by Gina Cole
“Go on now.”
“Thank you.”
Jumping to her feet, she quickly wiped her hands on a rag held up by Eleanor. Muttering her thanks, she laid it back down near the woman’s makeshift workstation.
“Where are we going?”
“I thought we might talk.”
“But what about dinner? Aren’t you hungry?” Gwen asked, flushing at how it sounded, only to see him smile. He opened up an oiled leather pouch and handed her a bit of what looked like granola.
Yep, tell yourself it’s granola and do NOT analyze it, Gwen, she thought to herself. She popped the greasy piece of granola and was surprised at the sweetness that exploded on her tongue.
“Omgosh, that’s so good,” she whispered, picking another piece out of his outstretched palm and smiling at him. Gawain put a piece in his own mouth and chewed thoughtfully as they walked slowly along the cliffs. They snacked for several minutes and she was really grateful that the hunger pains she’d been feeling were fading away. Maybe when they returned they could have some of whatever was cooking too – if there was any left.
“Did you want to talk?”
“I thought you might like to be alone for a bit.”
“Yeah, there’s an awful lot of people around us all the time and it’s like there is no privacy. I mean, you know when you need to go…” she flushed and looked away from his laughing eyes.
“There is a lot of people in our camp,” he agreed. “It’s for our safety.”
“Are we safe out here alone?”
“For the time being – yes. I would not recommend it after dark.”
“The boogeyman comes out?”
“I know not of this boogeyman that you speak of, but there are other nomads in the area who would not be opposed to having a beautiful woman share their bed.”
“Oh,” she said, swallowing the bite that seemed to stick in her throat at his words. She didn’t want to have any more incidents with anyone else like yesterday. If there was one creep in the area, there was bound to be others.
“I would like to spend time with my bride away from the others,” Gawain said quietly, outstretching his arm towards her. When she didn’t take it immediately, he came to an abrupt halt, his eyes watching her questioningly.
“Perhaps we should return?”
“Oh! Whoops!” Gwen said nervously, putting her hand on his arm awkwardly and adjusting it a few times ‘cause it just felt weird. Finally, she sighed and simply grabbed his hand, surprising him.
“Let’s just hold hands and walk.”
“From whence do you hail, Gwen?”
“Atlanta,” she replied instantly and hesitated, slapping a hand over her mouth at his sharp questioning look. “It’s really far away from here and it’s hard to explain how to get there. We hold hands when we walk with someone that is special to us.”
“I like this ‘holding hands’, it’s pleasant.”
“Isn’t it though?”
They both grew quiet, continuing on. She glanced over her shoulder quickly, seeing how far they’d gone and the outcropping of woods before them.
“Are we turning back soon?”
“If you want?”
“Was there something you were looking for out here?”
“Nay, I just thought you might like to stretch your legs a bit before settling in for the night.”
“Thank you.”
“Certainly.”
“There is a brook up ahead if you’d like to wash up.”
She winced, realizing that maybe her hand that was holding his was still a little sticky from the dough. She started to pull away but he wouldn’t release her. Looking up at him, she saw that he was watching her curiously.
“What?”
Gawain didn’t say anything at first. The trees overhead created a beautiful canopy that was creating shadows heavily in the oncoming darkness once the sun set. He’d said stuff about nomads and mentioned the dangers of being separated, maybe they should go back now.
“I like holding your hand, Gwen,” he hesitated, his eyes watching hers. “What else do your people do in Atlanta to show affection?”
Gwen swallowed nervously, her breath catching in her chest as she realized just how alone they were out here. He wanted to show her affection? The simple statement made her yearn to see what he meant by it. Would he kiss her again?
Gawain took a small step towards her, not releasing her hand but instead holding it up and looking at their laced fingers. Her lips parted as he leaned down and kissed her.
Oh gosh, did he kiss her!
His gentle kiss became heavier and Gwen felt herself melting against him. She tugged her hand from his and immediately rested them on his lower back, yanking up his shirt just to be able to touch his skin.
As if he understood the silent urging, he pulled his shirt over his head, only breaking the kiss for a moment to do so, before dropping it onto the grass nearby. His lips left hers to trail a path down her neck and she felt his hands grasping at her skirt, pulling it upwards.
Her body felt like it was on fire at the simple, demanding touches from him and she couldn’t fight the onslaught of sensations he was creating in her. She felt his hand slide along the inside of her thigh and felt her knees give out as his finger caressed her intimately.
“Gawain,” she gasped, feeling his touch slide along her cleft, sending a jolt through her. His fingertip circled the entry to her body before returning to that spot of pleasure that caused her heart to skip a beat.
“I would love you,” he breathed against her neck.
“You are doing a bang-up job right now,” she whimpered, closing her eyes and clinging to his shoulders to keep from collapsing.
“I know not what that means, nor do I care,” he growled, nipping at her breast through the material before tugging it up, allowing him to feast on her. She felt a surge of pleasure shoot straight through her at the feeling of his tongue on her nipples, nibbling one, and moving to the other as if to make sure both received attention. His finger was still slowly sliding, caressing, and teasing her body, creating an ache she somehow knew only he could ease.
