Page 33 of Laird of Smoke
There was no conspiratorial joy in her expression.No clever mischief.No smug victory.
She looked positively stunned.
Then her gaze lowered to his lips, and her eyes filled with something else.Something he recognized at once.
Smoky longing.
Chapter 6
Eve felt forbidden heat in her body again.Blood rushing through her veins.A heavenly hum in her ears.Drowsy desire in her eyes.
Despite years of wearing the garments of others—ladies, servants, archers, monks, even courtesans—she’d never kissed a man before.
Why would she?She was a nun.It was wrong.Right?
God forgive her, it didn’tfeelwrong.
And she wanted to do it again.
She closed her eyes and leaned forward, opening her mouth in invitation.
He answered with a kiss so tender, she wondered if she imagined it.But nay.His touch was real.His breath was warm.
Even that light brush caused a ripple of yearning to reverberate through her.Her heart quickened.Her skin tingled.Her breasts swelled.A delicious throbbing began betwixt her thighs.
Fearing he’d pull away, she angled her head, deepening the kiss.But then she feared hewouldn’tpull away, that she’d be swallowed, body and soul.She faltered, unable to decide whether to stop or go on.
He decided for her.
He pulled her into his embrace.
Then he lowered his lips to hers again, firmer this time.Moving his mouth over hers.Nuzzling her cheek.Tasting her as if she were an irresistible, ripe peach.
His hand drifted up and his fingers left a trail of shivers along her bare throat.He reached beneath her hood and caressed the flesh at the side of her neck.
She made a sound she’d never made before.A soft moan.
It frightened her.Who was this woman making such sounds?
Yet his touch simultaneously excited and comforted her.
He groaned in answer, giving the lobe of her ear a gentle squeeze.
When she gasped, he parted her lips farther with his tongue, making cautious explorations.
Her pulse began to race.Was she afraid?Or excited?
She lifted her hands and placed them on his chest.Whether to push him away or haul him closer, she wasn’t sure.She rested them upon the firm muscle there, remembering the similar enticing contours of his bare back.
Her head swam in a sea of confusion.Was she coursing through the waves like a spirited dolphin?Or about to drown in the depths of an unforgiving ocean?
She wanted more.Her body craved…something.
Just as she was about to press closer to discover what it was, she felt him chuckle against her mouth.
Jarred out of her lusty languor, she pulled back.
For one awful instant, glancing at the amusement in his eyes, she thought he was laughing at her.
