body. She tried to meet his eyes, but as a surge of pleasure overcame her, her body took command, and she lost all control. She threw back her head, screaming her release.

He roared a curse as his own climax came, his body tensing, sending his seed spilling deep inside her. Sweat glistened over his forehead as he smiled down at her, his breaths coming hard and fast.

“I meant what I said earlier, Angel.” His eyes met hers unwaveringly. “I love you.”

Tears welled in her eyes. How could she ever have doubted it? “I love you, Ash.”

He kissed her forehead tenderly before collapsing onto the bed and pulling her into his embrace, once more.

“Now we just have to figure out what to do with that.” He murmured the words softly and pressed a kiss to her hair. “But perhaps we can sleep for a few hours first. It’s been such a long night.”

“Just as long as you promise you won’t leave me to wake up alone.”

He gently placed his large hand possessively over her breast and pulled her more tightly against him. “I promise.”

ChapterEighteen

Asmile grew on Gwen’s lips as she came awake. He was still there, surrounding her with his warmth. His arm draped heavily over her body. She could tell by the light coming in around the curtains, that it was no longer morning. Midafternoon, if she had to guess. Ash’s breathing was deep and even, so he must still be asleep.

She shifted carefully so that she could turn and see him. He was perfect, even in sleep. His usually immaculate hair stood up in all directions because he’d gone to sleep with it still wet. His face was relaxed and peaceful, none of the typical worry or tension. His brow was smooth, his dark lashes resting serenely against his cheeks. Even the sharp planes of his nose and jaw somehow seemed softer.

She wanted to stay there in bed with him forever, but if she did, they would more than likely make love again as soon as he woke up. She needed to understand what their future held. She trusted that he truly did love her, but what did that really mean? Being in love didn’t suddenly make everything they were doing acceptable. It wouldn’t resolve the problems that were undoubtedly starting to germinate among the other ladies as they speculated what was happening between her and Ash. They needed to talk, and that simply wouldn’t happen in his bed.

As gently as she could, she moved from under his arm and slid herself out of the bed. Quietly, she donned her nightgown and robe and settled into the chair near the fireplace. There weren’t even embers left in the grate and his bedroom was cold now that she wasn’t in his embrace, but she didn’t want to disturb him, so she just pulled her feet up inside her robe and curled herself up tight.

A noise came from out in the main area. It was probably Fogg. He’d been so obviously uncomfortable when he’d led her up here as she’d cried. She needed to apologize. Quietly, she pulled the door open and peeked out. Fogg turned and his half smile vanished as soon as he laid eyes on her. They instantly grew wide and Gwen almost laughed. How could she possibly be so frightening? She placed a finger over her lips to keep him quiet as she stepped out and closed the door softly behind her.

She watched him swallow and did chuckle then. “I promise I won’t start crying, Fogg,” she said quietly. He still looked horribly uncertain. “And I promise I’m nice.”

“I’m sure you are, Miss.”

He was a large, fit man who Ash clearly trusted. It was humorous that he was made so uneasy by her. “I want to thank you, Fogg.”

He shook his head. “It was nothing, Miss.”

“Not for me. For Ash. Thank you for keeping him safe and for always taking such good care of him.”

“Of course, Miss. That’s my job.”

“I don’t just mean the obvious things, Fogg. You’re probably one of the few people who has seen his scars. Not just the ones on his skin, but the ones on his soul, as well. From what I’ve witnessed, you've been loyal and protective, and as someone who cares for him, I’m grateful he has you.”

His demeanor changed, then. His eyes relaxed and the corners of his lips moved up just a bit, as if he’d nearly smiled. “Thank you for saying so, Miss.”

Ash’s door opened, and he stepped out. He was wearing his robe, once more. His eyes flicked between Gwen and Fogg. “Is something amiss?”

Fogg shook his head. “I’m sorry, Ash. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“You didn’t disturb me. What disturbed me was that my bed got cold.” A devilish gleam danced in his eyes. Stepping close behind her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

---