Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

As he watched the woman across the table from him eat stew a few nights later, he realized that he wanted her to be his for all time. “Come back to England with me.”

Ciara’s head shot up. Something flickered in her eyes but was gone before he could identify what it was. She offered him a grin and he knew it was forced. “No. I don’t belong in your world.”

“I want you with me,” he persisted.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I just told you. I don’t belong in your world. It is not for me.”

“You would fit. You fit with me. I could offer you things you never dreamed of. Bedrooms bigger than your whole cabin. Silk sheets. Servants at your beck and call. Rooms full of gowns made by the best modiste in town. I would dress you in the finest clothes, you would be the envy of all London. I would make love to you on beds covered in rose petals, what do you think?”

As her eyes flared, he realized that he’d erred. Grievously.

She responded with a sad chuckle. “That was a very sweet thing to say, no matter that it is not true.” At his questioning stare, she continued. “Don’t you see, Wolf? I don’t need that kind of thing to be happy. Silk sheets, dresses, all of what you offer comes at too high a price for me.”

“What do you mean?” She was the only woman he knew who would turn down the chance to be a marchioness, or to be the mistress of a marquess.

“If I were to take those things, I would have to give up the thing that means most to me.” At his confused look, she pressed on, “My freedom. I would be bound and confined by your rules and your society’s dictates. I love the smell of the country—I would not last in a city. Within these mountains, my heart beats the strongest.

“Besides, I can’t be your mistress. I won’t be.”

Pain lanced through his heart at the thought of her left behind when he returned to England. But would you be my wife? “What do you call what you are being now?”

“I call myself your friend. What I give you is just that. Something from me to you. I want none of the things you bestow on your mistresses. You will leave soon. I want you to find happiness. For once in your life, have someone like you for who you are, not because of what you own. My lying with you is just that. A gift, something that I love sharing with you. I harbor no illusions of what will happen. I am living for the now. I am happy.

“Also, I don’t think that Faolan would do well in your country, much less Kosse.” She rose and sat on his lap, her arms looped around his neck to bring them nose to nose. “There is something inside you, Wolf, that is very special. All I want from you is you. For once, forget all your wealth and privileges and just live your life. That will be enough for me. Have fun while you are here.” She kissed his lips then stood and cleared the table, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Lucien looked at this woman. She was mind-boggling. She went against everything he had been taught about women. The way she answered him didn’t even allow him to be angry with her. As long as he walked the earth, he knew he would never find another like her.

Ciara kept her own counsel as she cleared the table.

Lucien reached down to scratch Kosse and wondered if he would ever get her to change her mind. He realized who the ‘heart of the mountain’ was. It was Ciara. She thrived here. In an environment that would kill off most, she lived, survived and prospered. If she ever left, it would be to follow her heart, not because he asked her to.

“Ciara? Would you consider selling me a horse? I would like a son of Nyama and Epona.”

“And how am I to get this son to you? Are you going to come back to Paradise Cove to get him?”

If that’s what it takes to see you again.

“I was thinking that you could send him by ship to my country estate, Heartstone. I would leave you the address and payment in advance so all you would have to do is put him on the ship.”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Because I asked for one.”

“A son? There is no telling when that could be. Why would you wish to do that?”

“Like you said before. If you give your word, you don’t go back on it. I would be content to wait for one. Yes?”

“Deal. You will leave payment with Marie. And when there is a son, I will send him to Heartstone.” The price she quoted him was a fair price and he agreed.

“Good, now come here, woman. If I am to have fun, I wish to have it with you.” He swung her up into his arms, holding her before he placed her back on the floor.

“Good.” Her eyes grew dark with desire and expectation as she tugged his head down for a kiss.

* * * *

Lucien ran her trap line with her. He was getting into shape as he trekked beside her in the mountain snow. She had taught him how to skin the food and stretch the hides so they could be sold.

Lucien learned how to have fun. He was smiling more and more as the days passed. He felt better than he ever had before. For not having gaming halls and places to drink, he found that he was even happier.

He found himself watching Ciara when she didn’t think he could see her. Although she smiled, it was rare for her to grace him with an honest, open smile. Her smiles normally could make his heart race. When she gifted him with one that was without reservation, it could bring him to his knees.

If they were in the cabin she would wear loose-fitting clothes that she said were African. They were bright-colored and only enhanced her beauty. Usually they were pants and a long shirt that would go to her knees, but she also had some dresses. Dresses were too cold to wear during the winter, she claimed.

* * * *

He carried her to the bedroom, set her down then removed her clothes. When she tried to sit up, he pushed her back. “This is my gift to you. Let me worship you.”

Christmas had come upon them and he’d seemed pleased with the hand-carved statue she’d given him after they ate.

At his words, she tingled all over. As she watched him with a heady gaze, her body was already wet and ready for him. He took off his clothing and stretched out beside her. She reached for him.

“No. I want to look. I want to remember how you look right now, forever.” He stroked a hand down her side as he leaned over her propped up on one elbow and stared at her with those eyes of his that had the power to intoxicate her. “You are so beautiful. Your skin is so soft, like silk.” He dipped his head and flicked his tongue over her collarbone, watched as she shivered.

“You taste like you smell, honey and berries. I love your taste.” Another stroke of his tongue along her neck as he moved down. He touched her arm and ran his fingers along her skin. “Your arms are so strong, so tender. Everything about you is strong. Yet you remain one of the softest people I know.” He flicked his tongue along the same path his fingers had just traveled.

She squirmed. “No. Hold still. Or I will stop.” Ciara moaned her frustration. “Look at your breasts. So full. Perfect for suckling.” He did just that, and when his lips closed about her breast she arched her back and pressed herself into his mouth. When she tried to reach up and touch him he shook his head without leaving her breast. She got the message.

