until her bottom connected with the bed, and she sat perched on the edge as he caressed her inner thighs, spreading her wide. With a velvety sound of approval, he lowered his head and licked along her seam, all the way to her pulsing bud. His tongue worked over her in whisper-light licks that made her wild and desperate.
She thrust herself into his face, shamelessly seeking more. How beautiful it was, this man she loved on his knees before her, bringing her pleasure, devouring her as if she were the most decadent sweet. When he slid a long finger inside her and sucked on her pearl, she lost all control, bliss crashing over her with a potency that had her crying out. He continued licking and teasing her, drawing out her spend until she was shuddering with the power of her release.
He rose to his considerable height, then guided her to the center of the bed, his cock rigid and ready. She held her arms out to him, and he tenderly guided himself over her, taking care to balance himself on his good arm to keep his weight from her.
But she loved the feeling of him on her, warm and strong and vital. She urged him nearer, wrapping her legs around his waist as she welcomed him into her body. He slid inside with ease, filling her, stretching her. Glorious sensation exploded. Love, desire, happiness.
So much love.
They moved together, finding the rhythm that had them soaring. Their mouths met in a furiously passionate kiss as their bodies joined, and she felt in that moment they were truly one, in mind, body, spirit, heart.
She reached her pinnacle suddenly, moaning as another crescendo of passion overwhelmed her. Gavin’s thrusts quickened, and then he stiffened against her, throwing back his head and crying out as he spent. The warm rush of his seed sent a flurry of new tremors through her, drawing out the moment, the connection.
He withdrew and rolled to his side, gathering her against him and holding her there. Their hearts beat fast together, their bodies slick with perspiration. Love swelled within her, overflowing.
“I love you,” he said, gently caressing her belly. “I love our little Winter, too.”
She threaded her fingers through his hair, smiling. “I love you both so very much.”
“Thank you.” He kissed her slowly, lingeringly.
“For what?” she asked, breathless, when their mouths parted.
“For finding my sorry arse in the alley and saving me.”
“Oh, Gav.” She smiled, her love for him stronger than ever. “You saved me, too.”
Author’s Note
Thank you so very much for reading Winter’s Warrior, and thank you for loving my Winter family as much as I do. I hope Gavin and Caro’s happily ever after moved you. This is goodbye for now to the Winter clan, but if you’ve enjoyed this series, then I have a feeling you’re going to fall in love with the spinoff series, The Sinful Suttons. Much change is in store for the Sutton clan. For a sneak peek at Jasper Sutton and Lady Octavia’s story, Sutton’s Spinster, do read on!
Some notes on history before you turn the page…
Caro’s knowledge of healing and herbs is owed to Culpeper’s English Physician and Complete Herbal, which was first published in the seventeenth century and subsequently modified and published in various forms. I’ve again borrowed the cant used by the Winters and Suttons from The Memoirs of James Hardy Vaux (1819) and Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1811). Bare-knuckle prizefighting was a dangerous and popular sport in the Regency era, drawing large crowds. Some fights did indeed lead to the deaths of the boxers involved. I drew inspiration from real-life prizefighters such as “Gentleman” John Jackson, who owned a boxing salon, and others such as John Gully, Tom Molyneaux, and Tom Cribb.
Now, what are you waiting for? Keep reading on for more Regency scoundrels and rogues and the daring ladies who love them…
Until next time,
Scarlett
Preview of Sutton’s Spinster
Jasper Sutton, London’s most dedicated scoundrel, needs a wife. He needs one quickly. He needs one yesterday, in fact. His requirements are precise. She has to be capable of mothering the wild twin daughters who have unexpectedly appeared in his life. She must also possess the patience of a saint and the understanding of an angel. Better still if she is plain and has no expectation of a true marriage. He is not about to reform his ways. But how is he to find such a paragon of womanly virtue when a troublesome, maddening baggage keeps haunting