He lowered her gown, baring one shoulder. His baser instincts were raging within him, and he wanted to take her over the edge of release.
She kissed him again, and he spoke against her mouth, “If we continue this, Lady Taryn, I won’t be able to stop touching you. Your innocence will belong to me.”
God help her, but she wanted that. She wanted this man to touch her, to satisfy the longings that burned within her. And though a maiden was meant to save her virtue for a husband, she somehow doubted she would ever marry. This might be her one chance to discover what a bride felt upon her wedding night.
“What is your command, my lady?” Though he spoke as if he were her servant, she knew differently. He would reign over her, touching her in the way he wanted to. And she did want to experience the same thrilling touches he’d given her before.
“Remove your clothes,” she said softly.
“Only if you do the same.”
She pulled back from him and got to her knees. Though her hands were shaking, she removed her overdress and set it aside. Herléinebeneath it was made of linen, and in the cold night air, her breasts puckered against the fabric.
Beside her, she heard Killian removing his own garments, setting aside the armor.
Don’t be afraid, she tried to tell herself.He will not hurt you.
Of that, she had no doubt. And for once in her life, she wanted to know what it was like to feel cherished...beloved even. She had no doubt at all that Killian’s touch would feel wonderful.
“Let me help you,” he offered. But instead of removing theléine, he pressed her body beneath his. The heat of his skin was welcome, but she could not stop herself from shaking. She could feel the outline of every hardened muscle, the planes of his body shielding hers.
He balanced his weight on both arms, and he lightly kissed her. “Are you certain this is what you’re wanting,a mhuírnín?”
“Yes.” She didn’t doubt her decision—it was only her fears of the unknown that held her back. “I want you to touch me the way you did before.”
“Don’t be afraid.” He shifted his weight so he was lying on his side, but he lifted her leg over his hip. She was aware of his hardened shaft nestled against the fabric of herléine, and the knowledge that it would soon be inside her made her grow wet between her legs.
His hand passed over her shoulder to her breast. She bit back a moan when his fingers found the tight nub and stroked the nipple. The urge came, to press herself against his arousal, and he let out a hiss of air when she did.
“Not yet,a ghrá. We’ve all night for this.”
Although the linenléinewas normally soft against her skin, tonight it felt almost abrasive. It was an unnecessary barrier, and she wanted his hands against her bare skin. “Help me take this off,” she urged.
But there came only a low laugh. “Later.”
He pressed her back, stroking both breasts with his fingers. The tremulous sensations echoed between her thighs, and she squirmed against him.
“I love the way these fill my hands,” he murmured, cupping both breasts. “I want to suckle them and make you moan.” He fingered the nipples, and they hardened, sending a flood of heat between her legs. “I dreamed of you last night.”
His words wove a spell over her, and she reached out to his chest, feeling the ridges of muscle beneath her palms. “Tell me.” She stroked him, learning the shape of his torso and the way his body felt beneath her hands.
“I dreamed of tasting you like this.” He bent his mouth to her nipple and sucked her through the fabric. Tempestuous needs stormed through her, and she dug her fingers into his dark hair, her legs tangled against his. He sucked and nibbled, and she was arching against him, wanting so badly to be joined with this man.
The feelings gathered up into a tight ball of desire, and it was as if he were unlocking a secret part of her. This time, he moved lower, grasping the hem of theléineand drawing it up to her waist. His fingers skimmed her thighs, opening them gently as he moved higher.
She realized what he wanted, and though she was embarrassed, she parted her legs. His fingers moved to her intimate place, and he let out a low growl when he touched the wetness there.
“You’re ready for me, aren’t you,a ghrá? This is where you want me to be.“ He slid a single finger inside her, and shecouldn’t stop the cry that broke forth. Slowly, he moved the finger in and out, coating it with her essence. His thumb moved against the delicate skin above her entrance, and she felt a blossoming sensation.
“Don’t stop,” she commanded.
And he obeyed. He was opening her, preparing her for the invasion of his flesh. In return, she reached out to him, feeling the large erection. He was so thick, she could hardly curl her palm around him, and he stilled when she began to stroke his velvet shaft.
“What else do you want of me?” he asked. “Shall I kiss you here?” He passed his fingers along the wet seam of her entrance, and the shocking idea made her shudder.
“Later,” she said.
She continued caressing his length as he guided her to sit up. It was a revelation to touch his bare shaft, to feel the bead of moisture at the thick head, her palm surrounding him. The slightest motion made him react, and she gave in to her curiosity, enjoying the way he gasped at her attention.
