“Yes, I’ll go.”
“Of course you will. Now eat your breakfast like a good girl. And no more of this ridiculous talk. Here, have some more tea.”
“I should get back to my chamber soon,” Lily said.
“Yes, I’ll take you back after breakfast. Then you can change and get to your painting. I’ll go to the bachelor house and find Xavier and arrange for our ride this afternoon.”
“All right, Daniel.”
They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, but it wasn’t awkward. Nothing about being with Daniel seemed awkward, which was a big part of the problem. Lily gazed out the window, sighing, pushing the thoughts of leaving Laurel Ridge from her mind. When she had finished the last crumb on her plate, she asked, “Am I to sit with you at dinner again tonight?”
“Of course. There’s no one else whose company I prefer over yours. Don’t you wish to?”
“I’d like to.”
“Good.” He smiled. “Come on. I’ll help you with your clothes.” He pulled her to her feet and embraced her. “Oh, Lily,” he whispered, barely audibly. “What am I going to do when you leave me?”
“The same thing you always do,” she said, her tone cynical. “You’ll find a replacement in no time.”
“Don’t say that.” He brought his mouth down on hers.
He kissed her violently, thrusting his tongue into her and taking her mouth in an angry passion. He dug his hands into her arms as he moved his mouth down her neck, kissing her and biting her, grabbing her shoulder and wrenching the dressing robe from her in one swift motion.
“Daniel.”
“I want you, Lily, right now,” he growled. “Put your arms around me.”
She obeyed. He lifted her, not gently, into his arms, as easily as one would a child, and shoved his cock into her.
“Kiss me,” he commanded.
She gasped from his thrust as his mouth crushed down on hers, taking and demanding. He pushed into her body again and again. Lily shivered and moaned, clinging to him as he drove into her mercilessly.
“You mean something to me, Lily.” His voice came in grunts as he pumped into her. “Tell me you know that. Tell me.”
“Yes, Daniel.” She trembled, nursing waves of bliss, clutching his heated body. He was being forceful. Violent, even. But she wanted him. Ached for the pleasure of his thrusts. Her breasts dripped with sweat as she crashed like a tidal wave into the depths of pleasure. She cried into his neck, her lips sliding against the saltiness of his dampened skin.
Daniel drove into her with a final surge. His body shook as he pushed himself deep into her pussy. “God, Lily, you hold my cock so tightly. Oh. My. God!” He moved toward the bed and set her upon it as he released.
* * *
Several moments later, as his breathing returned to normal, Daniel had a sudden urge to drop to his knees and beg Lily’s forgiveness for taking her so roughly. Slowly he regained his sanity, and to his surprise, she was rubbing his back gently, quietly whispering comforting words. Eternally grateful that she wasn’t running as fast as she could away from the sight of him, he whispered, “Thank God.”
“Thank God for what?” she asked softly.
“That you’re not angry with me.” He blinked back a tear.
“No, Daniel, I’m not angry. I suppose I should be, but I…” She inhaled sharply. “Well it’s no use denying it, is there? I enjoyed it.” She continued to caress him in soothing circles.
“Please, tell me you’re not hurt.”
“I’m fine.”
“I could never forgive myself if…” His voice cracked.
“It’s all right. I promise you it’s all right.”
He moved away from her body. Red marks the size of his hands marred her perfect arms. How could he have been such a monster? The tear fell down his cheek.