And the problem had only grown.
Despite the battle he’d waged with himself, Miss Olivia Redfield, Lazy-eyed Livvy herself, had become the object of both his physical and emotional needs.
And by God, she needed him, too.
And being needed, at that moment, transcended everything else.
Pink, plump lips parted on a sigh and it was an invitation he could no longer resist. Lust flushed out the darkness of the night, obliterating any restraint he’d shown up until then. Lost to the consequences, he claimed her mouth in one long ravishing kiss.
He stroked her teeth, and then the flesh behind her lips, and then her tongue with his own. “Livvia, my Luvia,” he whispered.
Already heavy, hard, and bare, he pressed himself against her body, only the thin fabric of her night rail between them. She’d dropped her knees wide and arched her back, straining to meet him.
The warm glow of morning filtered into the room as sunlight broke over the horizon.
Gabriel dropped his hands to gather her gown, past her center, her belly, her plump, dusky-tipped breasts, and then over her head.
All the while, she watched him with what ought to have been a disturbing gaze.
Ah, but those eyes, rather than repulse him in any way, had captivated him even all those years ago. Violet, mesmerizing, mysterious.
She lay naked and open beneath him, and all he could do at that moment was study the varying blues and violets surrounding her enlarged pupils.
“You never look away from me.” The words left her mouth in wonder.
“Because I’m enchanted by you.” He was surprised to realize that he meant it. In some way or another, as long as he’d known her, she’d enchanted him. It was the reason he’d been unable to stay away these last few weeks. She’d added light to everything around her. Knowing he might see Olivia Redfield had him anticipating his days rather than wishing them away. And on this morning, she’d blot out the horror of his failure.
Laying atop her, nestled between her thighs, knowing that sweet, slick heaven beckoned at the tip of his length, he would not wish this moment away for the world.
“Just love me,” she whispered and sighed as Gabriel trailed his lips along her jaw. Savoring her soft skin, he nipped at her and then dipped his tongue into the small indents where her neck curved into her shoulders.
She squirmed beneath him so that the warmth of her opening enveloped him partially.
“You are sure?” Her hands grasped the sides of his head, and he latched onto one tight, taut nipple.
In answer, she moved her hips so as to bring him into her.
She would be a virgin; he had no doubt of that. Already, he felt the barrier of her maidenhood blocking him from advancing any farther.
He’d always wondered how a man would know. Wondered ifhewould know, when it came time for him to take his bride.
The word hit him like a blow to the gut.
She wasn’t his bride and never could be.
But she was moving against him, welcoming him. Her breasts thrusting upward as though begging for more, and God help him, his hips continued thrusting, edging their way—
“Oh!” And then a short gasp from her. Upon breaking through, he froze.
“Don’t stop, Gabriel,” she panted.
“I’ve hurt you.” But already he was moving again. Oh, sweet heaven, but she was tight, and warm and everything he’d imagined she would be. His hands had found their way around to squeeze her buttocks as he worked toward a release for both of them.
And she was close.
Gabriel’s lips moved up to hers again and claimed her mouth without reserve. Pumping his hips, he mimicked the motion with the same thrust of his tongue.Olivia. Olivia. Olivia.
Her name was his mantra, his prayer.
