“I’m relieved. You feel so good that I don’t want to move, but I also want to.”
She understood exactly what he meant. So she lifted her head, which caused her sheath to contract about him. She whispered softly, “Move.”
His body stiffened all around her, and she lowered her gaze to see his face taut with need. Then he moved, and what a glorious move it was. He pulled out to his tip then slowly came back into her.
Her body lit like the sky in a lightning storm. His controlled movements heightened her pleasure just a bit at a time until she wasn’t sure she could take any more. She grabbed on to him, silently reaching for her peak, wanting him there with her. On his next stroke, he pulled back only to rush forward, rocking her body and sending her into the heavens.
She screamed as light seemed to burst through her like a sun. Another thrust and he found his own release inside her, which made the sun bigger, hotter, expanding her pleasure until it was beyond her, in her, around her, heating her until she burst into a million shards of ecstasy.
And there it was again, but so much bigger, so much stronger,la petite mort. She floated, not sure which way was up or down, but not caring as Anthony’s arms wrapped around her, holding her tight to him, keeping her safe as he always did.
She held him against her heart, feeling tears at the edges of her eyes with no idea why except that she was happy, blissful. Never had she felt so satisfied and content. The thought had her searching her memories, but as much as she sought another time, there was none like this.
“Lissa?”
“Hmm.” She couldn’t seem to get her mouth to form any words yet. Her whole body felt as if she’d melted like ice in the spring.
His chuckle reverberated through her, sending off tiny sparks of delight.
“Non. Don’t move,” she managed.
“Well, we will have to eventually.”
She meant to shake her head, but had no strength to do so. “Not yet.”
He didn’t respond for a long time, and she found herself drifting into sleep.
“You’re mine now.” His whispered words echoed in her head, forcing her to pay attention.
“Oui. And you’re mine.” And he was, at least for their stay. And then? Her contentment vanished. He’d promised to find her a husband, but she no longer wanted one. Could she possibly convince him to keep her as his mistress?
Even as the possibility presented itself, she knew it couldn’t be. What would the duchess think, not to mention the men for whom Anthony worked? He may not need the money, as she had thought, but he needed the adventure.
That meant they only had the weekend before she would lose him. At that thought, she turned her head and licked at his ear.
“So you are awake.” His voice was filled with good humor.
“I am. I’m simply enjoying—”
A knock at the door interrupted her.
Anthony lifted himself onto his elbows. “It must be the valet.”
She’d forgotten they’d told him to come back. “Just send him away again.”
“I would very much like to.” He sighed. “I would like nothing more than to stay in here with you for the afternoon.”
She winked. “That’s sounds interesting. After all, we have yet to use these manacles.” She reached above her head and to the left, where one was tucked beneath the pillow, and pulled it out.
Anthony’s nostrils flared at the sight, and she was quite sure she would receive her wish.
But the man was far stronger than she, and he shook his head. “Not now. Maybe tonight. We must make use of this time when Leighhall allows us to explore his house for places to enjoy each other. If you like, we could do that once we find the second entry to the weapons room.”
Another knock sounded. “My lord.”
Anthony looked at her with longing then pulled out of her. “One moment.”
She felt lost at his exit, completely uncomfortable with such a feeling. As he rose from the bed, she covered herself. Irrationally, she felt irritated that he would leave her even knowing their investigation was critical to her dear friend’s future.
