Page 62 of Expecting Royal Twins!
Boldly Isabel explored his body with her hands again. A low sound emerged from Niko’s throat. She had no idea what she was doing, but his response gave her the courage to continue.
“We just started the race,” Niko said. “But if you keep that up, I might have to black flag you.”
His use of a racing term made her stomach tingle. “Why would you want to send me to the pits?”
Sweat dampened his forehead. “Breaking the rules.”
“Forget the black flag. You can’t penalize me for not knowing the rules.” Her confidence spiraled. She continued touching him. “We have way too many laps to go to finish the race.”
“Yellow then.”
“Caution?”
He placed his hand over hers. “Slow down. Otherwise you won’t be able to avoid the debris on the track.”
She ran her hands over his hips and up his chest. “Better.”
A flash of humor crossed his face. “For you.”
She laughed. “What’s it going to take to get the green flag again?”
“Ready to race?”
She nodded enthusiastically. “You?”
“I think you can answer that question.” He drew a line along her jawline. “I don’t want to hurt you, but since it’s your first time…”
If she had done this before, she would be more comfortable, confident. She would be more like the women he was used to. But in spite of her nerves she was happy she had waited until tonight. Until him.
Her hand was still on his chest. She felt the beating of his heart beneath her palm. “I trust you.”
Something flashed in his eyes. “I lapped you. Let’s get you caught up.”
Niko kissed her again until she thought her pounding heart might burst out of her chest. But he didn’t stop there. It was his turn to touch her. His fingers sent pulsations of pleasure radiating outward.
A fire ignited inside her, and she arched toward him. She wanted more, so much more.
Her heart swelled with happiness and something she’d never felt before. She pulled back enough to look into Niko’s eyes. “Just so you know, the bride box is now mine and so are you.”
He slid between her legs, and her body, awash in sensation, welcomed him.
Niko was the only man Izzy wanted. The only man she would ever need. The only husband she could ever imagine having.
Lying in bed the next morning, Niko stared at Isabel asleep. She curled against him, her legs wrapped around his. He needed to untangle himself so he could get out of bed, but he didn’t want to wake her.
If Isabel woke, she would want to know where he was going. Niko had no idea. He only knew he wanted—needed—to get away from her to think.
He pulled one of his legs out from under hers.
The sex had been great. Better than he expected. Isabel’s curiosity and eagerness had made up for any lack of experience. He’d been powerless to resist her. She’d left him satisfied, spent and wanting more.
Wind blew into the room from an open balcony door.
Damn. He had been in such a hurry to get Isabel to bed he hadn’t thought to close the door. Privacy was always an issue here at the castle. He was usually more careful. But with Isabel, he lost all control during the kiss at the ceremony.
Niko couldn’t remember the last time he had allowed that to happen. He didn’t like how losing control felt. He had wanted to make Isabel his wife, but she’d made him her husband. He wanted her again this morning. His body ached for her and his heart…
He raked his hand through his hair.
No. His heart needed to remain immune to his wife’s charms, her humor, her beauty, her seduction. Diving into the marriage heart first would not be a smart idea.
Niko understood how falling in love with a woman he had to be married to made sense, but he wasn’t ready to be in love. He didn’t know when he’d be ready.
Isabel may have come willingly to his bed last night, but their marriage was a direct result of his father’s underhanded tactics. Niko was not going to lie to her about his feelings, but would she be as straightforward with him?
He had no idea if Isabel was committed to this marriage or not. Loving his wife wouldn’t harm Vernonia, but she’d had no qualms about divorcing Boyd once their in-name-only marriage had served its purpose. She might feel the same way about this marriage. About him.
