Page 114 of The Highlander Who Loved Me
He dragged in a breath, willing himself to give her the reins.
Her gaze locked with his. A smile, subtle and teasing and hot enough to make him even harder, curved her mouth. The slow, deliberate sweep of her sapphire gaze over his body heated his blood. His arousal surged against the length of plaid he’d wrapped around his hips after leaving his bath. The tilt of her mouth intensified, and those beautiful blue eyes darkened as she took him in. Knowing the effect the very thought of her had on him. Understanding how he wanted her. Delighting in her power over him.
His hunger urged him to go to her. To sweep her onto the bed, bare her curves to the firelight and his ravenous eyes, and sheathe himself in her warmth until the break of dawn.
But patience would have its own wicked reward.
She crossed soundlessly over the rug, stilling when she reached the edge of the bed. One hand went to the sash of her prim dressing gown. The blue of the fabric matched her eyes. She was lovely. Still, he wanted the robe gone. He wanted to see her lush body. And nothing else.
Slowly…achingly so, as if she intended her movements as a sensual torture, she slipped the garment from her shoulders.
The dressing gown pooled around her feet. A thin chemise stood between her flesh and his gaze. In the hearth’s glow, her nipples pebbled against the creamy cotton. His cock prodded the makeshift kilt that draped his body, and her vixen smile broadened.
Johanna peeled the shift from her body. It joined the dressing gown on the floor.
Firelight danced over her luscious, round breasts. Her nipples stood proud, inviting his touch. Connor clenched his hands. He’d go slowly. He’d make every minute of this night count.
She’d left her hair pinned up, tendrils still damp from her bath framing her cheeks. Lovely. Sweetly rounded perfection, that face of hers. He came to his feet. Threading his fingers through her loose topknot, he worked the silky locks free. Coppery waves tumbled over her shoulders, even as Johanna’s blue eyes flashed in unspoken seduction.
“Ye’re perfect,” he said, unable to stop himself.
She only smiled as her palms pressed to his bare chest. With a featherlight touch, she spread her fingertips over his skin, tenderly exploring his body.
And then, she kissed him. Looping her arms around his neck, she pressed her satin lips to his. If he lived a hundred years, he’d never taste anything as delicious as Johanna’s kiss.
“I trust I’m not disturbing you,” she murmured against his mouth.
“I’ve no desire to sleep,leannan.”
His hands encircled her middle, easily spanning her waist. Next to his big body, she was small. Delicate. But never fragile. No, Johanna could give as good as she got. Challenging a man. Facing what lay ahead with courage and spirit.
Dipping his head, he kissed her. The taste of her lips intoxicated him. He wanted her. And only her. For the rest of his days.
A little moan escaped that delectable mouth. Her scent—rosewater and woman—filled him. She canted her hips, cradling him against her rounded softness. His demanding erection hardened. He didn’t think he could get any hungrier for her but she pressed her sweet body closer. Granite had nothing on his cock. She’d drive him bluidy mad with those gentle, teasing movements. Christ, he needed her.
He swept her into his arms and placed her gently upon the bed. In all his years, he’d never seen anything as beautiful as Johanna, her eyes wide with anticipation, her hair splayed over the pillow, her lips parted just enough to entice him with her sweet, rosy tongue.
He prowled over her, anointing her lovely body with kisses as he went. Supporting his weight on his elbows, he gazed down at her face. Like the richest of sapphires, those eyes of hers. What would he give to awaken to that soft, tempting smile every morning of his life? To drift off to sleep with Johanna in his arms, the scent of their passion filling the air? To hear soft murmurs on her breath every time he stripped her bare and she lost herself in passion.
One night would not be enough to ease the ache in him, to appease the hunger for Johanna that filled his body and soul. The reality was like a blow. But in the all-too-fleeting hours they’d have together, he’d learn her body. The curve of her face. The scent of her skin. The silk of her hair between his fingers.
He’d never forget the taste of her kiss. Not if he lived to be as old as Uncle Archie plus a score.
Her tender flesh pebbled and strained for his attention. Taking a pert nipple between his lips, he teased and caressed and adored her.Ah, yes, darling lass. Welcome my kiss. My love.
Love. The word was such a simple one. Yet it slammed into him like a claymore. For so long, he’d scoffed at such sentiment. Despite her rational nature, his sister gobbled up novels with lovestruck fools as heroes as readily as she digested her scientific texts. Love was a key to the universe, or so Serena had said. He’d dismissed her words as drivel. Could it be that she was right, that love was real?
And like a smitten fool, he’d fallen into its snare.
He had this night. And only this night. God knew it wouldn’t be enough. But he’d bring Johanna pleasure. He’d show her what was in his heart, even if poetic words weighted his tongue like lead blocks.
His hand cupped one breast as he lavished attention on the other with his mouth. She arched her back, taking the bliss he offered with an abandon that stirred his desire to a fever pitch.
Beautiful.Johanna was so lovely. Her face. Her supple curves. Her spirit. He didn’t deserve her. Not even for this moment. How had he been so blessed?
His cock throbbed. Urgent. Needing her warmth. But not yet.
He kissed her as his hand snaked between her soft thighs. Ah, the way she responded to his touch. There was no pretense in her actions. No coy seduction. Simply desire. She wanted him. What a bluidy wonderful thing that was.
