Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,80

two chairs and a couch.

'Does it meet your requirements?' asked Harry.

'Indeed it does.' She glanced at the couch again. 'In fact, it exceeds expectation.'

He closed the door behind them. 'I hope it's the last time we'll have to do this for a while. Living out of saddlebags is all very well, but I confess I've had my fill of it.'

Elena shrugged off her jacket. 'I know what you mean.'

He dumped the saddlebags and removed his coat, tossing it onto the bed. 'Yes, but I promise you things are going to change.'

'That's good.' Elena sat down on a chair and tugged off her boots. Then, without haste, she unfastened her breeches and took those off too.

Harry watched with increasing interest. 'When I spoke of changing I didn't expect to be taken quite so literally.'

Elena untied the ribbon at the back of her neck and shook her hair loose. 'Is that a criticism?'

The accompanying sidelong look was distinctly seductive and his breathing quickened. 'By no means.'

Elena untied the laces at the neck of her shirt and let the fabric part. 'Well, I have a complaint to make.'

'Indeed? What complaint?'

'It may take some time to tell you.'

'I'm not in a hurry.'

She advanced until she stood before him. 'I'm glad to hear that, my lord, because I do require your complete attention.'

His hands came to rest on her waist. 'You have it.'

'Are you quite sure?' Her lips brushed his, lightly teasing. 'I should not like to think you were distracted.'

'Distraction would be impossible.' He nuzzled her neck. 'So tell me what displeases you.'

Her arms went around him. 'Do you know how long it is since last we made love? Six whole days!'

'Six days...seven hours...and thirty-five minutes,' he replied, punctuating each phrase with a kiss.

Elena caressed his back. 'Worse and worse.'

'I can see I'm going to have to make amends.'

'You know I have some ideas about that.'

'Really? What ideas?'

She edged closer still, moulding her body to his. Then, applying gentle pressure, she walked him slowly backwards. 'If you would like to sit down on that couch I'll explain. I think you might find it interesting.'

When he had complied Elena sat astride his lap. He raised one eyebrow.

'This does look interesting.'

'Indeed I hope so.'

Leaning forward a little she kissed him while her hands sought the fastenings of his breeches. His heartbeat quickened. He watched as, with slow deliberation, she unfastened the buttons and tugged aside the shirt beneath. Then her fingers closed round him and stroked.

'Still interested?' she asked.

Harry drew in a sharp breath. 'Oh, yes.'

The stroking continued and heat flared in his groin. In moments he was erect. Her fingers continued to tease, creating sensations so exquisite he thought he might die. She shifted position a little to accommodate him. With a groan he slid inside her. His hands cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer. Then her mouth was against his ear, nibbling the lobe softly and sending a delightful shiver the length of his body.

'Do you know I'm beginning to believe you?' she murmured.

He bent and kissed the tops of her breasts. 'I hope to convince you, but it may take some time.'

Elena grasped the hem of her shirt and casually pulled the garment off. Harry's heart performed an unwonted and exceedingly dangerous manoeuvre. Until then he'd thought he couldn't possibly be more aroused. She began to rock slowly. He gasped.

She regarded him speculatively. 'So we're going to be here for a while, then?'

He caressed her naked skin. 'Indeed we are.' His lips resumed what they had begun. 'A very...long...while.'

Chapter Nineteen

Later Harry sent out for food which they ate in their room. Afterwards he carried her back to bed and resumed what they had begun. Her passion astonished and delighted him, but more rewarding than all of that was the knowledge that she was offering him her trust. The shadows of the past had been banished and he was careful to do nothing that might recall them, so that his exploration of her body was tender, each caress an act of homage. Elena was innately sensual and her passion was awakened now. Gradually, and with infinite patience, he introduced other possibilities to their lovemaking and discovered in her a willing pupil. The night was far advanced before they slept.

Elena woke first, her entire body suffused with warmth and a sense of well-being. Turning her head she looked at the man beside her, drinking in every detail of his face, her heart full. He had taken her to places beyond imagination, initiating her further