Page 100 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“I, Allie Bowman, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee to be my chosen one.”

They were wed. Some would argue an agreement of marriage and the act of making love formed the same consent as the words they spoke. But now there would be no doubt, in the absence of witnesses, to the two of them at least.

Reid guided himself toward her, ensuring she was indeed still ready for him, and prepared to make her his wife in truth.

“It will hurt,” he said regrettably. “But not for long.”

When he reached the barrier that proclaimed her a virgin, Reid stopped. He hated the thought of hurting her, but it was unavoidable. All he could hope to do was get the painful part over as quickly as possible. He broke through and froze, shocked when Allie wrapped her hands around his back and squeezed. She did not say a word, but her lips were pursed and she was clearly uncomfortable.

Do not look down. Do not look down.

He looked down. One glance at her full breasts and hips, curvy waist and their joining . . . ah God, why had he done it?

When she began to move, ever so slightly, Reid forced himself to wait.

“You will not break me, husband.”

Husband.

Had there ever been a sweeter sound than that word on her lips?

“Maybe not, but I do not wish to hurt you anymore, lass.”

He corrected himself. “Wife.”

This time, her movements were more pronounced.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Nay,” she said with the same smile she’d given him upon entering his chamber. “It does not.”

Reid matched her movements with his own and reached up to cup one beautiful breast. “Good.”

Still giving her time to adjust to having him inside her, Reid slowly began to move. Circling his hips, thrusting harder and harder, he dropped down until his body completely covered hers. He took her bottom lip, nipped it and captured her mouth in a kiss meant to devour.

He would leave her senses as overwhelmed as his own, worship her body as he did every part of her.

Reid propped himself on both hands, putting just enough space between them so Allie could watch. He looked down to where they were joined, and to his exquisite pleasure, she did the same.

His dreams of this moment paled in comparison to the sight of her under him, the feel of Allie all around him. Their gazes locked as Allie met his ever-increasing pace.

“I need—”

“You need me,” he said as their bodies moved together in perfect time.

Her arms moved from his back and gripped the coverlet on either side of them. She was close.

Reid pressed himself against her one last time, reveling in the feel of her breasts against his chest for the briefest of moments, and took her lips . . . capturing her tongue and giving her every last bit of himself.

When she cried out against his lips, Reid let himself go. Together, their bodies tensed and exploded, Reid refusing to break contact as they recovered.

* * *

Reid pulled away, moved to her side, and collapsed beside her. Allie wasn’t sure if she could ever move again. Nor did she want to. She would be perfectly content to lie here next to . . . her husband . . . forever.

Though her body railed against the idea of moving, she did shift to her side and prop her head in her hand. Reid’s smile pinched at her heart. That she could make this hardened man look so—

“You’re pleased,” he said. His eyes danced even as his grin deepened.