Page 70 of Courting Elizabeth

“I understand why you were dreaming,” she breathed.

“My dreams fell short.”

“Fell short?”

“Reality is far worse for my self-control.”

She laughed, then the laugh broke off when my hand slid between her legs.

I found the warmth I'd discovered in the gatehouse. She was wet before I even touched her.

“You wanted me already?” I asked, unable to hold back the question.

Her eyes opened.

“Did you doubt it?”

The absurd jealousy hidden in my words dissolved.

I caressed her until her hips followed my fingers. This time, I wasn't content just to watch. I moved down her body, kissed her belly, then pushed the chemise higher.

She propped herself on her elbows.

“What are you doing?”

“I want to know you this way.”

Color flooded her face.

“There?”

“Yes.”

“Is that… usual?”

“I don't care what other couples do. I only want to know what pleases you.”

She hesitated. I pressed a kiss to the inside of her thigh.

“Tell me if you want this.”

She held my gaze.

Her legs trembled beneath my hands.

“I want to know.”

I parted them gently and lowered my mouth to her.

Her cry was louder than in the gatehouse. Her thighs clamped shut by reflex; I stopped immediately and raised my head.

“Continue,” she breathed, loosening her legs. I resumed only when she drew me back to her. I discovered each reaction: the way her fingers clutched the sheets, her breath catching, the tension in her thighs as she neared release. I wanted her to forget any notion of duty.

She spoke my name.

That was all I needed.

I continued until she shattered beneath my mouth, her back arched, her hands clenched in my hair. Her pleasure surged through me with a force that made my own almost unbearable.