Oh my. Johanna’s breath caught in her throat. She’d thought him magnificent that first time he’d been bared to her eyes. Fresh from his bath, his eyes had twinkled with mischief as he caught her sneaking about his chamber. She’d flushed red as a berry, of that she was certain. How wanton she’d felt after daring to glimpse his rugged, masculine body and yearning for just another peek.
But now, she looked upon him boldly, drinking him in. This was not a time for shyness. This was a time to savor him as she’d feast her eyes upon an artist’s masterpiece. Good heavens, if he’d been born in another time, another place, he might well have inspired a sculptor of old. Long, powerful legs, sheathed with muscle from thigh to calf. Lean hips. A flat abdomen ridged with muscle. A thin, dark line trailed over that taut flesh, culminating in a thatch of dark hair. His erection jutted proudly, the ultimate proof of his desire.
He pulled her close and showered her with kisses that made her toes curl. A warmth filled her, decadent as a rich, dark chocolate morsel, and her hunger for him stirred. Stronger and stronger, the need to feel his possession was a fire through her body.
He reached down, gliding his fingertips over her, teasing the apex of her thighs. Cradling her mound against his hand, he stroked her gently. Hunger rekindled, deep within. A hot, liquid heat pooled inside her, spreading with languid grace through her limbs.
“Ah, ye’re ready for me,” he whispered against her lips. “Ye’ll be tight and hot. I’ll lose my mind if I don’t have ye.”
Shifting, he prowled over her with a sleek grace. His length pressed against her thigh. Hard. Throbbing. Demanding. The feel of his naked flesh against hers sent a fresh thrill through Johanna. Ah, it felt so right to lie with this man, to savor his scent and the texture of his skin and the taste of his mouth on hers. She closed her eyes, drinking in every sensation, every sound, every beat of his heart against hers. She’d only have this one night.
Once again, his mouth found hers. Connor’s tongue wove between her lips, teasing and tantalizing and driving her wild with need. She arched against him, aching to feel him, wanting the sweet pressure of his shaft against her female flesh.
“I need ye, Johanna.” His gruff rasp was akin to a plea. With a fervent nod, she urged him on, and he positioned his hips between hers. His erection pressed against her belly as she whispered sweet, wanton words against his ear.
The tip of his cock breached her sex. Inch by blissful inch, he entered her. She drew in a deep breath, relaxing, allowing him full possession.
He stilled. With a low sound deep in his throat, he kissed her again and began to move. Slow. Deliberate. Restrained. As if he didn’t want to hurt her.
“Don’t hold back, love,” she whispered. “I want you. All of you.”
His lips seared hers, his thrusts now powerful. Long, plunging strokes, embedding himself within her. His breaths came harsh against her ear. Raw. Desperate. Hungry.
And again, he swept Johanna away. She wanted him. Only him. For the rest of her life, she’d remember this night when she’d known passion and desire and love.
Love. Ah, there was the rub. She wasn’t supposed to fall in love.
No, this was supposed to be one delicious night, a sensual memory of a man she could never have.
It wasn’t supposed to be love.
But it was.
Holding Connor, canting her hips and arching her back to take him into her body, deeper and deeper, she grew mindless with her own need. Even as her body’s hunger overwhelmed her, her heart throbbed the truth with every beat.
She loved him.
Could he feel the emotion pulsing from her heart? Or did he believe her need for him to be purely physical?
“Ah, Johanna. My sweet lass,” he murmured.
His thrusts were faster now. Harder. Consumed with need. Her body went taut. She was close then. So very close.
Pleasure welled within her. So intense, it seemed akin to a pain.
A cry escaped her, and she clung to him. Waves of blinding sensation washed over her. Again and again. Dragging her far from shore. Far from safety. She held fast to those powerful shoulders. Needing him now as desperately as she’d longed for this wanton release.
Deep in his throat, he groaned a low, primal sound. He pulled away. His big, powerful body shuddered as he murmured endearments in a language she instinctively understood.
He collapsed against the bed, pure masculine contentment spreading over his features. In his arms, Johanna snuggled close. He’d carried her away to a place where she floated mindlessly, drifting to the pinnacle of her passion for him. Now, she lay at his side, her head resting against his chest, drinking in every beat of his heart.
In his arms, she’d found true joy. If only for this night.
Chapter Twenty-Eight