The shock confused him for a moment. He stopped her when she sped up, rubbing the tip, and his release threatened to burst faster than he could saytumble. He reclined his head, a deep growl leaving him.
“Why did you stop me?” Her hand was still clenched around him.
“Too much.”
“It’s not a bad thing, is it?” She kissed his neck, and another shot of pleasure rushed through him.
He clenched his fists in a futile attempt to slow down the wave of pleasure about to swallow him. No point. She stroked him again, and he spent in her hand. The release was so intense that it was almost painful. His bollocks hurt with its power, and his brain threatened to burst out of his skull. She stroked him again until he sagged on the pillow, exhausted and full of energy at the same time.
“Did you like it?” She caressed his bollocks lightly.
He jolted. “Bugger me.”
She laughed. “I gather you did.”
He kissed her lips quickly before leaving the bed. “Let me.”
He took a clean cloth and the basin filled with soapy water. He washed her hands while she watched him. She did that a lot.
He cleared his throat. “It was wonderful.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed the daylights out of him, causing him to spill some water. “I’m so glad. I want to give you the same pleasure you give me. It’s the least I can do after everything you did for me.”
His smile dropped. He disentangled from her embrace. “What do you mean?”
“You gave me a job, new clothes, and you’re looking for my mother. You even gave me so much pleasure. I had to return the favour.” Concern tightened her features. “I’ve seen couples making love. I know men always expect something from the lady. They demand the lady perform as well, or they get angry.”
What? The back of his mouth burned with disappointment. “I don’t know what type of men you met, but I’m not like that. You don’t have to return any favours. I don’t want you to touch me because you think I expect that.” He must have done something horrible to let her think he demanded to be pleasured by her just because he’d touched her. He put the dirty cloth in a basin. “Did you touch me because you thought you had to? I don’t want you to feel forced to do anything to return a favour.” He felt sick to his stomach. That she hadn’t wanted any of that and had done it only not to anger him made him want to throw up.
“But…” She searched his face with her big eyes.
He walked to the screen and removed his nightshirt. Did she want him at all?
“Keith.” She stepped around the screen, invading his space. She glanced at his naked body, her gaze heating. “Either you doubt yourself profoundly or you don’t know me.” Rising on her toes, she cupped his face and forced him to stare at her. “Ididn’t mean it in that way. I don’t feel forced to do anything. The thought has never crossed my mind, and do you know why?”
He swallowed hard. “Why?”
“Because I know you.” She trailed a hand down his neck to his chest, pausing right over his heart. “I know you would never, ever force me. I trust you with my heart and body.”
“I don’t expect anything, nothing from you.” His voice hardened because he hated that she might have thought, even for one second, that he took advantage of her.
“I know. I spoke in a clumsy way. I simply meant that I’m yours if you’ll have me, and I’m giving myself to you gladly. Not because I feel forced to do so, but because I want it, and I want you as well. I want to touch?—”
He crashed his mouth over hers, overwhelmed with relief. She stretched up on her tiptoes, and he supported her with an arm around her waist. The kiss was once again a savage one, even by his standards, but she matched his passion, battling for control. He groaned when she bit his lips. The more savage she was, the more he burned. He wanted her unrestrained, free, and confident. Goosebumps pebbled his skin as she kissed his neck and chest. She grazed his nipple, and another growl left him.
“I love you.” The words came out with yet another growl, and he had no intentions of taking them back. They were true.
She paused kissing him and raised her gaze to his face. “I feel it. I felt it before you said it. That’s why I trust you.” She caressed his jaw.
“I’ve loved you for years.” He leant against her palm. “Not knowing where you were drove me mad with worry. I met other women, but no one could ever come close to my heart as you did.”
Tears glistened in her eyes, but he was having none of that. No tears. Not now. This was a happy moment. He’d finallyunburdened himself. She would make whatever she wished with his love.
“Don’t cry.” He kissed her cheeks. “Don’t cry.”
They held each other. He gladly took her weight as she sagged against him.
“I love you, too, Keith. I really do.” She gave him a wet kiss on his lips.
His pulse raced, and a daft smile stretched his lips. She loved him. Could the world be more perfect?
“Do you know what that means?” She wiped her eyes.
“That we’re going to be happy forever?” He caressed her lovely face.
She shook her head. “That I expect a lot of tumbles, kisses, and touches.”
He barked out a laugh. He wasn’t going to complain.
