Hearts compass, p.10
Heart's Compass, page 10
Concurrently, her dampness gripped him, milked him, and he couldn’t hold back any more than he could stop the rise and fall of the tide. The tendons on his neck stood out as he withdrew then plunged into her deeper than he had been. He was one with her as his head fell back, and he roared his fulfillment to the cabin and the mountains that surrounded them as he spent himself deep within her. He couldn’t move. He didn’t want to move. Lucien dropped his face into the softness of her neck as he fought to slow his erratic breathing. He was exhausted. They lay there, limbs entwined, each gasping for breath.
Lucien was mortified. He had had countless women and never before had he lost control like that. Before, he had always maintained a distance from the women. It was only a matter of physical release and that enabled him to always withdraw before he spilled his seed inside them. He had no wish to father any bastards.
He couldn’t have pulled out of Ciara if an army had swarmed the cabin. He had lost all rational thought. His only necessity was to ravage the woman beneath him and fill her to capacity with his seed. For a man who had just acted like a primitive heathen, he wanted to make it up to her.
In his defense he didn’t hear any complaints from her. “Are you all right?”
“Aye. Never better.” When he made to move off, she gripped him and said, “No. Stay. I like the feel of your weight.”
“I’m too heavy. I want to hold you.” He slid out of her, moved behind her and pulled her into his chest, so they rested together like spoons.
Ciara reached to the end of the pallet and swung an extra quilt over them. They fell asleep like that.
* * * *
Ciara awoke later as waves of pleasure throbbed through her. Lucien lay between her spread legs and licked her pussy. Her legs were draped over his broad shoulders to hold her open with his fingers and teased her with his tongue.
She dug her fingers into his scalp grinding herself into him. It was scandalous yet she couldn’t help it. He drove her wild. While his tongue laved attention on her clit, his fingers teased the entrance before they slid within her, right away for she was slick with her own juices. He paid her worship in ways she had never dreamed about.
First only one finger was inside, then that was soon joined by another. He used one muscled forearm to anchor her writhing body in place as he slipped yet another finger deep within her. Her moans were coming louder and more constant in time with him as he moved his fingers in tandem with his tongue. Lucien brought her to the verge of pleasure. He retreated just before she could find that elusive release. He teased her again and again as she writhed above him. She begged, pleaded with her moans, because she couldn’t form any coherent words, for him to allow her to reach the pinnacle she sought.
Ciara arched and screamed as she was allowed to find her release. Lucien stayed with his arm across her hips continuing to pay homage to her as she came harder and harder. While she still quivered with tremors, he rose above her and plunged deep within her in one smooth stroke. He filled her to entirety.
Lucien lowered his mouth and kissed her. Ciara tasted him and her both as he moved within her. She pressed her body closer to him, determined to take whatever it was he was willing to give her. His body responded to hers like brandy and cigars, so his own release arrived moments later as he moaned her name into her mouth.
They lay there for a moment before Ciara pushed onto his shoulder. He picked up his head to glance down at her. He questioned with his eyes as he kissed her again, not able to get enough of her taste. “I have to get up. The fire is going low and the animals are still outside.”
“You don’t have to go anywhere. The animals are fine and personally I think the fire is nowhere near going out.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Arrogant male.”
“Uh-huh. I have every right to be. I earned the right.”
“Aye. That you do and you did. But I really have to get up.” She rolled him off her and rose gracefully from the bed.
She felt his gaze on her as she walked nude to the chair that held her clothes. She hesitated before she headed for her bedroom. She needed to take another bath now before dressing into clean clothes.
She put on her dirty clothes and lugged the tub outside. When she brought it back in and started to warm more water, Lucien got up. “What are you doing?”
“I am going to clean myself and then do some laundry. Why? Did you wish to bathe?”
“Only if you join me.”
“Thanks but I am fine for now.” Her enchanting flush betrayed her true feelings on the matter.
Lucien cleaned himself off along with her. He put on some clean clothes and gathered more snow to melt for water to do laundry. He helped her with the wash, then, when all the clothes were done, spread out on chairs by the fire and hung on a rope he strung up, he dragged the tub outside for her.
While he emptied it, she started to shovel the porch. Lucien came up behind her and made a grab for her. She screeched and ran down the steps while he gave chase. He tackled her to the ground and covered her with kisses.
Faolan and Kosse jumped in to join the fun and before long all four of them were involved in a huge snow fight. The animals would hit them in the knees and run before they could get up. Lucien and Ciara threw snowballs at each other and at the animals.
Tired, cold and wet, they all stomped back into the cabin to get something to eat and dry off. While Ciara made some food, Lucien made a nuisance of himself as he nibbled on her neck and constantly touched her, distracting her.
It was as if that morning had changed their whole friendship and the next month was full of joy and cheer.
Chapter Fourteen
As he watched the woman across the table from him eat stew a few nights later, he realized that he wanted her to be his for all time. “Come back to England with me.”
Ciara’s head shot up. Something flickered in her eyes but was gone before he could identify what it was. She offered him a grin and he knew it was forced. “No. I don’t belong in your world.”