“So perfect. But you have two and I can’t ignore the other one.” He lavished attention on her other breast until both her nipples were taut and stiff. His breath made her shiver as it hit the spots where he had suckled and left her wet. “Further down we come to your stomach.” He delved into her belly button with his tongue, eliciting a gasp, but she held firm. “You have a wonderfully flat stomach. Lovely hips.” He nipped at her sides, making her whimpers grow in volume.

Lucien slid down and settled himself between her legs and brushed light touches there. “Legs. Your legs are in amazing condition. All this mountain climbing has made them so strong.” He moved his tongue down the inside of her leg all the way to her foot. “Your ankles are small, your feet are delicate.” Taking her toe into his mouth, he sucked on it as he had her breasts. The reaction was the same—her body quivered with need.

He ran his tongue up the inside of her other leg after loving her other foot and ankle in the same fashion.

He moved back up and gave her stomach more love bites. As her mewls grew louder, he spread her thighs farther apart. “And then there is my favorite part. Your core. You smell like a mixture of spices.” He slid his fingers through the hair and along the slit but never did he enter her. When he ran one along her opening, she tried to move herself onto it. “No, no, no. I told you not to move. I shall have to stop.”

“No, don’t stop. I won’t move again.” Her voice was breathless as she gripped the blankets with a hold that should have wrung the colors out of them.

“One more chance, no moving. Understand?”

“Yes.” Her voice was almost nonexistent.

“Very well then. Where was I? Oh yes, I was enjoying your smell.” He wedged his body between her thighs and draped her legs over his shoulders. Ciara could feel his warm breath at the juncture of her thighs but he wouldn’t touch her. She begged with her whimpers. He spread her lips and dipped one finger inside her. Lucien pushed a finger into her wetness. She tightened around him to try to keep him inside as he removed his finger.

“Look at me.” The timbre of his voice made her shiver with anticipation. “Look at me.” She slowly sat up and braced herself on arms that were none too steady. “Scoot back to the headboard.” He stayed where he was between her legs as she moved back with her arms since her legs were still draped over his shoulders.

When she was back against the headboard with a pillow behind her he smiled at her and drove two fingers deep within her, never once taking his eyes off hers. Ciara’s body shuddered with pleasure as her eyes fluttered closed. He started to withdraw his fingers. “No. Look at me. Don’t close your eyes. Watch me, princess.”

The hypnotic pull of his velvety voice gave her no choice as she dragged her eyes open to find herself riveted by eyes that appeared almost black with passion that was barely kept under restraint. He smiled as he saw her meet his eyes.

“Your reward.” He slid his fingers back into her, making her eyes almost—she caught herself in time—roll back in her head. His thick fingers were covered with the juices flowing out of her body. Lucien maintained a steady but forceful rhythm. He held her gaze as she came on his fingers.

“You are a thing of beauty when you come.” Her cries had turned to full-out moans. She tried to keep her sounds contained but he flicked his thumb on her hard clit, and as he realized she was trying to stay quiet, he shook his head. “I wish to hear you. Don’t keep it to yourself. I want to hear what you are feeling.”

“Please,” she cried.

“Please what? More of this? Tell me. Tell me what you wish, my princess.” His fingers stretched her as she approached the edge of the chasm again.

“Please. More… I want… Let me… I am going to…” Her voice was agitated as she tried to concentrate on what she was asking for.

“What do you want? What are you going to do? Come? Yes you are. No, don’t look away. Keep looking at me. Keep your eyes open. Watch me as I make you come. That’s my girl. My beauty. Watch as my fingers slide in and out of your wetness. I feel you tightening around me. You’re almost there, aren’t you?” His inhalations had increased along with hers. Indigo eyes locked with amber as his fingers moved like pistons in and out of her heated core. “Now! I want it now. Come for me.”

At his words, her head dropped back against the headboard and her thighs clamped around him as she came in waves. She managed to keep eye contact with him. “Good girl.” He withdrew his fingers and sucked them clean.

That sight alone was almost enough to make her come again. He lowered his head and placed his mouth over her. He drank every bit of her essence that was present. When she whimpered again, he rose and settled himself on his knees, leaving her legs on either side of his waist. His member jutted out from the nest of black hair. It pulsated and it drew her gaze. Velvet over steel.

Lucien grabbed her legs and dragged her to him. He moved over her and teased her with the tip of his dick. “What do you want?” His voice was rough with need.

“You.”

He pushed the tip inside her and she sighed. He stopped and she complained. “What do you want?” he asked again as he inched in a little deeper.

“You,” she cried.

Lucien began to withdraw. “What do you want?”

“You, damn it. I want you,” she screamed in frustration.

He lowered himself so his mouth was by her ear, teasing her more as he gritted out his question, as he tried to maintain his hold on his control.

“My name. Say my name. Tell me you want me.” His tone was pleading.

“I want you. Please. I need you to fill me. I need to feel you deep inside of me. I need you. I want you. I want you. Lucien.”

That was all it took. He slammed home in one stroke and came. His body shook with aftermath as he buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent, imprinting this moment in his brain.

Ciara wrapped her arms around him and placed kisses along his shoulder. “That was by far the best Christmas present I have ever received.”

Lucien laughed.

They got back up and spent the rest of the day doing other things until it was time to sleep again.

As they lay in bed, Lucien asked, “How did you do the statue? When did you?”

“It was the one on the shelf up there. I really just had to add the saying. I hope you like it.”

“I love it. Thank you.”

“Mmm. You’re welcome.” She was asleep in moments.