Unabashedly, she began pulling at the belt of his trousers and felt him laugh against her breast. Gosh, had anything ever been so sexy? She never knew she wanted a man to ever laugh in bed, but the idea of him being amused at her eagerness, made her want to hear him do just that over and over again.
She pulled away from him and pulled her homespun gown over her head, laying it on the grass. Gawain’s hot eyes roved her body as he stared at her, slowly undoing his belt and allowing his trousers to drop.
Good golly!
The man was tanned everywhere without an inch of fat on him. She’d seen that sexy ‘V’ of muscles in magazines before it disappeared under the model’s garments… and now she fully appreciated why women found that so appealing.
“You are truly lovely,” he whispered.
“You are pretty hot yourself,” she countered, staring at him. Oh, she was beyond ready to see where this went and how it felt. Gwen immediately moved to lay down on her dress and Gawain was quick to follow. He knelt down and moved towards her, his lips kissing the inside of her knees that were in the air from where her legs were bent.
His hand went back to stroking her as he lay his body over hers, his lips kissing her collarbone as she closed her eyes in ecstasy. If she had thought she was warm laying against his body last night to sleep, she was on fire now. Everything in her was tensing so much and her hips were moving of their own accord, trying to find some sort of release.
“I can wait no longer,” he breathed raggedly.
“Then don’t,” she urged, rolling her hips as if to beg for more. She felt his member touch her, pausing just for a moment. His eyes met hers and held them as he slid inside of her slowly, savoring the feeling of him taking her, inch by inch. She winced as she felt her body stretch to make room for his invasion, a very willing one too. She burned deep inside. Gawain’s joini
ng made her feel complete in a way she never expected.
“Give me a moment,” she beckoned, her hands grasping his hips to hold him still. His tight nod and strained features made her heart leap in her chest.
He was so beautiful.
His grey eyes were dark with pleasure, his lips tense as his cheeks were flushed with desire under the tan. The shadows of the evening only served to accentuate the angles and planes of his body.
“Oh gosh,” she whispered, shivering in desire and arching against him, attempting to take him deeper.
“Milady, I… am… trying,” he breathed in staggered, pained words. His arms were shaking with effort on either side of her head and she felt his body trembling. She wondered if he was feeling wave after wave of desire too?
“Did you feel that when I moved?” she asked boldly, wondering just how knowledgeable he was at this. This was her first time but she had a vague idea of what to expect. She’d read a ton of romance books but nothing truly prepared her for the sensations he was now creating.
“Aye.”
“Do you want to move now?”
“Oh… aye,” he gasped, sliding out and surging forward uncontrollably, causing both of them to moan in unison at the sensations it caused. There was no more talking, only movement, as they both began to move in rhythm together.
Her eyes closed of their own accord as she felt him grip her shoulders tightly as he thrust deeply repeatedly. She didn’t feel like she was inside her body anymore. It was the craziest sensation.
She felt like she was floating. Bodiless. There was no Gwen, no Gawain. It was like two dancing flames in the darkness, twin beams of light, two stars that suddenly fit into one.
Linked.
He’s your soulmate, Eve said softly.
Gwen should have freaked out at the idea of Eve interrupting something so personal, but in a way she was grateful for the simple explanation. It kept her from being afraid of the wild sensations of suddenly being adrift. She’d never felt so free, so perfect, nor such a beautiful union of souls. When Eve had mentioned a soulmate, this was what she’d been referring to… and nothing could have prepared her for this.
Gwen felt her body explode in pleasure as she heard Gawain’s soft exclamation as he found his own release. He flooded her body with his essence. Her heart pounded fiercely as it tried to calm down.
That was better than anything she’d ever felt or experienced in her entire life. Gawain lay down beside her seemingly boneless, and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. She could hear his heart racing under her ear as the scent of their lovemaking clung in the air.
He suddenly chuckled softly in that same endearing way he had earlier, making her smile as she looked up at him. He held his head aloft to look at her, that impish dimple appearing.
“I very much enjoy the way you show affection, my wife,” he teased, lacing his fingers with hers once again before pulling them to his lips to kiss each fingertip.
“I thought this was your custom,” she bantered, smiling as she listened to the steady beat against her ear. This would be a night she would never forget so long as she lived. Some women wanted a pretty hotel, a lovely setting for a wedding night. Gwen obviously only wanted to be alone in a forest with her new husband.
“This will be our custom, sweet Gwen,” he countered, rolling her underneath him. The heat in his eyes made her emotions soar with delight. “I would love you like this every night to make sure you feel my affection towards you.”
“Oh, I definitely feel something,” she said saucily, tapping him on the nose playfully. Gawain grabbed her by the wrist, pinning it above her head.
“Wench,” he growled playfully, taking her again.
Chapter 7
Gwen smiled shyly as she donned her gown once again, glancing at her unexpected husband. Gawain was such an attentive and tender lover. He gently washed her legs after they’d made love again in the creek nearby, but that only resulted in them finding their release once again.
