Page 118 of Enchant the Dawn

With a sigh, she lifted her head. “I love you.”

“No more than I love you, Mrs. Falconer. Shall I show you how much?”

Anticipation unfurled deep within her when he wrapped his arms around her, his mouth covering hers, his tongue like a flame as he ravaged her lips. Holding her tight, their mouths still fused together, he walked her to the fireplace and drew her down on the rug. With a murmured word, their clothes disappeared. A wave of his hand brought the fire to life.

Maddy snuggled against him, basking in the warmth of the flames, which weren’t nearly as hot as the fire that burned between them. His body was firm and well-muscled, and she reveled in running her fingertips along his arms, across his chest, down his hard, flat belly.

He growled low in his throat as he rolled over, carrying her with him, so that she was on top, her legs on either side of his. “Tell me,” he said, his dark eyes alight with desire. “Tell me you want me.”

“I want you.” She gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he thrust into her. He had made love to her before, sometimes slow and gentle, sometimes not so slow or so gentle, but never this masterfully, or this roughly. And she loved it. She raked her nails down his chest when he bit her. And then, for the first time, she bit him in return. And the fire between them blazed hotter and brighter until she felt she might melt in his arms.

And then, with one last thrust, he carried them both over the edge.

* * *

Maddy woke with a sigh, her legs tangled with Dominic’s, her head pillowed on his shoulder. Just when she’d thought nothing would ever surprise her again, Dominic had taken her places she never knew existed. The second time they’d made love, he had opened the blood bond between them, and it had taken their lovemaking to a whole new level. She had experienced what he did, knew what he was thinking, feeling, as his body merged with hers. It had been the most amazing high she’d ever known. And the best part was, she had felt his love for her.

Had he experienced the same thing? Felt what she felt? Known what she was thinking, how much she loved him? Needed him?

Smiling, she trailed her fingers across his chest, followed the line of dark hair down his belly . . . let out a shriek when he rolled over, carrying her with him, so she straddled his hips.

“You’re playing with fire, girl,” he said, dark eyes glinting red.

“I like fire,” she said, her voice husky as her fingers delved into the hair at his nape. “Burn me up.”

* * *

It was hours before Maddy woke again, sore and satisfied and smiling. She groaned softly as she eased away from Dominic, who was sleeping soundly. She spent a minute admiring his broad chest and shoulders, his strong arms and legs, his flat belly. She never tired of looking at him. Even now, a faint flicker of desire unfurled within her, and with it a strong sense of possession. He was hers, forever hers, and she would never let him go.

“It’s thoughts like that that got you into trouble,” he said, stifling a laugh.

“Go back to sleep, you big stud,” she muttered, biting back a grin. “I need my rest.”

* * *

Maddy was in the kitchen, wondering what to have for lunch, when the first pain hit. She wrapped her arms around her stomach, panic surging through her. It couldn’t be the baby. She wasn’t due for another month. She stood there, one hand pressed to her belly, waiting for the pain to pass.

When it did, she took a deep breath. Only to let out a low groan when it came again. She was about to call for Dominic when he appeared beside her.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know . . . it hurts.”

“Everything will be all right.” Swearing softly, he gathered her in his arms and transported the two of them to the nearest hospital. Pushing his way through the emergency room doors, he shouted for a nurse.

Five minutes later, Maddy was on her way to an examination room.

Dominic paced the hallway. With his preternatural senses, he had no trouble hearing what was being said. She was in labor. The baby was coming too soon and way too fast.

Opening the link to his parents, he told them what was happening, then contacted Ava and Lily.

His great-grandmother and his sister arrived within minutes.

It took a little longer for the rest of the family.

And only moments to explain what had happened.

“She’ll be all right,” Callie said, squeezing his hand.