Page 34 of Summoner of Sins

“Sophie.” He growled, his voice rough with…something she couldn’t name. Her body seemed to understand as he pulled her up, his mouth crashing into hers a moment before they rolled to the side.

Her chemise rode up her legs, their bodies pressed together. He felt even better beneath her fingers with several layers of his clothing removed. Their arms and legs twined together as he kissed along her jaw, down her neck, and back up under her ear.

She could feel the evidence of his passion, pressing to the intimate spot between her thighs. It only made her ache more. Hooking one of her legs over his hips, she pulled him even closer, hoping to ease the hectic need building inside her.

He groaned into her ear. “You’re going to break me.”

What did that mean? She didn’t exactly know, but it sounded wonderful. “Oh. Yes, please,” she gasped out, clutching him tighter. “I think I’d like to break too.”

In answer, his hand came to her bare calf and slid up her leg, over her knee, and inside her thigh. Finally, he cupped the silky flesh at her apex.

Her whole body shuddered in response, and she just knew…Max was her forever. Crying out, she bucked into his hand. This felt better than she ever could have imagined, and she wanted more.

The silky folds of Sophie’s sex were slick with her desire as he ran his middle finger over her. It had been a hellishly long time since Max had touched any woman. His experience was limited at best, having found his few experiences with women to be full of temporary pleasure, but they were ultimately hurtful.

This was different in every way. Sophie knew exactly who he was, knew his weaknesses and his hurts, and she wanted him anyway. She found him worthwhile. His emotional attachment heightened his pleasure in ways he didn’t expect, and his body thrummed with the need to claim her. Instead, he settled the pad of his finger over her nub of pleasure, feeling the shiver that passed through her. He circled the spot, her body tightening and her thighs trembling as she gasped in his ear.

“Oh, Max.”

He smiled into her skin, applying slightly more pressure as he worked her flesh. She softly moaned in his ear, her hips chasing the pleasure. Deep satisfaction rumbled through him. He wanted his satisfaction but hers…it made him feel like a man to know that she wanted him, that he brought her pleasure.

She gripped his shoulders, her fingers pushing into his flesh, her body growing tight, her leg locked around his hips, pushing him deeper into the cradle of her body. He only worked her faster, knowing her finish was close.

And then she broke, her cry filling the room.

He smiled, not stopping, but lightly shushing her. “Hush, sweetheart. We mustn’t wake Abigail.”

“I know,” she half sobbed in his ear, her body slowing. “It was just so…”

“I’m glad.” He kissed her then, slow, and unhurried as she clung to him. His pleasure was of less concern than hers, as he enjoyed her softness. She relaxed onto her back, and he followed, half laying on top of her as he ran his hand up her side, tracing her waist and rib cage. She ran a hand up his back, urging him closer.

“Why is Ironheart going to the Archbishop?”

He lifted up. “I told you. I want to give you the protection of my name. My family.”

She looked at him then, studying him in the dark. “Did something happen?”

How did she know him so well? “Whitehouse is very powerful. I think it best not to underestimate him.”

She nipped at her lip. “So, you’re going to the archbishop so that?—”

“We can marry tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” she gasped, half sitting up. “That soon?”

His gut churned again. He half expected Sophie to change her mind. “We can wait if you need more time to d-decide.”

“No, Max, stop. This isn’t about my feelings for you, I’m asking about the seriousness of the situation.”

He relaxed again. Did she understand how tentative he was in this regard? He’d rather fight all fifty of Whitehouse’s men than have Sophie tell him that she didn’t wish to be his wife. “It’s just a precaution.”

He kissed her again, because, every time she soothed his fear, he had this need to touch her, be close to her. Did she know that she was putting his heart back together? He slid on top of her, her legs naturally parting for him. Her feet and calves locked about his as she kissed him, her hands sliding up and down his back. He propped up on his elbows, holding her head in his hands as he returned the kiss, his thoughts quieting as his need pulsed through him.

Max thrust against her, his cock aching in his breeches. As her tongue tangled with his, her body soft and warm underneath him, he could feel his orgasm building. He wanted to be inside her, but that could wait until they were married. So much of Sophie’s life had been a struggle. He’d not do a thing that might create any complications.

One of her hands slid down to the small of his back and then traced his waist, slipping between their bodies until she cupped his manhood in her small palm, giving him a light squeeze.

It was so perfect, the feel of her, the lightness of the touch. With a grunt he thrust into her palm, an orgasm ripping through him as he spasmed and shook. She held him until it was done, and his forehead tipped down to press to hers.

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