Chapter 7

Seven

W ho knew a kiss could be that devastating? Completely all-consuming... Breathing became inconsequential as her desire demanded that the smoldering connection persist, never to end. Kissing him had become everything, and Cora would do anything to ensure his lips continued to devour hers. Each brush of his lips meant another one would quickly follow. His kiss… God, his kiss. If she had known how much it would mean to her—she’d have allowed, no, demanded he indulge them both much sooner. So much sooner…

He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. The desire pooling in those greedy depths scorched her. Cora licked her lips in anticipation. He’d kiss her again. The need was there swirling between them. Demanding they give in and take what they both wanted. He brought his hand up and stroked her hair, then pulled out the pins holding the coiffure in place. When her dark hair flowed over her back, he smiled. “I’ve always wanted to see you like this.” His voice was hoarse with the desire still dictating their actions. “You’re so bloody beautiful it aches.” He rubbed his chest. “I need you.”

Cora nodded. “I need you.” That much was undeniable. “Kiss me again.” When his lips were on hers, everything made sense. What she wanted, needed—it all blurred together. She needed that mindless feeling. Cora craved the intensity that engulfed her with each press of his lips on hers.

“Yes,” he said, then brushed his lips lightly overs hers. “I can do that.” He kissed her cheek. “But we need to slow down. This is moving quickly.”

“But I want this.” She sounded like a petulant child.

“Cora, love,” he said. “I do too.” He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “But if we keep kissing like this…” He swallowed hard, as if he struggled to say the words. “Then it will lead to something I do not think you’re prepared for. I don’t want you to have regrets.”

“How could I ever lament anything that happened between us?” She cupped his cheek in her hands. “I want you.” Cora had always wanted him. Even when his actions made her want to throttle him. There had been a pull between them from that very first meeting. Not that she had understood it then, but now. It was all clear. They were always meant to be this way with each other. But animosity and distrust had driven a wedge between them so wide, the chasm had appeared irreparable. How wrong she’d been regarding so much. Especially him. She’d been incorrect in her assumptions and the impressions he had purposely made. She didn’t doubt him or his intentions. The fool had thought he didn’t deserve her. Silly man. She’d correct him in that regard. “Don’t push me away again. This is where I belong.” Cora believed that completely.

Slowly, he nodded. “I don’t think I can.” His voice was hoarse with restrained emotion. “I need you too much to ever let you go.”

“Good,” she said. “Then we are in agreement. We belong together and there is no more need to discuss it.” Cora gave him a wanton smile. “So will you kiss me again, my lord?”

“I might,” he said. “If you use my given name. Please.” He stroked her cheek lightly. “No more, my lord or Lord Thornton. For you, I just want to be Hayes, the man who adores you and always has.”

Cora liked the idea of saying his name. He was hers. “Hayes,” she said in a sultry tone. “Kiss me. Now.”

She did not have to wait long. He lowered his head and captured her lips. The kiss did funny things to her insides. She became all wanton need and desire. Hayes pulled her against him and her breasts tingled, her nipples tightening at the brush of heat from his hard body. He pulled away, but only long enough to trail kisses down her neck. Cora couldn’t get enough. She wanted so much more, but she didn’t know how to put a voice to this craving inside of her. He cupped her breast in his palm and she moaned. “Yes,” she said. “more…”

Hayes kissed the top of her breast and then pulled her bodice down. When he pulled one of the tight buds into his mouth and sucked, Cora’s moans became breathless. This was something she never could have imagined. Would never have thought to consider… His wicked touch drove her mad. He moved his mouth over to her other breast as he massaged the other in his palm. How had he known exactly what she needed?

“I want to taste you all over,” he said. “Will you let me?”

She could deny him nothing. “Please,” she said. “Yes.”

He lifted her skirt and trailed his fingers over her thighs. The cool night air brushed over her skin, almost like her lover’s caress heightening her need. He went to the apex of her thighs and pushed aside her petticoat, then stroked the sensitive bud there. She inhaled sharply at the first touch, then she lost all ability to reason. His talented fingers continued to stroke her need until she was on the precipice of something monumental.

“Come for me, love,” he said in a guttural tone. “Let me hear your pleasure.”

Hayes pushed one finger inside of her. He stroked it in and out as his thumb rubbed her tender flesh. The repetitive motion had her writhing against him. One more stroke, then another caress, then her entire body went rigid as it broke apart. Stars flashed behind her eyelids and then nothing but black. There was no Cora, only the pleasure that staggered her into submission. Nothing would ever be the same for her ever again. He had given her something, so life altering it left her boneless and completely at his mercy. She wanted to beg him to do it all over again.

“Hayes,” she said when she could finally form words again. “As much as I loved that…” Her lips twitched. “That isn’t what you wanted, is it?”

“Oh, I wanted it,” he told her gruffly. “But it’s only the start of everything I want with you. I’m not done, love. Not even close…”

“Perfect,” she said coyly. “Because I’m not done with you either.” She kissed him and they stopped talking. There was only feeling, and no room for anything more.

