Page 37 of The Lord's Compass
“Yes?”
“It is not that I do not want you. The truth is, I want you very, very much.”
“But—”
“In the time we have been together, we have developed a… truce, you could say. I would even go as far as to call us friends. We haven’t had that in years, and I have missed you. I have enjoyed conversing with you without your every word toward me a barbed insult. I do not want to ruin that.”
Faith was silent as she finally caught his gaze and held it.
“You scare me,” she said quietly.
“As you do me,” he answered.
“Perhaps we try something – just to see what happens.”
“All right,” he said cautiously.
She tilted her face up to his, summoned all of her courage, and kissed him.
CHAPTER12
Eric had kissed many women.
But none had ever compared to Faith.
Which was the very reason why, as much as he wanted her, he had been trying to avoid this. Truly kissing her again, for more than show, would likely ruin him for any other woman in the future.
But when her lips met his, every reservation flew out the window. He was being offered his very dream, the most luscious treat that had ever been presented to him.
And he wasn’t fool enough to turn it down.
He meant to briefly return her kiss, long enough that she wouldn’t feel rejected but also would not take it as a promise for more.
But the next thing he knew, he had her head in his hands as he angled it just right to accept his kiss, then he dove deep into her mouth and all she had to offer.
He was like a man starved who had been presented with a buffet. His need for her, which had been triggered years ago, suddenly took over his every action as he kissed her with all of the passion he held for her. Her lips were lush, giving, and he licked his way into her mouth, tangling her tongue with his.
She clung to him as she gave in return in equal measure, and soon one of his hands was roaming lower, exploring the swell of her bottom, the indent of her waist.
He ran his hand up her stomach until it reached the plump edge of her breast, and he took his time in lifting it in his hand, cupping it as he brushed his thumb over her nipple. She moaned into his mouth as she pressed herself against him. Eric couldn’t ever remember being so on edge from just kissing, touching a woman.
To answer her rocking against him, he lifted her nightgown, pressing his bare leg between her thighs, and she began to ride it, likely purely based on instinct. He let her use him as he tweaked her nipple between his fingers while he didn’t break their kiss – for he didn’t want her to overthink this, but simply allow herself the pleasure that she deserved.
“Eric,” she moaned as she threw her head back, and he knew she was close.
He reached down, pressing his thumb to her button – and she clenched him hard, with her grip, her legs, her heart.
When she finally opened her eyes, they were searching, her breath coming in quick pants as she stared at him in shock.
He managed a goofy smile for her.
“How was that?” he asked, even as he ached.
“That was… indescribable,” she said, and he saw when the reservation washed over her. “I am so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I was?—”
“Perfect,” he said smugly. “That is a feat indeed if I could turn off that brilliant mind of yours.”
“Yes, but?—”
