A half lie is nothing more than a half truth. Just like a half empty glass is really half full.
The philosophical musings of Rev. Devan Farris
Devan paced in the entry of his family home, now Gavin’s domain. Avalon should have arrived more than an hour ago. After meeting at her solicitor’s office and signing the marital settlement documents, they’d parted. She’d had an errand, and Devan had needed to secure the special license. Bishop Marlowe had met Devan at Doctors’ Commons and had been instrumental in securing the license. He would be the one to perform the wedding service.
When Devan heard the carriage rumbling up the drive, he stole a peek through a window. Without hesitation, he opened the door and bounded down the steps where Avalon and Henri stood outside the carriage.
“Finally, I found my bride. I thought you might have gotten lost,” he said taking Avalon’s hand.
She shook her head slightly. Something was terribly wrong as her face had paled since the last time he’d seen her, and her eyes had grown wide, as if she’d seen a horrible specter. “We must talk.”
Henri nodded in his direction. “Are Lady Sophia and Lord Warwyk inside?”
“In the study with my brother and the Lord Bishop,” he answered, never taking his gaze from Avalon.
Henri proceeded as he drew Avalon close and helped her up the steps. Through her thick winter cloak, Devan could feel the trembling in her limbs.
“Everyone is waiting in the study,” he said. “Do you need to freshen up?” Before he took another step, Avalon halted.
“Where can we talk?” Her voice wobbled in panic.
Devan led her to an anteroom off the study. Without saying a word, he closed the door.
She’d taken off her cloak and was dressed in a beautiful ivory gown trimmed in pink silken roses and matching ribbon.
For a moment, he couldn’t speak. “Avalon.” His voice cracked as it deepened. “I’ve always thought you beautiful, but today you’re breathtaking. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“You’re not lucky.” She blinked as if seeing him for the first time since she arrived. “I can’t do this. I can’t marry you.” The frantic words tumbled from her lips. “I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ll make a terrible wife.”
“I beg to differ. You’ll make a wonderful wife.” He tried to pull her close, but she pulled away.
“No. You don’t understand. My parents … they had a horrible marriage. My father had mistresses, and my mother had lovers. I don’t know what a good marriage looks like. I couldn’t bear it if our marriage failed like my first one.”
“Your marriage wasn’t your fault.” He held her hands and studied her face. A little color had returned, but that wild, forlorn look in her eyes was still there. “Do you trust me?”
She nodded hesitantly.
“What if I told you I’ve seen this type of anxiety before with other couples right before the service?” He rubbed his thumb across the soft skin of her hand, soothing her. “It’s perfectly natural—”
“No, it’s not,” she protested as her gaze searched his. “I’ve done this before. Remember? I’m incapable…”
“Darling, I know you’re scared, but will you do something for me?” He raised his hand and cupped her cheek.
Hesitantly, she nodded. She was so frightened that all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms. Instead, he lightly pressed his lips to hers, then drew away.
He looked deep into her eyes. She squeezed his hand as if desperate for strength.
“Listen to what I have to say. If afterwards, you don’t want to marry, then we won’t.”
She barely nodded but her eyes never left his.
“I was fortunate to have a wonderful example of marriage in my parents. They loved each other deeply and were fully committed to one another throughout their lifetime together. They taught me what a good marriage is and how it’s done.” He smiled gently. “Our marriage will be different from your first one. We’re a different couple. We care for each other. Rely on me to get you through this. Rely on me whenever you need me. Whether it’s today, tomorrow, next month, or the next decade, whenever it’s too much, let me take the lead. Will you do that?”
A brief smile graced her lips. “I’ll try.”
He couldn’t help but grin in return. “I’ve waited my whole life for you. I promise, starting right this minute and all the others that follow, I’ll do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy.”
He pulled her into his embrace and this time she wrapped her arms around him as if she’d never let go. Her familiar scent rose to greet him, and he knew with her in his arms he was home. Never had anything felt so right before. God save him if she didn’t want to marry him.
“You don’t know what you’re getting into.” She stood close and whispered in his ear. “But will you marry me?”
“A thousand times yes.” He pressed his lips against her cheek.
