He kissed her then, kissed her with such all-consuming passion that Iona was scarcely aware when her gown fell off and the rest followed, all except the gauzy final garment.
But she was very aware when her bare shoulders hit the bed linen, and she looked up to see Gerard fling his shirt and coat to a chair.
Muscles rippled everywhere she looked, and she stopped breathing all over again. When he reached for his trouser placket, she had to force herself to study the bandage on his shoulder so she did not expire of fear and excitement.
Gerard had plannedon seducing his bride with fine words and gentle caresses. He knew how to do those things, and Iona deserved all his attention for this night. He knew his duties didn’t often allow him the leisure for pampering a wife. But for one night—
And he was ruining it all. He was so desperate to touch her that he nearly ripped off her clothes. She was a virgin, but he’d suckled her breasts as if she were an experienced courtesan. He was fortunate his brave Iona didn't faint.
And now he had her flat on her back, those big golden eyes watching him as if he were Atlas, and she was a sacrifice to the gods. And damned if he didn’t feel like a god. If he revealed himself as aroused as he was now, she was likely to flee off the other side of the bed.
He leaned over to turn off the oil lamp on the bedside table. The candles might allow him to see the splendor of his bride—
Her delicate hands halted him. “Don’t. I want to see what passion looks like.”
“If you’ve seen animals, then you know it isn’t pretty,” he said gruffly, hoping to spare her.
“Animals don’t know desire. Or love. We just vowed toloveone another. Doesn’t that start with seeing each other for who we are?” She caressed the bulging placket of his trousers. “If I can’t hide, neither can you.”
“I’m going to regret saying that for the rest of my days, aren’t I?” He pried off his shoes.
Trousers still on, he blew out the candles, then lay down beside her in the light of the single lamp. She instantly sat up enough to explore his bare chest, as he’d hoped. This business of going slow was about to cost him a new pair of drawers. He’d been very careful dressing this morning.
“I do not need coddling,” she informed him.
“Of course you need coddling. Everyone should be coddled occasionally, and I intend to see that you have your fair share.” He desperately wanted to keep that promise, but Wystan’s eventual demise loomed in their future.
He’d work something out—just not now, while Iona continued exploring him, and he was gripping the sheet to control his need to roll her under him.
“I have married a barbarian who believes he need only take what he wants.” She kissed his jaw and throat to soften her words. “I know better than to believe you’ll change. I have insanely agreed to accept your flaws for a lifetime. And because I can sense the man you hide from others, I know you won’t hurt me, not intentionally. So let me learn what you really want.”
She kissed his chest and suckled his nipples the way he had her. Gerard nearly lifted off the bed.
Apparently responding to what shesensed,she carried her kisses down the thread of hairs over his abdomen. He had to dig his hands into her hair and drag her back up to his mouth so he could kiss her—and finally cover her with his weight to prevent further migration to parts she wasn’t prepared to see.
She responded hungrily. She let him invade her mouth and maul her breasts like the barbarian she’d called him. He generally paid ladies the courtesy of going slow, but she dug her fingers into his arms and bucked against him and drove him wild with her desire.
He couldfeelher vibrations. Desire apparently felt differently than anger. He’d have to learn all her tunes.
He tore off the final bit of gossamer covering her breasts and nipped the tightly furled peaks. She cried out as she had earlier, then performed the trick he loved so well and wrapped her leg around his buttocks.
Kissing the beautiful bosom that had tantalized him all evening, he unfastened her frail silk drawers and slid his hand over her bare hip. She rose into him, begging for a touch he’d only showed her once.
Daringly, he kissed lower, sliding off her drawers as he went. She dropped her embracing limb and spread herself for him. He growled at the wispy blue garter on her thigh, licked and kissed her there, and compelled by her high keening, applied his mouth to virgin territory.
Holding her rump, he plied her until she came apart in his hands.
Only then did he shed his trousers and drawers, just enough to rise above her and take the plunge that made the beekeeper his countess forever and a day.
Man and wife, lord and lady, richer or poorer, they became one.
Twenty-seven
Satiated,eager to please Gerard as he had her, Iona clung to the muscled torso of her husband as he entered her. His lust and desire aroused her, but she also felt... his concern, like a warm loving blanket. She kissed his shoulders to let him know she wasn’t another one of his duties but cried out once he breached her barrier. He hesitated, although she sensed how difficult it was for him to halt.
Her husband. She was holding her husband. She’d never thought to have one. But for Gerard... She breathed deeply and raised her hips and took him in, as he needed.
It was painful. It was glorious. And in the end, his wild desire drove her to another shattering climax that left her breathless and spinning.
