Invitation to Passion Page 7

  This time it was him that shuddered as her tiny hands freed him from the tight confines of his clothes. Her hands lightly traced his length over and over, until he was gritting his teeth. Finally, she closed her fingers around his hardness and he groaned.

  She immediately released him. “Did I hurt you,’ she whispered.

  He shook his head unable to speak, and guided her hand back to where he wanted her touching him.

  And she quickly learned from him and her touch was magical. While she was occupied, he bent to kiss her breasts, taking one taut nipple fully into his mouth, nipping the peak with his teeth, and swirling his tongue around it. He massaged the other breast until the pliant flesh grew equally firm in his hand, then he shifted and paid further homage with his mouth. Her grip on him tightened.

  Madeline had perfect instincts. She began to move her hand upon him and he stifled a harsh sound deep in his throat, not wanting to scare her. Instead, he used her distraction to float his hand down her belly and between her thighs.

  Her hand stopped its wicked explorations but only so she could investigate the fluid at his tip. She wiped her finger across the tip of his cock and then brought her finger to her mouth to taste him.

  Merciful God, he’d never survive this—he was perilously close to exploding as it was. He pulled her roughly against him and kissed her as if he might never kiss her again, and let his fingers skim her inner thighs, tangling in her dark curls to finally stroke her silky wetness.

  Maddy lurched at his touch. Her breasts were pressed firmly against his chest and her head fell back revealing her slender neck as he deliberately explored the heat between her thighs. He pressed light kisses down her neck as his fingers delved deep within her, stretching her, preparing her for him. He was not a small man.

  Gently, he used his body to push her back onto the furs. He quickly removed his boots and trousers and leant over her. She looked down and studied his masculine shape.

  “Don’t be afraid. I’ll try not to hurt you.”

  He pressed down on her, reveling in the feel of the silken skin of her belly against his erection.

  Maddy rose up to meet him. She placed her hand on his heart. “I trust you to make it good for me. Rheda told me I’d likely have some discomfort the first time.”

  He prayed Rheda’s faith in his abilities had not been in vain. He was barely able to control himself now.

  He rained kisses over her neck and continued down her body. He wanted Maddy incoherent with need, wet with raging desire before he finally took her. The pain would hopefully be less if she was well prepared, and besides, he wanted to devour her in his urgent need for her.

  Her skin was hot beneath his lips but nothing prepared him for the taste of her. There was a moment of innocent protest as his shoulders parted her thighs and his tongue trailed a path to the very core of her.

  His tongue lovingly stroked her wetness, savoring her addictive taste. Madeline whimpered as he kissed, suckled, and stroked her, her hands clenching fitfully at his hair as if she was not sure if she wanted to pull him closer or push him away.

  His mouth grew more demanding and her hips began to move, instinct driving her closer to the pleasure he was giving. She was whispering his name over and over. He felt his control slipping with each cry. She climbed closer and closer to her release yet, seemingly, was hesitant to finally let go.

  His hands slid under her bottom, lifting her against his mouth to go deeper. He drove her thighs wider apart, completely opening her to him. Her scent filled his nostrils, her taste was on his tongue, and he couldn’t get enough…

  He wanted her to completely lose control, to grow wild with need, to come apart beneath his lips and scream his name. He played with her skillfully and he watched as she threw one arm above her head pulling at the fur, her body straining against his mouth as her hips rose to meet each stroke of his tongue.

  His tongue plunged deeper and deeper inside her and when he gave one final suckle of her hardened nib, Maddy at last shattered. She convulsed against his mouth, and her thighs squeezed his head hard as she screamed out his name.

  Chapter Five

  The Honorable Mr. Craven

  I’m envious of your trip. I’d love to sail the world, exploring new places, and meeting different people. Perhaps you can take me on a trip one day. I can’t wait to hear your tales of exploration, but please be careful.

  Your Princess

  PS. Did I mention how much I love presents?

