“What if I want ye?” she asked. “What would ye do if I asked ye to take me?”
The question was like a dagger to his heart. He arched an eyebrow as he brushed back her hair from her shoulder and took her in.
She trailed her fingers over his arm, sending shivers through him. Her touch sent every inch of his being into a frenzy.
He wrapped his arms around her and crushed her body to his. His lips moved against hers as he picked her up, cradling her to him as he moved swiftly to the bed.
Easing her down on the mattress, Theo nipped her neck as he tugged at the laces of her corset. Her breasts spilled into his hands as he peeled off her corset and tossed it across the room.
“Do what ye will,” Lavina whispered, raking her nails through his hair, driving him wild.
He didn’t need to be told twice.
“Close yer eyes and lie back. I want ye to enjoy this moment.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Theo?” Lavina’s voice broke with uncertainty.
“Ye’re fine,” he whispered as his lips grazed over her inner thigh so tenderly it caused her legs to tremble. “Ye need only say the word, and I’ll stop,” Theo said, his voice low, stirring the passion brewing within her.
Lavina trembled, loving how his body quivered beneath her touch, despite her unsteady, inexperienced hands.
“I’ll move to the fire and sleep on the floor once more if that’s what ye desire.”
With a trembling hand, she ran her fingertips over his jawline, feeling his rough stubble. She dared not speak, certain her voice would give away her nervousness.
Was she scared? Yes. There was no masking that truth. Every nerve in her body tingled as Theo stroked her curves withreverence. He stared at her as if she were the only one in the world who could sedate his needs. The longing and yearning brewing and festering behind his stoic expression didn’t fool her one bit. But it did anchor her, like a ship safe in port.
“Ye have to ken,” Theo whispered, his voice thick with awe as he nestled between her legs, “ye’re the most stunnin’ thing I’ve ever seen.”
Lavina had to remind herself to breathe as he peeled away each layer of fabric, slow and deliberate, until only a thin muslin shift veiled her nakedness. She had never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, yet so safe.
The tiny voice of doubt that had long plagued her thoughts and poisoned her heart against her husband had vanished.
“Oh my,” she gasped, her breath catching as she felt his wet tongue graze her sex.
“Do ye want me to stop?” Theo asked, his voice muffled against the soft skin of her inner thigh.
Lavina wasn’t sure what she wanted. The sensation was too new to reject, but strange enough to make her draw back if only for a second.
Still, it wasn’t a stranger between her legs. It was Theo. Her husband.
“Nay,” she whispered.
When Theo froze, she reached for his head and gently guided him back down.
“I want more. I want everything ye’re willin’ to give me.”
“Are ye sure that’s what ye want?” he asked, his kisses lingering like hot coals against the tender skin of her thighs.
He emerged from under her shift, his gaze burning with a hunger that seemed to awaken every part of her.
Lavina bobbed her head, breathless, aching, as his hand trailed up her thigh, gathering the fabric and pushing it higher before tossing it to the corner of the room.
“Nay, dinnae cover yerself,” Theo murmured, his voice sultry and deep. “I want to remember how lovely ye look in the moonlight.”
He carefully pried her arms from her chest, baring her to his ravenous gaze. Her heart raced faster than a startled crow as she lay naked beneath him, vulnerable in every way.