Slowly, she pulled away. The earnest look on her face took his breath away. “Thank you for having patience with me.”
Devan took Avalon’s chin and lifted her gaze to his. “Thank you for making me the happiest man in the entire kingdom.” He lowered his lips to hers again. The touch was sweet and filled with promise. Unable to resist, he deepened the kiss. She responded with a slight moan, inviting him in. Devan pulled her closer, never wanting to let her go. His hands slowly traced a path down her back.
A knock on the door sounded. “Mother? Are you in there?”
Avalon rested her forehead against Devan’s chest. “Thane.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Are you ready?”
She pulled away and nodded, never once breaking her gaze from his.
Today, he would be trothing his life to her, and she in return to him. For all his days and nights, he’d never forget this blessing.
He took her hand in his, then they both went to meet Thane. Grinning from ear to ear, the young lord stood outside in his formal suit. Without hesitating, Avalon walked by Devan’s side as they entered the study.
Acting as witnesses, Gavin and Henri stood beside Bishop Marlowe, who held his Book of Common Prayer open. Thane stood beside Devan, and Sophia stood beside Avalon.
The bishop’s deep voice echoed through the room. Since Devan knew the words by heart, he concentrated on his lovely bride. As His Lordship performed the ceremony, Devan embraced the awe and thankfulness that swelled in his chest. Indeed, he was the luckiest man alive.
He would not fail her.
Devan stole a quick glance around the room. Thane’s excitement made the smile on his face glow. Henri and Sophia wiped their eyes as tears of joy escaped. Even his brother Gavin seemed overcome with emotion as he cleared his throat. A heartfelt smile creased his lips as his gaze met Devan’s.
His own heart beat strong for the love that surrounded Avalon and him. It boded well for their new life together as a couple.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the Lord Bishop declared with a smile on his face.
Without missing a beat, Devan took Avalon in his arms and kissed her.
For in his arms he held his life, his happiness, and his future.
He held his wife.
Sitting on the velvet bench next to her, Devan leaned close with his arm around her waist and waved with his other hand at Gavin and the bishop. Sophia and Henri had taken the other carriage with Thane, who had chattered like a magpie after the ceremony.
As soon as they were out of sight, Avalon sighed.
Her lips still burned from the incendiary kiss Devan had given her at the end of the ceremony before they’d signed the marriage register. Now, with evening closing in, they were on their way to the vicarage, where they’d spend the night and consummate their vows. Not that Richard had ever visited her at Warwyk Hall, but under no circumstances did she want any remembrance of him on her wedding night with Devan.
Henri and Sophia would mind Thane this evening, and Henri had thoughtfully brought a few items of clothing and toiletries for the night to the vicarage.
Still, the stark reality of what she’d done today settled around her like a midnight London fog. She had married Devan Farris, a man who just a month ago she’d have called her biggest menace.
“It was a lovely ceremony.” She turned to Devan and sniffed back her tears, but she didn’t hide her smile. She wouldn’t describe her mood as euphoric, but she was happy and had high hopes for their future, particularly after he’d said such sweet things to her to calm her fears. “We’re married. Do you believe it?”
“No.” He brought her gloved hands to his lips. “I finally have a wife.”
“And I have a husband.” Reverence leaked from her voice. “Our lives will never be the same.”
With his clear, bright eyes, he studied her. “Are you having second thoughts about your decision?”
She shook her head. “It’s just … everything has changed in just a short amount of time.”
The gentle rocking of the carriage did little to lull her anxiety. Nor did the intensity of her husband’s stare. An unsettling notion nipped around the edges of her thoughts. She’d had complete freedom for the last nine years, and now she’d have to consider Devan’s wishes whenever she made a decision. Whether something as inconsequential as what to serve for dinner or something incredibly important as to how she’d raise Thane or what her plans were for the parish’s charities, any and all of it, she would need to seek his opinion. That’s what a good wife would do.
She tamped down the unease. Her new husband was correct. The fault of her first marriage didn’t lie with her, but with Richard and her parents. They made decisions that deeply impacted her life and future. But Devan treated her as an equal partner. He was a man who’d never given her cause to doubt his true motives and desires. She vowed then and there, she’d do everything in her power to make their marriage a success.