  Madeleine Knight could not stop smiling. She could barely catch her breath and her body continued to shiver from the ripples of exquisite pleasure rioting within it. She couldn’t even bring herself to be horrified by the fact that Richard’s mouth had kissed such a private place...

  No wonder both Rheda and Melissa had been so reluctant to give her the specifics of lovemaking. The intimacy of the act was extraordinary and she immediately saw the possibilities of how she could reciprocate.

  Before she could gather her emotions, Richard rose up on all fours and the smile on her lips died away as she took in the intense need blazing within his eyes. He moved up her body like an advancing lion, settling himself between her spread thighs, his groin grazing the sensitive place still throbbing from his skillful lips.

  Braced on his arms above her, he began to nudge her entrance. He was bigger than she’d expected and the nervous doubts flooded back.

  His neck was corded with tension as he held her gaze and inched slowly inside her. She felt herself stretching to accommodate him. It wasn’t painful, just a slight pinching, but it was uncomfortable. He must have seen it in her eyes, for he halted, and lowered his head, and touched his forehead to hers. “God, I want to go slow, I really do, but you’re testing me to my limits. Relax, sweetheart. I’ll make it good for you, I promise. Just let me in.”

  Then he kissed her, his tongue stroking the inside of her cheek and she couldn’t stop her response. Her body seemed to recognize who was claiming her and she simply gave herself over to the man who was expertly making love to her.

  Buried partly inside her, Richard suddenly stilled and pulled back, staring deep into her eyes. “Hold onto me, darling. I promise it will be over in a second.”

  Madeline panicked for one moment, and then she looked into his eyes and saw the concern etched there and smiled, obediently sliding her arms around his neck. “Make me yours,” she whispered.

  Richard lowered his head to kiss her as he thrust his tongue deep into her mouth and at that instance, he lifted his hips and drove into her.

  Her body flinched but the pain was bearable and mercifully fleeting. Richard kissed her gently, tenderly, stroking her neck and shoulders while she took a few deep breaths and waited for her body to relax.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’d have given anything not to have hurt you.” She reached up and placed a kiss on his lips.

  “Why don’t you make it better?”

  The flare of need flashing in his eyes had moved her to her very core. Then he moved slowly, sliding gently in and out of her in long patient strokes. All the while, he whispered endearments, telling her how special she was to him.

  Her mind and body responded in kind. The pleasure increased to the point she didn’t know if she could stand it anymore. Maddy had to move. Her legs rose to wrap themselves around Richard’s hips, causing him to shift his weight. As he sank deep into her, they both moaned in unison. He began to move with urgency, thrusting deeper inside her, capturing her very breath with his body.

  Under his skilled hands and mouth, incredible passion swirled through her, as if she was only now coming alive. Richard groaned and suddenly he was pulling her into a sea of desire, to a place where she didn’t know where each of them began and ended. His thrusts were wild and savage, yet tender and possessive. She rose to meet each onslaught, scared to lose control as the desire spiraled tighter and tighter within her. But she was losing herself and it scared and thrilled her.

  Just when she thought she’d
never arrive at the beckoning pinnacle, Richard reached a hand between their bodies, and pressed his thumb to that place between her thighs. The world stopped while she continued to race on up into the stars. She heard herself scream his name as if from a distance, so lost was she in the most intense physical release, which made her body convulse hard around him. Her nails dug into his shoulders and her spirit soared. Somehow he had released her soul to the heavens. And there she floated, never wishing to come back.

  But back it was to a reality that saw her married to a man who’d had captured her heart along with her innocence, to a man who was probably wishing it were another lying beneath him as his wife.

  A tear leaked out the side of her eye. Why did she have to go and ruin something so magical with these insecurities?

  #

  Christ! What had just happened? Never before had he experienced such a violent climax. He’d fairly exploded; his life essence seeking a haven in her welcoming depths, recognizing that she truly was his. Maddy now belonged to him in every way, and such a wave of possessiveness engulfed him, he had to swallow back a primitive roar of dominance.

