That one movement has his gaze turning heated.
He smirks and starts moving, carrying me out of the living room and toward our wing of the lodge. “Coming through,” he calls.
Barrow and Bells make way as Bells gives me a knowing smile. “Go easy on her. She’s carrying your firstborn.”
“Mind your business,” Charles barks, but there’s a laugh in it, too.
“You’re going to be in trouble,” I scold. “She’ll tell Aurora, then Aurora will tell Daphne, and then you’ll have three women plus their men banging down our door.”
“Let them come. I’ll hold them off.” He eases me through our bedroom door, then slams it behind him with added emphasis. “You’re mine, and I’m going to take what belongs to me.”
A thrill rushes through me. Charles has always had this power over me. From the first moment I saw him in the snow, I’ve never been able to resist.
“Now it’s time for you to relax.” He lays me on the bed, then gently, lovingly, and oh-so-sweetly strips me of every item of clothing.
Standing up, he looks down at me, his eyes lingering on my swollen breasts and rounded belly. “You’ve never been more beautiful.”
My tears threaten again, but this time it’s because Charles speaks right to my soul. He knows what to say to make me feel like I’m the only woman in the world, the only one he’s ever wanted.
He removes his clothes quickly, then crawls on top of me. Pausing, he shakes his head.
“What?” I’m already wet for him. Being pregnant has given me an even stronger sex drive than before. I can’t get enough of Charles, and even right after we’re done, I always want him again.
“I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.” He glances down.
“We’ve been over this. You won’t.” I lean up and kiss him. “But if you’re worried …” I push at his chest.
He groans and rolls over, pulling me on top of him. I like it this way. Hell, I like it however I can get it, but sliding down on him, taking him so deep that it curls my toes--this is pure heaven.
I ride him until my body starts to shake. Charles grips my hips, his palms roaming to my ass to feel each time I grind down on him.
“So goddamn sexy,” he grates out, then reaches up and tweaks my nipples. They’re so sensitive now that I can’t take anymore.
With a cry, I come. Bearing down on him, I let myself go, my mouth shouting my pleasure as I ride my release. He joins me with a shout, his body straining as he tenses and shoots inside of me, giving me everything until we’re both lying in a sweaty heap.
He strokes my hair from my brow. “I’m pretty sure we just made the naughty list this year.”
“If we didn’t, then I think we should try again.” I move my hips, loving the feel of him still inside me.
“Woman, you’re going to wear me out.”
I lean up and kiss him again, low and slow. I’ve never felt so safe, so loved, and so wanted.
EPILOGUE 2
AURORA
Christmas 4 Years Later
The timer goes off right when I sing the high note of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.” I don’t stop, but I do hit the timer and open the oven.
“Smells eat!” Vivian toddles into the kitchen with Clover at her heels.
“It’s not ready yet, baby.” Clover takes Vivian’s hand. “And trust me, Aunt Aurora’s chocolate cake is worth the wait.”
“Soon, baby.” I bend down and kiss Vivian’s forehead. “Once it’s cooled off, we can do the icing together, okay?”
“‘Kay.” Vivian’s eyes flick back to the oven, but she lets Clover lead her from the kitchen. After all, the promise of cake can get anyone moving.