Free Claire Delacroix by The Temptress Page B

betwixt a man and a woman.
    ’Twas not a single night without repercussions before them, after all - ’twas a lifetime they would share, and on this evening he would lay the foundation for years of mutual pleasure.
    ’Twas the least he could grant to the woman whose choice of him so readily resolved so much for so many.
     
    * * *
     
    He was not a knight from Faerie - Esmeraude realized as much in a far corner of her thoughts. At the same time, though, she had a delicious sense of this match being more than the exchanges betwixt unblessed mortals. Aye, ’twas mythic and wondrous and the stuff of the epic tales she loved so much.
    Perhaps she had truly stepped into such a tale. There could be no more delicious possibility than that.
    Indeed, this knight might as well have come from an immortal realm, for he was not characteristic of her own. His every gesture was filled with confidence, his garb was richer than any she had seen before, he was as alien to her as a man could be.
    For he was a man, as none of those who had come to court her had been. He made them look callow and uncertain in comparison and Esmeraude knew with all her heart and soul that she would never have been happy with any of those who had called.
    This was the manner of man she wanted!
    Her knight’s kisses were splendid, each more stirring than the last. His every touch stirred her soul and made her heart clamor for more. His embrace was possessive and masterful, both firm and tender, and as unlike the wet offerings of Hamish and Seamus as Esmeraude could imagine. She had chosen her partner aright, there could be no doubt of that.
    He scooped her into his arms and carried her away from the stones of the beach, edging into the lush grasses that grew thickly here. He cradled her against him, with one strong arm around her waist as he kissed her again. The rocky outcroppings rose high around them, secluding them from all but one another, the stars above, and the lap of the waves upon the shore.
    When she opened her eyes, dizzy from his kiss, his cloak was spread across the ground. The silvery fur shone in the light of the moon, looking silky and sensuous. He tipped up her face to his, and she thought he would grant her another thrilling kiss, but his gaze searched hers.
    “What is your name?”
    “It matters naught.”
    He smiled then, his lips quirking up in one corner. “And you care naught for mine?”
    Esmeraude twined her arms around his neck. “There is but one thing I desire of you, sir, and ’tis not your name.”
    He chuckled, a deep sound that made something quiver deep inside her. His hand slid from her hip to cup her breast and he watched her as he slid his thumb across her nipple. Even through the thickness of her wool kirtle, his touch made her tingle. She shivered and reached for the tie of her chemise.
    “Are you oft so bold?” he asked, amusement not censure in his tone.
    “Nay.” Esmeraude smiled. “But I thought to try such boldness this night with you.”
    “There is no shame in a maiden’s shyness,” he said, making short work of the tie of the chemise. He parted the cloth with a fingertip, baring her breasts to the touch of the wind and his view. Esmeraude felt her eyes widen at the wanton sensation of chill air against her flesh. “Nor is there shame in a lady’s desire, if her partner serves her well.”
    “Do you mean to serve me well?”
    “Aye.” His eyes twinkled with unexpected mischief and the warmth of his hand cupped her breast. “Though you, my lady fair, may tell me later how well I have done.” And he ducked his head.
    Esmeraude caught her breath as the warm wet heat of his mouth closed around her nipple, then closed her eyes when his tongue flicked its hardening tip. She heard herself moan and felt herself lean back in his embrace.
    She knew not how he loosed the laces at the sides of her kirtle without her awareness of what he did, though she suspected that playful tongue of his did much to