Page 67 of A Husband for Esyllt
When she cried out her release into his mouth, Esyllt thought she was going to collapse. Two arms closed around her waist when she finally sagged, holding her in place with her face in the crook of Connor’s neck. He pumped into her more forcefully a few more times then stilled, panting hard while his seed shot deep inside, warming her to her core.
She remained there a long while, dazed, enjoying his rhythmic caresses on her back—then bolted upright when she realized what had just happened.
“You wretched thing!” she cried out, lifting his hands from her to illustrate her point. “You were free all along and you never said!”
He gave a low rumble of a laugh. “I don’t think your men put their hearts into it. They did a much better job of tying me up last time, when I was a despised enemy instead of their lord and master and your husband. It was easy to free myself.”
“And I thought I had you at my mercy.” She pouted in disappointment. That had been the whole point. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What sort of a fool do you take me for?” he growled. “Why on earth would I have wanted to put an end to what you were doing to me?”
She rubbed her cheek against his chest, soothed by the words. Her husband loved and desired her. Her heart was full, her life perfect. “You didn’t let me fall and injure myself though.”
His hands tightened around her. “Never. I will always be there to catch you.”
They stayed locked together for a long time. Then Connor stood up and brought her to the bed. While she watched, he discarded the few clothes he was still wearing. Oh, yes, she was more than used to the sight of naked men now, she was craving it. Well, craving the sight of a naked Connor at least. No one else held any interest for her.
After he’d lain her next to him, he stayed a long moment by her side, looking at her exposed body.
“What are you doing?” The intense scrutiny was starting to make her uncomfortable.
“Watching you like you once watched me during the night while I slept. Do you remember?” Of course she did. It had been the first time she had thought they might have a chance at a real marriage. And how right she’d been. “You are so beautiful, my love. I will never get my fill of you.”
He traced a finger along her collarbone then came to tease her pointy nipple. Esyllt moaned. There was nowhere she’d rather be than naked in bed next to her equally naked husband.
“I watched you in candlelight, but it is broad daylight. I think I would prefer it if you indulged in your cravings for the sight of me at night.” Next to his perfect form, she felt at a disadvantage.
“Not a chance.” He placed a kiss just above the swell of her breast. “I’m not risking dropping hot fat on your delicious skin and marking it.”
She winced. “I’m sorry about that. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know. You told me enough times.” Connor smiled. “But I’m not sorry. Every time you think about that day you kiss the scar on my pectoral and inevitably, things get out of control. I rather like that, if you must know.”
Oh. If that was the case, then perhaps she could make her peace with what had happened. She smiled and stretched, feeling more beautiful than she had ever felt with their child blooming inside her. Perhaps she did not feel at such a disadvantage after all.
“Watch me then, husband. And then it will be my turn.”
Epilogue
“Let me help you.”
With a smile, Esyllt accepted Matthew’s hand to negotiate her way down the steps. Her eight-month-old belly made the undertaking more hazardous than she would have liked and she was somewhat unsteady on her feet. She was so heavy she often wondered if she was not carrying twins. But the midwife insisted she could only feel one babe.
“Thank you. Who would have thought a few months ago that my dour English brother-in-law would have turned into such a thoughtful escort?” she teased.
“No wonder my brother fell in love with you, lady. You are just as unbearably smug as he is.” The gruffness in his voice was not enough to mask the affection in his eyes. “But be careful, don’t push me too far. I am not as soft as Connor. I will not hesitate in putting you back into your place.”
Esyllt smiled to herself. Could Connor be called soft? Mm. Perhaps, where she was concerned.
“Oh, I have no doubt you will snap one day, and I am looking forward to it. I will enjoy watching Connor reduce your prettyface to shreds if you dare lay a hand on me or even speak to me the wrong way.”
“Pretty face!” Matthew almost choked on the words. She had known the very feminine compliment would hit him more than an insult would.
“Yes, pretty face. Don’t tell me you haven’t seen the effect you have on women?” Her included. If she weren’t head over heels in love with her husband, she might well have fallen for the rogue’s charm. “Now, before you commit the irreparable, would you please run ahead and inform my friend, Branwen, that I shall be with her presently? In my condition I’m afraid I cannot move as fast as I wish, and I have kept her waiting for long enough.”
With a nod, Matthew vanished in the direction of the great hall.
“I know exactly what you’re doing, you she-devil.”
