Page 54 of Merciful Surrender
“I want you,” she said.
His mouth opened and closed wordlessly. He reached out to touch her, but hesitated inches from her cheek. “Why do you still fear me?”
“I don’t,” she whispered. “I fear what comes after our union.”
“And what is that, my beloved?” Deep concern laced his voice.
“Something will happen, you’ll be forced to leave me.”
“You cannot thrive under the weight of tragedy. Do you believe your mother and father want you to grieve for the rest of your life? Or would they celebrate your marriage?”
She answered with more confidence. “They’d tell me to be happy.”
“Aye,” he said, grasping her hand.
Tyr tugged her to his chest. “This marriage will produce more than joy. Our children will serve as a living monument to your parents, sons and daughters who will carry the memories and blood ties of both our families. Our offspring will be as numerous as the stars.”
She giggled unexpectedly.
He stepped back. “You find that humorous?”
“I do,” she confirmed. “As lascivious as you are, I have no doubt we’ll have dozens of children together.” Her eyes glittered.
“Shall we start now?”
Her fear disappeared like smoke.
Hearing her laughnearly undid Tyr. He didn’t want her to control her passion any longer. His bride valued independence—he’d teach her to be free with her love. “Undress for me.”
Looking up, she slowly untied the shoulder laces of her chemise. The covering pooled at her feet. Now she boldly faced him and her body sprang to life like fire, so fragile and unpredictable.
“I plan on making love to you every night for the rest of your life,” he warned. Pleasure spiraled up his spine—he couldn’t wait to touch her—love her. He undressed quickly, then stood face-to-face with her, his erection pressed against her stomach. Rachelle curled her fingers around his shaft. Jolts of lust shot through him. He’d underestimated her; she wasn’t a timid virgin after all. The fierceness of her desire darkened her features as her breathing grew shallower. Tyr covered her hand with his, urging her fingers up and down.
After a few minutes, she tipped her chin. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after the bathhouse… I had to touch you again.”
He pressed his lips to hers. “Quiet, my love.” He silenced her with another breath-stealing kiss.
Weeks of wanting had slowly chipped away at his patience and sanity. And she’d come to him willingly this time. He cupped her arse with both hands, then gently lifted her. Their mouths collided hungrily as he walked to the mattress, carefully laying her on the furs. Then he lowered himself on top of her, careful not to crush her with his weight. His raging heartbeat thumped against her breast like a drum. He felt a stirring deep within him. Desire and lust. Love and joy. The moment to make her his had finally arrived.
He coaxed herlegs apart. She couldn’t tear her gaze away—riveted by the emotions on his face. Something wonderful was about to happen. He smiled again, pressing another kiss on her lips.
“Every inch of your body is drenched with excitement for me,” he groaned.
As he centered the tip of his shaft between her legs, she quivered. She had dreamed about being joined with him, waking up in the middle of the night covered in sweat—wet with desire. The moisture at her core made it easy for his shaft to slide across her belly. The friction excited her. He brushed his lips over hers, whispering her name, nipping her breasts. His scent, touch, the sound of his voice drove her crazy. She latched onto his shoulders.
Desire turned to desperation. She didn’t want to wait. “I’m not afraid anymore.”
Hearing those words transformed him. He leaned back; his heated gaze swept her body. Butterfly wings fluttered inside her stomach. He locked her hips in place with both hands, then thrust inside her. It hurt so much, but she bit back the scream as her membrane tore. She felt the muscles in his shaft contract inside her. The odd sensation eased the burning. Tyr whispered something in her ear she couldn’t understand, but it sounded so loving. The last of her pain evaporated as his hands caressed her breasts reverently.
She’d sacrificed her life to sorrow for too long. This is what she wanted, needed more than anything. “More,” she whimpered.
“Anything you want.” He responded passionately, claiming every inch of her body with his mouth and hands.
When he surged forward again, bringing his face flush with hers, Rachelle captured his lips. Her tongue swirled inside his mouth, matching the fervent motion of their hips. She locked ankles behind his back, never wanting to let go. “I love you.” It felt so natural speaking those words to her husband for the first time. With their bodies gloriously entwined, Rachelle knew her prayer had finally been answered.
