The capacity for speech left her entirely, as he licked her with a luxuriant languor that threatened to hurl her heart from her chest.

"Oh," she shuddered, blindly reaching forward to bury her hands in his soft, long hair. "Oh, yes."

His low growl told her that he was lost in sensual delight. He licked her again, then pushed his tongue inside her. A surge of warmth welcomed him, and Emily gave another incoherent moan of encouragement.

For a long time, he toyed with her, using his mouth to take her to places she’d never been. When he sucked on the pearl of flesh, she raised her hips in astonished pleasure. He sucked again, harder, and she plunged into bliss. She cried out and quaked against his mouth for what felt like an eon.

She’d felt rapture so often before. He’d given her pleasure with his hands and his body. He’d even taught her to pleasure herself and watched with delight as she dissolved into forbidden joy.

Every time was different. Every time she thought it couldn’t get better. Then God help her, it did.

Breathless, she slumped back against the seat, while he lifted his head and smiled at her with unconcealed triumph.

"You smug devil," she said without heat.

Chapter 26

"Can you blame me?"

E

mily gave a weary laugh as she struggled up onto her elbows. "No." Her voice lowered to husky sincerity. "That was wonderful, Hamish. Thank you."

"You’re welcome." He placed a kiss on her thigh, very near where he’d taken her to paradise. Shifting back, he pulled down her colorful skirt.

With a shock, Emily saw that he meant to leave it there. She sat up and stared at him in consternation. "Aren’t you going to…"

"I wanted to show you pleasure." He rose to his feet, towering above her. In this small chamber, his great height was even more noticeable than usual.

"You did." She summoned all her courage and held out her hand. "Now let me give you pleasure."

"You do." His smile was sweet. "Surely you know that."

Those stray thoughts that had tiptoed through her mind returned with a vengeance. "I want to do more."

He went as still as a statue, an arrested look on his face.

She lowered her hand, uncertainty rising anew. After all, she was a novice when it came to dealings between men and women. Beyond the things that she and Hamish had already done, what did she know about pleasing a husband?

Still, she’d launched this ship. She’d sail on aboard it, until she either foundered against the rocks or reached safe harbor. "You always take the lead."

He looked a little disgruntled, and she reminded herself to be careful. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings. To think that once she wouldn’t have thought Hamish had feelings to hurt.

"That’s because—"

"You’ve done this before. I know. And I appreciate your expertise. When I’m in your arms, you make me feel like the most desirable woman in the world."

His eyes sparked at her declaration. "It’s not just technique. It’s the two of us together. You make me feel more than I have with any other lover."

Speechless, she stared at him as she struggled to make sense of what he said.

He gave her a rueful smile. "Shocking, I know. But a clever girl like you must have noticed that I’m utterly mad for you."

Cautious happiness seeped through her. Could he be closer to falling in love with her than she’d ever dared to imagine?

Mad for her didn’t equal love, but it was a damned sight better than being his inconvenient bride. "I know you’ve been eager to…"

"I have indeed. That’s because I’m quite addicted to you, Emily Douglas. With every day that passes, I only want you more."


Tags: Anna Campbell The Lairds Most Likely Historical