Page 49 of Awoken
And yet, he didn’t open his eyes—he merely let her touch him.
Moments later her touch drew back, and Ross’s eyes flickered open to see that Leanna was untying her belt. She tossed it away before grasping the heavy material of her habit and pulling it over her head. Underneath, she wore another tunic and an overskirt, as well as a long linen léine. Leanna started to tug at them, a soft cry of frustration issuing from her.
Ross’s mouth curved. He liked to see her so eager, so instinctive.
“Here,” he murmured, stilling her struggles with his hand. “Let me help.”
Taking her gently by the hips, he slid her back off his lap before stripping off her skirt. An instant later he took the hem of her léine and slowly drew it up, over the supple length of her body.
And as, inch by inch, her smooth, creamy skin revealed itself to him, his groin started to throb.
He’d never seen anything lovelier.
She was slender, yet her body was soft, with just enough curve to give her a womanly rather than girlish appearance. Her breasts were small, round, and high, yet with large rose-pink nipples that made Ross’s mouth water.
Without thinking upon his actions, he drew her toward him on her knees, his mouth feasting upon her nipples.
Leanna’s soft answering cry, and the way she dug her fingers into his scalp, urging him on, dissolved the last of Ross’s self-restraint.
He knew he should leave this young woman be, but he was acting on instinct now. He couldn’t stop touching her. His hands squeezed her pert bottom before traveling up her smooth back. Her nakedness excited him to the point of madness.
The beast rose within him once more, yet he shoved it down. He couldn’t lose control, or he might frighten her. He wanted this to be a good experience for Leanna. After everything she’d been through of late, and everything that waited in the days to come, she deserved a night of tenderness.
But it cost him to hold back.
His breathing came in ragged gasps as he lay her down on her back upon the fur. Lord, his heart was beating so fast, it felt as if it would break free of his chest.
Leanna gazed up at him, her hazel eyes wide and trusting. Her lush lips were parted, her breasts heaving. Their swollen tips thrust up toward him, tempting him further.
With a soft curse, Ross leaned over her, covering Leanna’s mouth with his. She reached up, her small hands grasping his shoulders while their kiss deepened. Pulse thundering in his ears now, Ross then kissed his way down her neck and began a slow exploration of her body.
He’d promised Leanna that he’d worship her body with his, and he wanted to make good on one vow at least. He wanted to make them both forget, for just one night, everything that threatened them.
He loved how responsive she was, how she arched against his seeking mouth, how she made soft mewing sounds of pleasure when his tongue explored her—and how she shuddered and gasped as time drew out. A fine mist of sweat covered her bare skin, and she was panting when he finally rose above her once more and positioned himself between her parted thighs.
Pale hair fanned about her, Leanna stared up at Ross. The look upon her face was so raw, her gaze dark with lust, that he bit back a growl. Her gaze slid down his naked midriff, to where he now unlaced his braies.
And when he took his shaft in hand, her eyes grew wide, and she stifled a shocked gasp. Ross knew he was well-endowed, and glancing down at his swollen rod, he realized that the sight possibly intimidated her.
“Will this hurt?” she asked, a tremble to her voice.
“Perhaps … a little,” he replied. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure how Leanna would respond, for he’d never bedded a virgin before. He’d heard that a woman’s first time could be painful, and he’d do his best to be gentle. Still, he couldn’t make any assurances—this was new to him as well. “Worry not … I will go slowly.”
Holding himself up above Leanna, Ross slid gently into her, inch by inch.
Heavens, she was wet. It took all his self-control not to plunge into her. His body trembled from restraint as he slid into her deeper still. She was tight, and he felt a barrier to his penetration, and halted.
Breathing hard, they both locked eyes.
“Shall I stop?” he rasped. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to, actually, but he had to ask. He didn’t want to frighten her.
Fortunately, Leanna shook her head. Her cheeks were flushed now, and she wriggled experimentally against him, her gaze widening further. “Don’t stop.” She moaned the words, and wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing him against her. “Please, Ross … please.”
With a groan, Ross sank into her, pushing past the barrier of her maidenhead.
He felt her tense, her legs tightening their grip around him. Staring into Leanna’s eyes, he watched pain shadow their depths. Long moments passed, and then her hold upon him eased slightly.
A heartbeat later she undulated her hips against his, the movement tentative yet instinctual. The feel of her tight heat contracting against his shaft made a low, animalistic groan escape Ross. Coupling had never felt this good. Never.