“Let me ask you in turn, are you having second thoughts?” Though it was silly to be on pins and needles as Avalon waited for his answer, she felt herself on edge and quickly filled the silence between them. “You didn’t have much choice in the matter.”
In no hurry, he tugged his gloves free. With an ease that suggested they’d been together for years instead of hours, he cupped her cheek, the caress a command for her to look at him. Ironically, the warmth in his fingers sent a chill through her.
“Avalon, never.” The softly spoken words were clear and vibrant through the creaking of the carriage as it picked up speed now that they were through London and racing to the vicarage. “For all my days, rest assured that every day I’m on this earth, I’ll make certain I show you what you mean to me.” He dipped his head until their gazes met. “Starting tonight.”
He pressed his lips against hers. The touch as light as a butterfly’s wings against one’s finger. She sighed faintly against his mouth as the kiss ended. Devan Farris had just proven that her conception of marriage was completely wrong. For the first time in her life, she had hope for happiness in her future because she’d married a very naughty, irreverent, but tender vicar, a man who promised he’d devote his life to making their marriage succeed.
She and Devan had decided they would live permanently at Warwyk Hall instead of the vicarage or the dower house on the estate. She’d instructed the staff to open the state bedroom on the family floor. It could be a new home for both of them. Living at Warwyk Hall, she could continue her work, and Devan could still meet with parishioners either at the vicarage or at the Hall.
They rode the rest of the way in a peaceable silence while holding hands. One thing she’d noticed about Devan, he liked to touch her. After so many years of being alone, she relished the close contact with another human being. For heaven’s sake, she sounded like a woman who’d let her heart out of its cage and the thing was running wild circles around her. She grinned to herself.
The carriage pulled up to the vicarage, and Devan didn’t wait for the Warwyk footman to open the door. He jumped down and held out his hand to hers. With a deep breath and a smile, she placed her hand in his and stepped out of the carriage.
This was the start of the rest of her life.
Devan had seen to her every convenience when they’d arrived. He’d prepared a bath for her while he prepared a small meal for them to enjoy since Mrs. McVey wasn’t there. Overjoyed at the news of their marriage, the housekeeper had offered to stay with her daughter and family this evening, leaving Avalon and Devan alone.
As she soaked in the tub in his bedroom, her hands trailed over her body, lingering over her breasts and nipples until they puckered into hard peaks. Her body tingled with the realization that soon she’d make love with Devan. Heat pooled into a delicious liquid warmth that settled low in her body. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the delicious and wicked thoughts of his body touching hers, covering hers.
Soon, the water grew cooler, and she reluctantly stood and dried herself with linen toweling. The cloth wasn’t as fine as the ones she was used to at Warwyk Hall, but they were Devan’s. He used the same ones to dry his own body. She released a gentle sigh as she brushed the toweling over her tender nipples, imagining his hands replacing the cloth.
She slipped on a ruby-red satin dressing gown trimmed in black ribbon. Henri had said she looked striking in it, and she wanted to look her best for Devan tonight. How long would she have to wait before he came to her? Her pulse quickened, and her knees weakened. What if she was the type of wife who didn’t enjoy lovemaking?
A firm knock sounded against the door.
She hesitated for a second. “Come in.”
Devan entered, and his gaze locked with hers. The soft glow of candlelight in the room seemed to kiss his cheek. He wore the black silk banyan she’d purchased for him in London today as a wedding gift. The shop had delivered the lovely garment this afternoon.
She swallowed as his compelling green eyes locked her in place. Magnificent was too tame a word to describe him.
He went back into the hallway and returned with a tray. “There’s wine, cheese, bread, and a beautiful fruit cake Mrs. McVey baked in celebration of our wedding.” He closed the door with his elbow, then entered the room and set the tray on a table.
Any and all words lodged in her throat.
His riveted gaze returned to her face, then slowly traveled the length of her body. “You’re beautiful, Avalon.”
“So are you.” He looked like a warrior coming to conquer everything in his path. Her throat tightened at the thought.
