Chapter Twelve
Neacal held Anna's face gently between his hands. The scent of mint and lavender from the salve was strong, but his mouth retained her full attention. Deliciously devouring. She found her hands exploring the well-developed muscles of his bare chest and the scars and ridges of his abdomen down to his belt.
A rough moan escaped him.
She knew she had only to drop her hand a bit lower to feel his arousal. Dare she do it? She opened her eyes to find him watching her in the firelight, his eyes midnight blue beneath his lowered lashes, his expression one of a need so strong it bordered on pain.
"Damnation, I—" He moved to arise, but she grabbed hold of his hand.
"Nay, please," she begged. She knew 'twas her words that halted him, not her grasp. "Neacal."
"Aye?"
"I want…" She halted, unable to believe her own brashness.
He released a breath, his tormented eyes searching hers. "What?" he whispered as if giving in, trailing his roughened fingers along her cheek. "Tell me what you want, lovely Anna."
A thrill of arousal coursed through her, his compliment making her bolder.
"I want… to make you feel better."
His brows formed a slight frown. "And what about you? What would make you feel better?"
"Touching you," she confessed, feeling wicked, but at the same time knowing this was something she needed to do. They needed each other.
His dark blue gaze turned inferno hot. "You may touch me all you like," he said, blowing out a heated breath, "but only if I can touch you, too."
She nodded, imagining his strong but gentle hands stroking every inch of her as they had the night before. She dropped her gaze to his belt buckle, the gleaming brass reflecting the firelight, taunting her. Hesitantly, she moved her hands to it and grasped the leather.
He sucked in a hissing breath and her gaze flew to his. Saints, but he looked hot enough to ignite and his eyes dared her to continue. A rush of excitement sizzled along her nerves.
Manipulating the leather and the brass buckle, she managed to unfasten his belt. It loosened, along with his gathered plaid. She tugged at the folds and it dropped aside, leaving him naked. Before she could get a good look at him, he turned her and drew her onto his lap. He unbuckled her belt, then pulled her clothing down to her hips. She shivered.
He leaned forward, pressing kisses across her chest to her breast. He blew out a hot breath and tugged her nipple into his mouth.
She gasped, arching her back, her arms holding tighter to his shoulders.
He pushed herarisaid, smock and petticoats down over her hips. In a few moments, she was just as nude as he was. His skin felt delightfully fiery against hers.
He lifted her, making her head spin, and deposited her on the bedroll on the floor. He tucked her head beneath his chin and held her close. His breathing was uneven, his rapid heartbeat pounding against her ear. "I don't know what the devil I'm doing," he muttered. "I should not touch you. You deserve so much better."
How could he say such a thing? She pulled back to look into his face."Shh." She kissed his mouth, holding his face between her palms. "You are the most amazing man I know."
His hands upon her derriere, he pulled her tight against his erection that lay long and hard against her lower belly. She moaned. He felt so astounding she was near ready to beg.
Inside, she already ached for him. Her arousal and her absolute devotion to him combined to form a tempestuous emotion and a need so wild and out of control she didn't know what to do. Kissing him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. His heart pounded hard against her chest, and her own heartbeat drowned out all other sounds except his deep, rough moans.
"Anna,mo ghraidh." Taking control, he rolled between her legs and continued kissing her, his lips and tongue stealing her reasoning. She could think of naught but having him immerse himself within her, the dark corners of his soul touching hers.
When he nudged his shaft against her most sensitive flesh, she gasped and clung tighter to his neck.
"Damnation, how I want you," he ground out between clenched teeth.
"Aye, take me, Neacal," she whispered, opening herself to him, tugging him closer.
"'Tis madness. I should not."
"Please. I want you, too."
