Paper Roses

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Paper Roses Page 11

by Collier, Celia


  "I refuse to try to convince you my words are true. Clearly, you will believe ill of me until you draw your final breath. So be it." He lifted the goblet to his lips, drank deeply, then sighed. "We are stranded here until dawn when Torquil brings the key. I suggest you get some sleep."

  Ciara fingered the fine goblet before her. The victory was hers. He entered this room determined to have his way, yet she defeated him. While joy should fill her heart, naught but disappointment lingered.

  She lifted the goblet to her lips. The sweet flavor slid over her tongue and down her throat. Despite this, bitterness remained in her mouth.

  She was a shrew to treat him so badly. If she were honest with herself, she would admit that he had been good to her.

  And, she wanted him.

  It mattered not if his words of passion, desire and beauty were false. For the first time in her life, she wanted to be with a man.

  "MacDonell," she whispered, and turned her gaze on him. He stood rigid before the windows like a lone sentinel on a craggy moor. "I give my consent."

  He said not a word, nor gave any indication he heard her words at all. Ciara frowned and climbed to her feet.

  "MacDonell, did you hear me?"

  She crossed the room, her irritation beginning to grow. Surely he had heard her. This room wasn't that large.

  Still, he said not a word nor acknowledged her presence. Ciara poked him in the ribs. "Have you gone suddenly deaf?"

  "Have you forgotten my name?"

  Aggravation pricked her temper. "You are, without a doubt, the most irrational man I have ever met. I give consent to something I thought we both wanted, and you draw hairs?" She shook her head and turned away. "Forget my words."

  Before she could take a step, his hand grasped her arm. She scowled and glanced from his hold to his eyes. "Release me."

  With deliberate ease, he shook his head. "You gave your permission."

  Ciara tugged on her arm. "I withdraw --"

  "You cannot," he said and turned her to face him. "'Tis not allowed."

  One look into his dusky eyes and all thoughts of denouncement fled her mind. The wavering light of the candles kissed his cheeks and danced over his lips.

  He placed his goblet on the sill of the window, then eased her toward him. She could not look away from him, nor did she want to. He was so very handsome, from the tip of his tousled hair to the bottom of his boots.

  With care, he lifted his hands to her hair and loosened the ribbon that held it in place. Ciara closed her eyes. His fingers caressed her scalp, then smoothed through the length of her tresses, spreading the unruly mass around her like a cloak.

  Somehow, she managed to find her voice. "'Twas a ridiculous creation."

  "Och, nay," he whispered and moved his fingers down her throat. "You looked so lovely before, I thought my heart would burst."

  Yearning filled her soul. She opened her eyes and gazed into his. He certainly knew how to make her feel bonny.

  The brush of his fingers against her ribs made her tremble. He paused.

  "Are you afraid?"

  The caress of his whisper speared her heart. Ciara shook her head. "I am terrified."

  "There is no need to be. I will not hurt you."

  He was lying and she knew it. She heard enough tales from barmaids and ladies alike to know the first time with a man was unpleasant. Still, she did not resist him as he led her toward the bed.

  "Toss your inhibitions aside and let yourself feel everything that transpires."

  A nervous chuckle escaped her lips. "'Tis what terrifies me."

  "'Tis natural to fear the unknown, Ciara, but trust me. Hold onto me. I will not let you stumble on this path we follow."

  They paused beside the bed. His deft fingers loosened the ties of her bodice. The brush of his knuckles along the underside of her breasts sent a shiver through her soul. Her nipples hardened and pressed against their silk prison.

  Ciara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The tip of one of his fingers slid between the valley of her breasts and skimmed along her flesh until it reached her shoulder.

  The fabric eased away from her heated skin. He moved to the other shoulder and, inch by inch, eased the delicate material down her arms until the cool kiss of dusk touched her bosom.

  "Christ Almighty, Ciara. You are exquisite."

  His hoarse whisper drew her gaze. The look bestowed upon her melted her previous doubts. He gazed upon her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. And, just for tonight, here in this candle-lit room, and with this man, she wanted to believe the lie.