He glanced at the banyan he wore. “Thank you for this. Was this the errand you had to finish?”
“In the marriage contract, you asked that we wear clothes easy to shed.” She grinned.
“My wife is brilliant.” The joyful sound of his laughter filled the room.
She nodded once in thanks. “Anything you need, I hope you ask.”
“I need you.”
Her heart tripped in her chest at the deep rumble of his voice. When his gazed locked with hers, she stilled.
With a wicked smile, Devan poured a glass of wine and offered it to her. When her fingers touched his, electricity shot through every inch of her and she felt rooted in place. Never before had she ever been so aware of another.
“To us. May we have a long and happy life together.” His sinfully dark voice resonated through the room with a self-assuredness that made her envious. Why couldn’t she be as confident as he? Hurriedly, she took a sip. If she didn’t get her unruly emotions under some type of control, they’d never be able to consummate their marriage.
“Are you nervous?” He took a sip of his own wine.
She nodded slightly. “There’s no earthly reason for it, but…” She let the words trail to nothing.
“What is it?” A deep crease between his eyes marred his beautiful face.
She cleared her throat in hopes that the flutter of butterflies in her stomach would settle for the night. “I’m uncertain if I’m any good at this.” She waved her hand between the two of them. “What we’re going to do.”
He put his wine down, then stepped to her. His large hands rested on her shoulders, commanding her to look at him. She’d never regarded herself as a coward and wouldn’t start now.
She lifted her face to his, then took a deep breath. “I’ve only done this once, and it was a disaster,” she admitted.
“I highly doubt that, darling.” The endearment on his lips caused the sweetest sensation to rush through her veins, rekindling the fire she’d started in her bath. “For all the years I’ve known you, I’ve admired your passion, temerity, and strength. I find it all so desirable.” His lips touched the side of her cheek. “I find you so desirable.”
She closed her eyes at his touch, then forced her gaze to his. Never before had she bared her weaknesses to another. “I want us to make love, but I’m afraid I’ll disgust you like I did Richard—”
He placed his forefinger against her lips. “He was a fool not to see the treasure that you are. There is not a single part of you that would disgust me.” He pulled her close. “This is the first time for both of us.” His hand slowly trailed up and down each vertebra of her back. Eventually, his hand cupped the back of her neck, and his mouth met hers.
It was unlike any kiss they’d shared before. The sweet touch of his lips promised that whatever happened tonight, there would be no judgments. No rejections. Just a celebration of the two of them. “I’d like that,” she whispered against his lips.
“It will be for me.”
She stared at him, and he didn’t look away.
“It’s true.” He lowered his voice and bit his lip. “I’ve never in my entire life lain with anyone.”
“What?” she asked incredulously. Her mind reeled with such a shocking revelation. “You’re known as a consummate ladies’ man.”
He slowly shook his head. “My parents…” He tilted his head to the dark ceiling and stared at nothing as if hoping to gather more courage to proceed with his tale. “They told me never to waste the opportunity to share such a glorious gift as love by squandering it on someone who didn’t mean anything to me. I’ve taken their advice.”
She shifted closer and only inches separated them. “How can that be? You’re known throughout society for being a…”
“Ladies’ man? A naughty vicar? London’s most lustful clergyman?” He laughed. “It’s quite freeing to discuss. You, who have a reputation as an avaricious ice queen, and I, who have a reputation as a ‘Jack among the maids,’ prove that the gossip rags, in particular The Midnight Cryer, don’t have the faintest clue who we are as real people.” He turned his stalwart gaze to hers. “I think such a union between a man and woman should be honored and cherished. I’ll not waste such a precious gift on anyone other than my wife.”
“That’s a lovely sentiment,” she said quietly.
The hesitant smile on his face showed a rare vulnerability that she’d never seen before. The fact that he shared it gave her hope for the success of their marriage.
“This moment makes me thankful that I didn’t waste it. I want you, my lovely wife, to be my first.” His gaze penetrated hers.
Though he was the one without any experience, she felt like an untried virgin herself. Suddenly unsure what to say, she simply nodded.
