Page 73 of Isabel and the Rogue

Sirius nodded. “I indicated that the intelligence had been discovered by a Mexican operative named Isabel Luna.”

Isabel’s jaw went slack. “But…but you didn’t know what I had learned before you sent that note.”

“I didn’t.” Sirius lifted a shoulder, his eyes trained on his knuckles as they swept down her cheek. “But I wanted them to believe the veracity of the warning, and I knew they would believe you because you’re one of them.”

Her eyes stung, and she blinked rapidly as she stared up at his dear face. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. You truly did unearth this information all on your own, and because you are a shrewd, discerning woman”—Sirius bussed her temple—“you immediately knew what to do with it to ensure it was delivered into the right hands. I’m proud of you, Isabel.”

Clamping her eyes closed, Isabel let his words sweep over her like a comforting breeze. The fear that froze her veins just moments ago had been tempered, and she was now infused with the warmth of rekindled hope.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered, opening her eyes and smiling.

His blue gaze turned tender. “Are you?”

Isabel nodded, the temperature of her blood quickly spiking. Her fingers plucked at the buttons on his coat before her hand moved up to play with the tie of his dress shirt, her fingertips brushing against the patch of skin hidden there.

“You’ve been so stressed, darling. Do you need to be soothed?” When she jerked her head in assent, Sirius smirked. “You know I can give you what you need,” he whispered against her neck.

Her hand curled around his lapel as she nodded again.

“Because you know I’ll keep you safe.” Sirius kissed her jaw, his lips lingering against her skin.

Isabel turned to snare his lips, but he moved his face away.

“And you know I’ll do anything to make you happy,” he purred, his soothing scent filling her lungs.

She pressed closer into his chest, emotions she refused to name pulsating through her. “You’re just saying that.”

“I’m not.” Sirius grasped her chin and brought her head up. “Isabel, I mean it.”

“Why, Sirius?” Isabel placed her hand over his, twining their fingers together against her cheek. “Why me?”

“You know, sunshine.” His throat bobbed. “You know why.”

“Say it,” Isabel whispered, her breath coming in pants.

“Because I want you. I want you in ways I’ve never wanted another woman.” Sirius dragged his fingers to cup the base of her neck. “I’ll never want anyone else the way I want you.”

Her ribs squeezed tight around her lungs, and her heart abruptly thundered in her throat. Could Sirius be in earnest? Dare she trust him? Isabel wanted to, but her insecurities clung to her with eagle talons. “That’s what you say now, but—”

“But nothing, darling.” Sirius pressed a finger to her lips. “I know nothing I say will ever convince you, so let me show you. Please let me do that.”

Faith, she was desperate to believe him. “Very well,” she breathed. “Show me.”

Sirius didn’t need another invitation. Lifting her chin with his hand, he crashed his mouth down upon hers. His scent curled about her, leaving her lightheaded, even as he gripped her tighter, as if impatient to consume her. Isabel was more than willing to surrender.

Without lifting his lips from hers, Sirius ran his hands down her sides to clutch the hem of her nightdress. Isabel raised her arms, and he pulled it up and over her head with an impatient huff. Reaching for him, she scrambled to remove his jacket, uncaring for where it fell.

“Relax, Isabel. There’s no rush.” He stopped her anxious hands with his own. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“You may not be, but we could still be discovered,” she said, tension prickling along her scalp. “If Gabby or Lady Yardley were to check on me, they would get a shock.”

Squeezing her fingers, Sirius waited until she met his eyes. “This is our first time together in a bed. I’ve daydreamed of stretching you out and kissing every inch of your body, so let me. Put your worries aside for now. They will still be there when I am done with you.”

The backs of her eyes burned, but Isabel remained quiet as Sirius lowered her to the mattress, sighing deeply when he kissed her. Before she could deepen the kiss, however, Sirius moved his mouth to the valley between her neck and shoulder. To her collarbone. To the swell of her breasts.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, dancing his fingers down her arms to trace along the underside of her breasts. “Your skin is so soft, like the most decadent silk.”