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Instead of beginning the task of undressing her, Miles let his mouth cover hers. The kiss was soft and still, it rendered her thoughtless. While he kissed her and murmured words she’d be hard-pressed to remember, his fingers glided over the buttons on the back of the dress. Lips dancing across hers, she lost track of time and was surprised when her dress slipped from her shoulders, and past her waist to puddle at her feet.

It was a matter of minutes before he helped her remove all the bothersome underclothing. When left only in a light chemise, she stilled his hands with hers.

“What about you?” Her voice was breathless, her chest lifting and lowering keeping up with her racing pulse.

Miles took a step backward and without taking his eyes from her, he removed first his waistcoat, then his cravat. She’d seen him in this state of undress at his townhouse, and yet, at the moment it seemed so much more intimate.

When he sat to remove his shoes, it occurred to her she still wore her slippers, so together they removed their footwear. He straightened, removed his shirt, and slid the breeches from his narrow hips.

Unlike her dress on the floor, he lay his clothes on a chair, then—naked as the day he was born—he picked up her dress and placed it over the other clothing.

Siobhan could not tear her regard away from his body. He was sleek and muscular at the same time. Unlike her blossomed chest, his was broad, but flat, and his stomach was as well. Unable to keep from it, she finally studied his maleness, and her eyes widened.

It was just as the women had described. It lifted under her scrutiny, seeming to come to life. Hardening and thickening, the staff jutted from his body.

“Let us do away with the last of your clothing. I want to see all of you,” Miles murmured, moving closer. He reached for the hem of the featherlight item and pulled it up and over her head.

At this point, she could not formulate words. Unsure whether it was panic or just nerves, her hands trembled when she reached up to remove her hair adornment.

“Relax,” Miles said, bringing her against him, the touch of his skin a warm balm, his lips trailing across her shoulder and weakening her knees.

“Oh.” The word escaped her when his hands cupped her bottom, bringing her against the hardness of his shaft. It was wonderful, the way their bodies melded. His touches were enjoyable and every single one of her senses seemed sharper all of a sudden.

Miles lifted her and carried her to the bed. Just as he leaned to place her upon it, Siobhan noticed a slight grimace on his face, but it was quickly gone.

Without hesitation, he joined her, coming over her and pushing her legs apart with his knee. “This first time will be a bit uncomfortable,” he informed her in a tone that was without inflection. “I promise to make every instance after this enjoyable.”

Siobhan gulped in a breath as he fell upon her, his mouth on hers and hand trailing past her stomach, to her thigh, and finally, between her legs.

She tensed when his fingers slid between her sex, only to start when he touched a spot that sent jolts of sensations from her head to her toes. The more the caresses continued, the harder it became to focus until she was writhing under Miles. Suddenly it was as if she fell into a warm pool of water. In a strange, but beautiful way, her senses overcome, every inch of Siobhan’s body coming to life.

Miles drove into her, his manhood seeming too wide for her entrance, the realization of what had occurred bringing her slowly back to reality just as a piercing pain struck her inside.

“Ouch!” Siobhan screamed, pushing at his hips in an effort to dislodge him. “It hurts.”

“Shh.” Miles pressed his lips near her ear. “It will pass.”

The awareness of being joined as husband and wife sunk in and tears sprang to her eyes. The pain ebbed, gradually being replaced by a sense of wonder. “We did it,” she whispered. “We are one at this moment.” There was awe in her voice. “I wondered what it would feel like, and now I know.”

He chuckled, kissing her lips. “Yes, my beautiful wife. Indeed we are. Are you still in pain?”

Despite herself, she felt her face burn. “No. Not anymore.”

Moving slowly, he drew out and then back in, each movement seeming measured as he continued to drive in and out of her.

It was interesting, what he did. Siobhan studied him, not sure what her role was, but liking that he seemed intent on continuing. Moments later, a sliver of pleasing sensations filled her, and she warmed to the notion that during these times, there was no one else but them.

Miles became breathless his movements more frantic, and Siobhan ran her hands down his back which was slick with perspiration.

He tensed, and let out a sensual groan. When he collapsed over her, Miles was breathless. Still joined, he lifted his head and kissed her.

After a few moments, he rolled to lay beside her, and Siobhan studied his profile. “You are so very handsome.”

His bark of laughter made her smile. Miles turned to face her. “If you stopped thinking so much, it would have been more enjoyable for you.”

“I was waiting for it to hurt again,” Siobhan replied. “Try enjoying yourself while waiting for another stab of pain.”

His lips pressed to the tip of her nose. “I should have told you. It only hurts once.”