Page 82 of The Knight’s Reward

When she let out a soft sigh, Neill stopped just long enough to remove his own tunic and shirt. Eyes wide, Kathryn moved her hands to his chest, as he’d done to her. He closed his eyes, the feel of her hands on his bare flesh making him hard in an instant.

“Though we should wait,” he said stupidly.

She moved one hand toward his stomach, and as it lowered . . .

Oh God, no.

He grasped it just before her fingers reached a place from which there would be no return.

“Aye, we should,” she said with a sigh. “I’ve preserved my maidenhood for this long, and we don’t know what the king will say.”

Neill moved the hand he’d grasped around to his back. Even there, the flesh shivered in anticipation beneath her warm, soft ministrations.

“It does not matter.”

And to him, it didn’t. He would take no other woman as his wife.

He briefly glimpsed her look of surprise before he captured her lips once again. When he pulled away, it was only to lift her shift and wrap her legs around his waist. He moved them to the outside wall, knowing the inside ones were thin. There, with her back propped against the wall, Neill continued to ensure she was ready for him.

Because Kathryn would become his in truth that night.

He circled his hips against her, Kathryn mimicking his movements, kissing him back passionately.

This was reckless. Completely mad.

Her first time could not be like this. Really, it should not be here, now. He should wait until they had leave to marry. But Neill tightened his hold on her and carried her to the bed. Kneeling over her, he ran his hand up toward her inner thigh but did not stop.

She did not stop him.

He felt her readiness for him. This time, he’d not make her come with his hands. Trying to decide if he would undress himself or the beautiful woman beneath him, Neill froze.

Kathryn looked at him in confusion, obviously not having heard the sound.

Another knock landed on the door.

She heard it this time and scrambled off the bed. Neill found his shirt and, tossing it on, made his way to the door.

“Neill,” came the hushed voice.

Aylmer.

He whipped open the door, pulled his friend inside, and closed the door behind him. His long-time friend raised his brows as he watched him put on his shirt, but he did not so much as glance in Kathryn’s direction.

Good Aylmer.

“There are men below looking for you.”

“Men?”

“The king’s men.”

“At this hour?”

“Aye.” He made a face that some would say was borderline treasonous. “’Tis the king. And you’re being reminded that you serve the king’s whims.”

He knew the truth of it better than most.

“How did you know to find him here?” Kathryn asked, standing beside him.