Heat spread across my chest, up my neck, to my cheeks. I’ve never felt more exposed in my entire life. Nor more vulnerable.
His gaze drops from my face to my breasts, then lower, and I battle with the urge to cover myself up.
This is what he bargained for, my body is now his, signed for on the dotted line and paid for in blood. My fate was always to end up just like this. From the day I was born, this moment was inevitable.
With a shuddering exhale, I accept my destiny, and hold my head high.
He extends one giant hand toward me, and I flinch when he palms my bare breast. Steeling myself, I lock my jaw, stare at his chest, and endure his rough touch. His thumb sweeps over my nipple, and it hardens to a peak. I do my best to ignore the fluttery sensations and heat pooling low in my belly.
He can take my body, but he’ll never have my pleasure. Not that he wants it anyway.
Reaching out, he palms my other breast too, teasing my nipples until they are both rock hard. Unexpectedly, it feels good. I fight the instinct to arch my back in a silent plea for more.
Thenhemoans.
The sound catches me by surprise. My gaze flicks up to his scarred face. His pale blue eyes burn with unbridled desire, and he bites down on his full bottom lip like he’s attempting to deny himself a taste of me. A hint of pink smears his angular cheekbones.
It takes my brain a minute to realize that it’s my body,me, that has done this to him. Melted his cold, icy exterior, to reveal the fiery blaze beneath. I narrow my eyes. Does he really hate me, or does he hate how much he wants me?
Warmth spreads beneath my skin, but I ignore it, focusing on my resolve. “I chose to get this over and done with quickly. What do you think you are doing?”
The ruffian pinches my nipples between his fingers, and I gasp. Then he gives them a tug. My thighs clench and I stagger. I’ve never felt anything like it, a sweeping pleasure with a delicious hint of pain.
He knowingly smirks.
Dear God, what new hellish trial is this? Do you have no mercy?
“I want to tell you a secret.” He leans down until his breath warms my ear. The scent of whiskey and spice invades my senses. “I don’t hate you enough to shove this in your virgin cunt without preparing you first.”
Shocked, I angle my head to look at him. The movement brings our lips so close, if either one of us slightly leans in, we’d kiss.
His gaze flicks to my mouth. I swallow hard. Temptation warms his blue irises for a second before they cool. He wants to kiss me, but he won’t. Why?
Suddenly, he snatches my wrist and places my hand over the front of his trousers so that I can feelhim.
My eyes bulge, and fear drives a spike through my chest. That can’t be… but it is, it must be. The thing is huge, just like the rest of this enormous man. Not just thick but long. I’m not even sure where the end is at. There’s no way that’s fitting in me even withpreparation. Whatever that means.
He moans. “I’ll be honest with you, if you keep that up, I’m going to come in my pants.”
Horrified, I realize I’ve been fondling his dick, and I quickly pull my hand away.
He grunts.
“You can’t be serious!” I recoil.
His brows draw together. “What?—?”
“Thatthingin your pants will split me in two. There’s absolutely no way.” I vehemently shake my head. “Not happening. Uh-uh. Nope.”
He chuckles, the sound surprisingly warm and sensual. His mirth only lasts for a second before he straightens to his full, imposing height, his eyes on mine. That unreadable expression returns to his features.
“There’s still time to get an annulment, if that’s what you want. Without our two families joined, the peace treaty willquickly deteriorate. I’ve seen it happen. But if you really want this to be over, then I won’t touch you, and in the morning I’ll have you returned to your father, intact, so he may marry you off again.”
“No,” I say much too quickly. The very thought of being sent back to my father fills me with dread. If I’m rejected, if I mess this all up, Papa will beat me to within an inch of my life. Or maybe kill me, since I won’t be of use to him anymore. Actually, knowing him, he’ll sell me on the flesh market. He never leaves money on the table.
I shiver at the thought.
This Irishman gently touches my shoulder. “What’s wrong? You’re shaking. Are you cold?”
