Free Seeds of Love: Prequel to Lily in Bloom by Tammy Andresen Page B

She knew exactly where to hide. She followed the men at a distance and watched as they brought the small crate below deck and then to a room at the end of the hall. She doubled back down to other end of the hallway and pressed herself against the wall to not be seen until they left. Then she zipped towards his room closing herself in the darkness.
    Fumbling around, she found a candle and lit it, casting a soft glow. She took a breath and then sat on the bed. There was a wardrobe against the far wall. She walked the path back and forth to it. If someone came she would blow out the candle and hide in the large piece.
    Regina heard the sails unfurl and felt the boat begin its journey out to sea. Her own body jumped with anticipation. She removed the hat and pulled out her hair. She unplaited the mass, shaking it out around her shoulders. She took a deep breath and stripped off her clothing, folding it neatly in a pile. Then she slipped beneath the covers.
    It felt like an eternity passed but she finally heard footsteps in the hall. She blew out the candle and lay silently in the bed. It took several minutes but finally the steps neared the door and she heard it creak open and then softly close.
    It hadn’t occurred to her until that very minute that it could be someone other than James. The flint struck and the candle was relit. Regina felt a rush of relief as his profile came into view. She lay there for a moment just looking at him. She would never tire of his features. She had no idea if she should alert him of her presence. What if she frightened him?
    As if he could sense her thoughts, his head turned towards the bed. His eyes found hers and grew wide at the sight of her. She had the covers pulled just over her breasts but her shoulders and arms were bare.
    “Regina?” he breathed out in a ragged whisper.
    “Hello,” she gave him a glowing smile.
    “But your father, he…”
    “This isn’t about him. I don’t want to wait. I want you to kiss me.”
    “I should take you back,” he started even as his eyes roamed all over her.
    “It’s too late. Now he will never trust me again. I’ve made my choice.” Regina reached out her arms to him. He looked at her for the briefest second and then he moved towards the bed in one motion.
    His arms pressed on either side of the mattress, pinning the covers on both sides of her. His lips came down on hers in a fierce, yet gentle kiss. She lifted her chin, to meet him and he slanted her lips open, teasing her tongue with his.
    Sensation shot through her body as she let out a gasp and wound her arms around his neck. He gathered her closer, lifting her off the mattress.
    His lips left hers and began to pepper kisses all over her face and down her neck. Tiny bursts of sensation travelled through her body as his lips blazed a trail down her chest. When he took a nipple in his mouth, she moaned and pressed closer.
    “Regina, we should stop but I simply…” he said and for a moment Regina feared he would stop. He set her back down on the mattress but her protest died on her lips as he shrugged off his shirt and then gathered her in his arms again.
    His lips found hers again as he gently pulled the covers down her body. His hands touched her shoulders then slid over her breasts, teasing them until she felt faint. Then his fingertips brushed down her abdomen until they settled in the soft juncture of curls.
    The gentle touch of his fingertips made her moan again and arch in desire as waves of pleasure rippled throughout her entire body. “Ooohh,” she breathed.
    He smiled against her lips but his fingers continued their ministrations until Regina was sure she would explode from the pleasure.
    James stopped and Regina groaned in protest. He gave a small chuckle. “Not to worry, my love.” Then he stood and stripped off his pants.
    Regina’s eyes widened at the sight of him naked. A sudden flutter of nerves filled her chest. “I…I’m…I’ve…” she tried to speak but