“I’m starting to feel quite hot.” Within the darkness of the covers, she looked into his eyes, the fire’s glow which penetrated through lighting the gold sparks gleaming within the heavenly shade of brown. “Push the covers back a little, please.”
“I’ll decide when you’re hot enough.”
“Have you ever been aroused this way with another lass afore?” She arched a brow. “Be honest with me, because those who are mated can barely tolerate the touch of another and the feel of you against me is rather thrilling, no matter my growling.”
“Damn it, Ella. We arenae mated.”
“So you say, but so I disagree. I’ve never felt such a deep desire for another as I do for you, although for you to be my mate would mean you’re hiding your fae blood from me. I also did no’ fall into the water. Someone tossed me overboard, right before apologizing for having to do so. One of your men fears that I might compel you all to your death.”
“There isnae a man on board my galley who’d toss an innocent lass into the sea.”
“Yet someone did.” She cupped his cheeks in her hands and murmured, “Many of our fae-blooded kind are soul bound to another, and when we come of age and find our chosen one, we join together in all ways, the silken strands between our souls fully weaving together into one. ’Tis a bond we desire, hope with all our heart is gifted to us. I can sense that bond taking form right now between us.”
“There is no bond forming, no matter how much you wish for it.”
“The odd marriage has taken place between our clans over the years. Are you certain you dinnae hold even a trace of fae blood, that it does no’ flow within your father or mother’s line somehow?”
“Beyond certain.”
“Then mayhap you’re unaware of that fae blood.” She touched one finger to his lower lip, swept it from corner to corner with a soft sigh escaping her lips. “Could I ask a request of you?”
“That depends on what it might be.”
“Would you kiss me?”
Never in Ella’s life had her heart beat this fast, or her desire risen to such a staggering need. Surely she wasn’t the only one feeling these incredibly new and wonderful emotions. “I want you to kiss me, to know what it’s like to share the same breath as you.”
“You truly are an annoyance, one I wish I’d never laid eyes upon, whether you compelled that of me or no’.”
Fierce need rushed through her and she pushed him onto his back and scrambled on top. “There is something growing between us and you must give it a chance to take a firm hold. Damn well kiss me now, or else I’ll kiss you.”
“Are you always this demanding?”
“I am this night.” She leaned closer, her lips a mere breath away from his as she whispered, “Surely one kiss willnae hurt you.”
“How about you kiss me instead?”
“Agreed.” She would get the truth out of him somehow, but for now, she would allow the ties between them to continue to strengthen and deepen, for him to see that none could halt the mated bond when it took form, not him, and certainly not her. She licked his lower lip, wanted so much more, and she took. She kissed him, their mouths joined and his breath mingling so sweetly with hers. Clearly one kiss wouldn’t be enough. She delved deeper, urged his lips farther apart and kissed him with all the fierce need roaring to full and vibrant life within her.
“Ella.” He murmured her name, clamped her backside tight and kissed her just as greedily as she kissed him, his hips rocking against hers and his shaft a hard rod of steel poking into her belly.
“I like your kisses, Duncan. I want more of them.” She molded her body to his, left not one inch of them separated.
“You are clearly intent on ravishment.”
“Aye, I am this night.” She couldn’t keep her smile at bay. “We will make a good match, no matter you’re a MacKenzie and I’m a Matheson.”
“I willnae take advantage of an innocent lass in the dark of the night, and while on enemy soil no less.” He rolled her over under the furs, came up over her and kissed her with a breathless urgency that thrummed through her too. “Ella.” He skimmed her sides, slid his hands under her. “Dinnae encourage me any further.”
“When you’re ready to trust me with your secrets, then I’ll be here.” She seized his biceps and kissed him again, passionately, until the heat between them blazed and swarmed her senses.
“Have to stop,” he muttered as he lifted his head. Panting, he rolled off her and onto his back, pushed the covers clear of their heads and peered through the thick fog.
Mayhap they should stop. They were on his enemy’s soil and two of his men remained close. She could just make them out where they kept guard near his half-beached galley.
“I want you to close your eyes and rest.” Firm words, his gaze unarguable as he faced her on his side.
“Only if you stay with me.”
“Of course.” He grumbled some more under his breath and she snuggled against him, the blankets a haven a warmth surrounding her, just as his presence was.