Page 26 of Which Witch is Willing?
He physically struggled with his answer. “To be honest, in the beginning, both.” Laying a hand on her belly, he continued, “What we have created is a miracle, one I thought never to experience. But you…you consume me.” He laid his other hand over her heart. “You are my world, my everything.”
And just like that her temper dissipated and something bright and promising blossomed in her heart. Her throat clogged with emotion and her eyes filled with moisture. Oh, Goddess, she did love him. It had been fear keeping her from realizing how much.
“Why are you crying?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper, as he wiped at the tears that trailed down her cheeks.
“Because, I love you.”
“And that makes you sad?”
“Quite the opposite.” She gently placed her lips over his heart.
He crushed her to him, his arms like bands of iron, and his body shuddered against hers. Then he was kissing her, her mouth, her cheeks, mumbling words she couldn’t make sense of, but understood deep in her soul.
Steam from the forgotten shower drifted around them, cocooning them in their own enchanted haven. Tenderly, he assisted her into the shower and then lovingly washed every inch of her, taking his time, worshipping her until her need for him left her trembling.
He turned off the water and reverently dried her off, running his fingers through her hair to untangle the knots. Then he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, where he followed her down to the mattress and preceded to show her the depths of his devotion.
Their bodies came together, until their souls intertwined, sealing the promises they’d already spoken.
13
Tierra woke in Killian’s arms to find him raised up on his elbow gazing down at her. “Morning, my gazelle,” he purred. Well, as much as Death could purr. Not quite the sound Jinx made, but it had all the contentment and satisfaction of an adored pet teeming in the deep timbre. He traced a finger down her cheek and then anchored a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I do apologize for not allowing you much rest.”
“I highly doubt you are that sorry.” Her lips quirked into a smile. She could get used to this, waking in his arms, starting her day losing herself in his dark and dreamy eyes.
“There you are mistaken. I’ve realized after our discussion, that I have failed in asking you a crucial question.” He opened his palm and revealed the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. Formed of silver and gold, a tree of life laced with emerald leaves glimmered in his palm. “Will you consent to marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes and her heart expanded in her chest, threatening to burst free. “Wherever did you find that?”
“It found me. I’ve had it stowed away at Châteaux Morte since Malcolm de Moray gifted it to me centuries ago and asked that I give it to the woman who would own my heart. You are that woman and my heart is truly yours. I love you with all my soul. Tell me you will be mine.”
He seemed nervous, regarding her with anxious eyes. A smile spread over her face. Looked as if her medieval man was learning. “Yes,” she whispered and held out her hand for him to slip the exquisite ring on her finger. Once the ring was in place, he lifted it to his lips, the action so sweet and tender that tears flowed down her cheeks. He wiped them away and kissed her, sealing their union.
“Are you well?” His fingers trailed down her neck to her collarbone where he lightly traced the outline of her bones.
She understood that he was asking if she was willing and able for another round of love making. Case in point, the large member enthusiastically pressing against her hip. Mating with a Horseman, who by all accounts had a vigorous sexual appetite, was something to thank the Goddess for. She’d never hunger for orgasms like so many married women she’d talked to over the years. Another reason she’d waited so long to finally have sex. But one look at Killian in Sirens and she’d offered up her maidenhead without a second thought. Part of her must have understood that this man was her man.
She’d never believed in fate or destiny, but maybe there was something to it. After all, how did she discount them coming together like they had?
“I will always be well enough.” She slipped her hand under the sheets and wrapped her fingers around him. He groaned and his head fell back on his shoulders.
He might have her number, but she was very adept when it came to figures.
A long time later, Tierra found her sisters in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Killian had headed upstairs to check on Julian’s progress. Pestilence hadn’t left the Sanctuary since they’d returned from Châteaux Morte. She doubted he’d even taken time to eat or sleep in his search through their mother’s treasured things.
The world might look bleak, but hers was all sunshine and rainbows after clearing the air with Killian last night and then making love with him until the sun rose. She couldn’t get enough of him. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones? Most likely it was the love she’d been suppressing. Not anymore, the gates had busted wide open.
Jinx hadn’t even hissed at Killian when she’d jumped on the bed to find him curled around Tierra. Though she hadn’t quite accepted him, eyeing him with that all-to-knowing green-eyed stare. They’d find a way to get along. Jinx would relax her guard once she understood how much Killian cared for Tierra.
“For the love of the Goddess, Tierra, dial it back,” Claire grumbled into her coffee cup.
“Dial what back?” she asked.
“The sexual pheromones,” Aerin gripped. “Have you taken a look around?” She gestured to the solarium where the plants had doubled in size overnight, their enormous flowers scenting the room. It resembled spring instead of winter outside the windows. Even the grass had repealed its dormant winter slumber, turning verdurous and now needed a good mowing.
“It’s not only the vegetation she’s affectin’,” Moira mumbled. “I’m about ready to offer up an ovary to ride a Horseman.”
“Amen, sister.” Aerin looked wishfully into her coffee. “But Julian is more interested in books, than me.”
