So this was why poets sang and wise men sacrificed. This was behind all those romantic novels, the element she hadn’t quite been able to fathom.Thiswas worth a hundred books, a thousand poems.
She wondered if she still lived and yet, had never felt more alive in her life, especially at the moment he released his seed deep within her.
Time stopped. The life force moved from him and into her—and she was complete. Whole. One.
He eased down on her with a satisfied sound of his own fulfillment—a lover’s highest praise.
The weight of his body on hers felt good. His head rested in the curve of her neck, one hand possessively on her hip, the other buried in the tangle of her hair.
Lyssa dared not move. The sound of the rain mingled with the beat of his heart, a beat her own matched.
“Are you all right?” he whispered.
Still unable to speak, she wrapped her arms around him. He smiled against his skin.
“Yes, me, too,” he answered and gathering her close, rolled off her. Pulling the edge of the plaid around their hips, he kissed her forehead lightly, once, twice.
Nestled in his arms, her body satiated, Lyssa fell asleep.
Ian held the woman in his arms close. After years of wandering, his life now had substance.
Love did exist.
He should be tired, and yet he’d never felt more awake or more aware of his senses.
The rain let up, becoming little more than mist. Fog rose from the ground, even daring to roll inside the stone bothy, and he knew it would be a dreary day. Not one good for traveling, but perfect for making love.
He no longer worried about pursuers. What was left of the Davidson clan might not be too keen with the prospect of him sharing his side of the story with the magistrate. But even if they were, they’d have a search on their hands. The rain would wash away all traces of their tracks. If he wished, they could disappear completely.
Even Pirate Harrell wouldn’t be able to find her—
Ian was stunned by the direction of his thoughts.
Reality was not pleasant.
Suddenly, he came face-to-face with the enormity of what had happened. He’d just bedded Pirate Harrell’s daughter. He’d plowed into her, taking all that she’d offered and then some. He’d reamed her good. Her innocence was his, as was any babe that might even now be growing in her belly.
He thought of Janet and Fiona waiting for him. Of the money he desperately needed. Harrell would kill him instead of paying him…and Ian didn’t know if he cared.
Lyssa was his and, now that he had her, he would never let go. Ever.
Lyssa woke to find herself tucked in by Ian’s side. He was sleeping, his chest moving with quiet regularity. Propping herself on one arm, she studied him. The shadow of his beard gave him a dangerous look and she decided she’d never known a more handsome man. He appeared exactly the way the Knight of Swords should look. However, she no longer feared him.Or his sword, she added to herself with a smile.
She’d crossed the threshold and had no regrets.
Ian’s eyes opened. “Hello.”
Lyssa smiled, full of happiness. “Hello,” she whispered.
He moved his leg, curling his toes and tickling the bottom of her foot. “How do you feel?”
In love.“Perfect.”
“Perfect?” Humor lit his lazy gaze.
“Puuurrrfect,” she repeated and he rolled over on top of her. His lips brushed the top of her hair. She curled her arms into his chest. “Ian?”
“Mmmmmm?” He kissed her temple. Outside, the rain had renewed. They’d not be traveling anywhere this day.
