Bride For A Knight Page 0,65

against its silkiness.

"And you please me." She traced a finger along his jaw, the wonder in her eyes stopping Jamie's heart.

She was watching him kiss and nuzzle her hair, her lower lip caught between her teeth as he let his fingers glide over the laces of her gown.

"You are lovely," he told her, his hands aching to undo her bodice. "I have ne'er seen a more beautiful maid and will ne'er tire of looking on you."

Smiling now, she brought her own hands to her bodice, her slender fingers deftly working the ties. "If I please you, you can look upon me all you wish," she said, the color in her cheeks deepening even though her words rang bold.

"But I would see you, too," she added, glancing downward.

"Me?" Jamie drew a tight breath, more aware of her than was good for him. Aware of how much he wanted her.

How easily she could make him lose control.

Especially with the not-so-discreet direction of her gaze letting him know exactly what part of him appeared to interest her.

Proving it, she reached out to touch him. Not there, only on his chest. But her fingers warmed him clear through his plaid, the pleasure of her touch stirring him even if her hand hovered well above his sword belt.

"You tell me you're worried you'll hurt me," she said, challenge thrumming behind every word. "Why not let me decide if I am afeared of your touch or nay?"

Jamie frowned.

"You do not know what you are saying," he argued.

She only smiled and reached again for her bodice laces, untying them until the top of her gown gaped wide and her naked breasts winked in the firelight, all creamy white, her rosy nipples already puckering.

"Well?" She looked at him, waiting.

"Well, indeed." Jamie could only stare at her.

Truth be told, he couldn't even move.

Ne'er had he seen a vision more lovely.

And ne'er had he run hard so swiftly.

So granite-hard, he was certain the slightest touch or movement would cause his shaft to snap in two. But then, he had hoped to begin acquainting her with his body tonight. He'd just envisioned an entirely different situation, had thought they'd progress slowly.

He'd certainly thought to remain fully at ease and then perhaps brush casually against her, letting her feel for herself why such worries plagued him. Perhaps, too, he might have simply flipped aside his plaid, easing down his hose and braies just enough for her to have a wee peek. Then later, if the sight of him didn't frighten her, he'd hoped to encourage her to touch and explore him - if she'd shown herself so inclined.

Having her sit before him on a bed with her naked breasts all agleam and then expecting him to show himself to her, that was an entirely different kettle of fish. An unexpected turn of events that set him to reeling and made him want to clutch her to him so fiercely he feared he really would break her.

"I am not fragile. Nor am I afraid of things that are natural," she declared, moistening her lips in a way that only increased his discomfort. "If you find pleasure in looking at me," she added with a quick glance at her breasts, "then why would I not enjoy seeing you?"

Jamie pressed his lips together and took a deep breath. She turned a look on him filled with more self-possession than he would have e'er dreamed in such a teeny lassie. But he could see it all over her, and she wore it well. So beautifully that just watching her proved a temptation he'd not be able to resist much longer.

"I will touch you if you wish," she said, as if she knew. "Anywhere it pleases you."

That did it.

Like a man possessed, Jamie sprang from the bed and unlatched his sword belt, tossing it aside to clunk to the rushes somewhere behind him. His heart thundering, he kept his gaze fastened to the sweetness of her creamy, perfectly formed breasts and undid the great plaid brooch at his shoulder, swiftly sending it and his plaid sailing after his blade.

Grinning now, he reached for the bottom of his tunic and began pulling it over his head. But before he could wrest it fully off, or even think about shoving down his hose, a rude hammering sounded on the door.

"Hellfire and damnation!" He yanked down his tunic and glared across the room.

"We need naught," he roared, his brows snapping together when the pounding only increased. "Come back in the