Loving Byrne by Donna Dalton Read Free Book Online Page B

around his entry. She gasped and arched her hips to meet it.
    “Softly, sweetheart. Wait.”
    “I…I can’t.”
    “You can. Go gently.” He pressed her down to him, holding her still. “We’re in no hurry.”
    She didn’t try to answer. Couldn’t. An overwhelming sense of urgency gripped her. A frantic need to ride upon him. It was impossible to keep still. A forest of light grew around her. Building. Intensifying.
    He must have felt the change within her. He loosened his grip and let her move upon him. She rocked her hips back and forth. Her insides smoldered and caught fire. She increased her pace, rushing toward the promise of something wonderful.
    Stephen gasped and thrust upward, pushing deep inside. Yes. Yes. Yes. She threw back her head and cried out, joining him at the pinnacle of pleasure.
    ****
    The Meeting Hall resembled a botanical garden and smelled just as sweet. Lily of the valley, tuberoses, and spirea adorned the ribbon-wrapped columns, windows, and the massive chandeliers. White roses formed a large bell that hung over a raised dais placed in front of a bank of windows. Hundreds of elegantly dressed guests milled about, chatting softly as they awaited the wedding procession. Victoria sighed and fingered her store-bought gown. She was as out of place as a crow in a songbird aviary.
    Earlier, Mr. Hammond had come upon her and Stephen in the hotel lobby and had invited her to attend the wedding as his guest. Had begged, actually. Said he needed her presence to help bolster his confidence. She couldn’t refuse his earnest entreaty. So, she’d gone home and changed into her Sunday best, which wasn’t anywhere close to the elegant gowns being worn by the American royalty in attendance. Hopefully the service would be over quickly, and she and Stephen could slip away unnoticed.
    “Are you all right, Miss Manning? It is overly warm in here with this mad crush and the windows and curtains pulled shut.”
    She turned to face her companion, Sir Edward Thornton, the British Ambassador, who was standing in for the absent Hammond family. “Stephen told me General Babcock ordered the windows and curtains closed. To keep the newspapermen from intruding.”
    “Stephen?”
    “My fiancé. Lieutenant Byrne. He was assigned to look after Mr. Hammond.”
    “Ah, Lieutenant Byrne. A fine officer and gentleman. When is your wedding?”
    “In two weeks.” She waved a hand to encompass the room. “It won’t be anywhere near as grand as this. But we’re happy with our plans.”
    And she was happy. Flowers and cakes and decorations didn’t matter. What mattered was that she and Stephen would soon be bound together. Forever. That could happen in a barn full of animals for all she cared. As long as she had her love by her side.
    She turned to locate him in the press of bodies. He and dozens of other Army officers had formed a human corridor running from the entrance to the raised dais. He was easy to pick out among the uniformed men. His broad shoulders and dark, glistening mane were as familiar to her as the back of her hand. Her blood heated as she recalled their night together. The way his hands had played over her body. Like a piano maestro plying ivory keys. He’d taken her from the soft opening notes to the crashing climax with little effort. And she had many, many more nights just like that awaiting her.
    A hush fell over the crowd, and Mr. Hammond entered the room, dressed in a stylish black evening suit. His expression was peaceful, almost happy. Good. He should be happy on his wedding day. He and his best man made their way to the dais where they stood at the foot. Mrs. Grover then paraded down the officer-lined corridor with her two sons. She was followed by the bridesmaids, each wearing a white gown trimmed with blue forget-me-nots and pink roses.
    A marine band began playing Mendelssohn’s Wedding March , and Senator Grover emerged from the doorway with his daughter on his arm. Victoria drew in a