Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
She was glad, though more pleased, when he reached out and took hold of her hand, keeping them connected.
He turned his head to her. “Are you all right?”
Shade smiled. “I do not believe I ever felt so wonderful in my entire life. I will cherish this memory forever.”
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “I intend to leave you with many more memories.” He silently cursed himself when he saw her smile fade. Whatever was he thinking, reminding her that he would eventually leave her after just making love with her?
Making love?
Was that how he felt about it? Did he care more for her than he would admit to himself?
“I have a mission,” he said as if that explained it, but to who? Him or her?
“You made it clear, Quint, I understand, and how could I have any regrets when you made my first time so memorable. Though I will admit that I will miss you.”
“And I you.” He didn’t hesitate, though he did wonder if it was wise of him to say, “I can return when the mission is done.”
Shade eased her hand out of his and turned on her side to rest her hand on his chest. “I would welcome your return, but think on it, Quint, for I do not believe I could bear saying goodbye to you twice.”
She slipped beneath his arm to cuddle against him and was asleep soon after.
Quint lay there thinking about it. She was letting him know she wished for something permanent and if he could not give that to her then he should not return to her. He was dreaming if he thought he could give her what she wanted. Besides, how would she feel when she learned the truth about him? Would she still welcome him, and would she ever want him to touch her again?
CHAPTER 9
They had barely entered the cottage when he had her bent over the table, her garments tossed up and his shaft inside her. And she had welcomed him, couldn’t wait to feel him there, couldn’t wait for him to quench her need that seemed never-ending.
Shade silently admonished herself for letting her thoughts drift to yesterday, though this morning wasn’t much different. As soon as they woke his hands roamed over her intimately, touching her in places she had never touched herself. She didn’t stop him. She didn’t want to. She intended to enjoy what time they had together and regret not a moment of it. She had now, for three days, and she hoped there would be many more days before he had to take his leave.
Her stomach knotted. It did every time she thought of him leaving and her glance went to him stacking wood he had chopped. The entire side of her cottage was nearly stacked with it. He hadn’t said, but she knew he was concerned that she would have enough firewood for when winter set in. She cherished the easy comfort they shared, much like a couple who had been married for years.
Shade shook her head. She could not allow herself to dwell on what could be but rather enjoy what she had here and now. She got busy gathering up the blanket she had thrown over a low branch this morning so it could soak in some fresh air. She had given it a good washing when summer had been ending and the sun was still warm enough to dry it in a day. Now she would air it and the sheets several times before winter set in.
Arms suddenly wrapped around her while Quint’s hands took hold of the blanket and wrapped her in it and drew her cocooned body against him.
“I got you where I want you,” he said and teased her neck with nibbles.
Gooseflesh ran over her, firing a spark in her. “And I thought you preferred me naked.”
He hoisted her up so that her feet didn’t touch the ground and carried her to the cottage. “Which is how we are both going to be shortly beneath this blanket. And don’t think I don’t know that you prefer me naked since it is obvious you cannot resist my body.”
Shade chuckled. “I do love your body and what it does to me.”
He nibbled at her neck again, then whispered, “What does it do to you, Shade?”
Gooseflesh ran over her again, igniting the spark it had flamed. “The most wickedly wonderful things.”
“Good, because I am feeling extremely wicked,” he said and was about to capture her lips in a kiss when he suddenly shoved her behind him, the blanket almost falling to the ground if Shade hadn’t grabbed it.
When Quint’s glance shot to his sword braced against the bench, she realized he sensed or heard someone’s approach. Then as fast as his concern appeared, it vanished.
“Show yourself, Dru,” he called out.