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The fire continued to burn in the hearth, each crackle amplified. He splayed his fingers on her nape, torn between giving in to the growing need to let the passion overtake him. She was his fantasy come to life and he wanted to sink deep into her damp core.

“Elizabeth,” he said, his words a mere rasp. “I want you.”

With a solemn nod, she released his cock and lay back down on the bedding. She parted her legs and reached for him. He fell to his knees between her silky thighs, his mouth seeking her plump lips.

For over a month, he had fought his growing desire for her. Satiny arms linked around his neck, her breasts pressed tight to his chest. The earthy taste of her was still on his lips, driving his passions further. He placed his forearms beneath her shoulders and glided his cock into her receptive body. Sensation grew as her tight sheath cradled his shaft, nipples searing into his skin.

From the first moment he laid eyes on her, her boldness had intrigued him. She was unapologetic in her needs and her sultriness spurred the intensifying need. The chill in the air had faded in the background and the rain pelting the oilskin over the window mimicked the sensations building inside him.

Lips seeking the underside of her jaw, he nibbled at the column of her neck, hips rolling in rhythm to hers. Passion flamed between them, her soft moans cutting through the air. She was driving him insane with each throaty moan. Blunt nails raked his skin, her fingers digging into the flesh of his arse. He sank deeper into her damp heat, wanting to lose himself in her arms.

She planted her feet on the ground and lifted her hips, meeting each one of his thrusts. “Somehow being trapped in this hut has been a blessing.”

With a grin, he ran his hand up the curve of her neck. He used the pad of his thumb to angle her chin. Meeting her sultry gaze, he skimmed his mouth over her eager one. “It would seem to have certain advantages.”

“Yes, it is very helpful.” She nibbled at his lower lip, her breath a soft caress.

The giving woman had buried herself under his skin and he couldn’t get enough of her kisses. He was moving into dangerous territory and while his sense of self-preservation said to not get emotionally involved with her, it was too late. He rolled onto his back, bringing her with him.

Elizabeth lifted her head and rested her hands on his shoulders. Her hair trailed down her chest, rosy tipped breasts high. He glided a hand up her thigh, seeking the heat between her legs. He wanted to give her pleasure; he wanted to give her everything she desired, and more. She bucked at the first touch of his thumb on her inflamed cunny, her nails biting into his shoulders. He watched the need flit across her face, heavy-lidded eyes liquid in the firelight. While his body begged for fulfillment, he didn’t wish to rush their coupling. Black curls, damp from the caves and her efforts, released waves of floral fragrance, along with the earthy perfume of her desire. He inhaled a deep breath, impressing her scent on his memory.

Love for her expanded his chest, but he said nothing to her about his revelation. She rode his cock, the flush of desire darkening her neck. He sensed that if he even hinted at the word she would balk. He glided his palm up her side, bringing her down until he could skim his tongue along her puckered nipple. For all her bravado, she was still unsure of her own appeal. She bowed her spine and threw her head back, a raw scream issued from her parted lips. He wanted to remember her like this forever, unfettered from whatever demons weighed her down.

Her inner muscles clenched his cock, the pressure too much to bear. His eyes locked on her pert breasts, he let the pleasure overcome him. Fingers convulsing on her slender waist, release flooded his entire being. He sank deeper into the sand that served as their temporary bed, relaxed for the first time in ages.

Silence settled between them, her face hidden by the fall of her hair. Heart thundering in his chest, he traced a thumb along her ribcage. Goosebumps formed on her skin still moist from their coupling. He became aware of the chill in the air and released a reluctant sigh. His body begged to stay put but obligation overrode the bout of selfishness. He brought her mouth to his and placed a soft kiss on her swollen lips. “I better feed the fire.”

“Yes, the fire needs more wood.” With a nod, she rolled off him and grabbed the blue silk.

He traced a finger along her spine before he hopped to his feet. The sand shifted beneath the fabric. She lay back down on her side, her slender body stretched out. The burgundy velvet enhanced her pale skin. Damn, she tempted him like no other. “If you keep looking at me that way, I will never get my chores done.”

A slow grin formed at his statement, her darkened eyes inspecting his body with a bold sweep. “Then you had best hurry. The night is young, and I will give you ample warning that I would very much like a repeat of what we did.”

“Indeed?” he asked, shaking his head at her teasing. He was in complete agreement with her on that score.

“If it’s acceptable to you, of course. But if you would rather not...” She lifted the discarded blue silk and pulled it over her body, blocking her attributes from his view.

Langdon threw a few pieces of wood onto the flames, taking a step back to avoid any stray sparks. He was naked and wasn’t eager to get burned in some very key areas. The fire taken care of, he returned to her side. Using a second bolt of velvet, he draped it over her before he slipped under the fabric. She snuggled against him, her leg intertwining with his. “You’re warm.”

“You’re cold.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, drawing her closer to his side. “Would you like your riding habit to put on?”

She rested her cheek on his chest, her fingers spanning his waist. “No, I rather like lying here with you like this. Does it offend you?”

“Not in the least. I rather like it as well.” He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the flowery scent of her hair. Contentment washed over him. He reached for the bottle of wine and took a deep drink, the full-bodied red smooth on his throat. “It will make seducing you much easier.”

She stole the bottle from him. “I would very much like to be seduced again.”

“You need simply ask and I will oblige your whim whenever the urge strikes you.” The wind continued to abuse the hut, but their combined heat staved off the chill.

“That is very gallant of you.” She lowered the bottle, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. Her gaze fell to his mouth, and she licked her own. “I can tell you with emphatic confidence that the urge will strike me, so be prepared.”

“I am but your humble servant and will be at your mercy all night.”And every night once they were married.He froze at the unexpected thought. Marriage had been the last thing he had on his mind, yet the thought of spending his future with her had great appeal.

“Langdon, is something amiss?” She searched his face as she gripped the bottleneck. A ringlet had fallen down her breast, inky black against the paleness of her smooth skin. Perfection.

Despite his earlier epiphany about the subject of love, the words threatened to come. He held them back. The emotion was new to him and if she balked—which she would—it would create tension between them. Better to hold his tongue and find the right moment than alienate her when things were going so well. “No, not at all.”

Once Randell was brought to justice, he’d court her properly. For the rest of the night, there was nothing proper about his intensions.