“I want you with me,” he persisted.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I just told you. I don’t belong in your world. It is not for me.”
“You would fit. You fit with me. I could offer you things you never dreamed of. Bedrooms bigger than your whole cabin. Silk sheets. Servants at your beck and call. Rooms full of gowns made by the best modiste in town. I would dress you in the finest clothes, you would be the envy of all London. I would make love to you on beds covered in rose petals, what do you think?”
As her eyes flared, he realized that he’d erred. Grievously.
She responded with a sad chuckle. “That was a very sweet thing to say, no matter that it is not true.” At his questioning stare, she continued. “Don’t you see, Wolf? I don’t need that kind of thing to be happy. Silk sheets, dresses, all of what you offer comes at too high a price for me.”
“What do you mean?” She was the only woman he knew who would turn down the chance to be a marchioness, or to be the mistress of a marquess.
“If I were to take those things, I would have to give up the thing that means most to me.” At his confused look, she pressed on, “My freedom. I would be bound and confined by your rules and your society’s dictates. I love the smell of the country—I would not last in a city. Within these mountains, my heart beats the strongest.
“Besides, I can’t be your mistress. I won’t be.”
Pain lanced through his heart at the thought of her left behind when he returned to England. But would you be my wife? “What do you call what you are being now?”
“I call myself your friend. What I give you is just that. Something from me to you. I want none of the things you bestow on your mistresses. You will leave soon. I want you to find happiness. For once in your life, have someone like you for who you are, not because of what you own. My lying with you is just that. A gift, something that I love sharing with you. I harbor no illusions of what will happen. I am living for the now. I am happy.
“Also, I don’t think that Faolan would do well in your country, much less Kosse.” She rose and sat on his lap, her arms looped around his neck to bring them nose to nose. “There is something inside you, Wolf, that is very special. All I want from you is you. For once, forget all your wealth and privileges and just live your life. That will be enough for me. Have fun while you are here.” She kissed his lips then stood and cleared the table, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
Lucien looked at this woman. She was mind-boggling. She went against everything he had been taught about women. The way she answered him didn’t even allow him to be angry with her. As long as he walked the earth, he knew he would never find another like her.
Ciara kept her own counsel as she cleared the table.
Lucien reached down to scratch Kosse and wondered if he would ever get her to change her mind. He realized who the ‘heart of the mountain’ was. It was Ciara. She thrived here. In an environment that would kill off most, she lived, survived and prospered. If she ever left, it would be to follow her heart, not because he asked her to.
“Ciara? Would you consider selling me a horse? I would like a son of Nyama and Epona.”
“And how am I to get this son to you? Are you going to come back to Paradise Cove to get him?”
If that’s what it takes to see you again.
“I was thinking that you could send him by ship to my country estate, Heartstone. I would leave you the address and payment in advance so all you would have to do is put him on the ship.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
“Because I asked for one.”
“A son? There is no telling when that could be. Why would you wish to do that?”
“Like you said before. If you give your word, you don’t go back on it. I would be content to wait for one. Yes?”
“Deal. You will leave payment with Marie. And when there is a son, I will send him to Heartstone.” The price she quoted him was a fair price and he agreed.
“Good, now come here, woman. If I am to have fun, I wish to have it with you.” He swung her up into his arms, holding her before he placed her back on the floor.
“Good.” Her eyes grew dark with desire and expectation as she tugged his head down for a kiss.
* * * *
Lucien ran her trap line with her. He was getting into shape as he trekked beside her in the mountain snow. She had taught him how to skin the food and stretch the hides so they could be sold.
Lucien learned how to have fun. He was smiling more and more as the days passed. He felt better than he ever had before. For not having gaming halls and places to drink, he found that he was even happier.
He found himself watching Ciara when she didn’t think he could see her. Although she smiled, it was rare for her to grace him with an honest, open smile. Her smiles normally could make his heart race. When she gifted him with one that was without reservation, it could bring him to his knees.
If they were in the cabin she would wear loose-fitting clothes that she said were African. They were bright-colored and only enhanced her beauty. Usually they were pants and a long shirt that would go to her knees, but she also had some dresses. Dresses were too cold to wear during the winter, she claimed.
* * * *
He carried her to the bedroom, set her down then removed her clothes. When she tried to sit up, he pushed her back. “This is my gift to you. Let me worship you.”
Christmas had come upon them and he’d seemed pleased with the hand-carved statue she’d given him after they ate.
At his words, she tingled all over. As she watched him with a heady gaze, her body was already wet and ready for him. He took off his clothing and stretched out beside her. She reached for him.
“No. I want to look. I want to remember how you look right now, forever.” He stroked a hand down her side as he leaned over her propped up on one elbow and stared at her with those eyes of his that had the power to intoxicate her. “You are so beautiful. Your skin is so soft, like silk.” He dipped his head and flicked his tongue over her collarbone, watched as she shivered.
