Merry Misrule - St. Clair, Ellie Page 0,55

her legs up from behind the knees to surround his hips and she gasped at how deeply he rocked into her now, their fit so perfect, their rhythm so well timed.

He kissed her again as his thumb found her bud once more and without warning the explosion returned, taking away all of her senses, replacing every thought and every emotion with its intensity. As her body moved against him of its own volition, no longer in time to his movements, he lost his control, banging into her hard, again and again in a frenzy until at last, they both stilled, the only sound remaining their breath, hard and together as they lay there, wrapped in one another’s embrace.

“Joanna,” he murmured into her neck, where his head was buried. She could but grip him, holding him there, against her, not wanting to let go for fear that this might be the last time she would have him in her arms.

For when they returned to Briercrest — and return they would — what then? With the house as full as it was, she could hardly spend each night in his arms. Then it would be back to London, to the reality that was her life, bent over her needle and thread, creating dresses for other women to wear, women who occupied the same set as Elijah did. Where would he be? What would he do?

She didn’t know, but didn’t want to ask for fear of shattering the moment.

The pace of their breathing finally slowing, he rolled to the side, pulling her in close to him, her chest against his as one strong arm came about her possessively.

Her body was on fire now, and she could hardly imagine how she could have been as cold as she was just moments ago.

She tried to enjoy the moment — truly she did. But her thoughts were wild, and she couldn’t help but ask, “What do we do now?”

“Now?” he asked, then looked at her mischievously, his brown eyes glinting.

“Now we sleep for a while. Then we wake up and do it again.”

“Again?” she squeaked.

He nodded. “It seems to me that our greatest gift this Christmas is this time together alone.” He chuckled. “And we have Caroline to thank for it, it would seem. Now,” he said and kissed her forehead, “get some sleep. I’ll keep you warm.”

Her questions could wait until the morning, Joanna finally realized. This felt too right. Too peaceful. She snuggled her chin into his chest and fell fast asleep.

Chapter 19

Elijah inched out of the bed the next morning, standing and stretching his arms and legs, bending over to unkink his back.

It was not the world’s most comfortable bed, but he had no care whatsoever for how it felt — it had served its purpose and provided him the best night of his life.

He located his clothes, tossed around the bed and the floor, and he dressed as quietly as he could so as not to wake Joanna. She looked so beautiful, so peaceful lying there, her hair fanned behind her on the pillow, one hand out on the bed beside her, where it had previously been upon his chest.

He would have dearly liked to remain with her, but he had missed dinner the previous evening and was starving, and he knew she likely would be too. He wanted nothing more than to have breakfast with her, but they could hardly go together downstairs. He would descend himself, ask for a tray of food, then return with it. He would be gone but a few short minutes, and was sure that she would still be sleeping when he returned.

He slipped out and down the stairs to find that the dining room was nearly full, but rather subdued. He sat down at a table and lifted a hand when he saw the innkeeper look his way.

The man ambled over to him, asking him how he could help him. As Elijah began to request a simple breakfast and some pastries, the man’s wife walked up to him, whispering lowly in his ear. The innkeeper frowned, ignoring Elijah, who finally leaned forward and held up a hand.

“What’s the matter?”

“You haven’t heard?” the innkeeper said, looking up at him in surprise.

“No,” Elijah said impatiently. “I just came downstairs — how would I have heard anything of note?”

“Of course,” the innkeeper muttered. “There’s been an accident just outside of town early this morning. The stagecoach overturned. My wife tells me now that it seems a few people