Hayes could not believe how much his luck had turned. He had the woman he loved in his arms. The pleasure of that alone was indescribable. He shouldn’t be doing this with her out in the open. Someone could come upon them at any moment. It would ruin her. Hayes never wanted to cause her any sort of harm. But she had to know that. She also must realize that he intended to marry her. He never would have done any of this if that hadn’t been his goal from the onset.

“If we were not in the middle of this maze, I’d strip this gown off of you,” he told her. “I do not want any clothes between us. I want to be able to press my lips to every inch of your delectable body.”

“We can go inside then,” she said. “My bedchamber or yours. Then we can explore each other all night.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “I want to touch you and see you. Take me out of this maze.” She raked her nails through his scalp. “Bring me pleasure all night long.”

Hayes considered it. He could stay where they were and bring her pleasure, but they had a limited amount of time. If he did as she suggested, he could do everything he was imagining. Including stripping off her gown and touching her naked flesh. All of her would be his and he would give her so much pleasure she’d be mindless from it. That sounded like a slice of heaven to him. He liked that idea so much he didn’t think twice. Hayes grabbed her hand and started leading her out of the maze. Her hair was still unbound, and that was a clear sign they had been doing naughty things, but he didn’t care. She was his and he’d protect her with his name. Just as soon as he could get a special license, they’d wed. It was either that or they’d make a mad dash for Scotland. Whatever she preferred. He’d make it happen. Hayes would give her whatever her heart desired.

They exited the maze much quicker than they had entered it. Cora laughed as they hastened toward the abbey. Her laughter was endearing and lightened his heart. God, he loved her. How could he have stayed away from her for so long? He wanted to pull her back into his arms and kiss her senseless, but not yet. He could wait a little bit longer. Until they were safely inside a bedchamber where they could enjoy each other without the chance of anyone coming upon them.

They took the stairs to the bedchambers two at a time. Her laughter was bubbling over now. They reached her chamber first. She pushed open the door and yanked him inside. He kicked the door behind him. “Finally,” he said. “Alone at last.” He pulled her flush against him and crashed his lips over hers in a searing kiss.

Hayes lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. He set her down, then turned her so he could undo the buttons on her gown. With quick, nimble fingers he unfastened each tiny button and then pushed her gown down. He made fast work of her stays until it too, hit the floor. Every piece of clothing was there, except her thin shift that stopped just short of her knees.

Cora untied his cravat and pulled it free, then she slid her hands over his waistcoat. She was as desperate as he had been. He decided to help her and began shedding his own clothes. When his shirt was off and on the floor, she ran her hands over his chest. “You’re beautiful too,” she said, then pressed her lips to his neck.

He groaned, then lifted her up to set her on the bed. He pushed her shift up and began trailing kisses over her belly all the way down to the apex of her thighs. “I’m going to kiss you everywhere, love,” he warned her. “I need to taste you now.” Hayes lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her core. Cora gasped as he slid his tongue over her sensitive flesh. He pressed a finger, then two inside of her and stroked her as he sucked on the nub at her center. She moaned with each swipe of his tongue until she shook with need. She was close. Soon she’d hit her peak and he’d be able to devour her sweetness. One more lick as he stroked her, then she shattered beneath him. Her moans echoed around the room and she went limp.

Hayes lifted his lips into a wicked smile as he shed the rest of his clothes. He crawled on the bed and settled between her spread thighs. She lifted her hand and cupped the back of his head to draw him in for a kiss. It was slow and wicked. He pressed his shaft at her entrance, but stilled to wait for her. Hayes pulled back and met her gaze. “Are you ready for this, love?” He would not push her if she wanted to stop. As much as he craved to be inside of her, he had to consider her first.

She nodded. “I need you,” she told him. “I feel empty.”

He groaned. “This might not be comfortable. It could hurt.” He’d heard it wasn’t that pleasant for virgins.

“I know,” she said. “But it should get better.” She rubbed a thumb over his lips. “Kiss me as you enter me. When you kiss me, I forget about everything else.”

He’d gladly oblige her that. Hayes adored kissing her. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers as he slowly entered her tight sheathe. She drew in a sharp breath as he fully seated himself inside of her. He stayed still and kissed her as she adjusted to him. Then, when she began to move, he let out a relieved sigh. “You feel so good,” he told her. He began to slide in and out of her at an even pace. Hayes had felt nothing so damn pleasurable in his life.

She wrapped her legs around him and he quickened his pace until she clenched around him. Her climax sent him over the edge and he spilled himself deep inside her. Then he went limp from the intense pleasure. She groaned and he realized he had settled all his weight on her. Hayes rolled them to the side and pulled the bedsheets over them. He drew her against him and held her. They needed to rest a little while because he fully intended to make love to her again. If she could stand it, he’d have her several times throughout the night. He wasn’t nearly satisfied. She cuddled against him and Hayes closed his eyes. He was exactly where he needed to be. With her. Always with her…