“Avalon.” He pressed his lips against hers again, then deepened their kiss, igniting a need within her to explore and feel every inch of him. His touch threatened to spin all her senses out of control, and she didn’t care. Never before had she felt this way. He made her feel desirable. After all these years, she felt like a frozen maiden breaking out of the snow and into the fire.
With tender care, he broke away, and then, as if he couldn’t help himself, he took her mouth again in a scorching kiss. Before she could demand more, he took her hand in his and led her to his bed. While his eyes undressed her, his hand reached and unknotted the tie at her waist. She sucked in a breath as the cool air hit her skin. Instantly, he embraced her and his arms surrounded her. His dressing gown had draped open and his hot skin met hers.
With a tremulous breath, she reached to undo the knot of her hair, but he took her hand in his.
“Let me,” he said.
“Are we really going to do this?” she whispered in wonderment.
He slowly pulled the pins that anchored her curls, releasing her hair. His hand combed through her locks. “Unless you don’t want to.” Before she said a word, he continued, “I don’t mind waiting. I’ve waited all my life for this night. Another day, week, or month makes little difference. Whatever you want.”
“I feel as if I’ve waited all my life, too. I want tonight.” She pressed her chest against his. “I want you.”
His slow, seductive smile made her stomach turn flips. “Then let’s not tarry, wife.”
He swept her in his arms and laid her on the bed as if she were the most fragile piece of china in the kingdom. She allowed her gaze to sweep down his body. His chest was bare underneath his banyan, and the breadth of it caused her breath to hitch. He was beautiful in so many ways. Not only was he handsome, but his body was a work of art. A smattering of hair down the center of his chest called to her, and she reached toward him. Her fingers instinctively combed through the coarse hair before her hand pressed against the center of his chest where his heartbeat pounded strong and true.
He smiled, then placed his hand over hers. “I like you to touch me, but I warn you in advance to be careful.” The deep thrum of his voice lulled her into exploring him more.
“Why?”
“I don’t want the night to be over before it begins. I want to make love to you all night.”
“Oh.” What else was there to say? Her husband thought her desirable and wanted to be with her. If he’d showered her with endless jewels and strings of pearls, they couldn’t compare with the sweet tender gift he’d just given her.
“Now, let me see you.” With a whisper of a touch, he pushed away the gaping dressing gown. She forced herself to watch as his eyes meandered over her body. He traced a line down the center of her chest until he reached her breasts. Without looking, she knew her nipples had puckered, begging for his touch. With the gentlest of touches, he skimmed her nipples with the backs of his fingers. They grew even heavier at his ministrations. She sucked in a ragged breath.
His eyes widened at her response. “Am I doing it wrong?”
“I like it. I don’t think anything you do tonight will be wrong.”
His lopsided grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, and she felt herself falling into an abyss she wasn’t certain she ever wanted to climb out of. Never before had a man looked at her the way Devan was this evening. It made her drunk with a feminine power that she’d never experienced before.
With infinite care, he covered her body. Instantly, she became aware of his smell. He must have shaved and bathed in another room as his cheeks were smooth. The subtle scents of lemongrass soap and the musk of his skin combined into an alchemy that filled her with a needy ache for him inside her. His massive thighs framed hers while his arms enfolded her in his embrace. As he took possession of her mouth, his hardness pressed against her stomach.
Like a starved man, he moved his mouth down her neck, licking, biting, and sucking. Such exquisite torture. Begging for more, she moaned as her hands traced the curves and contours of his shoulders.
He wove his way down to her breasts. The swirl of his tongue around her nipple made her see stars. Seeking purchase, she combed her fingers through his hair, the dark, damp strands as familiar as her own.
They both groaned as he turned his attention to her other breast. The cool air did nothing to tamp down the fire that was roaring through her veins. Devan pushed his shaft against her leg in an act that mimicked lovemaking. He was hungry for her, and there was no denying she wanted him.
He trailed his mouth lower and kissed her stomach before going lower. His lips traced one hip bone. His eyes locked with hers as he inhaled deeply. “I can smell your arousal.”
She stopped touching him and simply stared. “What do you mean? How do you know?”
