Chapter 31

Chapter

Thirty-One

H e was here.

Elara pushed the tapestry aside, with hope, for the last time. When she opened the door, Alden came through it and did not pause. Not even for a moment.

Taking her into his arms, he kissed her the way Elara had wished to be kissed every day since he left. His lips moved over her own, Alden's tongue tangling with hers as the kiss deepened.

His hand ran from her back downward and froze. He pulled away and looked down.

"You're only wearing a shift."

"Observant," she teased.

"Why"—his eyes roamed her body—"are you wearing only a shift?"

Elara looked him in the eyes. She had rehearsed this speech many times, giving her something to think about during those days when she did not know if Alden were still alive, if he'd survived the Rout of Winchester.

Yet now, no words came out of her mouth as the reality of the man was so very different from the thought of him. With his strong arms around her, Elara could not piece together her words.

Even so, he seemed to understand.

"You are mine, Elara."

She nodded. "Aye. I am."

"No man will ever touch you but me. None will claim you but me. I have so little to offer as a husband, but all that I do have is yours. Elara, I cannot live without you."

She nearly collapsed into him, but Elara did not wish to let his words go unanswered.

"I want only you, Alden."

It seemed those simple words were enough. He lifted her and carried her to the bedchamber. There, Alden tore off her shift and undressed, watching her as he did so.

"When I say you are mine..." He took off his boots. "I mean all of you. From this night forward." Groaning, he looked away. "I cannot see you without touching you." He tore off each piece of clothing.

"And you are mine," she said as a completely nude Alden once again picked her up and tossed Elara onto the bed.

"Aye. Always."

With that, he moved over her, kissing every bit of her body. From Elara's neck to her breasts, his lips and hands were everywhere.

Grasping his still-wet hair, Elara moaned as his fingers moved inside her. She arched her back, pushing her hips into his hands. How many nights had she lain in this bed, remembering? Thinking of this. Wanting it again.

His kiss became more insistent as his fingers worked magically to call forth the most primal needs within her. Elara would beg him, if she could speak, for more. For all of him.

Somehow, he seemed to understand.

Moving atop her, Alden pulled his hand from her, eliciting a whimper that Elara could hardly recognize as her own.

"It will hurt, at first," he said, positioning himself between her legs.

"I know," she said. "I want to be yours, in truth. And you mine. Now."

He guided himself into her. "And forever," he said, sliding inside. The words registered just as he thrust himself in completely, breaking open her virgin's barrier. There was a sting, but it quickly went away, replaced with a fullness unlike anything she'd ever experienced.

Elara held on to his broad shoulders.

"Forever," she agreed.

"Does it hurt?"

"Nay," she said. "A sting, but it's gone."

Alden smiled. "Good."

With that, he began to move. Slowly at first, but as Elara became accustomed to the movements, faster and faster. Soon, she was meeting his thrusts with her own.

"Alden," she gasped as he pushed into her even farther. "I am yours."

"Blessed be the saints." His head rolled back. "Elara, I will not spill my seed yet. But you make it difficult for a man to retain control of himself."

When he looked back down, she smiled. "I do not wish for you to be in control of anything"—she knew this bit would get to him—"but me."

It had the desired effect. Knowing he was holding back, not wishing to hurt her, Elara felt the full force of Alden's strength now. She held on to him as they moved perfectly in sync, their bodies one.

"Please," she begged, the feeling of wanting to release all of herself continuing to build. "Please," she begged again.

In response, Alden leaned down and kissed her. His tongue mimicked his movements below. His hips circled, pressing the sensitive spot that made her legs shake. Her entire body released.

As if sensing it, Alden pushed one final time into her and broke the kiss, a roar of pleasure mingling with her own body's response to the all-consuming power of this man who she had feared was dead. This man who lit her body on fire. Who she'd given all of herself to.

They lay that way for a spell until Alden lifted his head. Somehow, despite his size and strength, he was not crushing her.

"I love you, Elara Wycliff," he said, looking into her eyes. "Will you become my wife?"

"Sir Alden of Shirsten St. Mary. It would be my greatest honor. To love you. To marry you. To be yours."

Forever.