Page 59 of Highland Vows of Betrayal

“I ken yer nae.” He lifted the glass between them and took a sip before offering the glass to Scarlett. “Yer certainly nae what I was expecting, and I'm glad.”

“I am so sorry for the memories ye keep,” Scarlett whispered. “Ye dinnae need tae fear the future though. Noah. I am nae that woman. Once I make a vow, I keep it. On my life, I promise ye that.”

How is this possible?

There was an unprecedented warmth in his chest, a burning hunger for Scarlett. It was unlike any other hunger he'd ever felt. It was somehow more intoxicating and all-encompassing.

“Stay with me tonight.” The words fell from his lips before he could stop them. Her eyes grew wide and she sat back, looking at him intently.

“We arenae wed yet,” she reminded him.

“That didnae stop us before.” She giggled, bringing her lips to touch his. “Ye can tell me tae stop at any point, and I will.”

“Strange, I dinnae hear such a plea coming from my lips, do ye?” She gave him a knowing sidelong glance.

Noah reached for her waist and pulled her into his arms, his lips taking hers in a kiss so intense that Scarlett could only surrender to his need. She yanked at his waistcoat, popping buttons, and caught fistfuls of his shirt to pull it over his head.

The kiss broke for air and each saw raw hunger in the other. He knew it was the same hunger they felt at the croft where they’d sought sanctuary from their attackers.

She has that same hunger in her eyes.

He’d known passion before, but nothing so intense as pure need that gripped them now.

She groaned when his tongue fought her, and she arched against him as he yielded to his own need.

“Ye wish tae ken everything?” he demanded. “All of it?”

“Aye, all of it, Noah. Now.”

He turned her quickly, pulling at the laces of her gown, dashing the puddle of silk to a corner. He lowered her to the rug by the hearth and bent over her.

“Ye desire pleasure, me lady?” he murmured, pulling her knees wide as he shed his breeches.

“Aye, please, Noah!” she begged.

“That is how I’ve longed tae hear ye say my name, love. Ye will nae have to wait any longer,” he promised.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Scarlett was breathless, yearning for Noah’s touch. “Please.”

His hand passed down and found her feminine core.

He gently parted her womanhood and slipped his fingers inside her to begin a steady rhythm. She spread her legs wider to enhance the pleasure rippling through her as he massaged her with a circular motion, making her mewl softly at the back of her throat.

“More…” she begged.

“Ah, Scarlett,” he murmured, feeling his own need rising. He raised himself above her, probing to gain entry. As he pressed, she felt the enormity of him, wondering if this was a mistake.

She gasped and clutched his arms as he entered. He stilled over her, allowing her to catch her breath. Her breasts heaved against the confines of her corset until he pulled it loose to kiss her breasts and nip at their rigid tips.

Noah began to move within her, his hands braced on either side of her, gliding in and out rhythmically. Scarlett trailed her fingers down his back as he sped up. The sheer passion with which he made love to her left her quivering. Suddenly, she couldn't get enough of him. She moaned as he thrust his tongue into her mouth, moving within her, thrusting deeply until everything receded except the tingling pleasure within her. It got to the point where her body convulsed around him, tightening until she saw stars. She closed her eyes and called his name as he thrust harder and faster above her, panting heavily.

He growled from deep within him as she arched her back, lifting her leg high as he thrust deeply one last time to keep himself in place. The stillness was sudden, aside from his breathing, and she floated slowly, intoxicated by their lovemaking. She opened her eyes, watching as he rested his sated forehead against hers.

“Noah …”

“Aye?”