When she was sure they were alone, she leaned down low and rushed past him along the creek. His laughter followed her and she smiled, the blood coursing through her veins.
Sinjin flew past her and she urged her mount faster. He jumped the creek with ease, then turned back to watch her. She made the leap easily, though without as much grace as she would have liked. She yearned to please him, to impress him.
They darted in and out of the trees, and laughter bubbled in her throat. She could not remember the last time she had felt so free and alive. What she wouldn’t give to experience a lifetime of these moments.
Sinjin slowed in front of her, and she reined her horse in, exhilaration rushing along her spine. Her heart constricted with the raw emotion she felt as she looked into his handsome face, that irresistible smile that promised endless moments of rapture.
His blue eyes stared at her intently. “Come with me?”
Nodding, she followed alongside him, aware that he stared at her, wondering exactly where he was taking her and what they would do when they got there.
That question was answered a few minutes later when she saw a small cabin on the horizon.
* * *
From the moment Sinjin saw Katelyn on the starting line, he had hoped to spend time alone with her, but with his mother watching his every move and Lady Celeste hanging by his side, it was proving more difficult than he had anticipated.
As fate would have it, he had managed a way to extricate himself from Lady Celeste and the others, and find the woman who had haunted his every waking thought.
He wanted to take Katelyn to a place where they could be themselves and not worry about constantly looking over their shoulders. And that quiet place happened to be the gamesman’s cabin, a place his father would go in order to get away when life became a bit too difficult or the pressure of his station became too great.
The small dwelling had been built by his great-grandfather’s trusted steward for the very purpose Sinjin’s father used it. It was a reminder of where they came from and how hard they had worked to sustain what they had.
He dismounted and turned to help Katelyn, only to find she was already off the horse. The riding habit hugged her slender body, cupping her breasts in a most delightful way and outlining her long legs.
“We can be alone here. No one will disturb us.”
She glanced past him to the cabin. “How can you be so certain? What if another couple wishes to use the cabin?”
“We shall lock the door,” he said, reaching out and taking hold of her hand.
Excitement rushed through Sinjin as they walked up the steps together.
Just as expected, the key was still hidden in the bottom of the lantern. He unlocked the door and motioned for Katelyn to enter.
From the outside, the cabin appeared plain, but inside, the one-room cabin housed expensive furnishings and an intricately carved four-poster bed that took up the better part of one wall.
Katelyn glanced nervously at the bed.
Sinjin turned the lock.
She lifted a brow. “Should I be afraid?”
“Very.”
A smile touched her lips. “I might scream.”
“No one would hear you,” he said in a silky voice.
“How do you know?”
“The others will be miles from us by now.”
“Then I shall have to take my chances,” she said with an exaggerated sigh, taking a step farther into the cabin.
Sinjin lit a candle and pulled the drapes closed, enshrouding the small space in darkness. The flame flickered, sending shadows across the walls.
Katelyn’s stomach tightened. “Do you come here often, my lord?”
Did she mean with other women? “No.”
“Not even as a boy?” She sounded skeptical, and he refrained from laughing.
“My grandfather would not allow anyone here. After he died, my father would come when he and my mother had a disagreement, but for the most part, the cabin remains locked and forgotten.”
“It is lovely. I see why your grandfather liked coming here.”
“As do I.” He was pleased she liked it. Many of his past lovers would not feel the same.
“I dreamt of you again last night,” he said before he could stop himself.
She grinned, and her eyes danced. “I dreamt of you, too.”
Intrigued, he sat on the edge of the bed. “What did you dream?”
“That is hardly fair. You told me that you dreamt of me first, so you must tell me about your dream first.”
“I wouldn’t want to frighten you.”
She arched her brow. “You do not frighten me.”
“Good, I am glad to hear it.” He brushed a hand over the blanket. “What of your dream?”
Realizing he was not going to tell her about his dream, she said, “Well, I dreamt that you came to my room, locked the door, and told me to close my eyes.”
“And did you do as I asked?”
She licked her lips, and his cock bucked against the buttons of his leather pants. “Yes,” she said, “I did.”
“Come here,” he said, not wanting to waste any more time.
She didn’t hesitate. She walked toward him, not once dropping her gaze, and stopped inches away.
“Undress for me.”
She flinched as though he’d struck her. For a few silent moments, she watched him. He could sense her desire and wariness all at once. “You first.”
Enjoying her spirit, he stood and shrugged out of his shirt. Next, he kicked off his boots and socks before pushing his pants down, followed by his drawers.
He straightened and looked at Katelyn.
Her throat convulsed as her gaze shifted over him.
Blood surged straight to his cock.
Katelyn could scarcely breathe. She had never seen anything so beautiful in all her life as Sinjin’s naked body. He was the most striking of statues come to life—gorgeous olive skin over thick muscle and sinew.
