“Are ye sure ye want this?”he asked.
“Aye, I am sure,”she said.
With her permission,he pushed inside of her. Gracie arched her back off the mattress as she felt him slide into her, the pressure giving way to pleasure.
“Oh, that feels wonderful,”she whispered.
“Aye, ye feel so good,”he said.
She pulled him closer.He covered her mouth with his as he reached the depths of her.
Gracie felthim inside of her, warm and throbbing. She never knew it could feel this good. Jaxon’s arms flexed as he held himself above her and moved back and forth, gently. She felt him slide in and out of her.
To her surpriseshe opened her thighs wider, embracing the moment. She saw Jaxon smirk in acknowledgement.
He moved faster now,pulsing his hips back and forth.
“Oh Jaxon.Oh that feels so good, please daenae stop,” Gracie moaned as she clung onto him.
“When ye speak like that,ye drive me mad, lass,” he groaned.
For what seemedlike a long while, Gracie was lost in a haze of bliss as their bodies moved together. She was no longer the shy woman, but a wife. Her hands slid up and down his body, wanting to feel every inch of him as he conquered her.
She gaspedwhen he held one hand on her breast, squeezing and kissing it. The pleasures were too much to handle and she felt the throbbing sensation rise again between thighs. This time she didn’t question it. She released with a loud echoing moan.
Jaxon followedher lead and she felt him spill his seed inside of her.
The room seemedto pulse with quiet energy, not rushed but deeply felt.
When she finally slowed,they remained as they were, neither eager to break the spell.
Jaxon turnedonto his side and drew her close, his arm secure around her waist.
“That was worth the wait,”he said softly, affection warming his tone.
She restedher head against his chest, content and smiling, knowing the night still held more promises yet to be spoken.
20
Gracie woke to the pale light of morning creeping through the small windows of the Rose Inn, and the space beside her was cold. Her heart lurched when she realized Jaxon was gone. She sat up too quickly and reached for her chemise, pulling it over her head with trembling hands. A tight fear gripped her chest, sharp and familiar.
For a breathless momentshe feared the worst, that he had taken what he wanted and left her as Edmund had done. Shame warmed her cheeks as the thought took root, and she scolded herself even as tears pricked her eyes. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling foolish and small for doubting him.
“Daenae be daft,”she whispered, though her voice shook.
A murmurof voices drifted up through the window, and Gracie moved toward it. She peered down to the stables below and saw Jaxon standing tall among the men, giving orders with calm authority. Connor stood nearby with the wagon of firewood,laughing. Relief washed over her so strongly that she sagged against the sill.
She was still catchingher breath when a knock sounded at the door, firm but polite. Gracie snatched a blanket from the bed and wrapped it tightly around her shoulders.
“Who is it?”she called, hoping her voice did not betray her nerves.
“It’s Mary, me lady,”came the reply, “the Laird bid me to bring ye a hot breakfast.”
Gracie openedthe door and stepped aside to let the girl enter. Mary carried a sturdy tray laden with a large pot of steaming oat porridge, fried eggs, thick slices of bacon, and a loaf of dark bread with butter and honey. There was also a small pot of ale and a dish of stewed apples spiced with cinnamon. The smells filled the room with warmth and comfort.
“Thank ye, Mary,”Gracie said softly.
Mary dipped into a curtsy,her cheeks pink but her eyes kind. She hesitated, then lingered near the door as though weighing her words. Gracie noticed and waited, giving her space to speak.
