Moaning softly, Elizabet did as she was told, spreading her legs so that his fingers could better dance within her. She panted softly, her heart jolting with every single touch he bestowed upon her. His kisses were rapturous, his caresses shocking, but she shamelessly delighted in every glide of his fingers.
He lifted his hand suddenly to their mouths and pressed wet fingers between their joined lips, lapping them lustfully. It shocked her merely an instant, and then she joined him, her heart pounding fiercely against her ribs. Her legs spread of their own accord, seeking something, though she knew not what.
And then suddenly she felt the pressure between her legs, and she cried out, arching instinctively, impaling herself joyfully upon his body. His own cry wasragged against her ear. His body shuddered in answer, and he growled huskily, holding her closer. The pain was minimal, and the sound of his pleasure only heightened her own.
Wrapping her arms about his neck, she moved her body, undulating beneath him, needing him deeper... and deeper... deeper.
Something within her belly began to coil, spiraling its way toward a center of sensation so great in intensity that it nearly stopped her heartbeat. With every stroke of his body inside her, the thread of pleasure intensified.
And then time seemed to stand still for an interminable instant, and she felt her body climax. Her consciousness shattered into a thousand brilliant pieces in that glorious instant, and she cried out, trembling in exultation.
He answered her cry with one of his own and thrust himself one last time so deep within her that she felt him pulse against her very heart. She cried out with him, her body convulsing again.
He placed a hand at her bottom and rolled to one side, spent, dragging her with him, until she lay replete atop him, still intimately joined with his body. Her own body still pulsed with pleasure, drawing from him every last drop of his seed.
The sound of whimpering penetrated her consciousness. She peered at Harpy, who sat staring at them, whining anxiously, her expression full of curiosity. Somehow, the realization that her mother’s hound had witnessed every shameless display of affection left her cheeks hot.
Harpy tilted her head, peering at their naked, entwined bodies.
“Oh, God!” she exclaimed. Her face flushing with mortification, she buried her head against Broc’s neck.
He laughed softly, the sound of his laugh whollysated and relaxed. His hand went to her nape, massaging it gently. “Next time, we’ll put the hound outside,” he promised, and kissed her gently on the cheek, then hugged her sweetly.
Elizabet had never felt more cherished than she did at that moment. Her heart felt so big that it no longer seemed to fit within her breast.
She had no regrets.
None at all.
She dozed with her face in the crook of Broc’s shoulder while he stroked her back and combed his fingers through her hair.
Vaguely, she was aware that Harpy gave one last whine and then laid down beside them, relaxing as surely as Elizabet was falling asleep.
“I’m going to make everything right, Elizabet,” she thought she heard him whisper, but she was far too satiated to ask precisely what he meant, and then her body eased her into a blissful state of slumber.
CHAPTER 21
Morning dawned on black ashes. The stable had burned to the ground. The barracks behind it was half ravaged. It was going to take hard work to restore them and funds that Piers didn’t have on hand.
“We’ll help however we may,” Leith assured.
Piers nodded appreciatively. He had begun to make progress toward building a friendship with Meghan’s brothers—more with Colin than with Leith, but Leith was probably the most honorable of the three. Gavin was virtuous but too blinded by his piety, and Colin had been, until Seana, far too concerned with his personal pleasures. But Piers felt closest to Colin. He was the most personable and the most genuine of the Brodie brothers. And there was hope for the man, as Seana seemed to have brought him to his knees. It was clear to everyone who knew them that he was in love with his new bride.
“Count me in, as well,” Gavin offered.
“I appreciate the offer,” he told the brothers.
It was the second time Leith had pledged his men to help Piers rebuild. The first time had been to repair his fence. He was beginning to feel a sense of guilt. Someday he was going to return the favor. He just hoped for both their sakes that it wouldn’t be soon.
Colin stood beside him, considering the demolished building with narrowed eyes. It was obvious he was lost in thought, because he wasn’t the least aware of their conversation. Seana came up behind him, wrapping her arms about his waist, and he was scarce aware of her until she laid her head upon his shoulder.
He peered over his shoulder at her, and she smiled wanly.
“Meghan told me what happened.”
Colin nodded.
She turned to Piers then and said, “I’m so sorry.”
