She could never deny him. Not when she only felt truly alive when his hands were upon her body, but she wouldn’t ignore his odd behavior, either. “What has made today of note?”
He stepped to the bed and gripped her skirts in response. A great rent tore through the air. Cool air kissed her thighs as Sin rent her gown in two.
“Sin!” She grabbed his wrists. “The modiste only just finished this dress.” The speed with which she went through her gowns was becoming embarrassing. “Stop acting like an animal and tell me what is the matter.”
“An animal?” He flipped her to her stomach and another tear met her ears. “Aye, I suppose I am nothing but a beast.” His fingernails scraped against her flesh as he disrobed her until she was bare but for her slippers and stockings. He rolled her onto her back, and in reflex she pressed an arm to cover her breasts as she bounced. “Tell me now if you wish me to stop.”
Winnifred opened her mouth, shut it. She’d missed being in his bed the last few nights. Missed the release she felt when she embraced her wildness, kicked and fought.
Missed the comfort she felt when Sin subdued her into submission. He was her anchor while she stormed.
But the solace shouldn’t be all on one side. He was her closest friend, and something obviously disturbed his mind.
Sin pulled her arm away from her chest and pressed it into the velvet coverlet. His eyes flared wide as he stared at her heaving chest. “I am nothing but a beast when I’m with you, and I make no apologies for it.” He lowered his head and bit the soft underside of her breast.
The nip of pain made her gasp. She pushed at his shoulder with her free hand even as her back arched into his mouth. “Stop. I wish to …” He pressed his knee between her legs, spreading her thighs, and she prayed he couldn’t feel the wetness that gathered there through his trousers. “… we should discuss what ails you.”
He raised his head, his eyes narrowed, his lips reddened. “You forfeited your right to object, and I’m done talking. I’m taking what is mine.”
The utter possession in his eyes made every hair on her body stand on end. Her breaths grew shallow. She rolled her hips against his leg. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair that he could own her responses. But it was a fact.
Fine. If he didn’t want to talk, she would oblige.
Digging her nails into his biceps, she pushed at him with all her might.
He didn’t budge an inch. She’d known he wouldn’t, but it didn’t stop the struggle from thrilling her.
She pounded on his shoulder with the heel of her palm, the exertion flushing her with a sense of exhilaration.
Sin grabbed her wrists, holding them above her head. He swiveled his hips, his wool covered length pressing into her most intimate parts. “No?” He nipped at her jaw and scraped his teeth down her throat. “When you’re soaking my trousers straight through with your desire? When your heart, soul, and body belong to me, and I belong to you?” He pressed his lips to the hollow where neck met throat, and pulled hard.
Another mark left on her body. Another bond between them.
They did belong to each other. The sense of security that came with those marriage vows was absolute.
“Yes,” she hissed. She raised her head to snap at him, but he jerked away and her teeth snapped on air. “Yes, I want you. And I’ll have you.” She dragged her head from side to side. “But it won’t come easy.” And so saying, she bucked with all her might.
Sin’s eyes flared as he slid partly off of her.
Warmth spread through her body at her minor success. She tore one hand from his grip and scraped her nails across his chest, three pink scratches a memento he wouldn’t soon forget.
He growled, a slow smile spreading across his face, and Winnifred knew the skirmish had just begun.
Wrapped a leg around his thigh, she bucked once more.
Sin rolled to his back, and she straddled his waist. He must have let her. There was no way she would be able to move his body without his consent. She dropped a quick kiss on his lips before laughing in triumph.
Beyond the physical pleasure, such bed sport wasfun. She hadn’t realized intercourse could be diverting as well as passionate. And she meant to take full advantage of that knowledge.
Sin stared up at her, his gaze half-lidded, assessing.
She picked up one end of the black ribbon which held his hair back, easing the bow free. She dug her fingers into the mane and tugged. “I’ve found having my hair pulled to be a surprisingly sensuous experience.” She yanked harder, pulling his head back. “How about you?”
He remained silent, only watching. Ever watching.
She slapped his cheek, the sting in her palm shocking. Sitting up straight, she bit down on her lip. Had she gone too far?
Her mother’s fists were a blur of movement, striking her father’s face. Blood trickled from his nose as he stared at her in horror.
