Page 48 of Snowed In with the Runaway Bride

She reached out for him. “Yes, I’m fine. Continue.”

He laughed and brushed a kiss across her lips. “There’s no need to cause you pain. Did you think there was only one way to do this?”

To her surprise, he guided her to lay cross-wise on the bed, her knees dangling off the edge of the mattress, and placed his own feet on the floor. Hovering over her, he kissed her breathless, and began to work his way down. Warm, soft lips skimmed her sensitive throat as his three-days beard lightly scratched her.

He had learned what she liked over the past few days and used all his knowledge to arouse her as he traveled lower and lower, calloused palms cradling her thighs as she spread them wide for him. Her back arched as he swirled his tongue around one nipple and sucked it into his mouth until she moaned for him, stubble lightly scratching her skin. His tongue teased at her navel, making her giggle, before going even lower.

He knelt at the side of the bed and she cried out as his tongue lapped at her most sensitive parts, back arching towards him. His hands cupped her bottom, holding her steady as she writhed, eager for the pleasure that was so familiar to her now. She clutched at his shoulders, nails biting in as she climaxed with a helpless cry.

“Open your eyes.”

With an effort, Penny obeyed. He stood in front of her, cock fully erect as he spread her legs further.

Her hand reached out to stroke him from root to tip and he groaned, his head falling forward to watch.

“Guide me in,” he said hoarsely. Penny complied, hand wrapping around him and bringing him to her entrance. She swallowed hard, already almost unbearably aroused as they both watched him sink into her inch by slow inch until their hips met.

“Are you all right?”

The stretch was uncomfortable, but not painful. He held still for a long moment, letting her body adjust.

She reached down to cover his hands with her own. “Yes. I need you.”

With a groan, he began to move, slowly at first, short strokes that became longer as her body accepted him and her pleasure began to form a spiral in her belly. His hands gripped her thighs, holding her for his thrusts, and she allowed herself to relax, giving herself over. She wrapped her legs around his hips, demanding more, and he obliged, moving faster until at last she cried out as the waves of pleasure burst over her.

He pulled out and thrust against her belly until he, too, shuddered and collapsed next to her, face-down on the bed. After a few deep breaths, he helped Penny bring her legs back onto the mattress and pulled her to lay against him.

Penny drew in a deep breath and let it out with a contented sigh. She might be a little sore and sticky, but she had never been happier. She lay with her head pillowed on Hugo’s chest, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat. His arm kept her snugged to his side as she stroked her fingers through his chest hair, teasing at the damp curls there.

“I suppose I’ll have to go through my trousseau when we get back to the castle,” she said. “Pick out what’s suitable for traveling and leave the rest for Pippa.”

“Traveling? Where are you going?”

Penny’s hand stilled, and she tilted her head up to frown at him. His indulgent expression only worried her more.

“To Bermuda, of course. I’m going with you.”

He shook his head, his smile fading. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. But there should be enough time before I have to leave to find you a house in Portsmouth, or London. Perhaps one with a bit of a garden.” At her expression, he said, “Unless you prefer to live with your parents, of course. Or your aunt.”

Penny sat up to stare down at him in shock. “What are you talking about? Of course I’m going with you.”

“You are not.” He sat up as well, a frown beginning to draw his face down. “A warship is no place for a woman. You have no idea what you’re asking.”

“You said you might be assigned to Bermuda for as long as three years, Hugo!”

“I…” He ran a hand through his tousled hair, making it stand on end. “It might be a shorter time. It could be as little as a year.”

“A year?” Penny rubbed her hands over her face and looked at him again. Her head was spinning, seeing all the fragile dreams she had been weaving crash into reality. “You wish for us to marry and then immediately separate for at least a full year? Possibly as many as three?”

“It is my duty, Penny, as it is now yours. Besides, a warship is no place for a woman."

"I've heard of many women who sail with their husbands."

"A ship is no place for you, Penny. You have no idea of the dangers. Storms, rogue waves, encounters with the enemy. You could be hurt, or even killed."

"That could happen even if you left me behind. I nearly died of a fever right here at home."

His eyes darkened, and she almost regretted bringing it up. "I know. That's why you must stay here, where there are physicians who can care for you and family who can help you. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you onboard ship."