Page 38 of Cayden

She smelled musky and sweet and the scent of her, of his mate, his woman was steeping inside him, working its way through his bloodstream and making him pulse with a need that was filling every inch of his body. When she came, he sipped, the taste of her driving him mad.

Stumbling to his feet, he practically tore at his clothes to get rid of them before turning her on her side and sliding into her. His arms came around her waist and for a minute, he could not move. He held her trembling body against his, spooning her, feeling the frenzied beat of her heart against her skin.

Bending his head, he whispered words of love and comfort, his breath sliding against her flesh. When she turned her head, he took her lips in a kiss that had the tears slipping down her cheeks. He moved then, slowly at first, sliding into her, easing out again, only to slide back in.

One hand drifted past her swollen belly to cup her sex, his fingers toying with the acutely sensitive flesh and had her going over again. Her body jerked and trembled as he swallowed her moans deep inside his throat.

He came then, the climax slamming through his body like a jackhammer. Ending the kiss, he just held her, his own body shuddering, his heart splintering as love poured through him like a molten lava.

When he finally settled, he held her still. His body was coated with a thin sheen of sweat, his eyes damp, his emotions whirling. Bending his head, he pressed his face into the silk of her hair and just breathed her in. His woman, his wife, his entire being.

*****

“It smells divine.” Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist. They had fallen asleep after the tumultuous hour of passion, with the fire in the background providing much needed warmth.

The storm that Cayden had predicted had started while they were in the throes of ecstasy, and it had taken them some time to realize that the sky had opened up and was pouring out powdery white snow at a rapid rate.

“It’s ready.” She turned the flames off and just leaned back in his arms. They had stirred themselves enough to take a hot bath, where he had spent time bathing her and doing a thorough job of it.

“We should eat at the table so you can see the snow coming down.” He nipped at her ear playfully. “I’m afraid your snowman is ruined.”

“I suspect as much.” She turned in his arms and went on her toes to link her hands around his neck. Brushing her lips on his, she breathed him in. “I love you.”

“I love you more.” He rubbed her back. She had not bothered with clothing, but had donned a soft white cashmere robe she had brought with her, and he could feel the imprint of her nipple through the cloth. “Let me set the table.”

She nodded, feeling more than a little overwhelmed by the emotions raging through her body. She chalked it down to hormones. Her body was rapidly changing, both physically and mentally. But this weekend was going to be recorded in her diary to be taken out when things got a little rough.

Kissing her on the mouth, he reluctantly released her and went to set the table.

She stood there watching him for a minute, her eyes misty, before turning away to get the bowls.

They ate in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as they stared out at the snow coming down. Within minutes, everything was once again covered, the stark whiteness giving off a glare that rivaled the sun.

Inside the warm and cozy kitchen, they could pretend that they were an ordinary couple, enjoying the weather and taking a break from their tasks.

For another day, they could keep up the pretense and not think about what was going to happen when they returned home. For now, it was just the two of them – husband and wife, lovers and best friends taking advantage of a very romantic and surreal setting. Nothing more.

Chapter 10

In the ensuing months, she would look back on that weekend with misty-eyed indulgence. Because things went back to normal, the minute they arrived home.

They left early on the Monday morning, because the snowstorm had made driving very hazardous.

Now a week later and she was being carefully monitored. Dr. Melbourne had secured a nutritionist and a private nurse who had been hired to stay at the house to monitor her progress. She was prodded and poked, until she felt like screaming. But she had asked for this and had to bear the consequences.

Nurse Conelly was highly professional and exceptionally good at her job. She was also a midwife and had over ten years of experience. In spite of the brusque manner, Blair was drawn to her and within minutes of spending time with her, found that she genuinely cared.

She was also brutally honest.

“I have no intention of soft soaping anything.” She told her patient briskly as she did her examination. “I am being paid handsomely for my services, but I am not going to ever lie to you. Dr. Melbourne and the rest of the team are committed to taking care of you and the fetuses you are carrying.”

Looping the stethoscope around her neck, she planted her fists on her ample hips. “You have a beautiful home here and the resources to do everything necessary to make certain you come out of this alive.” Pulling up a chair, she used the instrument to listen to the heartbeats.

“Strong and still four. You are twelve weeks now, and your weight is coming along. I have instructed the kitchen to include more vegetables and fresh fruit. Your mother-in-law said to tell her whatever we need, and it will be acquired.” A frown touched her brow. “Your blood pressure is slightly elevated but that’s to be expected, considering.”

“I feel bloated, and my stomach is queasy.” Blair eased up on the pillows and pressed her hand on her stomach. “And I have to pee again.”

“Part and parcel of the deal.”

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