  He stepped closer. His lips brushed her bare shoulder as he eased the gown over her hips.

  The sensations these simple movements caused were foreign to Ciara, but welcomed. She clutched his powerful arms as the gown slithered to the floor.

  MacDonell pulled her into his arms and guided his lips along the curve of her throat. Ciara swayed against him and her heart thudded in rhythm to his. Never in her life had she wanted anything as badly as she wanted her husband.

  The warmth of his tongue teased the lobe of her ear. Heat stirred in the pit of her belly and spiraled through her body. Her eyes fluttered closed and she tugged at his shirt. She wanted to feel the press of his naked chest against hers. She wanted to touch him, to please him.

  A primitive growl lodged in his throat. She felt the muscles of his back and shoulders constrict as he rid himself of his shirt. His naked flesh smoothed against hers. She had no idea something so simple could bring so much pleasure.

  Her hands roamed over the corded muscles of his back. The echo of his breath lodged in his throat as he moved his lips over her cheek. To know that she could tempt a man such as him boosted her courage to continue.

  Alastair swept her into his arms and laid with her upon the bed. The touch of his lips against hers increased the urgency that sped through her veins. She parted for his tongue and matched his demanding kiss with one of her own.

  His skin was so hot against her sensitive breasts, she thought she would scream from need. She fumbled with his kilt, trying to loosen the damned thing so she could fling it off his body. She wanted no barriers between them at all. Flesh against flesh, heart against heart.

  His mouth left hers and forged a path of desire to her bosom. He drew her into his warmth and cupped the weight of her breast in his strong hand.

  Ciara cried his name and tried to get even closer to him. Fingers tangled in his hair, she held him against her and prayed he never ceased his exploration.

  Alastair ripped away the remnants of his clothes and rolled between her legs. His lips returned to hers and his hand moved down her belly to the juncture of her thighs.

  The moment he touched her, an eruption of the sweetest kind consumed her body. She shivered beneath him and sucked in her breath.

  "God, woman, you are on fire," he growled and pushed his erect manhood into her.

  The movement was so swift, her brain barely registered the surrender of her virginity.

  Alastair trembled above her, yet his hips remained perfectly still. His lips devoured hers in a hungry kiss.

  Ciara's head spun in a flurry of emotions. The kisses they shared before paled in comparison to this mind-numbing burst of pleasure.

  Slowly, Alastair raised his head. Ciara's eyes fluttered open. Restraint was etched upon his face. 'Twas then she knew he was doing his best to honor his vow not to hurt her. She stroked his dampened cheek and sighed.

  "Make love to me, Alastair." She raised herself and lightly bit his chin. "You kept your promise."

  He closed his eyes and adjusted his hips. The feel of him sliding inside her body was more pleasurable than Ciara ever dreamed a joining could be.

  Her eyes closed and her nails slid down the taut muscles of his back. He moved again. The stimulating feel of her body drawing him inside of her was nearly more than she could bear.

  Alastair's hand slid down her leg and cupped her knee. He squeezed her thigh
, then raised it to rest beside his ribs. When he moved this time, ecstasy swallowed her soul. Her body met his demanding thrusts with a need she never dreamed possible.

  Ciara tensed and flowed with the torrent of molten honey that spewed through her veins. A moment later, Alastair groaned and plunged deep inside of her. The eruption of his release speared her womb and melded with the euphoria that surged through her body.

  The echo of their labored breaths filled the room. Sweat-slicked limbs tangled together, Alastair rested his head in the hollow of her throat.

  Tears stung her eyes and there was naught she could do to stop them. Ciara had never felt so loved, or so special, before in her life. She stroked his damp hair and kissed his temple. Tremors controlled her body and emotions ruled her head. She drew in a ragged breath and kissed him again.

  Alastair raised his head. He stared into her eyes and a frown creased his brow. "Did I hurt you?"

  An irrational laugh blended with a sob. She shook her head and cradled his face in her hands. "Nay. I just never knew anything so incredible could happen between a man and a woman."

