Page 46 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
He kissed down her throat, his hands mapping out every curve, every dip, until they reached their destination. He pushed her skirts up to her waist as he slid his fingers into the wet heat of her core. Her breaths were shallow, her body arching into his touch as his fingers glided softly between her folds. The pads of his calloused fingers gently and rhythmically circled her bud with expert precision.
Erica’s moans stoked the urge to claim her right then and there, before the guilt washed over him, tugging relentlessly on his focus. He felt his manhood stiffening, straining almost uncomfortably against his pants.
He needed to hear his name on her lips. He couldn’t stop, nor did he want to.
“Promise me,” he murmured, his voice a low rasp as his lips brushed against her ear. His fingers stroked her sex before hovering, delaying her pleasure and sending her into a frenzy. “Ye must be careful, Erica. Promise me that ye will look after yerself.”
Her inner thighs tensed up as her gaze met his, and he saw the flicker of resistance, the same fierce independence that had bothdrawn him to her and driven him mad, even as he held her in the palm of his hand—quite literally.
But then, her expression softened, and she whispered, “I promise.”
The simple words broke whatever restraint he had left. He captured her mouth again and slowly slid a finger inside her, letting her warmth ignite his senses. His kiss was deep and heated, filled with every ounce of desire that coursed through him.
Erica moaned softly into the kiss, her hands pulling him closer, and he was swept up in the sensation, caught up in her warmth, her softness, the way she responded to him so quickly. His hooded eyes feasted on her core as he slid another finger inside her, his mouth watering with anticipation. Her loud cry of pleasure went straight to his manhood.
I will taste her tonight. I will watch her fall apart.
He wanted to watch her unravel beneath him, to know he was the one who brought her to this point. His fingers pumped into her, making her moan louder.
But just as he felt her body tremble, he held back, making her wait, drawing out her pleasure until she was nearly begging. He wanted her to feel every moment, to know that she was his—that he wouldn’t let her slip away.
“Promise me again. Now,” he demanded. “Promise me, and I’ll let ye come.”
Her lip trembled, and he felt her walls clench around his fingers, a silent plea for him to keep going. His lips curled into a wicked grin, and he curled his fingers slightly, nearly groaning as he heard her breath hitch.
Stubborn piece of work.
Erica furrowed her brow defiantly. Her voice was barely an audible murmur, but it was filled with the need for relief that only he could provide, and he couldn’t get enough of it. “I promise.”
That was all he needed.
Finally, he let her fall, his touch guiding her over the edge, feeling her body shudder as he held her close, his breaths ragged and uneven as he watched. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as she cried out.
When she stilled, her breathing soft and even, he pulled her close, letting her rest against him, content to feel the warmth of her body, her steady breaths lulling him into a calm he hadn’t felt in years.
He crawled up to rest on her pillows, and she nestled against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. He stroked her hair, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace wash over him.
As she drifted off in his arms, he held her close, his heartbeat steady and sure. And as he felt the warmth of her skin against him, he knew he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to keep her by his side.
For the first time in a long time, Hunter felt grounded in a way he hadn’t realized he needed. Yet, there was still that nagging guilt that he couldn’t shake.
It was the guilt that made him look at her like she would be his downfall. It was the guilt that knocked the breath out of his lungs and nearly made his heart stop. It was the guilt, even with her scent all over him, that made him get up and leave.
14
Erica stirred awake, expecting the warmth of Hunter’s arms around her. Instead, her hand met only cool linen sheets, and her heart sank, a pang of disappointment taking root. She brushed it off, though, reminding herself that Hunter had his duties.
Yet, the desire from last night clung to her, making her crave his presence all the more. With a sigh, she rolled over to see if he’d left anything—a note, a flower… something.
Her eyes landed on a small, delicately wrapped box on the nightstand. She sat up, heart racing with curiosity, and gingerly lifted the lid. Inside, nestled in soft fabric, lay a necklace—a silver chain with a beautiful emerald pendant glinting in the morning light. The green color of the stone was vivid, like the lush hills of the Highlands. She noticed the small note next to it and read it.
This necklace will match your beautiful eyes.
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks, her fingers running over the smooth surface of the pendant. Hunter was thoughtful—more thoughtful than she had expected him to be. Her heart ached at the idea that he might have chosen this just for her. Maybe he hadn’t, but she wanted to believe it. It made her feel cherished, like she was more than just a stranger in his home.
Carefully, she fastened the necklace around her neck and then glanced at herself in the mirror. The emerald sparkled at her throat, catching the light with each small movement.
“What do ye think, Kara?” she asked, turning as her maid walked in.
