The Luck of the Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses #3)(79)

She chanced a glance at his face. His nostrils flared as he watched her. “I’ve wanted to do this since the first time I saw you dance in the attic with your court dress.”

He kissed her cheek, then trailed his lips across her neck, then lower. Her breath caught at his touch. Tenderly, he sucked one nipple into his mouth while he gently kneaded the other. The feel of his lips and hot tongue, alluring and tormenting at the same time, churned her desire. Like a puppet on a string, she reacted to his every touch, and her center tightened in response. The room faded from view. She was only aware of his mouth and the bristles of his evening beard brushing against the sensitive skin of her breasts, bewitching her more with his magic.

He glanced up. The lazy smile he delivered was spellbinding. There was no need for words. He wanted her as much as she wanted him.

As if worshipping her body, he knelt before her, then trailed his mouth down her abdomen. Framing her hips with his hands, he kissed her in the most secret of places. With his mouth on her, he licked through her folds until he found her sensitive nub. Her eyes fluttered when his tongue circled her clitoris.

Her body was embarrassingly wet from her desire. Thinking he would be horrified, she shifted to escape. He gently pulled her back, then captured her gaze.

“Don’t you like this?” He pressed a slight kiss in the valley where her hip meet her leg, then studied her.

“I do, but…” God, how could she even discuss this? “I’m…”

He cocked his head, and the uncertainty in his eyes tugged at her heart. “You’re what?”

She closed her eyes, and heat bludgeoned her cheeks. “I’m wet,” she whispered.

“I know. Look at me,” he commanded, his voice gentle but unyielding.

She did as directed.

His eyes flashed, and a devilish grin suddenly appeared. “I’m wild about it.” He grasped her hand and laced their fingers together. “Don’t be embarrassed. You excite me. Here’s the proof.” He waved his other hand at the hard length of his erection. “Let me take care of you?”

Without letting go, he rested their entwined hands on her hip and proceeded to pleasure her. The splendid slow sweep of his tongue against her center teased and taunted her unmercifully. Sparks of pleasure burned through her. The sensation increased and built to a point she didn’t know if she’d survive. Uncertain whether she could stand of her own volition, she grabbed his hair with her other hand to keep from falling. As if pleased, he squeezed her hand, the one he held.

He continued the sweet caresses and kisses, sweeping her into a wonderfully mindless world. His touch, his mouth on her body, and his gentle strength overwhelmed her. At this point, she wanted more. The pleasure he gave was not only relentless, but also addictive.

Soon, every nerve stood on edge ready to explode. She labored for breath and tried to rein in the effect he had on her, but soft mewling sounds escaped. She’d never experienced anything this fantastic before. Like a feral animal, her response bucked to be set free. When her body reached its peak, she let go and fell completely into the passion he’d created.

Slowly, she awoke from the sensual dream. Without realizing it, she was gently running her fingers through his hair. When he pulled away from her to stand, he took her hand and kissed it.

“You’re even more beautiful when you come,” he whispered. His lips touched hers, and she could taste herself. No dream and desire she’d ever experienced could compare with the giving lover before her.

Like a gust of wind clearing the winter leaves, his enchantment eliminated her concerns. She would marry him.

“Let’s go to bed,” she whispered.

As if the tethers holding her in place suddenly released, she allowed her decision to take charge. Whether her heart had completely defeated all doubt in her mind made little difference. It was all so perfectly clear. Everything she needed and wanted was with Michael.

She grasped his hand and led him to bed. The warmth of his fingers against hers encouraged her to face the chill of the linen bedding. They both shed their robes and climbed onto the master platform bed. Instinctively, she moved closer to him when he lay beside her.

As he pulled her tight against him, the soft sound of his chuckle swept across her. “You’re a determined thing when you make a decision.”

“Yes,” she whispered. It was difficult to keep the wonderment out of her voice when a bare chest was right in front of her eyes for her viewing pleasure.

Michael trailed his fingers through her hair, combing it while soothing her. “Your soft tresses belie your hair’s underlying strength. Just like you.” He pulled a thick curl to his face and brushed it across his cheek. The movement brought her mouth close to his, and he brushed his lips across hers.

She released a ragged sigh. She was in deep and wanted to go to the bottom.

“Kiss me,” he whispered. Almost a plea, his words caused her to shiver.

She ducked her head against his neck. His scent enticed her closer. God, she wanted it to cover her like the heat from his body. She trailed her lips across the sharp angle of his jaw until she found his square chin.

“Kiss me,” he growled in response, but he didn’t attempt to take her mouth with his.

She ignored his command and gently placed her lips on the dimple of his chin, the one that had fascinated her since she first met him.