Never taking his eyes from hers, he traced a small delicate pattern through her curls, his fingers slipping closer and closer to her sex. “That night at the soiree when we were in the music room, and you found your pleasure, I smelled you then. I’ll never forget it. It was like the sweet fragrance of honey, and I wanted to taste it. I wanted to taste you.”
Her heart pounded against her ribs, trying to reach him. She should be shocked at his words, but they excited her more. His legs straddled hers, and he leaned forward until his head was close to her sex.
Through the candlelight, she could see his erection pulsing with need—with desire for her. A drop glistened at the tip, and after what he’d just said, she wanted to return the favor.
Before she could say a word, he rose to his knees and kissed her there. His eyes never left hers as he ran his fingers down the cleft of her sex. Heat and want flooded her body.
“Show me where to touch you.” If possible, his voice had deepened from desire.
“Well, I’m … not certain.” Her cheeks heated, and her voice hitched in answer.
He rested his hands beside her head and bent down for a quick kiss. She could taste herself on his lips.
“You’ve touched yourself before?” he asked.
She nodded ever so slightly. “But I never allowed myself…”
“Show me,” he demanded softly. “I want to learn what you like. How to please you. Then, together, I want to help you find it like we did the other night.”
She searched his eyes, waiting for his laughter but there was none—only sincerity, which wiped away all remnants of her embarrassment. She moved her finger between them, and he lowered himself to her sex once more to watch. Without hesitation, she showed him the sensitive nub that had brought her so much pleasure when they’d been in the music room together.
“Let me try.”
One stroke of his finger, and she wanted more. One leg fell open in invitation.
He brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked. Fire seemed to alight from his eyes, and he groaned in pleasure. “Good?”
“Very,” she answered.
“I’ll let you in on a secret. I was right. You are sweet, and I’ve waited so long to satisfy my hunger.” He dipped his head and soon his tongue darted out and circled the pulsing center—possessing it while possessing her.
“Devan,” she whispered. Whether it was a prayer that he never stop, or an ode to his lovemaking, she didn’t care. Raw need for him to continue his relentless pleasuring pounded through her, building, then cresting, and eventually rising again. As he continued the tender ministrations of his tongue, he groaned. The vibration of the sound against her tender sex amplified her pleasure into a fiery hunger that demanded to be satisfied. She tilted her hips and Devan responded to her demand by sucking harder. He eased two fingers into her sex, and she closed her eyes at the exquisite torture.
“Don’t stop,” she whispered. Her body reached for something, building, pushing, demanding satisfaction. Suddenly, it was like a starless night had exploded into daylight as pleasure took possession of every inch of her body. When she finally found her breath and her sanity, she looked to Devan, her lover. The amazement on his face made her hungry again for him.
“How does a virgin know how to do that?”
He fit his body perfectly against hers as he took possession of her lips again. He tasted of her and the forbidden, and she wanted more.
He leaned over her and chased several damp curls from her cheek. “I learned it from scripture. Did I ever tell you what an excellent student I was in seminary school?”
“Scripture?” she murmured as if lost in the aftereffects of the pleasure Devan had given her.
“Indeed,” he murmured. Unable to resist, he swirled his tongue around one pert nipple, then did the same to the other as he fisted his hand over his member. The urge to pleasure himself was near nigh impossible to resist, but he couldn’t help being transfixed by the flush of her face.
Sensual gratification made her face glow. He’d always thought her beautiful, but seeing her thus, she mesmerized him. Though his cock throbbed, demanding attention, Devan wouldn’t rush this night. Avalon’s half-lidded eyes made him want to pound his chest that he’d given her an orgasm that they’d both remember.
“I’ve never read anything about pleasuring a woman that way in the Bible,” she playfully challenged as she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him down into the cradle of her hips.
“Song of Solomon.” Somehow, he managed to rasp aloud the words as her hand clasped around his shaft. When her thumb circled the crown of his member, spreading his leaking seed, he groaned. Paradise had to be highly overrated when compared to being in bed with Avalon.
