Page 98 of Lords, Ladies and Love

He lowered his mouth and nibbled at one of her nipples before latching his lips around it, swirling his tongue. Minerva moaned in response, hands gripping his dark hair.

He pulled away from her breast with a small “pop” and kissed down her stomach, tongue lightly trailing along her smooth skin.

“Lachlan,” Minerva said, a hand clutching the bedsheets. “How do women pleasure men?”

He bit back a groan. This wee lass was going to be the death of him. His blood pounded in his ears, his cock twitching in anticipation with her words. Keeping his fingers busy inside her, he sat up and placed his knees on either side of her, making sure enough pillows were available to prop her head up. Once she was comfortable, she reached a tentative hand and lightly encircled his cock with her fingers. He showed her how to pleasure him, and she began rubbing her hand up and down its long length, starting at the base and running up to the head, and going back down again.

Lachlan groaned deep in his throat as pleasure spasmed up his body. His fingers moved faster between her legs, desperate. He wanted to come. Heneededto come. He wanted them to join together as passionate lovers, tangled impossibly together.

“Minerva,” he moaned in one, low breath as her hand stroked his arousal.

She sat back on the pillows, releasing his erection and arching. “Please, I think it is time.”

Lachlan didn’t need to be told twice. He extracted his fingers and nudged his cock at her entrance. In one, swift movement, he plunged inside her, penetrating her. She cried out, both hands now gripping at the sheets, twisting them as she twisted her hips, unable to escape the burning pleasure he gave her.

She tightened around him—she wassotight. His head swam in glorious pleasure as he moved his hips, slowly drawing himself in and out at first, then picking up the pace, thrusting in deeper each time.

Minerva’s eyes widened, and her mouth gaped open as he thrust into her. “Lord!” she gasped. Lachlan took satisfaction in watching her composure completely crumble. She writhed on the bed, pulling him closer to her, desperately grinding her hips against his.

Before long, they had found a perfect rhythm together. They moved as one being, bound in body and soul, as the pleasure pulsed into an exquisite explosion of mad desire. He thrust deep, drawing out at the last minute as he orgasmed, gasping from the sheer euphoria. She shuddered, her eyes squeezed shut, her mouth open in a silent scream.

When it was all over, he collapsed next to her, his heart pounding. Minerva laid her head on his chest, her fingers tracing the line slicing down his stomach. “That was incredible,” she breathed. He could feel her blood pulsing through her body.

He wrapped his arms around her, held her close. He didn’t know where Minerva’s adventures would take them next, but he was determined to be a part of every moment. Once this was done, he did not think he could let her go.

Chapter Twelve

Minerva rolled, and though still half-asleep, she was instantly aware of something missing.

Lachlan.

They had squeezed into this tiny bed in a tiny inn, wrapped in each other’s arms to ward off the chill that rattled through the thin windows. She was grateful for a bed for the night, but this had to be one of the worst places she had stayed in on her journey.

Except perhaps the tumbled down old ruin.

A smile played on her lips regardless. She might not have slept well that night, but she had been in Lachlan’s arms. As she had since she had lain with him. If it were up to her, she would have many more nights with him. Making love to a man was unlike anything she’d anticipated, and yet, she must have known it would be different or else she would not have desired him. The things she had read in books—books she was probably not meant to read—talked only of the mechanics of it. And her female friends who were married had little to say about the matter, save from the fact that it was a duty that needed to be done with annoying regularity.

It had certainly not felt like a duty. She couldn’t imagine using such a word with Lachlan.

Opening her eyes, she leaned over and felt the small empty gap where he should be. The sheets were still warm, so he couldnot have got up long ago. Perhaps he could not sleep. She was not certain she would be able to until he returned either.

Wrapping her arms about herself, she rose from bed and padded over to the tiny window, shivering when the cool air touched her skin. There were only three rooms at this inn, and none were occupied, save from theirs now. Lachlan informed her that few frequented this place, but before the days when the towns were bigger, it had been popular with travelers going north.

She peered out into the darkness. The only light came from the stables, where lanterns were left lit. There was little moonlight, but if she stared long enough, she could just make out the dark shape of the mountains.

Movement caught her eye. She recognized those broad shoulders. Was he checking on the horses? She could not imagine there was a need to. He moved slowly, and Minerva frowned. His arms were raised, and it was then she noticed two figures behind him. The lamplight caught on something—a quick flash of metal.

Her breath trapped in her throat. Whoever these men were, they were threatening Lachlan. She had to do something.

But her feet were rooted to the floor. Her muscles were stiff. Terror thrust her heart rapidly against her ribs. These men looked no different to her kidnappers.

She watched a few moments more, willing Lachlan to do something, anything. But she could only see the men get closer, and the blade threatened.

Minerva closed her eyes. She drew in a long breath, filling her lungs with air. There was nothing in the room she could use as a weapon, so she would have to rely on herself. She curled her fists. She could do this.

Sensation came back to her legs. Her heart did not slow, but she found she could breathe again. She twisted quickly, ignoringher bare feet, and hurried downstairs, only slowing when she came to the entrance to the inn. Inching the door open as quietly as possible, she slipped outside, keeping close to the edge of the building so the men would not spot her. She could not make out the muffled argument—she suspected it was in Gaelic. But the voices were raised and angry. Lachlan still had his hands raised. He was strong, and she had seen him intimidate men before, but that was different, they had no weapon then. From the looks of the blade held confidently in one man’s hand, they would have no concerns about hurting him—or worse.

She scanned the darkened area, pulse pounding in her ears. Her hands shook, so she bunched them tighter. What could she do? Both men looked to be large, maybe not as large as Lachlan, but far bigger than her. Only one had a weapon, though. Maybe…maybe she could cause a distraction. As the men neared Lachlan, she frantically searched the area with her gaze once more. There was nothing within reach for her to use as a weapon. She would have to use herself.

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