Page 80

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Vannni

Ididn’t mean for this to happen.

I’d thought to speak with her, to kiss her again, and then to leave.

But when I saw Aedre in that crowd, something inside of me would not be held back. Last eve, being so close to her, unable to comfort her as I would have liked . . .

If the rumors are indeed true, I should be down at those docks. I should be trying to determine what Queen Cettina is planning—and how I can stop it. Instead, I’m here, actually contemplating taking this woman’s virginity.

I cannot do it.

“Aedre.”

My voice sounds foreign to my own ears.

Do not make the same mistake as you did the day we met.

I remember her words that day.

You’ve much to learn, Southerner.

And I have learned much since arriving in Murwood End. I’ve learned that its people are more than willful and wild. That they’re resourceful and intelligent too, Aedre more so than most.

Do not deny me this.

I’m losing the war with myself, my resolve slipping away as she waits for me to decide. This goes against everything I’ve been taught. If we do this . . .

Never in my days have I disrobed so quickly. As I do, Aedre’s keen eyes roam down from my chest, which she’d been admiring, to the evidence of my desire for her. I reach for the hem of her shift and lift it up, Aedre’s arms reaching high to assist me.

She kicks off her leather shoes and, seeing her nude, I know my biggest challenge will be to take this slow. As we come together, our bodies blessedly touching everywhere, I wonder if such a thing is even possible. My hands are everywhere, and hers . . . ah God. She cups my backside and my hips jerk forward in response.

Kissing Aedre has become like life to me, as necessary as eating or drinking. And then she does something so unexpected, I hardly have time to react.

“Aedre? What are you doing?”

Kneeling, she wraps her hand around me, as if positioning us both.

“’Tis evident, is it not? You gave me pleasure and I will return it.”

She cannot think to . . .

When her lips wrap around me, I clench my fists in her hair, careful to do so gently. At least, I try to be gentle, but this innocent woman takes me in her mouth as skillfully as a practiced courtesan.

Garra, I remind myself. Not experience but having been trained in the art of loving. But it is so unexpected for a woman whose kiss was tentative at first that I know this cannot last. If she continues, I’ll spill my seed in her mouth, and I cannot allow that to happen.

Lifting her up is the single hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Her lips are wet, eyes curious. It takes just seconds for me to move us to the bed.

Is this a dream? Will I wake to find this simple chamber empty, Aedre no longer with me? But it feels so very real. Squirming under me, getting into a comfortable position, Aedre stares up at me, her eyes never leaving mine.

As my hands move from her breasts downward in a sweet exploration, I push her thighs open and slip my finger inside to be sure. Aye, she is ready.

But am I?

“You are the most beautiful woman in the Isle, Aedre,” I say, hoping she believes that truth. I withdraw and position myself above her, unable to believe this is truly happening.

“This cannot be undone,” I say with a groan. “Do not look at me like that, Aedre. I’m determined to take this slowly.”