Page 38 of Merciful Salvation

“Turn around, lass.”

She did.

Aaron untied the ribbon on the back of her gown. It gapped, revealing her pearly flesh. He closed his eyes, his hands plunging inside. Warm, smooth skin welcomed him. He swallowed.Odin—tell me if she’s my future—my redemption.He opened his eyes, then slowly peeled her dress off and tossed it aside. Not an inch of her flesh escaped his attention. He slowly turned her around and let his gaze move from her firm breasts to the soft curls covering her woman’s mound. He wanted to sink his cock inside her—ride her furiously until she screamed in pleasure.

Mind reeling, he took a deep breath and removed her boots. He’d fantasized about her creamy thighs since the night he’d met her, debating whether she had slim or muscled legs. To his delight, they were perfectly formed, long and silky to the touch. He gazed up at her admiringly. Her blue eyes were closed. She was so unbelievably beautiful, indescribably so.

With his face level with her slit, he couldn’t resist the urge to taste her. He stared thirstily at her nether lips, imagining the sweet nectar he’d find. He sank his tongue inside her.

By the gods.

Her inner muscles contracted, as she moaned, riding his face. She tried to edge away, but his hands instinctively locked her in place. She’d not deny him the pleasure. Or herself. His tongue moved with greater urgency, thrusting deep, then withdrawing, circling, and flicking. Her legs began to tremble.

Unable to concentrate on anything other than joining with her, Aaron kissed his way up her torso until he was standing again. Her rosebud tips were tight with excitement, begging for attention. He cradled each breast reverently, nipping and sucking her nipples until a wicked grin spread across his face. “Undress me.”

Kara cupped his face, chewing nervously on her bottom lip.

“Do you fear what’s in my breeches?”

“Nay,” she assured him hastily, placing her palms on his chest.

Upon contact, he kissed her greedily again. Few things could rival her kisses. Moments later, thrumming with frustration, Aaron guided her hand between his legs. When she cupped his shaft through his braies, he groaned, pleasure spiraling through him. “Don’t be ashamed, Kara,” he murmured. “Our bodies are meant to fit together—not just for procreation—but for immeasurable pleasure.”

She moaned as he pushed against her, rocking vigorously. Without warning, he stripped his tunic off. Feeling her skin against his own offered more contentment than Valhalla. “Do you wish to go for a swim?” He couldn’t think of a better way to overcome the hot evening air or her unease.

“Yes.”

Enthused by her answer, he unlaced his boots and kicked them off. Next, he removed his breeches. He straightened his spine, facing her again.

Her eyes widened with inquisitiveness. “You’re beautiful.” She palmed his shaft. “So incredibly thick and long.” She focused all her attention on him, stroking gently, using her other hand to cradle his bollocks.

He threw his head back, basking in the pleasure of her gentle, but awkward touch. Kara Dalgaard handled his manhood the way she did a sword. His soft laughter came unexpectedly. A woman had never called him beautiful before.Odin.He caught one of her breasts roughly with his mouth, curling his tongue over her areola. When the dusky bud hardened, he nipped it, enjoying the jolt it sent through her body.

Unwilling to wait any longer, he gripped her hand. “The lake,” he managed to stammer between heavy breaths. Desire had overtaken him. “Walk with me.”

They waded into the cool water, then Aaron crouched, tapping his thighs. He wanted her in his arms, wanted to consummate their relationship before she changed her mind. She fitted herself against his body, locking her ankles at his lower back. The exquisite sensations he experienced holding her so close, the love he felt while he stared into her eyes humbled him. Weeks of conflict had only served to enflame his heart. He adored her, from those perfectly shaped lips to her pigheaded determination. And her heart, that’s what he longed for the most. He’d never been so bloody driven to win a woman’s love.

She laughed softly, lifting her arms over her head, sinking back into the water. Lust slammed inside his chest. She’d snared him body and soul. Staring wide-eyed at her, he knew with one jab he could penetrate her, claim her. Instead, he slipped a finger inside, then another, stretching her slowly. She writhed against his hand, moaning with pleasure as he gently rotated his fingers. Although she was half submerged in water, he could feel how gloriously hot and wet she was for him. His engorged shaft screamed for relief.

“Come back to me, lass.” He pulled her into a tight embrace,sweeping wet hair out of her eyes. He nearly forgot to breathe, he was so excited. Cupping her backside tightly, he lifted her out of the water, then carried her to shore.

The time for play was over.

He trudged several yards, then stopped where grass covered the shoreline. Not the place he’d envisioned making love with her for the first time, but then he realized how truly fitting it was. The only bedchamber worthy of his prize was here, surrounded by Odin’s glory. He knelt with her in his arms, then slowly disentangled himself. She dropped onto her side, then rolled on her back, gazing up at him. He could lose himself in those stark blue eyes.

A rush of emotion went through him. He suddenly realized why their personalities had played tug-of-war for so long. “I want you, Kara.”

She spread her legs.

“Lass...” He carefully lowered himself on top of her.

Flush with her, he nipped and tongued her nipples. She arched her back, thrusting her breasts upward. His flesh caught fire. He wanted to feel the hot white heat inside her. She released her breath slowly as he positioned himself at her entrance. Then he moved his mouth to her ear. “Once I have you, Kara, I won’t share you—ever.”

Did she understand? Would the finality of his words change her mind? “My heart is set on you,” she confessed.

Pride swelled inside his chest. She’dchosenhim. The expression on her face was unmistakable—indisputable—she hungered as he did. He captured her mouth, driving his tongue deep to distract her while he pierced her. He pressed his lips to her throat, caressing her with gentle kisses. She responded eagerly, her hips slamming against him. “Easy.” He exhaled. “Your body needs to adjust slowly.” He didn’t want to hurt her.

He eased in another inch, preparing her for his full length. It had been much too long since he’d done this and his stamina was lacking.Especially with her. Although he praised the gods for forming such a lovely creature—sweeter and tighter than any woman he’d ever made love to—the agonizing waves of pleasure she inspired jeopardized his restraint. Kara’s eyes squeezed shut. He thrust again, slipping in a few more inches.