Quinn’s continued slumber made her even more bold.There was a great deal that she had not truly seen.Carefully, Melissande drew the linens even lower.Even in the shadowed light, the sight of him made her mouth go dry.
He was a warrior and his body showed the evidence.His muscles were developed to hard curves, there were more small nicks and scars all over his flesh.His flesh was darker than her hand, tanned to a bronze hue that still lingered.
Melissande’s overwhelming impression was one of power.Here was a man who had earned his way with his hands and his blade.That choice hinted at a code of honor she could admire and Melissande found herself intrigued with her spouse.
Her fingers fell to his flesh again and she touched the dark circle of his nipple, surprised to find it like her own.Her hand followed the trail of hair that led toward his navel.Below his navel, a matching russet arrow swept upward from his masculinity.
She had not dared to look at that part of him, for only a wanton or a whore would do as much.She did as much in this moment, confident that no one would know of her curiosity.She lifted the linens and her eyes widened in surprise at his arousal.
Was he always like this?The recollection of his strength within her prompted Melissande to explore further.Was the surrounding hair wiry or soft?Was the flesh truly as hard as it appeared?Amazed by her own audacity, she touched him.
That part of him lifted to her hand, as though welcoming her touch.
She pulled back her hand, certain he had caught her looking.Melissande eyed Quinn but his chest merely rose and fell as he slept peacefully.
Surely she had been mistaken.Surely he had just moved in his sleep.
Surely there was no harm in knowing for certain.
She swallowed and reached out once more.As soon as her fingertips brushed against Quinn’s hardness, it rose slightly.
This time she did not pull away.Melissande laid her hand across him and felt the slight swell beneath her touch.The skin was smooth and he was hard.Her fingers closed gently and quite naturally around Quinn’s strength.Shocked at her own audacity and uncertain how to proceed, Melissande flicked a glance at Quinn.
Only to find his amber gaze locked upon her.
He smiled, looking wicked, and Melissande knew she flushed scarlet.
“I am sorry,” she began in a fluster.
When she might have pulled away her hand, the weight of Quinn’s hand landed atop hers, capturing it there.
“Do not apologize,” he said with reassuring calm.“Curiosity is only natural.”
“I do not mean to give offense,” Melissande began.
Quinn chuckled.“And none is taken, my lady.Rest assured of that.”His thumb slid across the back of her hand and the hue of his eyes deepened to a rich amber.
Melissande pulled her hand abruptly out from under Quinn’s, feeling her face burn.
“You mock me,” she accused and could no longer hold his gaze.
“I do no such thing,” Quinn countered.“I welcome you to continue your exploration.”
Melissande dared to look at him again and he smiled slowly at her.He caught her hand again and held it captive over his heart.She felt its steady beat beneath her palm.It seemed she could not take a breath, not when he watched her so steadily.
“I thought you did not mean to come to my bed last night.”
“I came toourbed, but hope I did not disturb your sleep.”
Melissande exhaled and sat up, but Quinn did not release her hand.Indeed, his thumb began to move slowly across her palm and she found it as seductive a caress as when he had traced circles on her back at their wedding feast.She stared at him and swallowed.
“Did you sleep well, my lady?”
“Aye.And you, sir?”
His smile disarmed her.“Aye!I have never known such comfort as this.”He lifted a brow and stretched his arms over his head.Despite herself, Melissande could not resist the opportunity to look upon him again.His smile did not waver and he did not complain, merely claimed her hand again and placed it on his chest, covering it with his own.“I shall have to ensure that I am not completely seduced.”
Melissande found herself flushing even more.
