And he could see it.“I don’t believe you.”
“What?”She pretended to be hurt by his words.“I thought we were friends.”
“And I thought you were a trustworthy lass.”
“Yet ye’re the one who’s trapped my poor hand under your big, fat arm.”She wiggled her fingers to prove it.
“Bloody—” He twitched again.
“I wonder if ye’re ticklish underbotharms,” she mused.
“Nay!”he said on a laugh, reflexively clamping down his other arm.
But that didn’t stop her.She was having too much fun.She walked her free fingers across his chest and began digging under his other arm.
“Nay, you don’t,” he gritted out, trying to fight her.
Her small fingers burrowed under his arm as easily as a mouse under a stump.And aye, he was just as ticklish there.
His laugh, peppered with oaths, was delightfully full-throated as he thrashed against her attack.
But then she made the mistake of letting the first hand slide free.
Now he could seize her with his unbandaged hand.And that was exactly what he did.
Her wrist was suddenly gripped in his iron fist.His eyes gleamed with triumph and a wicked promise of revenge.
She couldn’t allow that.But there was one thing she could do to stop his vengeance.One thing that would destroy his resolve.The thing she’d been dreaming of doing all morn.
While one of his arms was clamped against his side and the other hand was busy shackling her wrist, she closed her eyes, leaned forward, and planted her lips squarely on his.
The combination of being weakened by mirth, stirred by battle, and overcome by love made Hew respond with more enthusiasm than he intended.
He knew it was wrong.He vaguely recalled something about keeping his distance.But he welcomed and deepened the kiss.His caution dissolved like mist as their mouths waged a gentle war and their breath mingled together in gasps and sighs.
Her fingers stopped their mischief then and dragged across his chest, rubbing with interest over his nipple.
Desire surged between his legs as her tongue delved between his lips.He released her wrist and lay his palm alongside her neck, holding her there so he could answer her hungry exploration.
Some faraway voice inside him was bellowing at him to stop.
But Carenza’s mouth was begging him to continue.
Deaf to everything that would keep him from savoring this precious moment, he gave himself over to his passion.With a possessive growl, he sealed his lips to hers.Holding the back of her neck, he rose slowly to his feet.
Her hands crept up his chest, exploring him, kneading him.She looped her arms around his neck as if she never wanted him to leave.
Her kisses became greedy, frantic, and demanding, driving him mad with longing.
She leaned against him, pressing her breasts against his chest.And for a moment, it felt as if their hearts beat in tandem.
Then she broke away from the kiss and moved her mouth along his jaw.Down the side of his neck.Across his collarbone.Leaving a sensuous trail that left him breathless with arousal.She licked at the flesh of his chest, lowering her head to capture his nipple in her mouth, circling it with her tongue.
He stiffened and threw his head back, enjoying the playful curiosity of her lips.
Then she moved to the other nipple.She nibbled lightly there, teasing him, and chuckling low in her throat when he responded, hardening to a nub.
But that wasn’t all that responded.The ache between his legs was growing sharper and more insistent.
