“Don’t stop.”
“No chance of that, lass. But being that we only have the one night, I want to make sure I show ye as much as I can.”
“What does that...” Her eyes widened as his mouth curved over her hip then her thigh then settled between her legs.
“Relax,” he murmured, easing her tense legs open again. “If ye don’t like it, I’ll stop.”
“I’m not afraid I won’t like it,” she said, her hands fisting in the bedclothes as he found that nub and licked it once. “Oh, yes.”
“Then what are ye afraid of?” he asked, moving his lips against her tender flesh.
“That I’ll go to hell. This must be a sin. James, yes.”
He drew back and smiled up at her. “Then we’re both damned to hell. Let’s enjoy the voyage.”
He made certain she enjoyed it, and there was no question, given her cries and gasps, and the way her hands fisted in his hair. When she finally lay still, cheeks pink with pleasure and eyes glazed, he slid off the bed.
“You’re not leaving are you?”
“I thought ye might want yer robe back.”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I’m still a virgin.”
“Lass, I think we’ve done enough.”
She pointed to the bulge in his breeches. “I’m ready for you to take those off now.”
“Do ye know what yer asking? It may hurt.”
“Then I’d rather it hurt with you.”
“What if I get ye with child?”
“Then I’d best marry quickly.”
“Ye have a reply for everything.”
“I do, yes.” She pushed herself up to her elbows. “So you might as well stop arguing and take off your breeches.”
He laughed. “If ye put it that way.” He unfastened the placket and his cock sprang free. He’d expected her to squeak or recoil, but she simply stared at him with the same mixture of lust and curiosity he had looked at her with earlier. He slid off his breeches and put his hands on his hips. “Ye still want to continue?”
She nodded. “May I touch you?”
Christ Jaysus but she was determined to test his willpower tonight. “Go ahead.”
She moved to her knees and crawled to the edge of the bed, then reached out and stroked him with one finger. “You’re warm.”
He nodded, and she trailed her finger down him again. Her light touch was making him mad, and he grasped her hand and fitted it around him. Her gaze met his, her mouth forming an O. He guided her up the shaft and then back down to the root.
“You like that?” she asked.
“Yes, and if ye keep at it, ye’ll see how much. Lie back.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Now you’re giving the orders?”
“I am. Lie back, me lady, and spread yer legs.”
He saw the flash of desire in her eyes and the way her throat worked as she caught her breath. And then she did as he’d asked, lying back and parting her legs slightly. He climbed on the bed and knelt beside her. “More,” he ordered, gesturing to her legs. “Let me see ye.”
“Oh, I am definitely bound for hell,” she murmured, opening her legs wider.
“Beautiful,” he said, and she was—pink and glistening and ready for him. He moved between her legs and cupped her face with his hands. “Last chance to say no. Are ye sure, lass?”
She nodded. “I want this with you, James.”
He kissed her until he could feel her relax, until they were both dizzy, until her hands were urging him closer. And then his hand was between them, stroking her. He inserted one finger then two, testing her. Christ, she was tight. This would be over in a matter of seconds if he didn’t concentrate. Her muscles tightened and she arched her hips toward him. Slowly, he withdrew his hand and positioned his manhood against her channel. With one last kiss, he entered her.
Seven
Phil could tell when he’d removed his fingers and replaced it with his sex organ. It felt fuller and thicker. She moved against him, trying to adjust.
“Be still,” he ordered, his voice harsh. But then he kissed her again, his lips so sweet that she couldn’t seem to stay still, even though she wanted to obey him. He slid deeper, and yes, that was what she wanted. More of him. If he would just press there. He seemed to read her thoughts and his hand was on that one place where she needed him. He stroked her, and her hips bucked.
“Lass, I am trying not to hurt ye,” he said between clenched teeth. “Stop moving.”
“I can’t. And you’re not hurting me.”
“I’m not fully sheathed.”
That gave her pause. “There’s more?”
He looked down at her and nodded. “Try and be still so I can ready ye.” His fingers circled and flicked at that sensitive nub and she had to move. He slid in deeper and she could feel herself stretching. It wasn’t painful but nor was it comfortable. But her body was arching for climax as his hand continued to tease her. She could ignore the discomfort if he continued to stroke her. His thumb must have circled her, and she cried out. “Please,” she begged.
“Ye will be the death of me,” he said, but he circled her again, and she broke free. Her hips bucked hard and pain sliced through her along with the pleasure. It was a dull pain and a sharp pleasure, and the mixture left her quite breathless. “Are ye hurt?” he asked.
“I’m everything,” she moaned. “More.”
He moved inside her. It was so strange, and yes uncomfortable, but when she looked up, his dark eyes were locked on hers. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer, wanting more of him, all of him. She could see everything she felt for him mirrored in his eyes when he looked down at her. Her heart felt like it would burst with the love she felt for him.
“I love ye, Phil,” he said, as though echoing her thoughts. “Christ help me, but I do.”
Afterward, he held her for a long time. He stroked her back and her hair and kissed her brow. When she couldn’t seem to stop yawning, he gave her a quick kiss and said, “I’d best go to my own bed. The other servants will be up in an hour, so they will.”
Before he could pull away, she caught his face and kissed him. “Thank you,” she said.
He gave her a lopsided grin. “Lass, it’s I who should be thanking ye.”
“You know what I mean.” She gave him a serious look. “I’m glad my first time was with you.”
He took a breath and nodded. “Ye know I’d never allow anything to happen to ye. I’ll keep ye safe.”
She frowned in confusion. She was already perfectly safe. “Thank you again,” she said. He dressed and crept out of her room, leaving the key she’d given him on her bedside table. With a smile, she closed her eyes and slept.
WHEN DAWSON WAS FINALLY able to drag her out of bed, they were late for their appointment with the lacemakers and the dowager duchess was in high dudgeon. “You know how difficult this appointment was to come by, Philomena,” her mother said in the coach on the way to the lacemakers’ shop. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she turns us away.”