“Aedre.”
My voice sounds foreign to my own ears.
Do not make the same mistake as you did the day we met.
I remember her words that day.
You’ve much to learn, Southerner.
And I have learned much since arriving in Murwood End. I’ve learned that its people are more than willful and wild. That they’re resourceful and intelligent too, Aedre more so than most.
Do not deny me this.
I’m losing the war with myself, my resolve slipping away as she waits for me to decide. This goes against everything I’ve been taught. If we do this . . .
Never in my days have I disrobed so quickly. As I do, Aedre’s keen eyes roam down from my chest, which she’d been admiring, to the evidence of my desire for her. I reach for the hem of her shift and lift it up, Aedre’s arms reaching high to assist me.
She kicks off her leather shoes and, seeing her nude, I know my biggest challenge will be to take this slow. As we come together, our bodies blessedly touching everywhere, I wonder if such a thing is even possible. My hands are everywhere, and hers . . . ah God. She cups my backside and my hips jerk forward in response.
Kissing Aedre has become like life to me, as necessary as eating or drinking. And then she does something so unexpected, I hardly have time to react.
“Aedre? What are you doing?”
Kneeling, she wraps her hand around me, as if positioning us both.
“’Tis evident, is it not? You gave me pleasure and I will return it.”
She cannot think to . . .
When her lips wrap around me, I clench my fists in her hair, careful to do so gently. At least, I try to be gentle, but this innocent woman takes me in her mouth as skillfully as a practiced courtesan.
Garra, I remind myself. Not experience but having been trained in the art of loving. But it is so unexpected for a woman whose kiss was tentative at first that I know this cannot last. If she continues, I’ll spill my seed in her mouth, and I cannot allow that to happen.
Lifting her up is the single hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Her lips are wet, eyes curious. It takes just seconds for me to move us to the bed.
Is this a dream? Will I wake to find this simple chamber empty, Aedre no longer with me? But it feels so very real. Squirming under me, getting into a comfortable position, Aedre stares up at me, her eyes never leaving mine.
As my hands move from her breasts downward in a sweet exploration, I push her thighs open and slip my finger inside to be sure. Aye, she is ready.
But am I?
“You are the most beautiful woman in the Isle, Aedre,” I say, hoping she believes that truth. I withdraw and position myself above her, unable to believe this is truly happening.
“This cannot be undone,” I say with a groan. “Do not look at me like that, Aedre. I’m determined to take this slowly.”
Her hands rest on my shoulders.
“I am no delicate vase, Vanni. I will not break if you drop me.”
Positioning myself with my hand, I vow to her, “I will never drop you.”
Though I’ve never taken a woman’s virginity before, I know it will cause her pain. Entering slowly, I reach the barrier and wait.
Throbbing. My hands shaking as they hold my body over her.
It feels as if this is my first time making love to a woman, though it’s hardly that.
“Aedre?”
I remember the first time she gave me her name. Aedre, daughter of Dal Lorenson, descendant of Athea.
And know her answer even before she nods. We will be joined this day.
When she nods slightly, giving me permission, I don’t hesitate, wanting the pain to go quickly for her.
She does cry out then, and I’m sorry for it. I still myself, closing my eyes and calming my racing heart . . . or trying to.
Finally, I open them again, hoping her pain has eased.
Aedre looks down between us, curious.
“Does it hurt?”
She blinks, then shakes her head. Smiles.
I start moving then, my hand gliding up to her breast. I would tell Aedre she has captured my heart, but she must know I’d not be inside her if she hadn’t. The strain of holding back, of resisting the urge to thrust, makes my arms shake.
Rewarded with a soft whimper, I grow bolder. Move faster. Circle my hips, intent on just one thing.
Giving Aedre more pleasure than she’s ever received in her lifetime. I know a part of her has been left vulnerable these past days, her world changing irrevocably. For these brief moments, I want to take away her pain and replace it with the very opposite.
When her hips press upward, I know she’s fully recovered. With the first thrust, her eyes widen. With the second, her nails press into the flesh of my arms.
With the third and fourth, she screams out my name, and I welcome it.
“Vanni,” she says, over and over again.
Rubbing her nipple between my thumb and forefinger, I angle my body slightly and move again.
“Aedre,” I murmur in response, knowing exactly how she feels. I could let go at any moment as she climbs toward that final rush of pleasure.
And then she looks into my eyes.
All of it is there.
Her inital resistance toward me.
The teasing Garra who agreed to “treat” me.
The gentle healer, sorrowful granddaughter, fierce fighter.
Looking down at her, I could no sooner hold back than if she’d continued to take me in her mouth. Thankfully, her face transforms to pure joy as I tumble into my release. I collapse on top of her, holding myself up just enough not to crush her. When her arms wrap around me, I don’t even consider moving.
The ship that so distracted everyone will have been abandoned. The villagers will return, the inn filling up below us, making it more difficult to sneak her out. But I just don’t care.
My failed mission.
Rumors about the queen’s
