Page 116 of Dark Rival

She felt him come violently, hot and deep, and she wept in her own release.

Somehow he laid her down, never leaving her, his mouth fused with hers. The pressure was incredible, and just when she thought he’d break her body apart, another orgasm broke over her, in her.

“Come with me,” he said, moving slowly now. “Another time, Ailios.”

Allie wept and strained for him.

He tested her slowly, paused, rubbed her cleft and stroked deep.

Allie sobbed his name, shattering all over.

“Aye,” he moaned, and his body contracted violently a dozen times.

When they lay still, the sun remained high, but huge clouds had cast long shadows over the grass and the moat. Allie blinked, aware of his weight. He shifted and moved off of her, then jerked her clothes down, glancing upward toward the watchtowers.

Allie flushed. “Is anyone up there?” she asked in a whisper.

“Ye whisper now?” He was incredulous but he smiled. “Blackwood’s men are soldiers, an’ the towers are for the watch.”

Allie grimaced and sat up.

Royce knelt, staring, and their gazes locked.

He was simply so beautiful—as beautiful as he was strong, powerful and virile. She had never loved him more and now, her heart wanted to shatter the way her body had done so many times.

He turned and walked to the oilskin he had dropped, retrieving it. Then he knelt beside her again, handing it to her.

Allie became still. “What is this?” she asked, but she knew. It was a gift.

Poker-faced, he said, “Open it an’ see.”

She couldn’t move or breathe; she couldn’t speak. Royce was giving her a gift. Allie took the package, her hands shaking, and then she tore at the strings. Royce smiled.

She didn’t see, she felt it.

She pushed the skins aside—and the finest, softest emerald-green velvet spilled into her hands. She breathed hard, standing, holding up a long, beautiful velvet dress, trimmed in darker green and gold. Jewels were sewn into the trim. She thought she saw citrines and emeralds. She looked up, stunned.

Royce stared expectantly at her. “Do ye like it?”

She hugged the dress to her chest. “I love it.” She started to cry.

“Then why do ye cry?” he asked. “Ye hate it!”

She shook her head, overcome. “It’s the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.”

He smiled. “Really?”

“Read my mind,” she cried, and she rushed into his arms. “Thank you.” She kissed him. “Thank you.” She kissed him again.

He laughed. The sound was stunning—warm and rich but light and bright—and Allie realized she’d never heard Royce laugh before. “If a gown will make ye so hot, I’ll buy ye dozens,” he teased.

She somehow smiled, clutching the gown. “I’m not hot. I’m happy.”

“Yer always hot,” he said quietly. “Yer always happy. I have never known anyone as happy.”

Allie just stared.

He smiled ruefully. “We have amused the entire watch enough for one day. Let’s go in, lass.”