Chapter Fifteen
Gabriel captured Triana’s hand, but didn’t say a word as he led her through the adjoining door to the master’s chambers; the light click as he locked his bedchamber door reverberating through the room like the crack of thunder.
Triana barely took notice of the soft glow of the fireplace, or the masculine shades of brown and gold adorning the room, for she only had eyes for Gabriel. His gaze held hers as he gently pulled her into his arms. He took her mouth in a possessive kiss that stalled her breath in her lungs. Without the hindrance of stays or countless layers of undergarments, warmth seeped beneath her skin as his sensual hands roamed over her back; the intimacy of his touch heightening her senses to a new awareness. Never before had she found herself so vulnerable — or on fire, and she instantly melted into him.
He finally broke contact, and although she sighed his name in an effort to bring him back to her, instead, he bestowed one of the most wicked grins she’d ever seen as he led her over to the massive, mahogany bed and urged her to sit down.
Still fully dressed, he maintained that mischievous tilt to his lips as he tossed his jacket over a nearby chair and began to tug at his cravat. “So, you wish to know about seduction, do you?” Triana’s blood was pumping feverishly through her body as those firm hands untied the knot at his neck. “I admit that I would be rather remiss in my duties as a gentleman if I did not properly educate such a lovely lady as yourself in this ancient art.”
The small strip of material landed on the floor in a whisper of silk.
“It’s all very simple, really.” His gaze was focused solely on her as he continued his husky instruction. “The first step you must always remember is… anticipation. It’s crucial not to rush the moment.”
With painstakingly slow movements, he unbuttoned his waistcoat, and Triana watched, spellbound, as he pushed each button through its confining hole, the movements deliberate and horribly…slow. What he was doing was absolutely… sinful, and yet, in the same breath, it was all so… enthralling — and oh, how she suddenly hated buttons!
An eternity seemed to pass before he finally slipped the waistcoat off his broad shoulders. He carefully laid it over the back of a chair to join his jacket. With his eyes still locked on her, he started to tug his shirt out of his trousers with the same, lazy movements.
Triana’s mouth went dry as his shirt joined the pile of discarded clothes and he stood wonderfully naked from the waist up. Never, in her wildest dreams, had she imagined a man’s chest could be so utterly… perfect. It was as if a Greek statue, cut from the finest marble had suddenly come to life. Muscle and sinew were carved out of flesh and blood.
The sudden urge to run her fingers through the dark patches of hair scattered about his chest, and as glorious as any map of stars in the sky, made her reach out her hands. “Can I… touch you?”
***
God, yes, Gabriel wanted to plead, but instead, he remained silent, his only answer was to take her hands in his, guiding her delicate fingers to his abdomen. Triana’s blue eyes had darkened to a brilliant sapphire as she touched his chest. Although it was pure torture, Gabriel allowed her this moment to explore her curiosity. She gently rubbed her hands all over his torso until he couldn’t take it anymore. He thought for sure he would explode.
“The second key to seduction…” he said roughly. “Is desire.”And thereis certainly plenty ofthat.
Stepping back, Gabriel pulled Triana to her feet, and while her legs visibly shook she seemed to draw a measure of strength from him. He reached out and lightly threaded his fingers through her long hair, slowly letting the dark strands fall back around her shoulders in a glorious wave. Without a word, he turned her around, and let his hands slide down her hips, and back up her slightly rounded stomach.
Her breathing hitched as he cupped her full breasts in his palms. When his thumbs brushed her nipples she gave a low moan of pleasure, and he had to clench his jaw.
And to think sheclaimed not toknow anything about seduction!Hell, Gabriel was beginning to wonder who was truly teaching who as her sweet responses had him praying for control. His cock was so hard it was bordering on painful, his tormented body yearning for release, but he would not give in until he was sure Triana was fully satisfied. He vowed that this was a night she never forgot.
He knew he never would.
***
It took a moment for Triana to realize that the world wasn’t actually turning, that Gabriel had spun her back around to face him. As he started to untie the top of her nightdress, she felt a sudden wave of maidenly apprehension, so she made a move to cover herself. He immediately halted her actions by taking her hands in his. Bringing them to his mouth, he kissed each knuckle with reverence and murmured, “You’re beautiful, Triana. Don’t ever hide yourself. And definitely not from me.”
Triana let her hands fall to her sides, as he gently pushed the garment off of her shoulders and let it slide down until it pooled on the floor around her feet. She stood before him in all her naked, feminine glory and watched the sexual hunger flare in his eyes, turning them to molten silver. “That brings me to the third and most vital key to seduction…” He unbuttoned his trousers with a bit more haste than he had his waistcoat and shirt, and carelessly kicked them aside. “Neverdoubt your passion.”
A spark of apprehension rippled through her and her eyes widened at the sight of his rather impressive arousal before he caught her up in his arms and carried her back to the bed. She surrendered once again, as the fear quickly melted away. His kisses set her aflame, as if he sought her full submission. She did not deny him —couldnot deny him.
He lowered her onto the bed and covered her body with his own. Triana marveled at the feel of his weight, his limbs intertwining with hers. As he began to feast on her neck… her throat, she ran her fingertips over his broad back and down along his forearms. She marveled at the way his muscles bunched and relaxed with his movements, and she knew she would never tire of touching him.
Time and again his tongue teased her, his breath hot on her body as he left a trail of burning desire in his wake. She shivered, the friction of their skin soon blocking out any other thought.
Hasanything ever felt so good?
But that was before he laved a scalding path across her breasts and followed a scorching trail down her stomach. When he eased her legs open, she never thought his intention would be to lower his head and kiss the inside of her thighs. And then he nuzzled that sacred area in between. At the first intimate swipe of his tongue, Triana moaned. Fiery sparks shot throughout her body. As the pressure built, she clutched the sheets and mumbled something incoherent meant to beg him for more. Suddenly a glorious moment of fulfillment arrived and she shuddered in bliss, crying out his name.
The delicious waves subsided and the tide started to die down, and she gazed down at him through heavy, sated lids. Awe tinged her voice, giving her a husky, throat purr as she said, “I never knew it could be so… amazing.”
Gabriel chuckled deeply. “Ah, but my dear, there is so much more.”
She swallowed. “More?” she croaked. She didn’t dare fathom that it got better than...whatever it was he had just done, but the moment he raised himself into position, his member nudging her entrance, Triana tensed. She’d heard all the stories about the pain of losing one’s virginity, so she clenched her fists at her sides and braced herself for the intrusion to come.
Gabriel must have sensed her anxiety, for he bent down and kissed her long and slow, until her limbs had become languid once more. “Relax,” he murmured. “After this, you are truly mine, and nothing can take you away from me.”