  He lowered himself back on to her, resting his forehead against her shoulder as he dragged air into his bursting lungs. She was still convulsing around him, her legs holding him tightly, while she clung to his shoulders.

  He lay struggling to come to terms with the power of his feelings. The experience had been far more than he’d ever imagined. Their joining was a pleasure he’d dared not dream of, in fact, it had been more intense than with any other lover—including Sarah.

  He couldn’t comprehend what that might mean. Perhaps it was because his friendship with Maddy made their joining so special. Or perhaps it was that he cared for her more than he admitted.

  To his surprise, Richard felt faint stirrings in his heart. Their joining, this moment, had touched some part of his soul.

  His palm cupped her face, and only then did he feel her tears. He turned to look at her. “Did I hurt you, sweetheart? I’m so sorry.”

  She pressed a finger to his lips. “No. Never. It was just—overwhelming. And so beautiful. Is it always like that?”

  He couldn’t find the words to express how special their joining actually was. Instead, he simply kissed her with his heart in his throat.

  Maddy understood. She gave him a smile that shook his world and claimed a further piece of his heart in exchange.

  They lay together watching the flames, with no words needed between them. He rolled onto his back, pulling Madeline into his arms. This union would work. They would build a fine life together.

  “Are you hungry, Maddy?”

  She let out a shaky laugh. “I’m famished. I couldn’t eat before with nerves. But now that it’s over…”

  He merely raised one eyebrow. “Over? The night is still young and we have two days in this tiny cottage. I wonder what we should do to pass the time…”

  A giggle escaped her lush mouth and her breasts jiggled delightfully. As night had now fallen, the only light came from the fire. He looked down at his young bride and his body stirred again. How was he to dampen down these ardent flames? It was her first time. He’d only just claimed her, and he shouldn’t want her again so quickly.

  He moved so he could sit up. “My wife desires food and as a dutiful husband, I shall provide it.” He brought over the food platter, trying to get his raging emotions under control. Then he gathered the wine and their glasses. All the while, he could feel her eyes upon him, exploring him more potently than a caress. His body could not help but respond.

  “I suspect I’ll get better at it the second time,” Maddy said as he sunk back on to the furs.

  Confusion marked his face. “I beg your pardon?”

  Her hand reached out and touched his growing erection. “I obviously didn’t satisfy you. You’ve gone hard again. I’ll do better next time now that I know what it’s all about.”

  At the earnest look on her face, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. Once more she clung to him and he reveled in the feeling this evoked.

  Pulling back, he whispered into her ear, “You more than satisfied me, my sweet. That’s why I’m hard again. I want you more than my next breath.”

  Richard’s words warmed her every limb and then need soaked into her skin. She wanted him too.

  “Eat something, you’ll need your strength,” he added with a husky laugh.

  He popped a piece of chicken into her mouth and lay propped up on his elbow, relaxed in his nakedness. She tried to convey a similar countenance.

  While she chewed, she let her eyes roam his naked form. He was as magnificent as a Roman statue. The fire sent shadows dancing over his skin. His chest was broad and muscled; its expanse was covered with a fine layer of hair that tapered to a line running to the nest at his groin. Her skin heated remembering the feel of his rough hairs against her tender breasts.

  Admittedly, his body fascinated her. She cocked her head to one side, considering his now semi-flaccid member. She reached out and weighed it in her hand. To her amazement, he began to harden at her touch.

  “Don’t be so surprised. I’m barely containing myself simply looking at you.” His eyes roamed over her in return. “But if you play with me…I’ll not be able to behave.” His voice deepened and desire swirled in the blue depths of his eyes.

  Flustered, she said the first thing that popped into her head. “It’s much bigger than I thought it would be.”

  He laughed outright.

