Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone 1)

“I imagine it works just fine.” He kissed her again and, unable to resist exploring, she wrapped back around the thick length of him.

Working her hand up his length, she’d wanted to test its full measure but at his groan of pleasure, she moved back down and then up him again.

He slid to the side and then rolled on his back. She travelled with him, never losing contact. “What do you mean you imagine it works fine? Because I am a maiden, are you worried it might not?

He covered her hand with his as he increased the tempo. “No love, that isn’t what I meant.” He paused, his eyes drifting closed as she reached the head and worked her way back down. “I’ve never actually been with a woman.”

Eliza held her breath. She’d known he didn’t have much experience, but none? He was a handsome lord. How could he not have been with a single woman? “What?”

He was moving her hand faster and she could feel the tension building in his body. He opened his eyes, at least partially, and looked over to her but his expression was dreamy and far away. “I—”

But then a groan ripped from his chest and his body spasmed. It gave her more pleasure than she’d ever imagined to please him. As his body went limp, she snuggled into his side, laying her head on his shoulder. His strong arm wrapped about her body and, despite being on the ground, she’d never been warmer or more comfortable.

She closed her eyes. But the rumbling of his chest made them open again. “Eliza,”

“Mmmmh,” she murmured.

He gave a small chuckle. “We came out here to talk.”

A tiny giggle escaped her lips. “It was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had.”

A laugh rumbled from deep inside of him, she felt it all through her body. “I know I told you I wouldn’t rush you, but after what we just did, I want to know if ye’ve decided on our marriage.”

Pushing off his chest, she raised her head up to give him a soft smile. “Yes, Stone Alban, I’d be honored to be your wife.”

His large hand cupped her cheek and he lifted up to softly kiss her lips. “Good, lass.” Then he lay back down. “And don’t worry about the physical part. We’ll figure it out together.”

Her head came up again. In the midst of his their passion, she’d nearly forgotten. “Stone, did you say you’ve never…” Her eyes met his.

The corners of his mouth turned down. “It does not make me less of a man.” He rose up on his elbow while still keeping her cradled against him. “The first woman I wanted to be with referred to me as the devil. I didn’t finish what we’d started and I haven’t trusted a woman since. I’ll not be with someone who thinks I am that person.”

Deep, cold dread washed through her. “Oh, Stone,” she started.

“I waited until I’d found a good woman.” He gave her a soft look. His eyes crinkled at the corners as his face relaxed. “One whom I could trust to see the real me. Not the rumors.” His face darkened. “So many take a single look at me and judge.”

She gave a nod, but all the joy had washed from her body. If he ever found out that she’d thought that very thing, what would he do?

Chapter Twelve

Stone held Eliza close feeling more content than he could ever remember feeling. He’d worried, deep inside that he’d never heal after the loss of his parents. Eliza didn’t replace them, of course, but it was as though he could see a new family rising in the ashes of the old.

It made him…hopeful.

She shifted against him. Then back to her original spot. He assumed she was uncomfortable on the ground and started to pull her on top of him but Eliza began to wiggle away. “I should go.” She pushed off his chest.

He held her tighter. “No one will find us here and no one knows yer gone. Why don’t ye stay?”

Her mouth turned down, her eyes crinkled. “But if we’re caught…”

He shook his head. “Ye just said ye’d marry me. What does it matter?”

She pushed harder. “It isn’t official and my father—” she stopped, nibbling on her lip. Something had her spooked.

“Do you regret what we just did?” He trailed his hand up and down her back.

“No,” she answered quickly. “I’ve only just realized, you’re more than I deserve.”

That caught him completely off guard. His stared at her as he tried to figure out what to say, what she meant by that. Bloody hell, it was easier to fight pirates than understand women. “Ye don’t’ mean that. Otherwise ye wouldn’t have waited so long to say yes.”