  He smiled and lowered his lips to hers. The tenderness of his embrace melted her heart. All too soon, he lifted his head and eased onto his side. He sighed and pulled her into his arms.

  "Give me a moment to catch my breath. Then I will take off these damned boots and fetch our food."

  Ciara snuggled against his chest and smiled. She realized she still wore her shoes and stockings.

  Her lips pressed against the fine silk hair that covered his chest. At this moment, her life was good and she would not trade what transpired here this night for all the beauty in the world.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alastair couldn't take his eyes off Ciara. She slept on her belly, a tangled sheet her only shield. It cradled her bottom and pooled at her waist.

  The swaying light of a dozen candles turned her hair russet. Those glorious tresses caressed the curve of her back and spilled to the sheets. Dark lashes rested against the freckled ivory of her cheeks.

  She was beautiful.

  The memory of their union enticed a smile to his lips. Not in his wildest dreams had he envisioned such a reception. He had told her to toss aside her inhibitions. Clearly, for once, she had listened.

  He lifted a strand of her hair and rubbed it between his fingers. The finest silk in the world could not compare to this. He closed his eyes. The tease of such finery moving against his flesh was more seductive than anything he had experienced before.

  Ciara murmured in her sleep and lured his gaze. A secret smile touched her lips and Alastair longed to share the mystery that gave her such pleasure.

  With care, he trailed the tips of his fingers along the arm curled beneath her pillow. Her sigh encouraged him and stirred his sated passion.

  He continued a path along the curve of her delectable neck and tormented the lobe of her ear.

  A tender moan escaped her and she moved against her pillow.

  Alastair smiled and brushed her cheek with his knuckle. Her slightly parted lips beckoned him. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss upon them.

  The scent of their lovemaking lingered on her flesh and stimulated his banked passion. His lips moved to her upturned cheek, then to the sensitive area below her ear.

  The softness of her shoulder brushed his chest. She turned into his waiting arms. The delicate caress of her hands against his cheek sent a shiver through his soul.

  "You wish to love me again?" Her sleepy whisper roused his blood.

  "Aye," he sighed.

  Her eyes fluttered open and a demure smile curled her lips. "I just dreamt you did."

  The faint whisper of her hands slid from his face and across his chest. Excitement speared his loins. She seemed in a mood to explore. He was in the mood to oblige.

  "Tell me your dream," he whispered, his body heated from her touch.

  Her fingers paused against his shoulders and a blush stained her cheeks. "I cannot."

  "Aye, you can." He stroked her velvet ribs. A quick breath filled her lungs. He smiled and trailed a path over her breast and around her stiff nipple. "Did I do this in your dream?"

  Her eyes fluttered closed and the rhythm of her heart pulsed through his fingers. The supple brush of her hands lingered on his chest, then stroked his nipples.

  "And this?" he queried and held her in his palm. He watched her face, then moved his thumb over her firm peak.

  Her seductive moan of pleasure embraced his soul. His arousal grew and pressed against her heated thigh. Through discipline, he forced himself to refrain from a quick sating. He wanted her to enjoy herself, enjoy him.

  "Or did I do this?" His lips covered her throbbing crown and enticed it into his mouth. Ciara's fingers slid along his shoulders and her nails curled into his flesh.

  Alastair eased his hand along her back and cupped her tantalizing bottom. Ciara curved her spine off the mattress and drew in a breath. He shuddered and rolled to his back, taking her with him.

  His wife was more tempting than Cleopatra had been to Marc Antony.

  The touch of her lacy curls against his erection fueled his desire. Her lips grazed his brow and the warmth of her hands cupped his face, drawing him to her mouth.

  The need she awakened in him shook his heart. He slid his hands up her back, beneath her shield of hair, and cradled her head. Her legs straddled his hips while his tongue plundered her mouth.

  God, she tasted so good, felt so good. He could love her forever.