Perfection.
A shiver raced through her, straight to the very core of her womanhood.
She shifted on her feet.
He planted his hands on his hips and smiled. “Your turn, my lady.”
Katelyn wished she had even an ounce of his confidence. With trembling hands, she unbuttoned her jacket and tossed it aside.
His gaze shifted to her breasts that were straining against the too-small shirt.
She followed with her blouse, then her boots, skirt, and stockings…until all that remained was her chemise. She untied the pink ribbon and the material slipped to her feet in a whisper.
Sinjin’s gaze slid over her.
Slowly.
Heat raced to her cheeks, and her heart roared in her ears as he looked at every single inch of her. Rather than be horrified, his intense gaze excited her and made her yearn for what lay ahead.
When his gaze once again met hers, his eyes were slightly darker, heavy-lidded, and there was also something primal about the way he watched her.
He did not say a word but pulled her against his hard length.
Katelyn shivered. Her reaction had nothing to do with the temperature of the room and everything to do with the man standing before her.
She released a deep breath and he smiled.
“Are you sure?”
“You should have asked me that question before you told me to take off my clothes.”
He laughed and kissed her forehead, reveling in the feel of her warm skin against his. He turned to where her hips nudged the mattress.
Her heart pounded against her chest. This was it. She would no longer be a virgin after this encounter. She would be a woman in every way.
He lifted her chin with his fingers and kissed her softly. His hand drifted down her throat, to a breast, where he cupped the globe, a thumb brushing over an erect nipple.
Katelyn’s stomach tensed at the sensations rushing through her body. She rested a hand against his wide chest, her fingers drifti
ng over his rippled belly and finally to his cock, which jutted proudly to his navel.
Her fingers slid over him, and she was amazed at the silky texture over the rigid length, the color of the plum-sized head.
He nudged her back onto the bed and touched her hot sex, inserting his middle finger inside her weeping core. Desire licked at her spine as Sinjin’s finger worked in and out of her.
Using his knees, he spread her thighs wide, then slid between them. His long, thick cock probed the entrance of her delicate folds. Lowering his head, he took a nipple into his mouth, his tongue swirling around the erect peak, over and over again.
She arched her hips against his hand, greedy for him to fill her with his solid length.
He readied himself at her moist center and slid inside her liquid heat, inch by inch. He gritted his teeth. She was so snug he knew he might not last if he did not take things slow.
Katelyn winced against the pain of the intrusion. She bit her bottom lip as he eased inside.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded.
With a solid thrust of his hips, he was buried deep inside her.
The pain began to ease as he moved slowly, in and out. He kissed a trail from her breasts, up her neck to her lips.
Soon enough, every inch of her body throbbed with promise. His hips continued in a steady rhythm.
As he deepened the kiss, she shifted beneath him, and he moaned deep in his throat.
Sinjin looked into her eyes, the green depths alive with wonder and passion. Wanting to prolong the experience, he slowed his pace, easing the tip of his cock out of her to where the head kissed her opening. She followed him with her hips and he smiled, pleased by her response.
Her nails dug into the skin of his shoulders as he quickened his pace, and she spread her thighs wider, arching against him with each steady thrust.
How much she had learned in such a short time.
Katelyn felt her insides tighten as her body climbed closer and closer toward the ultimate finish.
Sinjin watched her as her head fell back on the covers, her mouth open, her lips curving as another pleased groan emanated from her. Hearing her breathing quicken and feeling her nails bite into his shoulders, he knew she was so close.
He thrust a few more times, cupping his hips hard against her, putting pressure on her clit. Instantly, he felt her sheath tighten around him, pulsing as she climaxed, pulling him farther inside.
Only when the final tremor passed through her did he allow himself to let go. It didn’t take long, just a few strokes, and he came with a pleased groan.
He kissed her softly, then looked down into her green eyes that were so brilliant and sparkling with an inner light and fire he recognized well.
“That was wonderful,” she breathed on a sigh.
Her words pleased him. “That was just the beginning.”
10
The horn sounded, signaling the fox had been slain and the hunt was over.
Katelyn sat up, the blankets falling to her waist. “We should return.”
Sinjin brushed a hand over her slender back, and his cock instantly rose to attention. Never had he imagined finding paradise in the arms of a virgin, but he had. It had been sheer bliss, and he fought the urge to beg her to call off her marriage, but he needed to tread lightly, take matters a day at a time.
“I don’t want to leave,” he said, more content than he had ever been.
She smiled. “Nor do I, but we must.”
He hated the thought of going back to Claymoore Hall, where his mother watched him like a hawk and he was forced to flirt with countless women whom he had no interest in.
The woman he wanted was with him, and no one else held any appeal.
