Her perfectly formed body was splayed in utter abandon, and her small, beautiful breasts rose and fell with her even breath.
A sharp point of discomfort rose in his chest. He rubbed his fist over the spot to dispel the sensation.
Using the damp cloth, he wiped his seed from her belly and the subtle smear of her virgin blood from her inner thighs. Seeing the rise of gooseflesh on her skin, he gently maneuvered her beneath the bedding, tucking it up under her chin so she wouldn’t catch a chill. Then he dressed quickly, keeping one eye on the lady in her bed. He suspected she’d have a word or two for him if she awoke to find him sneaking away, but he couldn’t believe for one second she’d want him to stay.
As he reached for the door, he felt an intense compulsion to return to the bed and press his mouth to hers.
Don’t be an arse. Let the woman sleep.
Forcing himself to continue to his own room, he envisioned her small female form curled up against him in the lush cloud of blankets and pillows. Her head on his shoulder, her hand curled around his ribs, and one of her slim legs thrown across his hips.
Shite. He didn’t belong in her bed. It was good he’d left.
Once in his room, he undressed to his breeches then sat on the floor with his back resting against the bedpost. With a charcoal in hand and fresh sheets of paper stacked on the wooden board resting atop his knees, he closed his eyes and pictured flashing eyes, an imperious scowl softening with pleasure, and a lush bottom lip caught between two rows of perfect teeth.
The charcoal began to fly over the paper with sensual ease.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Katherine awoke slowly. She first acknowledged the warmth and comfort of her bed, then the subtle soreness of her body, then the soul-deep contentment that welled in her heart.
Mason.
Before even fully conscious, she reached for him.
And found her bed empty.
She sat up and looked around her bedroom, which was just barely lightening with the dawn. She already knew he wasn’t there, but the loneliness that claimed her at having the fact confirmed was a surprise. Drawing her knees toward her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and tried to grasp hold of the last thing she remembered.
Pleasure.
Wonder.
Connection.
She fell back again against the pillows and covered her heated face with her hands.