Page 71 of Courting Elizabeth

When I moved back up to her, her eyes were moist, her face open in a way I'd never seen.

“Are you all right?”

“I'm not sure I know what that means anymore.”

I smiled and kissed her.

She tasted herself on my lips. Surprise flickered in her eyes, then she deepened the kiss instead of turning away.

Her hands found my shirt.

“Let me explore you now.”

She undid the buttons with clumsy impatience. I removed the garment. Her gaze traveled over my chest, bolder than in the gatehouse.

“You're very handsome,” she breathed.

I had never cared about that compliment before. From her lips, it became precious.

She placed her hands on my shoulders, moved down to my chest, my stomach. I helped her open my trousers when her fingers hesitated.

My cock sprang free, hard between us.

Elizabeth remained silent.

“You can change your mind,” I reminded her.

“I'm only wondering how this can possibly fit.”

Despite my desire, I laughed.

“With care.”

She reached out. Her fingers brushed me.

I closed my eyes.

“Like this?”

“Yes.”

She wrapped her hand around me more firmly. A groan escaped me.

“Don't hold back,” she murmured.

“It's entirely your fault.”

She began a hesitant movement. I placed my hand over hers to show her the rhythm, then stopped her before pleasure carried me away.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I want to be inside you before I lose all control.”

Her lips parted.

I removed the rest of my clothes, then her chemise. She lay naked beneath me.

I let myself look at her.