Page 95 of Laird of Steel
The forest pool at midnight was not the best spot for a tryst. The air was chill. The ground was hard. But at least here they’d not be discovered.
Once he’d mounded the leaves, he swirled off his cloak to make a coverlet. Then he swept her off her feet, laying her gently atop the makeshift pallet. Though the torch had gone out, the half-moon’s reflection on the water cast enough light that he could see her gazing up at him with adoring eyes.
How he loved her. And to see that love reflected back at him… He wished with all his heart that his wife would one day look at him the way Merraid looked at him now.
But he dared not think more about Carenza. Guilt already weighed on him like an anvil. What he did was sinful. He knew that. Never mind that he’d had plenty of lovers before Merraid. He was now betrothed. He should be true to his bride-to-be.
Why then did Merraid feel like his one true love?
“Come to me,” Merraid murmured.
That sweet encouragement made him forget about everything except the lovely wee maidservant who shared his heart and welcomed his caresses.
Gazing down at the beautiful lass, he knew his greatest challenge would be keeping his own desires in check while he aroused hers. When she’d thrust her hand down his braies, he’d hardened faster than molten steel plunged in icy water.
Thankfully, he knew a few secrets. Secrets that would soon have her begging for his touch.
Moving her skirts out of the way, he nudged her knees apart and knelt between them. Leaning forward, he swept her hair back from her brow and placed a kiss there. He slipped his fingers into her tresses to cradle her head as he kissed each eyelid.
She giggled playfully and lifted her hands to clutch at his leine.
“Nay,” he said, prying her fingers loose. “Keep your hands still.”
“But I want to touch ye.”
“I know,” he said. “But do not. Just lie back. Close your eyes.”
She sighed.
He nuzzled her temple and blew a soft breath into her ear.
She shivered.
“Do you like that?” he murmured against her hair.
She nodded.
“What about this?”
He turned her head aside and kissed the lobe of her ear. Then he captured it between his lips and licked at the tender flesh.
She made a sound of pleasure deep in her throat.
He opened his lips then and, with the tip of his tongue, traced the delicate shell and recesses of her ear.
She writhed in lusty torment and snatched again at his leine.
He murmured in her ear, “Let go.”
She did so with difficulty.
When he turned her head to the other side, she stiffened, bracing for his touch, and made fists of her hands.
He smiled, running his tongue up the side of her neck, blowing on her flesh to make her shiver. When he bathed her ear, she arched up against him, making a strangled squeal in her throat.
He answered with a soft chuckle.
But her eager response was stretching his restraint to the limit. He felt the demanding beast stirring in his braies.
