Page 103 of Ransomed to the World
“Change into these.” His eyes swept over her quickly, then he turned and gave her his back. “Let me know when you’re done.”
Annora studied his broad back, then reluctantly dropped her towel and began to dress. She slid on the silk underwear, strapless bra, and one of the stockings before she broke the silence. “I don’t know about families or houses, but I do know I wouldnevergive a child of mine away like that. You and the guys are my family, and I wouldn’t trade any of you for the world.”
She was just rolling up the last stocking, her foot on the edge of the bathtub, when the stillness in the room made her look up.
She found Edgar staring at her, his lips slightly parted, his blue eyes dark with hunger. “You are magnificent.”
Heat spread through her limbs, and suddenly she was locked in his arms, unsure who moved first. He tasted of darkness and nectar, his mouth devouring hers like he was starved for the taste of her, and she loved every fucking second of it. With a groan, he finally lifted his head, and she nearly whimpered.
He looked pained as he slowly pried his hands off her.
“Edgar?” She curled her hands into fists, hurt and confused by his retreat. “What’s wrong? It’s almost like you’ve been…avoiding me.” She crossed her arms, suddenly feeling very exposed in nothing but her underwear.
“I promised myself that I wouldn’t touch you until I’ve earned your forgiveness.” His mouth tightened, his face harsh as he gazed down at her.
She frowned up at him. “But I forgave you already.”
“Because you’re kind and beautiful and generous, not because I deserve it.” He thrust his fingers in his hair. “I—”
“You’re an idiot.” Her heart lurched at the confused, troubled expression on his face. She moved closer to him until only inches separated them, and she couldn’t tell if he was even breathing. “I may be naïve, but I’m not stupid, and I don’t say what I don’t mean…ever. You did lie to me, you betrayed my trust…” Annora looked down, tangling her fingers together and shrugged. “But Imayhave overreacted. You’re the first friend I’ve ever had.”
Edgar swallowed hard, then cupped her face, searching her eyes. “Say it again.”
“I forgive you.” Annora leaned into him. “I love you.”
His mouth slammed over hers, his lips bruising as he held her still and plundered her mouth. She reached up and gripped his wrists, needing something solid to ground her while the world around her dissolved.
He stooped, gripped her waist, and lifted her clear off the ground, never once breaking the kiss. She threw her arms around his neck, her legs around his hips, shivering when his erection brushed her core.
Seconds later, she found her ass perched on the edge of the counter once again. He reached down, easing his fingers inside her panties and stroked her intimately.
Once.
Twice.
The third time, she was so on edge he sent her over. The orgasm rippled through her, and she could do nothing but ride it out, groaning his name. His strokes lightened as she came down from her high, and she struggled to get her breath back after he stole it.
When she blinked her eyes open, it was to find him gazing down at her with a pleased smirk. She licked her lips while she studied him, suddenly hungry for more. She reached for the waistband of his pants when he captured her wrists in his grip. “What—?”
“If I touch you now, I will ruin all my hard work, and we don’t have time to put you back together before Daxion comes for you.”
Annora grimaced in disgust. “That’s one hell of a way to ruin the mood.”
Edgar let out a bark of laughter, then pulled away with a wince. Ignoring the erection bulging the front of his pants, he helped her down, running his hands over her lingerie until everything was back in place. He tucked a few pieces of her hair back into the pins and gave a nod of approval before he returned to the garment bag.
Annora leaned against the counter, her legs still trembling, and her eyes fell to his ass. The predatory way he moved made her shiver, and she bit her lip to stifle a groan.
He literally left her breathless.
He turned, her dress in his hands, his expression softening as he looked at her. Without a word, he knelt at her feet, guiding her legs into the dress. She leaned on his shoulder for balance, his face just inches away from her breasts. The warmth against her bare skin made her shiver, and he lightly brushed his cheek against her stomach.
“I would give anything to be taking this dress off you instead of putting it on you,” he grumbled. Taking a fortifying breath, he tore himself away and stood, sliding the dress up over her hips.
She allowed her fingers to trail down his chest, stealing a touch along his muscles before he turned her, pouting when he zipped up her dress. If anything happened to her, she wanted their last moments together to be something he’d never forget.
Darkness splintered his blue eyes as he gazed down at her, his voice just a whisper of air. “Magnificent.”
Annora ripped her attention away from his handsome face and finally saw herself in the mirror for the first time. Her mouth dropped open in shock, and she lifted her hand to touch her face, then quickly lowered it, not wanting to mess up the makeup. “You made me look beautiful.”
