A tall woman dressed in a straight white gown moved out into the watery moonlight. Her hair was so light it looked almost white, and she moved with a grace he’d recognize anywhere.
Em.
He lowered his rifle but didn’t say a word. They’d developed a habit of not speaking since the fight, and he wasn’t sure how she’d react if he yelled. Besides, what could he say? Hello didn’t seem right for someone who’d been so close, and Give me another chance sounded too much like begging.
She moved with her head down, following the brick walkway worn smooth over a hundred years.
He’d seen her hair down so rarely, he hadn’t really thought about how beautiful it could be. Unlike when she’d pulled the braids, tonight her hair hung straight without a single wave. It flowed behind her almost like a veil.
She was within five feet of him when she looked up and saw him. He heard her sharp intake of breath, but she didn’t move. She just stood staring at him.
Lewt knew he should say something. Maybe that he was sorry for being in the way and intruding on her silent walk. Maybe he could make an attempt to say that he was sorry for what he said. Maybe he should just remain silent. The less they talked, the less he’d have to apologize for later.
She studied him without any expression. After a long minute, she moved closer.
“I don’t want to talk to you,” he finally said, guessing that she’d only begin listing all the things she hated about him, as she had last night.
“Neither do I,” she answered.
She took another step and leaned forward, her face an inch away from his. Then, without warning, she pressed her lips to his. When he didn’t move, she dug her fingers into his hair and pulled his head closer. Her kiss was simple, closed mouth, almost punishing.
Lewt wasn’t sure what she wanted, or, more accurately, what she wanted him to do.
She leaned closer, almost touching him, and began brushing her cheek against his. When her mouth touched his again, it was softer.
He was sure he was losing his mind. His body seemed to mutiny. He kissed her back.
Surprisingly, it seemed to be exactly what she wanted. She leaned against his chest, pushing his back into the wall, and wrapped her arm around his neck. The kiss caught fire. All the anger between them stood down, and passion took its place.
He felt like he’d been starving for days and she offered him exactly what he needed to survive. He moved his hands over the soft cotton of the plain gown and felt the wonder of her beneath it.
She didn’t touch him, but she sighed with pleasure as he touched her. When he broke the kiss, he turned her around and pulled her to him. Her head leaned against his shoulder as his hands moved over her body. He could feel her breathing. Tonight there were no hesitant brushes or light touches. The need to hold her was too great. He covered both of her breasts in his tight grip as he bit lightly into the curve of her neck. She cried out softly, then sighed as he continued moving his hands over her gown, getting to know the graceful body he’d watched so often.
She’d come to him. He laughed with pure joy against the soft skin below her ear. She’d come to him just as he’d told her she’d have to.
When he could wait no longer, he twisted her to face him once more and kissed her.
Her breathing was rapid and deep when he gripped her shoulders and pushed gently, putting her back against the wall and them both into shadows.
She was here with him . . . wanting him, and nothing else mattered at this moment.
Slowly, he began unbuttoning her gown. He could feel her trembling as he moved from button to button, pulling each free and taking the time to push the material aside.
“Em,” he whispered. “My Em.”
When he shoved his hand inside and touched her flesh, she drew in a breath and held it as he moved over her bare skin. She was perfection. Her gown was open to the waist, but the shadows prevented him from seeing the heaven he felt.
“Breathe,” he whispered against her ear.
She let out her breath in a rush and began to gulp for air. He placed his hand on her abdomen to feel each breath rise and fall. “I love to feel