“Then dinnae,”she whispered. “Dinnae hold back. I’m ready for everythin’ ye want to give me.”
Everythin’.
The heavy oakdoor closed behind them with a soft thud as Hector kicked it shut, the sound somehow final and momentous. He set Gabriella down gently, his hands lingering on her waist as they faced each other in the flickering candlelight.
The room had been transformedfor their wedding night—rich tapestries hung from the walls, fresh rushes covered the floor, and dozens of candles cast everything in warm, golden light. Rose petals were scattered across the massive room, and the scent of lavender and honeysuckle filled the air.
“It’s beautiful,”Gabriella whispered, her eyes taking in the romantic preparations.
“Nae as beautiful as ye,”Hector said softly, his hands cupping her face. “Are ye sure about this, lass? Once we cross this line…”
“Nay holdin’back.” She echoed his earlier words, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart. “I want all of ye, Hector. Everythin’ ye’ve been holdin’ back.”
Somethingfierce and hungry took over his expression. He looked at her like a predator who’d finally been unleashed to hunt. His voice was rougher when he spoke her name. “Gabriella…”
“I love ye,”she said fiercely, her hands fisting in his shirt. “I love ye, and I trust ye, and I want to be yers completely. Nae tomorrow, nae after we say our vows in front of half the Highlands, but now. Tonight.”
“Then ye’ll haveall of me,” he said roughly. “Body and soul, lass. Everythin’ I am.”
His hands movedto the laces at the back of her dress, pausing for one last moment of confirmation. At her nod, he began to untie them, his fingers reverent and gentle.
“That night at the tavern,the way ye made me feel… I’ve dreamed of this,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing. “Of being with ye, of knowin’ what it feels like to belong to someone completely.”
“Ye already belong to me,”he murmured against her ear as her dress pooled at her feet. “And I belong to ye. This just makes it… official.”
Her soft laughturned into a gasp as his lips found the sensitive spot below her ear. “Hector…”
“Tell me what ye want,”he said, his voice rough with need yet tender.
“Just… dinnae hold back,”she whispered, her arms wrapping around his neck.
“Never again,”he promised, gathering her close. “Never again,mo chridhe.”
Her bare skinflushed under the firelight, every curve exposed to his hungry eyes.
“Ye’re bonny,”he breathed, “and burnin’ for me. I can see it plain as day.”
He pressedhis mouth to hers again, slow and deep, claiming her with a hunger that stole her breath. His hands slid down to cup her breasts, his thumbs tracing lazy circles over the taut peaks until a sharp ache bloomed beneath his touch.
She trembled,her lips parting as his mouth left hers to trail hot kisses down her neck.
When he pulled back,his breath hot on her skin, Gabriella gasped with desire. But Hector said softly, “Now, lass, it’s time ye learn to pleasure me properly.”
Her hands trembled,unsure. “How do I… pleasure ye?” she asked, voice small but eager.
He smiled—aslow, teasing curl of his lips. “Come here, Gabriella. I’ll show ye.”
Guiding her gently,he taught her the right touch, the right pace.
“Ye’re new to this,but ye’re a quick learner. Just watch me, follow me lead.”
She tookhis manhood into her hands and lips, nervous but determined. His encouraging words—“Aye, just like that… gentle now… perfect, lass”—spurred her on. The way his manhood pulsed in her mouth sent heat straight to her core.
He pulled away,guiding her to sit on the very edge of the bed. His strong hands parted her thighs gently but firmly, lifting her legs so that her feet rested on the mattress, exposing her slick, waiting flesh. Kneeling before her, his breath ghosted over her heated folds, heavy with promise.
“Tell me, Gabriella.”His voice was low, rough with desire. “Would ye rather I take ye slow, or do ye want me to take ye hard? Would ye like me to tease ye like I did the other night?”
A shiver ranthrough her as her hips bucked slightly, craving his touch. Her voice came out as a whisper, heavy with need. “Hard… slow… just more, Hector.”
