Page 89 of Highland Spy

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Ariana was selfish.

She knew she should not allow Connor to kiss her, that he might be angry at himself later for having done so, and yet she reveled in the touch of his warm lips on hers.

The horror of the evening hovered in her thoughts and swelled up in her mind. She wanted the odor of blood blotted out with his spicy, outdoor scent. She wanted the clammy skin of a cooling body burned away by his touch.

She wanted Connor to be the one to make her forget.

His kiss was tender, gentle.

It left her wanting more.

She brushed her mouth against his, back and forth, once, twice, letting the heat of their lips taunt one another.

He’d shared much with her when he told her what happened at Urquhart, far more than she’d expected to hear. Her heart ached for him. Not with pity, but with the need to heal.

They were both hurt. She’d known as much long before he spoke.

Perhaps together they could find solace. At least on this one night.

Connor pressed his mouth to hers and stilled her teasing with a solid, hot kiss.

A moan vibrated in her throat. She brushed her tongue against his lips in silent demand for more.

This time she would not be shy.

She knew what she wanted now and would be bold enough to get it.

His mouth opened, and his tongue swept against hers.

Excitement prickled over her flesh and her heartbeat thrummed faster.

Connor’s fingers threaded up through her hair and he tightened his grip at the nape of her neck. Tingles of pleasure shot through her scalp.

Their breath came harder with their eagerness to kiss and taste.

Ariana flicked her tongue against the velvety smoothness of his. Connor caught her lower lip and bit it gently between his teeth.

As he’d done with her nipple the night at Kindrochit.

Oh God, that… She wanted that again.

And more.

She tugged at the lacing of her bodice in brazen invitation. One Connor readily accepted with a groan. The sound was low, like a growl, primal. It left heat throbbing between her legs, more powerful than before.

She was a maiden, yes, but she’d been at court long enough to hear the talk of what happened between a man and a woman.

And that was what she wanted.

Now.

With him.

The simple cord of the bodice made a quiet pop as it was pulled free of the fabric. The tension of it around her torso eased and the warm air in the room whispered against her skin.

Connor’s hands cupped her breasts and his kisses turned hungrier, desperate almost, and they fueled her own desire for more.