  “Isn’t it a nuisance walking with that hanging between your legs? How on earth do you ride comfortably?”

  At that he rolled onto his stomach, convulsing with laughter.

  Madeline’s heart picked up its pace at the sight of his firm, muscular buttocks. Anger burst forth, and she gave the closest one a resounding slap. “It’s not fair. I know so little and you know too much.” She began pummeling him with her fists.

  The play fight soon turned erotic. Richard easily subdued her, not that she put up much of a fight. As soon as skin met skin, they began again…

  He pulled her over to sit astride him and she braced her hands on his chest. The playful banter faded and the only sound was their heavy breathing.

  She shyly stroked down his body. “Can a woman pleasure a man with her mouth, like you did to me?”

  The black points in his eyes widened and his nostrils flared. His voice now a husky murmur whispered, “Don’t be in such a rush. Relax. I’ll teach you everything all in good time. We have a lifetime of this to share. Today is your wedding day and should be about your pleasure.”

  With that, he sat up and his lips traced kisses over her neck and breasts, branding her skin.

  Who needed a book when you had the best teacher in the world? No one had ever understood their complex relationship. Just as well really, for Richard had never lied to her, or ignored difficult questions from her. He had never thrown the ‘you’re a lady and should not know such things’ card in her face.

  As he lifted her and gently slid her down onto his delicious hardness, she’d never been more grateful for that. When he showed her how to move upon him, all inhibitions fled and she simply gave herself over to the pleasure of the moment.

  Chapter Six

  Dear Miss Madeline Strathmore,

  Your letter has just reached me in Spain about one month late. The world is indeed a wondrous place and one day, if you behave, I may take you for a voyage on one of my ships. However, a suspicious part of me does think you only write because you want presents. A man’s pride could be ripped by such a thought. I hope you miss me.

  Your Knight,

  Mr. Richard Craven

  PS. I hope you love the fan enclosed. I suspect you’ll soon need it to fend off wandering hands

  In the small hours of the morning, Richard carried Maddy to their tiny bedroom at the back of the cottage. She’d fallen fast asleep in his arms.

  He lay awake studying her even as the sun came up
. He couldn’t sleep; too many emotions were whirling around inside his head, and his heart. How, in a matter of twenty-four hours, could he have developed such very deep feelings for Maddy? His whole world had changed when he claimed her. All he knew was he’d never do anything to ruin what they had just shared.

  It was their explosive, mind-shattering lovemaking, the ultimate sensual experience that had undone him. Really had undone him. It had made him question his feelings for Sarah. Was Anthony right after all? Was he confusing love with his need to protect?

  What did that mean for his feelings for Maddy? Truly—his first thoughts about his new wife had been to protect her. He’d offered to wed Maddy because he could not stand by and see her ruined by a simple misunderstanding. Maddy had, after all, only been trying to protect him.

  He frowned into the silence.

  Did he have to be saving everyone? Did he gravitate to women in need because of a driving need to make up for his upbringing and for the fact he’d been unable to protect his twin?

  The memory of Anthony’s brutal upbringing once again filled his mind. The first remembrance was from when they were about five years old.

  It had been a cold winter's day, with the wind howling and light snow falling. Bored to tears, they had escaped their nanny to play hide and seek in the large house at the Craven country estate. Although they had been told to stay out of their father’s study, the temptation to sneak into his domain got the better of them. They had mistakenly thought their father would be unable to return home in the appalling weather. The first they knew of his arrival was when the study door burst open.

  The look on their father’s face when he had seen all his papers over the floor had stopped Richard’s heart. The black fury clearly evident in the coldness of their father's eyes plummeted the room to even icier depths.

  When Anthony had stepped forward to take the blame, his father had backhanded Anthony’s face, sending his slight frame flying across the room. Their father took not the slightest notice of Richard. Instead, he moved to drag Anthony out of the room, up the stairs, and into the nursery where he had taken a birch to Anthony’s bare buttocks.