The Duke's Scottish Lass (Brethren of Stone 0.50)

She blinked back the tears that had filled her eyes. “We both carry scars from his death, don’t we?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “I suppose we do. But I shouldn’t have even kissed you the way that I did tonight, I cannot compromise you in my room. I promised him, Delia.”

But joy rather than worry bubbled inside of her. He wanted to do right by her and her brother’s memory. “I am absolutely certain that Reginald didn’t mean that we couldn’t share passion.”

“You were a child when he died, Delia. You couldn’t know what he thought or—”

“Oh please,” she huffed, not wanting to hear anymore. “My parents were deeply in love and rather affectionate. Each of my brothers has followed his heart and, if my sisters-in-law are any indication, they share rather…zesty relationships. They are forever going on about their husbands’ endowments. I am absolutely certain that he’d want that for us, he just wanted you to reform your rakish ways with other women and treat me the way my brothers treat their wives. Which is to say, they get all of their husbands’ love, respect, and passion.”

Roderick stared down at her with a look that she didn’t understand. The muscles in his jaw ticked and for a breath, she thought he might deny her and then his lips came down on hers and all reason left her mind. She only felt his lips as they ravaged hers.

His hands were everywhere, sliding down her back, caressing her arms, one hand came to her breast and held its weight making her gasp. Then fingers gently tweaked the nipple and her entire body convulsed, it was so pleasurable. He swallowed her gasp and used his other hand to grasp her buttocks, pressing her closer. A storm built inside her as the pressure continued to mount. She rubbed against him, wanting more.

Picking her up, he carried her to the bed. In one motion, he pulled off her nightdress and then lay her down on the soft feather mattress. Delia might have been embarrassed but his green eyes were so intense that she could hardly look away.

Coming down on top of her, the sensation of his bare chest touching hers made her body tighten over again. She arched toward him. “Patience, my love,” he whispered and then his mouth was sliding down her.

It stopped at her breasts, giving each one the attention they longed for but then his lips continued down her belly. Her eyes closed and her head lolled back until they met her soft core and then she went rigid from sensation. “How,” she cried, her entire body jerking.

“Shhh, just relax,” he said when he raised his head for a brief second and then his lips were back on her. Her hands wound through his hair as her body rocked to the movement of his mouth. Her insides were clenching as her limbs twisted and her body writhed. Finally, he inserted a finger deep inside and she exploded in glorious release.

“I didn’t know.” Her eyes were half closed and, if she had the energy, she may have teased him about his rogue’s skills. But honestly, it had been better than she could have ever imagined and suddenly, being skilled at lovemaking seemed like a great asset and not a deterrent at all.

His lips were travelling back up her spent body, and little tingling sensations were starting anew. “I am honored to be your mentor.” He suckled one of her breasts and her core throbbed to life once again. Her eyes flew open and they met his in surprise.

The green of his eyes looked closer to black, his gaze was that smoky. “I do not know how to—” His lips came down on hers and she ceased speaking.

He was between her legs, and fumbling, he undid his breeches. She twisted to see what he looked like but his hips dropped down on hers. “I will teach you, all in good time.”

And then he was pressing into her. She was being stretched and, heaven help her, it burned. She gasped, “How large are you?”

“I’m sorry, love, you will come to enjoy it, I swear, but this first time…” And then he sank deep in her. She felt the rip and cried out in pain. He held still, kissing her lips, touching her face. Slowly her body adjusted.

The pain subsided and her eyes focused on Roderick. He looked positively tortured. “What is wrong?” she asked, worried she was hurting him.

“Delia, I can’t wait much longer, I need…” his voice trailed off, but Delia understood. He had given her such pleasure, this was how she returned the favor. Steeling herself for the pain, she wiggled against him to show she was ready. Instead of pain, however, her insides fluttered with desire, even more intense than what she had felt before.

They began moving in unison, a cacophony of moans and sighs as the rhythm beat faster and their bodies moved together.

Finally, it broke. It was more beautiful than Delia could have ever imagined.

* * *

Delia lay in his arms, sound asleep. She was so beautiful, he simply propped his head on his hand and stared down at her, brushing the hair back from her face. He was in love with her and she was going to marry him.

He owed it all to his friend, Reginald. A beautiful wife, a wonderful family, a thriving business to call his own. How had Reginald known that he belonged with the Albans?

Her words last night had pierced through his heart. She was right. The Albans loved with passion and as soon as she’d said the words, he’d known that he was meant to give her all of himself. Every bit.

He would let Delia sleep. Any minute now, Stone would come looking for her, her absence noticed. Her brother was bound to be furious, but he wouldn’t

run from or hide his deeds. He would take whatever punishment Stone deemed fit and then they would post the bans for marriage.

A pounding sounded at the door. Delia didn’t even stir. He slipped from the bed and pulled on his calfskin breeches. Roderick opened the door to find Stone, arms crossed, on the other side. He saw Stone’s eyes slash to the bed, where Delia slept.

Roderick closed the door behind him. Stone, without a word, punched him in the gut. A whoosh of breath exited Roderick but he did or said nothing and Stone hit him again, this time, a jab to the chest.

“Feel better yet?” Roderick gritted out.