“You taste like you smell, honey and berries. I love your taste.” Another stroke of his tongue along her neck as he moved down. He touched her arm and ran his fingers along her skin. “Your arms are so strong, so tender. Everything about you is strong. Yet you remain one of the softest people I know.” He flicked his tongue along the same path his fingers had just traveled.
She squirmed. “No. Hold still. Or I will stop.” Ciara moaned her frustration. “Look at your breasts. So full. Perfect for suckling.” He did just that, and when his lips closed about her breast she arched her back and pressed herself into his mouth. When she tried to reach up and touch him he shook his head without leaving her breast. She got the message.
“So perfect. But you have two and I can’t ignore the other one.” He lavished attention on her other breast until both her nipples were taut and stiff. His breath made her shiver as it hit the spots where he had suckled and left her wet. “Further down we come to your stomach.” He delved into her belly button with his tongue, eliciting a gasp, but she held firm. “You have a wonderfully flat stomach. Lovely hips.” He nipped at her sides, making her whimpers grow in volume.
Lucien slid down and settled himself between her legs and brushed light touches there. “Legs. Your legs are in amazing condition. All this mountain climbing has made them so strong.” He moved his tongue down the inside of her leg all the way to her foot. “Your ankles are small, your feet are delicate.” Taking her toe into his mouth, he sucked on it as he had her breasts. The reaction was the same—her body quivered with need.
He ran his tongue up the inside of her other leg after loving her other foot and ankle in the same fashion.
He moved back up and gave her stomach more love bites. As her mewls grew louder, he spread her thighs farther apart. “And then there is my favorite part. Your core. You smell like a mixture of spices.” He slid his fingers through the hair and along the slit but never did he enter her. When he ran one along her opening, she tried to move herself onto it. “No, no, no. I told you not to move. I shall have to stop.”
“No, don’t stop. I won’t move again.” Her voice was breathless as she gripped the blankets with a hold that should have wrung the colors out of them.
“One more chance, no moving. Understand?”
“Yes.” Her voice was almost nonexistent.
“Very well then. Where was I? Oh yes, I was enjoying your smell.” He wedged his body between her thighs and draped her legs over his shoulders. Ciara could feel his warm breath at the juncture of her thighs but he wouldn’t touch her. She begged with her whimpers. He spread her lips and dipped one finger inside her. Lucien pushed a finger into her wetness. She tightened around him to try to keep him inside as he removed his finger.
“Look at me.” The timbre of his voice made her shiver with anticipation. “Look at me.” She slowly sat up and braced herself on arms that were none too steady. “Scoot back to the headboard.” He stayed where he was between her legs as she moved back with her arms since her legs were still draped over his shoulders.
When she was back against the headboard with a pillow behind her he smiled at her and drove two fingers deep within her, never once taking his eyes off hers. Ciara’s body shuddered with pleasure as her eyes fluttered closed. He started to withdraw his fingers. “No. Look at me. Don’t close your eyes. Watch me, princess.”
The hypnotic pull of his velvety voice gave her no choice as she dragged her eyes open to find herself riveted by eyes that appeared almost black with passion that was barely kept under restraint. He smiled as he saw her meet his eyes.
“Your reward.” He slid his fingers back into her, making her eyes almost—she caught herself in time—roll back in her head. His thick fingers were covered with the juices flowing out of her body. Lucien maintained a steady but forceful rhythm. He held her gaze as she came on his fingers.
“You are a thing of beauty when you come.” Her cries had turned to full-out moans. She tried to keep her sounds contained but he flicked his thumb on her hard clit, and as he realized she was trying to stay quiet, he shook his head. “I wish to hear you. Don’t keep it to yourself. I want to hear what you are feeling.”
“Please,” she cried.
“Please what? More of this? Tell me. Tell me what you wish, my princess.” His fingers stretched her as she approached the edge of the chasm again.
“Please. More… I want… Let me… I am going to…” Her voice was agitated as she tried to concentrate on what she was asking for.
“What do you want? What are you going to do? Come? Yes you are. No, don’t look away. Keep looking at me. Keep your eyes open. Watch me as I make you come. That’s my girl. My beauty. Watch as my fingers slide in and out of your wetness. I feel you tightening around me. You’re almost there, aren’t you?” His inhalations had increased along with hers. Indigo eyes locked with amber as his fingers moved like pistons in and out of her heated core. “Now! I want it now. Come for me.”
At his words, her head dropped back against the headboard and her thighs clamped around him as she came in waves. She managed to keep eye contact with him. “Good girl.” He withdrew his fingers and sucked them clean.
That sight alone was almost enough to make her come again. He lowered his head and placed his mouth over her. He drank every bit of her essence that was present. When she whimpered again, he rose and settled himself on his knees, leaving her legs on either side of his waist. His member jutted out from the nest of black hair. It pulsated and it drew her gaze. Velvet over steel.
Lucien grabbed her legs and dragged her to him. He moved over her and teased her with the tip of his dick. “What do you want?” His voice was rough with need.
“You.”
He pushed the tip inside her and she sighed. He stopped and she complained. “What do you want?” he asked again as he inched in a little deeper.
