Loving Byrne by Donna Dalton Read Free Book Online Page A

me.”
    “In the tub?” Her pulse tripped at the thought. “Is there enough room for the both of us?”
    “There’s plenty of room.” He sat straighter, the bath water sloshing around him. “Come. I’ll show you.”
    Her lower belly quickened as if knowing what was to come. She undid the sash and wiggled out of the robe until it puddled at her feet. Cool air swirled around her, and gooseflesh pimpled over her bared skin. She shuddered, more from the bonfire that erupted in Stephen’s gaze than from the chilly air.
    “God, you’re beautiful. I can hardly wait to feel you against me.”
    Her knees trembled. The endgame seemed far less certain than the battle. She gave a nervous little laugh. “What do you want me to do?”
    “Step in and put your feet on either side of me.”
    She did as he directed, and then his hands were on her hips, urging her down. He centered her body over him and guided her onto his lap. His staff nudged at her folds, wanting to go in, fully ready to do so.
    “There. Plenty of room.”
    Warm water lapped at her skin. She licked her lips, eager to experience the splendor of lovemaking, yet fearing it at the same time.
    Stephen gave her waist a reassuring squeeze. “Your turn now, sweetheart.”
    “My turn?”
    “For a bathing.” He fished the cloth and soap from the water and worked up a thick lather. He spread it over her shoulders, taking his time, his sensual movements calculated to exact the fullest retribution. “Did you know...a woman’s body is much like a battlefield.”
    The prickle and slide of cotton over her skin wiped her mind clean. All she could think about was the path of his assault.
    He swirled a soapy finger across her collar bone and down to a breast where he circled the raised nub. “Peaked mounds perfect for observing the battle.” He brought her nipple to him and kissed it. “You taste soapy, but good.”
    Ripples of warmth grabbed and tugged at her. She groaned and tipped back her head, savoring the sensation.
    He stroked down to her belly, his fingers leaving a trail of fire in their wake. “Flat planes optimal for the clash of combatants.”
    Were they battling? If so, she was already torched and scorched.
    His fingers drifted south and tangled in the small curls. “A forest for concealing a soldier cut off behind enemy lines.” He dipped a finger inside her. “And a cave that must be slowly and carefully breached in order to protect the treasure held within.”
    Heat swelled between her legs. With a moan, she braced her hands on his stomach and threw back her shoulders. She moved upon him and felt him stir where they were nestled together. Her fear ebbed, leaving only desire in its place.
    His ebony eyes turned molten. “Slowly,” he whispered, his voice hoarse, hungry. “Need to go…slow. Wait until you’re ready.”
    She was ready, more than ready. So was he. She shifted her grip to the sides of the tub and rose up. Only one way to meet an invasion. She thrust down upon his staff.
    A deep cry bolted out of her. She felt tearing inside. A stab of pleasure and pain. It was bitter sweet.
    “Good…God.” Stephen surged upward to meet her. “Wait.” He locked his hands around her hips and held tight, panting, his face contorted. “Don’t move, or this will be amazingly…brief.”
    The hot flower of pain wilted. A feeling of fullness sprouted in its place, putting out roots, surging for the sun.
    Stephen’s hands clenched around her, then relaxed. “God, Victoria. You’ll be the death of me. Does it hurt?”
    “No.” She shook her head. “Yes. It feels…strange.”
    He took a deep, ragged breath. “I wanted this to be slow and magical.”
    Magical. He need not worry. Her insides were blooming with enchantment. She shifted her hips, searching for something that seemed just out of reach.
    “Stay still, love. I’ll try to go slow.”
    His fingers slid down to open her soft, sensitive parts. He eased himself deeper inside. Pleasure folded