  Ciara's palms pressed against his chest. Reluctantly, Alastair loosened his hold. Lust churned in his gut as he watched her ease herself away from him. He couldn't stop touching her. His hands teased her breasts and pulled a groan from her throat.

  The moist heat of her desire moved against the length of his erection. Alastair tensed and sucked in a breath. "Dear Lord, Ciara."

  Her body stilled and a concerned look creased her brow. "Did I hurt you?"

  Och, if she only knew. "You are driving me mad, woman." He guided his hands to her hips and lifted her slightly. "Have pity on me and take me into your sheath."

  Their labored breath was the only sound to break the silence. Her eyes met his. "It can be done that way?"

  He would have laughed if he hadn't been about to spill. "Aye, and many other positions as well."

  Ciara bit her lower lip and dropped her gaze to his erect manhood.

  "You can touch it, you know. It will not bite."

  Her gaze flashed to his. One hand cupped his shoulder and the other skimmed his belly. The moment her timid fingers touched him, Alastair groaned. He lifted her hips a little higher. The warmth of her gentle fingers navigating him to her core pushed him closer to insanity.

  The tip of his arousal contacted the heated velvet of her entrance. Alastair clenched his jaw and lowered her over him. Her sultry passage stretched around him and drew his length completely into her depth.

  Her bottom brushed his raised thighs. Christ Almighty, she was torturing him. Despite his urge to toss her onto her back and plunge into her, Alastair squeezed her hips and eased her away. Before he withdrew, he lowered her again.

  Ciara trembled above him. Her hands circled his wrists and her thighs constricted against his hips. She repeated the movement and closed her eyes. The sway of her breasts fascinated him and the look of pure ecstasy on her face propelled him closer to the edge.

  He would not last long under this exquisite torment. Alastair slid a hand to the juncture of her thighs. His fingers drifted through her soft curls until he found her swollen bud. Ciara gasped and her body tensed.

  "More, Ciara. Give me more."

  She leaned over him and kissed him with a passion that branded his soul. Alastair could stand no more. He grasped her hips and plunged into her with blinding need. A groan tore her lips from his. Hands braced on his shoulders, she moved in rhythm to his body.

  Mindless passion filled the air. Blood surged through his groin. Above him, Ci
ara cried his name. The rush of her climax lured his seed.

  "Jesu," he growled and, with a final thrust, spilled into her. He held her tightly against him, his body a mass of soul-shattering tremors.

  Slowly, the room ceased to spin. Ciara fell across his chest, the rasp of her breath melded with his. Alastair cradled her in his arms and kissed the top of her head.

  They fit together perfectly, like they had been made for one another. Ciara pressed her lips against his chest and raised her head.

  In the depths of her incredible eyes, he saw how much she enjoyed their passion. "That was my dream, Alastair."

  He smiled and stroked an errant curl from her cheek. His fingers traced her swollen lips. "Tell me all your dreams and I will make them come true."

  Color stained her cheeks and she lowered her lips to his chest. "One dream at a time, husband."

  Again he smiled and folded his arms around her. Contentment settled into his bones. Somewhere along the way, he had fallen in love with a red-haired viper named Ciara.

  * * *

  Dawn colored the sky a glorious shade of pink. The hue spread across the heavens and pierced through the lingering clouds like the fingers of a familiar lover.

  Ciara watched the sky through the lone window of her room -- the window Alastair had tossed the key from the night before.

  Alastair. He lay beside her in peaceful slumber, his arm draped protectively around her waist. A smile touched her lips at the memory of the night they shared. Although she had slept very little, she felt refreshed. Reborn.

  She was now a wife. Alastair's wife.

  "Good morrow."

  His husky whisper, followed by a tender kiss upon her cheek, pulled Ciara from her thoughts. She turned in his arms. "It is now."

  The kiss bestowed upon her released the adoration he planted in her soul last night. In the recesses of her mind, she chastised herself for avoiding him so long.

  Alastair raised his head, glanced toward the window and sighed. "I find I desire darkness once more." He looked down at her and smiled. "Your passion has yet to be fully explored."

 

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