His Counterfeit Condesa (Historical Romance) (25 page)

He felt her shudder but held back, controlling the urge that would give rein to lust, knowing he must do nothing that would frighten or disgust; tonight she would know only pleasure at his hands, and the desire for more. For a moment or two he was still, holding her there, making her wait. He felt her writhe beneath him, panting, her fingers clutching his arms, her eyes darkened to emerald now as she yielded to her own passion. Slowly he resumed, rocking gently against her, stroking internally, hearing her sharp intake of breath. He continued until another, deeper shudder shook her body; then another and another. He bit back a groan, thrusting into her, letting the rhythm build. He heard her cry out, felt her nails rake his back as she arched against him. And then restraint was gone and power surged in the sudden hot rush of release. He cried out, experiencing a sensation of delight so fierce he thought it might stop his heart. For a little while he remained inside her, not wanting to let this go. Then, breathing hard, he lowered himself onto his forearms, brushing sweat from his forehead, and slowly withdrew to collapse beside her.

Sabrina lay still, her mind oblivious to everything except joy. She had wanted this but had never imagined how marvellous it might be, for nothing in this experience had borne any resemblance to what had gone before. Deliciously sated, she closed her eyes and smiled.

‘That was wonderful.’

‘Yes, it was,’ he replied. ‘And it will become more wonderful still.’

It was the truth. Having wanted her from the first he
had expected to enjoy this, but had never anticipated the intensity of the joy he would feel.

She turned her head and smiled. ‘More unprofessional thoughts?’

‘Quite disgracefully so.’

Far from alarming her, the words gave rise only to a sense of pleasurable anticipation. This love-making was so different from anything she could have dreamed. Sated and drowsy she snuggled closer and closed her eyes, letting herself drift. She was vaguely aware of a light kiss on her shoulder and smiled faintly, slipping into a blissful doze.

For some time he lay awake, watching her sleep, his gaze taking in each loved detail of her face and the soft rise and fall of her breathing. As he did so the last shadows of the past dissolved and vanished. What took their place was a soft, warm radiance that filled his heart and soul with hope. Life had given back far more than had ever been lost. He smiled; what he had won was treasure beyond counting and he would guard it with his life, for without it his own meant nothing. Taking care not to waken her, he curled his body around Sabrina and held her close. Thus embracing his future, he, too, slept.

ISBN-13: 9781460349427

HIS COUNTERFEIT CONDESA

© Joanna Fulford 2011

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