He cried out, a final thrust that set off all the fireworks her body contained. She soared high, linked to him, her fingers gripping his shoulders hard enough to tear his shirt and her body shaking even as he pumped himself deeply and shattered, throbbing violently inside her, adding to the magnificent whirl of blissful ecstasy.
“Mother of God,” he murmured, crushing her against him and finding her breast once more.“Jesus…” He continued to suckle and she continued to shudder, his actions prolonging her maelstrom of sensation.
Finally, exhausted, they eased, limbs loosening, bodies unwinding and breath returning to starved lungs.
“Gwyneth,” he whispered, the word coming out like a prayer of joy.
“I know.” She leaned her forehead against his as her legs finally decided to release him. “I know.”
Evan stepped back. “Stay for a moment…”
She couldn’t do anything else, so she didn’t object to the command.
He returned with a cool cloth and gently cleansed her still-tender folds, then he tidied himself and restored them both to a semblance of normalcy.
“Wait,” he said as she made to cover herself. “I missed a bit…” His head dipped and his tongue administered a final long, seductive lick around her nipples.
“Evan,” she groaned. “It’s too much…I like that far too much…”
Letting her go, he straightened her bodice as best he could and then fastened the apron over the torn fabric. “I can’t remember the last time I had such a wonderful time making jam.” His sensual smile made her shiver. “We’ll do this again, Gwyneth, and not on a kitchen table.” His gaze lit with fire. “I want you naked in front of me. And I want time to explore every inch of you…”
She swallowed down a lump of lust that refused to go away. “Yes,” she nodded, held in thrall by that look in his eyes. “Yes.”
Hooves clattered outside and recalled them both to the present, dispelling the erotic haze they’d created.
“Lord, I must go,” she whispered, sliding to the floor. “I cannot run around in torn clothing.”
“And I must take the delivery,” he sighed. “Until later, love.”
She nodded. “Until later, Evan.”
Hurrying away, she sped upstairs to her chambers and dressed once more, adding a chemise to the light lawn gown. Her hand still shook and she closed her eyes for a moment, reliving the feel of a man, the desire…the pleasure…
A door was opening inside her. She could step through it and become the sensual woman she’d buried so long ago. The question was,shouldshe?
With a shrug, she told herself that only time would tell. And with that thought in mind, she left her room and headed back downstairs. Now she had to turn her attention to tomorrow’s fête.
ChapterTwenty-Five
“He’s here.”
Jeremy’s call echoed through the rooms of Wolfbridge Manor and brought the residents scurrying to the hall. One of them had been watching the drive since mid-afternoon and it was now late, they’d dined, and dusk was giving way to that in-between period where there was hardly any light but it wasn’t full dark.
Finally, after what seemed like weeks, Giles had returned from London.
Gwyneth stood with her gentlemen, eager to set eyes on the man who had literally saved her life and offered her a new one. She was beyond grateful and so very happy to see him arrive home where he belonged.
“Hullo…” He jumped down from the carriage, seeing the impatient faces awaiting him. “Since you’re all doing nothing, how about taking care of my bags?”
Jeremy laughed, Gabriel followed and everyone was busy for a few moments, talking to the driver and unloading Giles’s modest amount of luggage.
He walked straight to Gwyneth and took her hands in his. “All right?”
She nodded. “Yes, quite all right. But much happier now you’re home at Wolfbridge.”
He squeezed her fingers. “As am I.”
Releasing her, he turned to the gentlemen as they went back into the hall. “I need to change and freshen up, and I dined early on the road. But a brandy would be most welcome, and I’m sure you all would like to know the results of my journey. So…” he glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner, “if we could meet in the Rose room, in about half an hour?”
