Page 38 of Tempting the Tiger

“With pleasure, my mate.” Keair bent his head, fusing their lips together. His tongue traced the edges of her lips, seeking entrance. Never one to deny him anything, Grace opened her lips to his possession. He slid his tongue inside, seeking hers. They tangled and danced for a moment before he pulled back.

“Better?”

“Much.” She leaned her head against his chest as they waited for the elevator to open.

“Oh, Keair,” she whispered when she got her first glimpse of the suite. All around, candle flames fluttered and a pathway of red rose petals led from the entryway, down the hall, and to the bedroom. Which was where Keair carried her. With each step, the scent of roses floated on the air.

Damn, but how had she gotten so lucky, Grace thought as her bridegroom lowered her gently to her feet beside the king-sized bed. Tonight it sported a white silk comforter with matching pillows and sheets. The room was normally decorated in navy blues and greens. But now, the entire room had been transformed for the night. More candles covered the furniture and white billowy curtains hung from the ceiling over the bed.

“It’s so beautiful,” Grace smiled at him. “Thank you.”

“You are beautiful, Grace.” Keair cupped her face and lowered his head. Against her lips, he whispered, “Thank you for being my mate.”

Grace’s head spun from the passion filling Keair’s kiss. His lips were firm and demanding, seeking the sweetness of her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, returning her new husband’s kiss with all the passion inside of her. She wanted this man, and thank the heaven’s above, he wanted her just a fiercely.

“Keair, I need you.” And she did, her body was thrumming even though they had just made love the night before. There had been no pretense of abstinence before the wedding. Her shifter was lusty and loved loving her.

“As I do you, my mate. Turn around.” Grace did as she was told. It had taken the bridal dresser Keair had hired almost twenty minutes to tie the white ribbons of Grace’s corset bodice. She had to admit she loved the effect—and the fact that it allowed her to still fit into her dress despite the few pounds she had gained during the last month.

Keair barely managed to contain himself as he stared at Grace’s backside. She was ravishing in the dress he had picked out for her. He snorted, thinking of the arguments they had had when planning their wedding. Grace had wanted to go to the courthouse and be married by the justice of the peace. He had no doubt she would have turned up in jeans and a Grace’s Goodies t-shirt. Not that his wife didn’t like to dress up, she just didn’t want him to spend the money.

He had yet to tell her that she would never have to worry about money again. Keair was very clever with investments, and he had been able to invest his—and the pride’s—money for many, many years. Now, he finally had someone to spend all the money on and his new bride better well get used to it.

And she was better, having allowed him to purchase her wedding attire.

Attire, which he was now somewhat sorry he had purchased. For a moment, he debated simply flicking a claw down the center of her back and being done with the ribbons. Thankfully, the first ribbon came undone easily. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on Grace’s mating mark as it was revealed. “Do you remember the night I claimed you?” He licked the mark, smiling at the full-body shiver that traveled through her.

She leaned her head to the side, giving him access. “I do.”

Another ribbon came undone. He placed a kiss at the top of her spine. “I’m going to mark you again tonight, my love.”

Grace moaned as another, and then another ribbon opened and Keair licked his way down her spine. When he reached the bottom, he pressed his hands inside the dress. Her back was bare, the dress’s design dispensing with the need for her to wear a bra. He encircled her front, his hands finding the heavy weight of her breasts. He pulled at her nipples that were already distended from her arousal.

He pushed the bodice of the dress away and turned her around. His lips found the upper curve of her breast. “I think I’ll mark you here.”

Grace’s fingers dug into his scalp as he licked the soft surface of her breasts. He continued to tug and pinch her nipples, causing the soft pink flesh to turn rosy red.

Damn, there was so much he wanted to do to her. So many ways he wanted to take her.

His cock hardened beneath his trousers.

“We have on far too many clothes.”

He took a step back and started removing his cufflinks. He had left his tuxedo jacket downstairs so he had only to remove his silk shirt. It floated to the ground like fine gossamer. Grace’s mouth went dry as his body was revealed. His dark skin glowed like the richest of golds. He had a hard, rippling torso, and powerful arms that she knew could hold her with ease.

Next, his hand worked the fastener of his pants. The sound of the zipper being lowered elicited another shiver. He pushed his pants and underwear down as one, revealing the true state of his body. He was more aroused, bigger than she had ever seen him.

Wanting to feel all the warm, muscled flesh against her, she started to wiggle out of her dress.

“Stop,” he commanded. “That is my privilege.”

He walked—no stalked—toward her. Her breasts were bare and even though they had made love time and time again, she still wanted to cover them up, feeling so exposed. But she didn’t. She knew he was aroused by her—wanted her on a level she had never known possible. Two steps brought him to her. She raised her arms, letting her hands travel up and over his abdomen. She lingered at his nipples, sharp, hard points standing out against the quarter-sized pink circles. He had a fine layer of hair between his pecks and she wanted to feel that brushing against her. She stood on tiptoes, pressing herself to him.

His hands grasped her waist, squeezing slightly before traveling behind her. He found the hidden zipper that held the skirt of her dress on her body and slowly lowered it. The white gown fell to the floor of the bedroom, puddling at their feet.

“I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, my mate.” Keair slowly repeated the vows they had taken just hours before leaning down and kissing her until she thought she would faint.

“And I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, my mate.” She repeated the words as she took his hand and stepped out of her gown, leading him to their bed. “Now take me.”