Page 108 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
When his fingers dipped even lower between her thighs, she moaned. Her muscles went weak as he teased the slick entrance to her channel before moving up to gently massage the tight little bud that ached for his touch.
To relax was impossible. Yes, she felt all but boneless under his passionate attentions, shivering in his arms. But as her arousal built, gathering in her core, Victoria grew ever more restless.
She was familiar with her own body, and she recognized the approaching climax. But never had her need been so intense. The feel of his big hands on her body, blunt-fingered and hard yet also tender and knowing, was like nothing she’d ever experienced. His every caress seemed to pour heat and magic through her veins.
When he slipped a finger into her, Victoria curled forward. Sensation rippled outward, sending her to the edge.
“Nicholas,” she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut and digging her fingers into his waistcoat.
“Yes, love,” he gritted out. “Almost there.”
When his hand slid down to her inner thigh, her eyes popped open. He slowly pushed open her legs, spreading her wide. Victoria’s breath fractured as she gazed down at herself, sprawled in his lap. She was all but naked, her body flushed with passion, her curls dewy and glistening from her arousal.
She should be ashamed at the wanton display, abandoning herself to passion in the arms of a man not yet her husband. And yet, she felt no shame. Vulnerable, yes, and even a little frightened at the onslaught of such powerful emotions. But in Arnprior’s strong arms, she’d never felt safer or more cherished.
She raised a hand to his face, tenderly cupping his cheek as she stared into his eyes. Then his gaze once again swept over her body, focusing on her parted thighs. He slowly pushed two fingers inside her as he flicked his thumb over her slick bud. When Victoria started to moan, he bent and fastened his lips to hers, swallowing the sound. She shook in his arms as pleasure stormed through her body. When her climax reached its peak, she breathed a sob into his mouth and then curled into the shelter of his broad chest.
His hand gently cupped her sex, softly stroking as the ripples faded away. Victoria sucked in air, trying to slow her pounding heart. When her lungs—and her brain—started working again, she opened her eyes and stared dazedly up at him.
Arnprior’s eyes gleamed with unappeased hunger. “I trust that answers your question as to whether we will suit, Miss Knight.Andthat it lays to rest any further objections to our marriage. As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a damn thing standing in the way of our getting married tomorrow. Not one.”
But there still was, of course, one very troublesome, very large impediment to their future wedded bliss.
And his name was Thomas Fletcher.
Chapter Twenty
As Nick handed Victoria up the carriage step, she gave him a shy smile. After that intense, sensual night in his study, he’d thought all was settled between them, and marriage would shortly follow.
But Victoria had responded to their sexual interlude by bolting off his lap and stammering out an apology. After struggling to right her clothing—he’d had to do most of the work for her—she’d then all but fled the room. He’d put it down to maidenly nerves, but now was beginning to think some other concern held her back. He intended to solve the mystery—and tonight, if possible.
In the meantime, he’d worked hard to convey his commitment to her, both privately and publicly. He’d taken her on a few outings around town, and up to Mugdock Castle to take in the splendid view. Kade had usually been their escort. The lad worked too hard and needed a break from his studies, and Victoria clearly felt more at ease with the company. When she was more at ease, she was more amenable to Nick’s courtship.
He was, however, impatient to settle the matter between them, and wasn’t above using a bit of encouragement to achieve his ends.
After waving Royal into the carriage, Nick climbed in and sat next to Victoria. When he carefully tucked the lap blanket around her waist, she gave a little shake of her head.
“Thank you, sir. I’m quite capable of doing that for myself.”
“I like taking care of you,” he said, giving her a warm smile.
“Obviously,” Royal said.
“Did you enjoy the ball tonight, Royal?” Victoria asked brightly.
“The Gilbrides know how to throw a party, I’ll say that much.”
Alec and Edie had hosted the Hogmanay Ball at their manor house near Glasgow. The entertaining affair had included what seemed like half the citizens of Glasgow. To say it was a mad crush was an understatement.
Victoria gave a discreet yawn behind her gloved hand. “I’m not surprised the twins decided to stay. They seemed to be having fun.”
“They’ll be there well past dawn, I imagine,” Nick said.
He’d been reluctant to leave them on their own until Alec vowed to keep an eye on them. Fortunately, they’d mostly behaved themselves. Graeme seemed greatly smitten with Miss MacBride, the vicar’s daughter. She was a surprising choice for his rapscallion brother, although Nick couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t exactly a pattern card of modest behavior. The lass had even dragged Graeme onto the dance floor for a second waltz. Because that had set more than a few tongues wagging, it was time to give his brother a warning. Nick didn’t need a scandal on his hands, especially while he was courting Victoria.
“Perhaps we should have brought the twins home with us instead of foisting them on Edie and Alec,” Victoria said in a worried tone.
“Many of the guests will remain until dawn,” Nick said. “It’s a Hogmanay tradition. The Gilbrides will no doubt be providing breakfast for dozens.”
