But he could see she was.
She bit her lower lip. “I didn't think it would be quite so large. I mean, I’ve seen horses and such but—”
Nick laughed softly. “There is an expression—but now is not the time. I just don’t wish you to be afraid.”
“I’m not. I am never afraid of you, even when I should be.”
He came to her on all fours. Hovering over her, he leaned down to graze her lips with his own.
She kissed him back fiercely as her hand trailed along his chest to wrap her fingers around the length of him.
“Jesus,” he growled.
“I’m sorry—” she stuttered, her hand falling back, “I—I thought I should touch you as you touched me? Should I not? Should—”
“You may touch me anywhere you like,” his voice shook with desire, “but I think we will save the exploring for later. I'm not sure I can wait much longer.” He kissed her neck before pushing her legs further apart.
Jem’s body shivered beneath him.
Reaching between her legs, he found her slick and warm. He rolled his thumb back and forth through her folds.
“Ahh.” Jem sighed softly and wrapped her arms about his neck. Her hips twisted beneath his fingers. “I want you, Nick.”
And she did, he realized, wanthim.Not the Devil of Dunbar, not the heir to a fortune, not a man that so many considered damned. She thought him to be Nick Shepherd, a man with few prospects, one eye and possibly a fortune hunter. Yet, she still wantedhim.
He took away his hand and pressed his arousal between her thighs, the tip hovering just outside of her entrance. Gently, he pushed into her, watching her face for any signs of distress, worried that he would cause her pain. “It will hurt, the first time.”
Jem cupped his face, her lips twisting into a small smile. “I’ve ridden horses all my life. I'm told that may make it easier.”
Nick returned her smile and kissed the tip of her nose. He wrapped one arm beneath her bottom, holding her and thrust slowly but firmly into her, feeling the small obstruction give way.
Jem tensed beneath him, her legs tightening. A small cry of pain escaped her lips.
Nick didn't move, allowing her body time to become accustomed to his. Beads of sweat hovered about his upper lip as he resisted the urge to push further. As her body softened against him, he brushed his lips against hers, gently nipping at her mouth. “Jem.”
She moved her hips as he said her name, pushing up, so that he sunk deeper inside her.
“Tell me what I need to do”” She moaned and her hands clung to his waist, pulling him close to her. “Like this?”
“Yes. Like that.” Nick struggled to maintain his control lest he spill himself like an untried lad. He thrust into her again and again, swiveling his hips so that his body caught against her sensitive flesh.
The most delightful little noises emanated from her lips as she moved beneath him, trying to match his movements. “Harder.” She nipped his chest. “Oh God, please, harder. You won't hurt me.” Her nails bit into his buttocks. “I promise.”
Jem found his rhythm and matched him thrust for thrust, her hips lifting and turning against him. The tightening of her body beneath his, caused him to pause and slow, wanting to prolong the pleasure for them both as long as possible. He wished this moment never to end.
“Nick.” Jem said, her breath coming in short bursts.
“Wait, love.” He lifted one of her legs up, hooking it over his arm. “Wait for me.”
Her body tightened around him, pulling him deeper as she climaxed.
Nick rocked forward, burying his face in Jem’s neck, the intensity of his own release shocking him with the ferocity of it. He whispered his want, his longing for only her, his lips pressing against the softness of her skin.
They lay there while the sun moved across the sky and the gulls flew over their heads. Their bodies remained joined as if it had always been so.
When at last Nick came to his senses, he pulled from her, ignoring her small sound of disappointment. One leg thrown over hers possessively, he lay next to her, allowing the gentle ocean breeze cool their bodies.
They talked then, speaking of nothing and yet of everything. He did not tell her the truth of who he was, he couldn’t. He would have to concoct some fabricated tale to skirt the true reason for his presence in Hamilton. But, not yet. In spite of that lie between them, Nick felt light of heart for the first time since he was a child, before his parents died and he wore the mantle of the Devil of Dunbar.
