Within moments Fern had no control. Her mind abandoned her, leaving her a writhing mass of raw nerves, responding only to Alex’s touch, his lips and hands and body pressing on hers, possessing her in an earthy, primal fashion. She met him stroke for stroke, the stretching and pain giving way to an incredible coiling tension so much stronger than what she felt before, powerful enough to pull her into an abyss of her own desire.
Fern clutched his shoulders as they moved together, Alex murmuring words of affection and praise in her ear. She had always imagined such congress would be awkward, but nothing felt as natural, as fluid and beautiful as this act. It was as though a higher power designed them simply to satisfy the needs of the other.
The intensity of Alex’s movements increased, and she sensed herself tightening until she felt him all the way to her fingertips. He slipped his hand between them, reaching the place where their bodies were joined. His thumb began to strum at the heart of her arousal and heat built more quickly, rocketing her toward the pinnacle.
He lifted his head, a curl stuck to his forehead as he captured her gaze. “I love you.” His words tore through her, destroying what little semblance of control she possessed. “I will always love you.”
Fern’s cries echoed in the night, shattering over the meadow like scattered starlight as she quaked and spasmed, her words lost to the power of her release. Alex moaned in response and quickly withdrew as his body surrendered to climax, tensing and pulsing onto her stomach before he collapsed against her heaving form.
It was some time before a cool breeze swept over them, bringing a cruel reminder of the outside world into their idyllic escape. Withdrawing a handkerchief from his jacket, he cleaned her skin tenderly before drawing a blanket over them both, pulling Fern into the cocoon of his arms.
“I meant what I said,” he murmured against her hair as she tucked her head under his chin, grateful he could not see the pain etched on her face. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but it’s the truth.”
The truth. What a simple, horrible, bloody worthless concept. What a mess she had wrought. “I will not regret tonight.” Her words were caught in another breeze, stronger this time. Fern wondered idly if a spring storm would descend upon them.
“I regret nothing about knowing you,” Alex replied, drawing her even closer before settling into sleep.
Chapter 29
Withoutopeninghiseyes,Alex sensed dawn’s arrival in the breeze nipping his ear, the subtle dampness of dew drops scattered like stars across the flannel wrapped around him. His back and neck ached from sleeping on the hard floor, but he made no move to change his position. He felt only the glow of warmth inside the nest of their arms as he held Fern’s back to his chest, his body wrapped around hers. He inhaled her earthy scent, so remarkably feminine and sensual his breath caught.
He wanted to freeze the moment, to stop time entirely so he never had to release her. He willed away the thoughts of what would happen when they left the rotunda and faced the consequences of their actions.
Despite what Fern had said the night before, he could not live with only a single night in her arms. He wanted forever. When her father returned, Alex would ask for Fern’s hand instead. He did not anticipate a simple conversation, but Alex considered himself a gentleman and, after what took place last night, would insist upon their union. Redborne would certainly be reasonable when he heard the circumstances.
It was too much to expect there would be no backlash. Alex would not receive a recommendation to Strathmore; he could be blacklisted from government posts forever if the viscount so desired. He needed to find a new path, a new future for himself. But Fern would be a part of it, and having her was more than enough.
His heart tightened at the thought of telling Rose. She would understandably be heartbroken, and her relationship with Fern would suffer for their actions. Alex understood her reluctance to hurt her sister but saw no other option. He would see her through, always by her side.
His palm drifted over the curve of her hip and waist and settled low on her belly. With a soft moan of contentment, Fern arched her back in a stretch then settled her slim form flush against him. “Good morning,” Alex murmured against her temple.
“It’s not morning yet,” she replied, burying her head under the blanket. “I’m not ready to leave.”
“Then don’t.” He placed one hand on the curve of her breast and was rewarded as her nipple tightened against his palm, and he stroked and caressed her until she was writhing in his arms.
The motion of her hips made his already stiff cock pulse with awareness. His hand left her breast and slipped down between her legs, sliding easily through the slick folds. Alex moaned aloud discovering she was damp and ready for him, then nudged his knee between hers, opening her body to his exploration.
Her breath came in gasps and spurts until she clapped her hand over his, guiding his fingers toward her entrance. He delved one digit into her wet heat and she moaned in response.
“Have you ever touched yourself like this?” he asked, pressing kisses along her neck.
Fern paused before answering. “I have but—it’s never felt quite so good.”
Alex lifted his hand and placed it above hers, guiding her into position, stroking her finger over the tight bud of nerves. “That’s it,” he whispered. “How does it feel?”
“It’s—I—” Her breath escaped in a moan.
“I’ve left you without words,” he mumbled against her temple with a grin. “That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“I have words,” she stammered in return. “I can’t—can’t seem to find them right now.”
He smiled as he withdrew his hand from hers before sliding his finger back inside her. Fern gasped, then rocked her hips forward, driving him deeper. Alex responded to her need, sliding a second finger into her tight opening, feeling the flesh grip him as her tension built. “Please,” she hissed, her head falling back against his, her hand moving as quickly as his as she sought her pleasure.
Fern cried out as her body shuddered, convulsing around his fingers. He continued to stroke and caress her as waves of pleasure coursed through her body. Alex withdrew, embracing her, kissing her hair and shoulders as she came down to earth. She turned in his arms until she faced him, her cheeks flushed and eyes bright. She looked so beautiful and joyous he couldn’t resist kissing her lips, praying he would be the man who could make her feel this way for all of eternity.
Her brow furrowed as she ran her hands over his chest to stroke his cock. Alex uttered a low oath and clenched his teeth. “Fern…” he hissed, losing his ability to speak at her touch.
“It must be the same for you,” she said, leaning back and pushing the blankets aside to examine him more closely. “Should I touch you as well?”