“I thought that was a love poem.” She gently sucked her thumb and moaned. His bollocks tightened, warning that he was in real danger of not surviving the night. An image of her with her mouth on him, bringing him to completion, roared into his thoughts.
“It is a love poem, but it also instructs how a married couple should pleasure”—he groaned louder as she squeezed a little harder—“and honor each other.”
She didn’t answer as she guided him to her sex. He balanced on his elbows as he stared into her face. He’d remember this moment for the rest of his life. His body, hot and sweaty, covered hers, and she didn’t seem to mind. She moved her hips as if she wanted him closer. His blood seemed on fire as it raced through his veins, encouraging him to take what he wanted. What he needed.
Her.
He needed to possess every inch of her.
He pushed, barely entering her. He stopped and studied their joined bodies. “Look at us,” he said in awe.
She tore her gaze from his and glanced where their bodies joined. “More,” she whispered.
Never before had he felt such wonder and hunger for another. He thanked God it was Avalon because, truthfully, he never could imagine himself with anyone except her.
With infinite tenderness, he gripped her hips, then pushed into her. Her muscles tightened as if denying him entrance. Avalon tilted her hips, making it easier. He was in another inch. His blood pounded and sweat covered his brow. Nothing in his life had ever felt as right as this moment.
Like a beast finally released from its cage, he wanted to pound into her. Take her, seize her, and mark her as his.
His wife.
Needing to lose himself within her, Devan took her mouth in a scorching kiss as he thrust until he was completely seated within her heat. Her moan caused him to come out of his frenzy. He’d never forgive himself if he hurt her. He searched her face, and her eyes blazed with a need that matched his.
“Don’t stop,” she pleaded.
He withdrew, leaving only the tip of his cock in. “Say my name,” he growled, proving he was an animal.
At least in her arms.
“Devan,” she commanded as she thrust her hips, showing him how much she wanted him.
Unable to restrain the desire that burned like fire through every inch of his body, Devan grabbed her hips with his hands as if never letting go, then thrust again. Her eyes widened as her body clamped down on his cock, milking it in an attempt to control it.
He was close to coming and stared into her eyes. She nodded slightly, instinctively knowing what he wanted. Without relenting, he withdrew then drove into her again and again. Each time she rose to meet him. A charring heat started in the base of his spine and spread like molten lava across his skin until his bollocks felt like they were going to explode.
“Devan,” she begged in the sweetest voice, like a siren calling him home. He grimaced, then closed his eyes as the searing heat of his seed spilled within her like an endless flooding river. This was one of the most intense orgasms he’d ever experienced as he pumped more and more until he filled her with a part of himself that was only hers … forever.
He inhaled deeply, struggling for breath as he opened his eyes. As they calmed the tempest they’d created, their hands stroked and petted one another. Her breathing matched his as she held his gaze.
“So, what do you think of making love?” he asked, hoping he hadn’t disappointed her.
“Are you looking for a compliment?” She lifted an eyebrow in a playful challenge. Without waiting for his reply, she continued, “I’d say an amazing effort for a first time.”
When a delightful smile graced her face, he laughed out loud. “Well, I’m always ready for more instruction. Let’s do it again.”
“You are such a rake, one with very refined tastes that are hard to satisfy. Lucky for you, I’m up for the challenge.” Avalon pulled him down for a kiss.
Before their lips met, he pulled back and rested his weight on his elbows. “I never imagined it would be this wonderful. But seriously, did I hurt you? I’ll never forgive myself if I left bruises on your hips.”
She rose slightly, then rubbed her nose against his cheek. She worried his ear lobe with her teeth, driving him mad. “I won’t break. You were marvelous. In a way, this was my first time, too.” Her eyes searched his, pressing him to believe her. “With my husband who…”
“With your husband who wants you desperately.” He couldn’t resist this woman, his Warlock. He took her in a kiss designed to show her all the passion he felt for her. Eventually it turned tender as if they were having a conversation with one another. The feel of her lips against his nurtured a part of him that perhaps had always hungered for her.
For in these sweet, spectacular moments, he found himself fulfilled for the first time in his life.
He finally felt like he belonged somewhere.
He was home in his wife’s arms.