It was pitch dark outside and the campfires were a-glow on the horizon. He laced his fingers with hers as they hurried back to the others. He called out a greeting as they neared, so they were not attacked or shot by mistake with an arrow. He had her take a seat near their small tent before joining her. He’d returned with two bowls of stew for them to eat. It was like he wanted to keep her all to himself.
And she liked it.
He was awfully sweet and kind towards her. He had a wonderful sense of humor, even if his speech was extremely formal and sometimes hard to follow. She found herself really enjoying the way he made her feel like she was the center of his world – like she was important to him.
“You are blushing, sweet wife,” he whispered, leaning over his bowl that rested on his lap, to nuzzle her cheek. “Have you something on your mind to discuss?”
“Not with you, you rascal.”
“Maybe you could show me,” he breathed, backing away from her just enough to look into her eyes. She could see the heat in his gaze and knew he was thinking of their lovemaking too.
“Has it ever been like that for you?” she said before she could take back the words. She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment as he smiled intimately.
“Nay. You have taken me to the stars and no one else has,” he admitted quietly. “Only you, my Gwen.”
“I’m glad.”
“I as well.”
“The stars are beautiful, aren’t they?” she asked, as a few people walked past them, smiling at the show of affection that Gawain was obviously showing her. No one else sat so closely together, except maybe Arthur and Guinevere.
“I shall show them to you once again, my sweet wife,” Gawain pledged hotly, making her shiver as he nipped at her earlobe. She felt helpless against the emotions he invoked in her. It was like he knew exactly which buttons to press and just how to do it. There was a bond there between them and every time they talked, touched, or made love, it was as if it grew stronger and stronger – and they were helpless to fight it.
Playfully, she took the lead and leaned forward towards him, cupping his neck gently to bring him closer. She liked the way his hair was a little long, giving them a bit of privacy when he leaned towards her. She felt him tremble in awareness as she caressed his cheek with her own.
“This next round let’s take our time and explore each other,” she breathed, her tongue darting out to playfully touch his earlobe. The instant she did so, he jumped excitedly in reaction. The stool Gawain had been sitting on suddenly slipped sideways and he fell ungracefully onto the ground on his side with a heated, yet stunned, expression.
She smiled at him, winking knowingly, as several others nearby laughed at the skilled knight upended on the ground. Only the two of them knew what she said – and it was something she fully intended to do.
Gawain got to his feet, his face taut, and quickly returned their bowls. She knew exactly what was on his mind and why he was in such a hurry. Under the cover of darkness, they could have a bit of privacy once the fires were extinguished. He walked back over to her and practically pushed her into the small tent before him. As he entered, he immediately pulled her to him – and she went willingly.
“Have I got your attention, husband?” she whispered softly as he dropped several feather-light kisses along her neck and jawline.
“I cannot get enough of you, sweet wife,” he admitted huskily, pulling her skirt upwards. She felt his hands on her thighs and knew he was trying to have his way once again.
“Gawain, don’t be in such a rush,” she beckoned softly, pushing at his shoulders, whispering her deepest desires. It made her a little nervous asking him for more intimate acts. She saw the dawning comprehension on his face and his eyes blazed with lust before he devoured her wholly. His hands, mouth, and tongue were everywhere, driving her insane.
When he finally took her, they both shivered with relief at the sensation the two of them created together. She felt so humbled knowing that b
eing with him could build such magic between them. Again, she felt her soul flying towards a precipice where she knew she would explode, but this time the rush was so much that it was taking her breath away.
“Gawain…” she breathed, tenderly kissing him, unable to put coherent words together as her body felt like every nerve was on fire and thrumming wildly. Her body was clenching his, cradling him, welcoming him.
“I’m here with you,” he whispered, as if he could sense it too.
“Don’t let go,” she begged raggedly, hearing his breath hitch as they both exploded. She couldn’t help the whimper of pleasure and relief that escaped her, only to have him capture her cry of passion. He kissed her lovingly, staying within her body, and tenderly smoothing her hair back from her face. His eyes searched hers in the darkness and she wished she could see his expression a little more clearly than what the shadows would allow within their tiny field tent.
“Never, my love.”
She awoke the next morning to him propped up on his elbow smiling at her. That sweet, self-satisfied smile of a man well-loved made her heart flip over in her chest.
“I see you are a morning person,” she said grumpily, her body sore from the previous evening’s repeated escapades.
“Aye, ‘tis morning, my love,” he confirmed pertly, lifting a lock of her hair off her face and tucking it behind her ear.
“I suppose you want me to get you something to eat?”
“On the contrary, I wanted to see if you would like to wash up at the creek again. The cool water might help some of the soreness a maid usually feels after being loved so thoroughly.”
“Oh, you are just loving this, aren’t you?”
“I am quite blessed in my lusty wife.”
“Ohhhh jeez – can we not refer to me as ‘your lusty wife’?” she said mortified, yanking the woolen blanket up over her head, only to hear him laugh happily. He tugged the blanket away from her, his eyes dancing with merriment and tenderness.
“I am pleased beyond measure and will thank God every day for our paths crossing. I am coming to care greatly for you and ‘tis a rare gift indeed to have a deep affection between two so soon.”
