Part 37 (1/2)

When had he started thinking of her that way?

And yet he did.

When he thought Ryan had come back for her... It had d.a.m.ned near killed him. Now that he had her with him again he didn't want to let her go.

She was the world to him.

She was everything...

Dear saints, heloved her.

He truly, truly loved her.

Nora hadn't realized a tear had fallen down her cheek until Ewan wiped her face with the backs of his fingers.

”Don't cry, love.”

He pulled her gently toward him and held her close to his chest so that she could take comfort in the sound of his heart pounding under her cheek.

Nora returned his embrace and was just grateful she hadn't lost him, too.

Graham MacKaid was a madman who would have gladly killed them both.

But they were safe now. She had Ewan with her, and they were both in one piece.

She hugged him even more tightly, so glad for that one basic fact.

Ewan cupped her face in his bound hands and kissed her.

She tasted him with more than just her mouth. She tasted him with her soul.

”Make love to me, Nora,” he whispered. ”I need to be inside you right now.”

She should be shocked by his words, but she wasn't. In truth, she wanted the same thing. ”You're hurt.”

”I'm notthat hurt.”

”But you're tied.”

He grinned wickedly at her. His hot look made her blush profusely. He lifted his hands over her head and lowered them so that she was in the circle of his arms. He leaned back, drawing her with him.

Careful not to hurt him or touch his side, Nora couldn't help laughing at what they must look like, entwined like this. But when he kissed her, her mirth died under a wave of profound desire.

He nibbled her lips, then pulled back. ”I'll need you to take my trewes off.”

Nora had never contemplated such a thing. She should be mortified by the mere suggestion, and yet a part of her thrilled at the idea.

Ewan lifted his arms, giving her freedom again.

Taking courage from the needful look on his face, she did as he asked and loosened his trewes, then pulled them free of his long legs.

He was already fully erect.

Her heart pounded at the sight of him lying exposed and somewhat helpless. It was strangely erotic.

One corner of her mouth quirked up.

”Should I be concerned by that look?” Ewan asked.

Nora bit her lip. ”I'm not sure. I was just thinking that I have you all to myself.”

”Aye, love, that you do.”

”You're virtually helpless...”

”I'm always helpless where you're concerned.”

She smiled at that. Nora didn't know where her boldness came from, but as she watched him, curiosity took hold of her. She wanted to explore his body.

Running her hands up his bare legs, she saw his shaft jerk in response.

”May I touch you?” she asked.

”Aye,” he said, his voice deep and husky. ”You can touch me anywhere you want to, and I won't mind.”

Tentatively she moved her hand over to his rigid shaft. He groaned the instant she brushed her fingers over it.

His breathing ragged, he moved his hand to cover hers and show her how to stroke him.

Nora was thrilled by the pleasure on his face, by his deep, masculine moans. He was so hard and yet soft to the touch. She'd never before really examined a man's part; now she took her time exploring it.

She ran her fingers over the tip, letting his wetness coat her skin. Then she went down the length of him to the base and gently cupped his sac.

He arched his back, growling at her.

Ewan watched her innocent exploration of his body. He'd never known anything more splendid than her hands on him. He wished he had his hands free long enough to return her caresses.

”Does this feel good?” she asked as she ran her finger over the tip of him again.

”Aye.”

”Why is the tip leaking?”

He groaned. The woman was completely unabashed with her questions. ”It's just something it does when I'm aroused.”

”Can I taste you like you tasted me?”