Page 70 of Unforgotten
“And I’m sure ye do an admirable job.”
He stopped unlacing her kirtle, his hand straying to her cheek. His chest constricted then as a tendril of fear spiraled up within him. He’d done his best to mend the damage his mother had wrought, yet he had seen the baleful looks some within the keep gave his wife when they thought he wasn’t looking. “I wish the folk here were more accepting of ye, love. It’s been a trying time for ye, and I’m sorry for it.”
Ella caught his hand and pressed a soft, sensual kiss to his palm. “Like ye said, we shall weather it,” she murmured. “Gordana and I have spoken today … we are friends again.”
A little of the tension that had followed Gavin around these days like a heavy mantle eased, as did his fear. “I’m glad,” he replied. “Although I always thought my sister too clever to allow my mother to influence her.”
“Yer mother is a forceful woman, as ye well know.”
“She won’t win this … I promise ye,” he replied, his voice hardening.
Ella’s mouth curved. “I know.”
Gavin pulled her into his arms then, covering her mouth with his. Ella’s softness, the perfume of her hair and skin, enveloped his senses, and made the rest of the world—and all its cares—fade. Suddenly, nothing else existed but the two of them upon this rainy late-summer afternoon.
He kissed her hungrily, his lips and tongue exploring her mouth, before his hands returned to the laced bodice of her kirtle.
He continued his work, removing the garment, before his hands slid down the length of her and caught the hem of her léine.
Ella helped him remove it, wriggling out of the léine and the thin tunic she wore underneath so that she sat naked upon the bed.
Gavin’s breathing hitched at the sight of her. He’d looked upon Ella’s nakedness many times since their wedding night, and yet it was never enough. His gaze drew it all in: her smooth, shapely limbs; the lush swell of her breasts; the gentle curve of her belly; and the womanly dip of her waist.
Never taking his gaze from her, Gavin rose from the bed and started to undress.
And all the while, Ella watched him. He loved how boldly she did so, her lips parting when he cast aside his léine and began to unlace his braies. A soft sigh escaped her as he stood before her naked—her breathing hitching when her attention traveled down his torso and rested upon his groin.
Lord, how he loved her lustiness, the fact that her passion for him equaled what he felt for her.
They came together with a hunger that made a growl rise in Gavin’s throat. Ella wound her arms around his neck, clinging to him as they collapsed upon the bed, mouths devouring, bodies entwining.
Gavin’s hands slid down her back, cupping her buttocks. He pulled her hard against him, grinding their hips together. Ella gasped and bit his lower lip, her fingernails raking down his back. She wriggled under him, spreading her legs and arching her pelvis up.
“Please, Gavin,” she gasped. “Now … I want ye, now.”
He’d planned to pleasure her for a while, to feast upon her body while she gasped and sighed his name. But Ella’s urgency set Gavin’s blood aflame, filled him with the ache to possess her.
He kneed her thighs apart and drove into her, groaning as her heat consumed him, as she drew him in.
Ella wrapped her legs around his hips, arching high with each thrust, while Gavin held himself up above her, watching her face transform.
She lost herself in their lovemaking: her cheeks flushed, her lips parted, and her eyes turned dark with passion. Her hair was now in disarray, spread out around her like a cloud. She grasped his biceps, nails digging in with each thrust.
Gavin could feel her core tightening around his shaft, and felt the ripples of her pleasure when she cried out, her body arching back against the bed.
It was too much. He’d wanted to take his time this afternoon, but this coupling was to be wild, fierce. It didn’t matter if everyone upon this isle turned against them; they still had each other.
With each thrust, Gavin claimed her. With each thrust, he reminded them both that the promises they’d made to each other would not be broken this time.
Ella was his. She would always be his, and nothing besides death itself would part them.
“Ella!” Gavin gasped and closed his eyes and let go—let everything go. Shuddering, he spilled within her.
31
Bull’s Eye
THE SUN CAME out for Lughnasadh. Ella was grateful it did, and pleased for the folk of Scorrybreac too, who had waited all summer for the chance to eat, drink, and enjoy the games.
