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Ford laughed at her quick retreat. He helped her slip her feet back into her boots, then wrapped his coat snugly around her shivering form.

With gentle hands, he assisted Grace back onto their patient horse. Once mounted, Ford enveloped her in his arms, settling her onto his lap, her head beneath his chin, her cheek pressing into his chest. Using his body heat and friction to warm her, he rubbed her arms and back vigorously, willing the color to return to her pale cheeks.

“T-t-the water w-w-was s-so fresh…” she stuttered.

Ford chuckled and embraced her tighter. “Was it worth it?”

“Ab-b-b-sol-l-lutly.”

She looped her arms around his neck and then—

“Ow!” he cried, his voice higher pitched than he’d ever heard it as she dipped her icy hands inside the collar of his shirt. She laughed but withdrew her hands instantly.

“Lord, you’re freezing.”

She shrugged or possibly shuddered. “I will warm up soon.”

“Hm…” Ford pursed his lips. “I enjoyed being warmed by you the other night. Perhaps I should repay the favor.”

She didn’t answer; she just looked up at him, gazed into his eyes. He dipped his head and pressed his lips against hers. She didn’t protest, but she didn’t respond either.

He kissed her again. This time, his tongue darted out to lick at the corner of her lips until she opened her mouth. He slipped his tongue inside, devouring her mouth. She let out a little whimper, and he pulled away.

“Do you want me to continue? Because you can say no and I will stop.”

“Do you want to continue?” she whispered.

“I think my actions speak for themselves.”

“Then I hope my actions will do the same.” Throwing her hands over his neck, she pushed up, trying to turn to face him fully. He picked her up by the waist as she struggled with her skirts until she successfully managed to straddle him.

Their hands ran over each other’s clothing, desperate to find any skin within. The rough fabric of Ford’s shirt rubbed against his heated flesh, adding to the intensity of his desire. Grace fidgeted in his lap, likely facing similar sensual torment. He slid one hand around her neck, feeling her rapid pulse beneath his fingertips. His other hand traced a teasing path up her leg, sliding under her skirt and playing with the sensitive skin of her inner thigh.

Ford covered her mouth with his, and Grace met his desperate kiss with equal fervor, her tongue dancing with his, her soft moans echoing their overwhelming desire for each other. Her hips moved in a restless rhythm, grinding against his thigh, seeking more pleasure.

The horse beneath them began to move slowly along the path, adding a gentle rocking motion that only heightened their intense passion.

Grace bit down on Ford’s lip and tugged at it playfully before locking eyes with him and smiling mischievously.

He mirrored her smile before dipping his head to nip at her earlobe, eliciting a soft exhale mixed with a needy moan from her lips. “Touch me,” she begged, her hands roaming over his shoulders and neck before tangling in his hair as he trailed kisses down her jawline and back up.

Ford’s hand explored the silky skin between her thighs before pressing firmly against her wet center. The gentle movement of the horse added just enough friction between his palm and her sensitive nub, causing Grace to rock her hips in wild abandon.

“That’s it, my love,” he whispered against her lips, kissing her deeply. Their gasps and moans intermingled with the saddle’s creaking and the horse’s rhythmic movements, creating a symphony of pleasure in the air.

As Grace’s movements became more urgent, she gasped and closed her eyes tightly, clinging to Ford as waves of pleasure washed over her body. The sweet scent of her desire mixed with sweat permeated the air, sending Ford’s body into a frenzy.

With quick movements, Ford freed himself from his breeches, his straining length springing to life, begging for her touch. “Grip my shoulders,” he commanded, and she complied, digging her fingers into his coat as he lifted her and impaled her onto him.

She took him in effortlessly, her body gripping him tightly as she settled on top of him. Ford’s mind went blank as the overwhelming pleasure consumed him.

Their eyes locked in a fiery gaze as Grace moved slowly, each little twitch sending hot flashes all over Ford’s body.

“I want you,” she whispered desperately. “I want to feel it again.”

Ford tried to smile, but the pleasure was too intense. “You’ll have to work for it, love,” he whispered huskily. “You’ll have to ride me. Hard.”

She nodded and followed his instructions, moving her hips in a steady rhythm, gripping him tightly, and pushing against his shoulders to slide up and down his length.