Page 69 of The Darkland

“It could be a lass.”

“Would you be disappointed?”

“Perish the thought.”

Mara gazed at him, feeling the pull of emotion overwhelm her. Lowering her head, she brushed her lips against his. “Then give me your son, Kirk Connaught,” she breathed against his mouth. “Give me your life so that you will never, ever leave me.”

He growled, pulling her tight against him and plunging his tongue into her mouth. Mara wrapped her legs around him as he rolled on top of her, feeling his weight and power with the greatest of joy.

“Kirk,” she gasped as his lips moved to her breast. “I do love you. I love you with all my heart.”

He paused, his gray eyes filled with emotion. “Oh, Mara,” he whispered. “You know the feeling is very, very mutual. I cannot remember when I have not loved you.”

There were tears in her eyes. “When I raked my nails across your face?”

He shook his head. “Not even then.” He lifted himself so he was level with her gaze. “But if it worries you so, then make amends to me.”

She kissed his scabs, so tenderly that Kirk could literally feel her reverence. “There,” she murmured. “Better?”

“Hmm, much.” He kissed her in return, gathering her against him once more. “And it shall be better still.”

Mara wrapped her legs around his hips, feeling his arousal push at her. Kirk’s hand was to her breast, his lips against her forehead, her cheek, as he murmured words of love and desire. With every caress, every kiss, the fire in her loins grew and she thrust her pelvis forward, capturing the tip of his seeking manhood. Kirk groaned, bracing himself, as he finished what she had started by pushing deep into her body.

The first heavy thrust rocked her. Mara gasped with pleasure, lifting her arms and grasping the bedpost for support as he thrust into her again and again. She was slick with passion, fully prepared to accept all of the maleness he had to offer.

“Harder, Kirk,” she breathed. “Do it… harder.”

He nearly exploded, her words of lust driving him to the brink. But he controlled himself, obeying her command by pumping firmly into herresponsive little body. Mara squirmed and panted, lifting her pelvis to meet him, demanding pleasure only he could supply.

The world rocked. Mara could feel Kirk’s hand on her breasts as he drove into her, pinching her nipples into hard pellets. Her legs held him tight, squeezing him against her as the heat of desire mounted.

Mara savored the exquisite blaze in her loins, remembering how Kirk had so ably doused the fire with his magical touch. And she wanted to experience the same pleasure again. Releasing the bedpost, she pulled his mouth to her swollen lips.

“Make me feel as you did last night,” she whispered between heated kisses. “The pleasure… the feelings, Kirk. Bring them back to me.”

“In time, love.” He suddenly rolled onto his back, still joined to her. “All in good time.”

Mara gasped with the swift movement as she ended up on top of him. Kirk grinned up at her, both hands moving to her supple breasts.

“You wanted feelings, love?” He thrust his hips upward, slowly. “The make your own feelings. Ride me as I ride you.”

Hair wildly askew, Mara looked puzzled. Kirk moved again, encouragingly, until she timidly took the lead. Pushing herself up, she grinned wickedly when he groaned.

“Like this?” She slid down on him and pushed up again. Repeating the process, she watched Kirk twitch and moan. “Do you like this?”

He nodded weakly, his eyes closed. “Christ, woman. I am mere putty in your hands.”

Mara grinned. She could make her own wonderful feelings by impaling herself on him, sliding the length of his shaft and feeling her body shudder with delight. The rhythm soon became steady, the pulse pounding, and in little time Mara felt the familiar explosion ripple through her groin. Kirk held her hips firmly, feeling her muscles milk him, demanding his seed. He could not help but answer.

Mara felt him erupt deep inside her and she smiled, eyes closed and head lolling. “That’s right,” she murmured, squirming atop him to drain every last drop. “Give it all to me, Kirk. Give me your son.”

In spite of his pleasure and exhaustion, Kirk laughed softly. “Is that all you want me for?”

Her eyes were still closed. Lazily, she smiled. “Aye.”

He took a deep breath as the waves of rapture faded, pulling her against his chest. Weak and sated, Mara dozed to the sound of his pounding heart.

Kirk’s lips caressed her forehead, his thoughts turning from their lovemaking to his impending trip to Ireland. The urge to take her with him was tremendous, but he knew in his heart she must stay behind. Still, thethought of separation ate away at him like a cancer and he gathered her closer, pulling the linens over them both in a protective cocoon.