Juno gripped his backside and pulled him into her, squeezing her legs around him. He thrust deep, just as he said he would.
She wanted him hard and fast, her body eager for another release. But he moved slowly, sliding in and out as he kissed her.
“Faster, Dare.”
“Shhh. In a moment. This is the greatest moment of my life, and I’m going to enjoy it.”
Pleasure flushed through her and she kissed him back with a fervent sweetness, wanting to sear this memory onto her brain for all time.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, his body moving over and within her. “So joyful. My world was so much darker before you walked into it.”
Emotion welled inside her. Then he began to move fast, and she lost herself in the rhythm of their bodies gliding together. Rapture built, and she fell over the edge once more, mindless as he drove into her until his orgasm swept him away.
She felt him tense just before he cried out. It started as that low, wonderful growl and ended with something primal that made her shiver.
Holding him tightly, she kissed him—shoulder, cheek, forehead, mouth. How could she let him go after this?
She wouldn’t. Not yet.
“Do you mind if I stay awhile?” he asked softly, his lips grazing hers.
“Not at all. But you have to go before the maid comes to light the fire. It’s still dark.”
He nodded as he slipped to her side and onto his back. “We won’t get caught.” He looked over at her. “Will you ride with me in the morning so I can prove to you that it’s not overrated?”
She laughed softly, rotating so she faced him. Placing her hand on his chest, she ran her fingertips through the dark hair between his nipples. “I’d planned to leave tomorrow, but you offer a compelling reason to stay. I will ride with you. Thankfully, I have a riding habit. It’s quite smart.”
One of his brows arched. “You don’t ride, but you have a costume for it?”
“I always try to be prepared. And I’m afraid I have a crushing vulnerability for clothing.”
“Do you? I noticed you are rather well dressed for a companion.”
“I’m not your typical companion,” she said coyly.
He smiled, and she knew she would never tire of seeing him do so. “No, you are not. You are exceptional in every way.” He turned and pulled her braid over her shoulder. His fingers began to pluck her hair free. When it was loose, he arranged it over her shoulder, so the curls caressed her face “This is better.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, but it could be even more improved if you climbed on top of me and let it fall against my chest.” He rolled to his back. “If you were so inclined.”
“As it happens, I am.” She straddled him, feeling his cock stiffen against her sex. “It seems you are too,” she murmured.
“Exceptional,” he breathed as he pulled her head down and kissed her.
Chapter 12
“You’re doing quite well,” Dare said as they slowed their horses to a walk after an exhilarating, though brief, gallop.
She cast him a skeptical glance with a wry smile from beneath the jaunty hat crowning her golden curls. “You’re lying, but I won’t fault you for it.”
“I’m not at all. When we started, you said you wouldn’t go faster than a canter.”
“I shall credit your persistence far more than my comfort in the saddle.” She shifted in her seat.
“You look magnificent.” She’d been quite right about her habit—she was stunning from head to boot. “Shall we take a respite? There’s a small, somewhat hidden folly up ahead.”
“Is there? How charming. Yes, a short rest would be delightful.”
Dare led her around a copse of trees to where a dilapidated miniature faux temple stood at the apex of a squat, flat hill. Shrubbery and flowers grew wild around it. Not terribly wild, actually, which made Dare believe it was all part of the effect of creating a “ruin.”
He dismounted and spoke softly to the horse, telling him to stay put for a bit. Then he went to help Juno down. She put her hands on his shoulders and moved her knee from the pommel. Clasping her firmly, he gently slid her to the ground.
“All right?” he asked.
“It’s been ages since I rode. Over a year, at least. I daresay I will be sore tomorrow.”
“I hope it will have been worth it.”
“Ask me when we get back to the stables.” She cast him a sultry glance, then started up the hill toward the folly. “How did you find this?”
He followed her, enjoying the sway of her backside as she climbed. “Lord Cosford told me about it. I’ve been riding out every morning. The estate is quite nice.”
“You like the outdoors a great deal. Do you ride every day?”
“I do. And walk, usually.”
She glanced back at him. “And does your estate have a folly?”
“Three. I’m building a fourth. To me, they’re outdoor rooms.”
“That sounds rather lovely.” She reached the top of the hill and turned to face him. “Have you always liked being outside?”
“Yes. My father encouraged it. He wanted me to know and appreciate the land in a way that some of our class do not. The land defines us, gives us purpose, and makes us whole. We could not survive without it.”
“What a beautiful sentiment. I hadn’t stopped to think about it in that way.”
“What did your parents encourage you to do?” he asked, wondering if he’d ever stop being eager to know more about her.
She wrinkled her nose slightly. “Lady things, I suppose. And reading, but that was mostly my grandfather’s doing.” Her features softened. “I do miss him terribly, but at least he writes.”
“Does he?” Dare was inordinately pleased by this information. He’d hated thinking her entire family acted as if she didn’t exist. How could they ignore such a vibrant, wonderful person whom they were fortunate enough to call their kin? “I’m glad for you.”
“Have you been inside the folly?” She turned and walked toward the small stone structure. Four pillars stood along the front, and a set of steps led up to the interior. The roof was partially open, as if half of it had collapsed. Inside, there was a bench, and the back wall was solid.
“I have. The bench is an excellent place for contemplation.”
She moved inside and sauntered behind the stone seat. “What did you contemplate?”
“Whether Lady Marina and I were compatible. Why the devil I agreed to come to this party. How much I wanted a certain companion.”
Facing him, she fixed him with a provocative stare. “How much was that?”
He stalked toward her, lust roaring through him. “Less than I do now, but still a rather staggering amount.”
“It’s too bad this folly isn’t equipped with a bed.” She tipped her head back as he stopped in front of her. “Are any of yours?”
Inhaling her scent, he traced his fingertip along her jaw. “Not yet. Anyway, I can make do. That is, if you’d like me to.”
“I most definitely would.” She slid her hands up his coat as he lowered his head to kiss her.