“I’ve fantasized about this,” he said low. “About driving into you. Sinking deep. Filling you up with my seed.”
A shock of energy jolted through her, making her jaw slacken.
His hands wrapped around her hips, fingers digging into her hip bones. She tipped her head back as he gently palmed her breast through the chemise, teasing her nipple.
“You gave me back my ring.” His voice was a gentle chastisement.
“I had to,” she panted, pressing her breast harder into his grip. “It was the only way I could get you the message—”
“I want it back on your finger.” His lips grazed her ear. “I want it to stay there this time.”
She moved in for a kiss, but he captured her wrists, sitting up. He guided her back against the bedroll. Balling her chemise in one hand, he raised it over her head, then set it aside.
Leaning over her, he took the time to let his gaze inspect every inch of her bare skin before reaching for his belt.
“By the gods, Bryn. You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve seen in this world or shall ever see in the next.”
Breathless, Bryn relaxed back against the bedroll as she watched him shed his trousers. There was nothing between them now, not a stitch of clothing. She’d never seen him completely bare. The hexmarks scarring his chest and arms were like a map to unlock secrets she’d only wondered about.
She wanted to touch each of them. To kiss them, to feel his magic.
He took his place on top of her, holding himself up with one hand. His cock was positioned between her legs. She eased her legs open to grant him access, but he didn’t take advantage.
“What are you waiting for?” she whispered.
“I want your first time to feel exquisite,” he said. “There’s no rush.” He dragged his hand from her neck down to the hollow between her legs, his finger stroking and probing. Her lips parted as invisible flames sprang to life at her core. Rangar was rarely gentle like this, and she was torn between wanting to savor his tenderness and begging him to take her in a rush of passion.
He watched her steadily as his fingers continued to stoke the fire between her legs until she was letting out little moans of pleasure. Finally, he lifted an eyebrow in a question.
“Please,” she whispered. “Take me.”
His hand wrapped around his cock, pressing the tip against her swollen heat. She spread her legs, wriggling to get the pressure she craved.
With a slow thrust, he entered her.
Her eyes sank closed as she let out a soft cry. There were a few moments of pain as he stretched her with slow thrusts, holding himself back from the heady abandon she knew he wanted.
As the sting subsided, she opened her eyes.
Locking eye contact with him, she angled her hips to nudge him in deeper. He needed no more encouragement than that. He sank all the way into her with one hard thrust. She cried out, and he fell on her with his lips, taking her mouth in a kiss. He drove into her again. Bryn arched her back, twisting the bedroll in her fists, feeling the need to hold onto something.
They rocked together to meet his thrusts. Her nerves burned with pleasure. A flush of warmth was building in her groin, urging her to grind harder against him.
He suddenly grabbed her shoulder, pinning her down as he pressed into her with a final thrust. A moment of pleasure shuddered across his face, and then she felt an equal sweep of release.
He sagged against her, sweaty. The candles flickered low, almost burned out. Bryn’s body trembled from the aftermath of their coupling. Her thoughts felt floaty. Her vision blurred.
Rangar took a moment with the rag to clean up his seed on her and the spot of blood.
She reached for her chemise, but he shook his head. He drew her to him on the bedroll, holding her naked body flush to his, burying his face in her hair.
“Stay with me tonight, princess.”
It was risky. The guards could discover she wasn’t in her room. But if anything was worth the risk, it was this.
“Lady Bryn.You’re late to breakfast.”
Captain Carr looked up from his correspondence as Bryn entered the dining hall in the morning, sitting down to cold eggs and tea. She felt the heat of his scrutiny.
