She moaned, her mouth gasping for air as every muscle in her body tensed and she thrust herself into his hand.
He slid a finger into her heat, and gently stroked her silken flesh, then moved faster, learning her sensitive spots and focusing his attention on them.
She was arching off the bed as he continued his sensual assault, gasping, writhing, until finally she erupted around him with a muted squeal. For long moments he felt her muscles spasming against his fingers and marvelled at the sight of his Willow enjoying her first release.
Gritting his teeth, Harry stayed with her, watching, feeling a little overwhelmed at what he had just done. “Willow,” he whispered. “Willow, are you all right?”
Sucking in a gulp of air, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “Oh yes, Harry. I’m all right. In fact, it would be fair to say I’ve never been better.” She yawned. “But oddly enough, I’m rather tired.”
He smiled. “Go to sleep, sweetheart.” Tugging her clothing back into place and settling himself down again behind her, he almost missed her whispered reply.
“All right, Harry. I love you.”
Her whole body eased against him and within seconds he knew she slept. Exhausted, sated, and not even realising she was experiencing the after-effects of a magnificent climax.
He sighed. She would now, doubtless, enjoy a long and deep sleep, and wake refreshed in the morning.
I wish I could do the same, he thought, as he put his head on the pillow beside hers. He knew he was going to be rather uncomfortable for some time. But it had been worth it, and he’d survive.
Because he’d discovered that Willow Trease loved him.
Chapter Ten
In Which a Thief Interferes With the Journey to London
Willow awoke first, opening her eyes slowly, unwilling to move from the delicious warmth that seemed to surround her.
She took a few moments to enjoy it, then—as her mind rose above the tranquillity of sleep—the feeling of arms around her, legs tangled with hers, and a warm, firm body plastered against her spine made themselves known.
Heavens above. She was curled into Harry’s arms like a kitten against its mother.
And it was the most wonderfully pleasurable sensation she could imagine. As she awoke further, she realised that thought wasn’t quite true. Last night, here in this bed, she’d experienced pleasure that far surpassed anything she could have described.
Lying still, relishing the newness of her position, she tried to clear her mind and evaluate the situation.
They had to get to London as soon as they could, so making sure the carriage was ready would be the first thing for them to see to.
She had to wash and dress as best she could, as did Harry.
Breakfast? Probably just a quick bit before they left the inn. She’d have to let him pay their bill, but he’d said he had enough coin to take care of them on the journey.
All of which was practical, appropriate, and necessary.
What wasn’t any of those things was the reluctance she was experiencing, the unwillingness to move at all away from the utterly blissful sensation of a man’s body hold hers.
Never could she have thought such a thing so pleasurable. She realised she’d never actually thought about it at all. Not until Harry.
He’d fallen into her life and permanently fixed himself in her heart. Would she ever feel this way about another man? She couldn’t even imagine it.
He stirred, and she felt him waken, murmuring a little as he snuggled close. “Hello.”
“Good morning to you too,” she replied, loving the simple delight of a dawn cuddle.
“I suppose we should rise,” he said, sighing.
“If we want to get to London today, yes.” She sighed too. Then she turned her head, looked at him, and couldn’t help her laugh. “We are in quite a mess, aren’t we?”
He chuckled. “We’ll get out of it.” He glanced at the light beginning to shine through the window. “But I must get my business finished first. And that means it’s time for us to be on the road.”
