Page 58 of The Blacksmith

“It does not matter. This . . . this cannot be.”

Her lips parted in surprise more than desire, but Lance’s body reacted nonetheless.

“Lance—”

“This cannot be,” he repeated, as much to himself as to her. But Idalia did not appear to be listening any longer. She closed the distance between them, and he prayed for strength.

“Kiss me,” she said, tipping her head up to him.

“Idalia, there’s much you do not understand.”

“Kiss me.”

He wanted to do that and so much more.

Although he knew he couldn’t have her, maybe he could at least have this. One kiss.

Their mouths melded together as if they were designed for it. As if he’d been molded for this one person whose sweet scent filled his soul with a greater longing than anything he’d felt in his life—and she for him.

Lance froze when her hand moved from his shoulder down the front of his chest, and lower. She did not stop. Lower still until . . .

He tore his mouth from hers.

“Nay, Idalia.”

She pulled her hand away, misunderstanding.

“Please understand. There’s nothing I would love more . . .”

“I just . . . you gave me such pleasure. I thought . . .” Her shoulders sagged. “I thought perhaps I could do the same.”

His jaw dropped.

“You. Cannot.” He forced himself to swallow. “I would welcome it more than you know, but—”

When she realized why he’d stopped her, her hand began to move once more.

Lance had always considered himself a strong man. Or at least he had since the day he’d hit his father. Now he knew otherwise.

He was as weak as a newborn babe.

When her hand rested fully on top of him, he swore an oath in answer to her silent question. She didn’t know how to proceed. And he should not be the one to show her.

But damned if he didn’t untie the strings that would give her access, guiding her hand and wrapping it around his hardened cock.

As she stroked him, following his hand as a guide, Idalia looked into his eyes and smiled. This was the smile of a woman who’d just learned she wielded a secret power. For if she asked for the world right now, Lance would give it gladly.

“’Tis both smooth and hard.”

He removed his hand from hers and gripped her shoulders.

“I never imagined . . .”

“Idalia.” He tossed his head back and closed his eyes.

“Does it feel as good as your fingers did inside me?”

She had no idea.