Jasper dipped his chin and pressed his mouth against the side of her neck. “And this…” He kissed the tender skin. “Is this exciting?” He hadn’t been boasting when he told her he’d ensure she’d want to consummate their marriage. Because he knew women.
“Yes.” She tilted her head so his mouth had more access.
Holding her like this was dangerous, but also far too convenient. The attraction he felt for her was too powerful, and here he sat, holding her—in a setting that offered up privacy and nothing but time.
It felt like destiny.
Something he’d never given much credence. Not until this moment.
He lowered one hand from her waist and smoothed it along the top of her thigh. “And this?”
She nodded, making a little humming sound.
Her body melted beneath his touch. He couldn’t help but test her limits.
Clutching her chemise, he gathered the material in his fist, slowly revealing the place where her stockings ended and smooth skin began.
Her breath hitched, and this time, Jasper nicked at her jaw. “Still exciting?”
A dip of her chin, so brief it was almost undetectable.
“My mother said I wouldn’t like it. She said it would hurt.”
“Now is not the time to discuss your mother.” Jasper grazed his fingertips along the edge of her stocking. “Do you want me to stop?”
He found himself practically holding his breath waiting for her answer, such anticipation surprising even him. But this, whatever it was between the two of them, had him hard as granite. She’d done nothing to entice him, and yet he was prepared to drop onto his knees and beg.
“Don’t stop,” she said.
Jasper noted her request with a long open-mouthed kiss along her jaw. “You taste like rain,” he said, sliding his hand higher. “And you feel like a sweet peach.”
“You aren’t mad anymore?”
“I’m trying not to think about it.” Jasper grazed the backs of his fingers over skin so soft it nearly broke him. And then he kissed her again. “No drawers, princess?”
“Um…” Her breaths came in short little bursts and he stroked the edge of her entrance.
“Still magic?” He tested her opening with one finger, and she arched her back.
“This isn’t… I didn’t—”
He explored velvet lips, and when she didn’t resist, entered, loving the sensation of her inner muscles clenching around him. “Now you understand?”
She turned her face and buried it against his arm.
“Nia?”
“Yes,” she breathed. So innocent.
Too innocent. But so very, very willing.
Jasper added a second finger, covering it with her juices, and then slid it deeper.
She’d surrendered entirely, her body ripe for his touch. Had he ever known a woman to be so defenseless—so utterly vulnerable? What would have happened to her if he’d not stopped to see Standish yesterday morning? What if she’d fallen into that river? She needed him and yet she had willfully put herself in harm’s way.
“You trust me to touch you,” he said.
“Yes.”
