Elizabeth Elliott by Betrothed

Author:Betrothed [Betrothed]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

11

Guy opened his eyes and discovered Claudia staring back at him. Somehow he had managed to roll onto his back, and she now lay on top of him. Rather than relax against his chest as he hoped she would, she had braced herself on her arms to gaze down at him. Her elbows dug painfully into his ribs. More disturbing than that, she looked shocked. He dimly recalled a shout, and sincerely hoped it was nothing blasphemous. At the moment he didn’t have the strength to apologize for anything, not for the swift loss of her virginity, or the abrupt end of their lovemaking. As soon as his heart started to beat again, he would reassure her that everything would be much different next time, that he could indeed be patient and gentle.

She began to slide toward his side and his grip on her hips tightened. “Give me a moment, love. Just rest now.”

“I cannot,” she said, her voice oddly strained. “My skirt is trapped beneath you.”

He felt her tug on the garment and realized she was right. With her skirt pulling her one way, his hands and body the other, she could not be the least bit comfortable. He turned to his side and gently separated their bodies. She lowered her lashes and started to rearrange her skirts. Those small, fluttering movements brought a wave of realization.

“Christ.” He hadn’t even undressed her.

Her quick, darting glance made him realize that he had spoken aloud. The glimpse of pain and uncertainty in those emerald depths made him scowl. So much for cherishing her, for letting her touch and caress him to her heart’s content. He waited for her to look up at him again, but she kept her eyes hidden beneath the thick fringe of her lashes. He had just found more pleasure with her than he had known possible. Claudia looked ready to cry.

Guy scowled as he rearranged his own clothing. He had taken enough women to his bed to know his skill as a lover, yet he had failed to please the woman he wanted to please most. Now that he thought about it, he couldn’t recall failing at anything that truly mattered. Until now. He had never lost control so completely. What did she do to him? “This did not happen as I planned, Claudia. Forgive me.”

Her lashes lifted and she gave him a puzzled look. “You are sorry we made love?”

“Nay, of course not. I am only sorry that—” He pressed his lips together. It occurred to him that she was still inexperienced in the ways of men. She wouldn’t have any idea what he was talking about if he tried to explain his regrets. “Never mind. We will have that discussion another time. I would rather hear how you feel. Did I hurt you?”

A deep blush turned her cheeks the color of roses. “ ’Twas not so bad.”

A smile tugged at his lips and he placed his hand on her waist for a small caress. “A

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