“Do ye like that?”she ventured.
“Mmm.”
He opened his eyes a crack then, looking at her with such seductive adoration that all at once she wanted to be perfect for him.
But she had no experience with such things.“Will ye show me how?”
He nodded.Wrapping his free hand around hers, he guided her movements.The rhythm, slow at first, gradually increased along with the pace of his breathing.
Watching the changes in his expression, she grew enraptured by his sweet torment.Desire made a deep crease in his brow.Flared his nostrils.Tightened his jaw.The yearning in his face was beautiful.It mirrored what she’d felt.If coupling brought such sensations, how heavenly would it be to enjoy them together?
His breath suddenly hastened and deepened.The motion of his hand over hers became more rigid.He bent his head forward as if in anguish.
But it wasn’t pain.In the next moment, his back banged against the door.His hips rocked forward as he erupted in spasms of release, groaning and spilling his seed over their joined hands.
“Oh,” he panted, his chest heaving with exhaustion, “I’m sorry.”
But Carenza didn’t care about that.She was left speechless with awe.
He found a clean linen rag on the shelf and mopped up the mess.Then he let his leine fall between them and drew her into the circle of his arms.
She was still reeling with wonder.
She felt dwarfed by the magnificence of his passion.
Intoxicated by the heady power she wielded in her hands.
Honored by the trust he’d extended to her.
And reassured about his love.
She was reluctant to admit it.But being away from Hew for a fortnight had left her troubled by doubt.They’dknowneach other for less than a fortnight.Did he truly care for her?Or would time apart diminish his affection?What if absence made him forget her altogether?
Now, as he cradled her against his shoulder, she felt secure again, as if he’d never left.
Chapter 21
Hew held her close to his throbbing heart.
“I love ye,” she mumbled against his chest.
That was how he knew Carenza was The One.What made her different from every other lass.
It was a sorry truth.One he’d only just realized.But no woman he’d ever courted had said those words so readily.It was always Hew who dove in head first.Hew who bared his heart.Hew who committed unreservedly to the relationship.
Indeed, he often frightened ladies off with the intensity of his devotion.As he’d learned often with lovemaking, women required time and patience.They were usually slower to arouse.And they never fell as fast or as far in love as he did.It seemed they preferred to dangle their hearts on a string, the way one teased a cat.
But Carenza had a passion and depth that matched his own.Though they’d known each other a short time, they’d fallen completely in love.And he didn’t want that love to end.
“I love you too,” he replied, snuggling her closer.
“I wish we could run away this instant.”
“Me as well.”
She turned her head to gaze up at him.“Do ye think your mother and father will like me?”
“They’ll love you.”