Katelyn kissed him softly, her green eyes alight with an inner glow.
She pulled the covers back, and the red stain on the sheets instantly drew his attention. He had felt her maidenhead when he’d penetrated her, but seeing the evidence was even more powerful. Mine, his male pride all but roared.
He had been her first, and God willing, he would be her last. There was no way he could share her. No way he could accept the thought of her being another man’s wife.
He nearly voiced his thoughts aloud when she started gathering up her clothes. Her hair had long ago come out of the clip and now hung about her hips in thick waves. He caught a glimpse of her high buttocks as she bent to pick up her chemise.
His cock throbbed against the sheets.
“Come here, Katelyn.”
Katelyn heard the husky quality of Sinjin’s voice. She looked over her shoulder at him, her gaze sliding to his erection.
Her nipples instantly hardened, and heat shot to her sex. “We must return, Sinjin.” Even she sounded unconvinced as she inched toward the bed.
“We will not be long, and have no fear…my brothers will cover for us.”
“They know we are here?”
“No, but they will figure things out quickly.”
Reaching out, he pulled her back down onto the bed. Katelyn laughed as he drew her close against his hard body. Letting the clothes slide to the floor, she went into his arms.
He shifted them to where she straddled his hips, his huge cock rising up between them.
Uncertain of how to proceed, she was relieved when Sinjin eased her onto her knees and positioned his cock against her slick opening. The plum-sized head probed her sensitive folds, and she came down slowly on him, taking each glorious inch into her body until she was seated fully against him. She gasped, stunned at how he filled her so completely.
Sinjin’s hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples. He pinched the tips lightly, pulling them into taut buds. He sat up, kissed her breast, took a nipple into his mouth, and sucked.
His touch was magic.
With one hand resting on his shoulder, the other curling around the headboard, Katelyn rocked against him. His hands slid to her hips, and he urged her into a faster rhythm. Soon she was riding him with wild abandon, the headboard hitting the wall with each bounce.
His blue eyes had turned darker, his thick lashes casting shadows against his high cheekbones. God, he was so beautiful, so amazing, and she knew she would not forget this moment as long as she lived.
Long fingers slid to her mons, brushing over the tiny bundle of nerves at the top of her sex. He teased her nipple with his tongue and teeth, and the multiple sensations pushed her over the edge.
The first shiver of orgasm rippled low in her belly, growing with intensity with each thrust of his cock and lick of his tongue. He cupped her hips, putting pressure on her sensitive nub, and she cried out.
She watched in wonder as he came, the cords of his neck straining as he found his own release before he fell back on the pillows, a loud, satisfied groan filling the cottage.
* * *
Katelyn lingered in the woods just beyond Claymoore Hall. Sinjin had left her minutes before to return to the manor before his mother sent a small army to find him.
She would wait a little while before making an appearance. Perhaps she would claim problems with her horse, but she feared that the truth would be all over her face.
“There you are.”
With a gasp, Katelyn turned to find her sister walking toward her with horse in tow. “Sorry, I did not mean to startle you,” she said, looking slightly irritated. “Where on earth have you been?”
“Have you been looking for me?” Katelyn asked absently.
“Yes.”
“I am so sorry. How long were you waiting?”
“Quarter of an hour, perhaps half an hour.” Marilyn came closer, her head tilted to the side as she studied Katelyn. “Where have you been?”
“With Sinjin.”
“Alone?”
“Yes.”
Her eyes widened. “Yes? That is all you are going to say?”
Oddly, Katelyn felt a lump form in her throat. She had always wondered what it would feel like to becom
e a woman. She had envisioned it would involve mourning the passing of her maidenhead, and yet, what she had experienced in that cabin with Sinjin had been nothing short of heaven. It had been the single greatest experience of her life, and she knew they had only scratched the surface.
Indeed, how could she possibly go back to such a mundane existence with Lord Balliford now that she knew how wonderful making love could be with someone you desired, someone you cared for?
“Oh my God, you made love to him.” Oddly, there was no accusation in Marilyn’s voice. No condemnation. Just surprise. “I need not ask you how it was, for you are positively glowing.”
Katelyn was off her horse a second later and hugging her sister, her dearest friend. “Am I?”
“Indeed, you are.” Marilyn put her at arm’s length. “And you must tell me every detail…later. Now we must return to the manor before someone comes looking for us.”
“What if others know?”
“How would they know?”
“You knew.”
“And I am your sister. For all anyone knows, you were riding with me.”
“I saw you ride off with Victor.”
“Yes, we had a nice time. In fact, we stopped by the river and had a rock-skipping contest.”
“You like him.”
Marilyn nodded. “Yes, I like him very much. He is a charming companion.”
“He thinks quite highly of you,” Katelyn added.
“Then we have a mutual respect for each other.” Marilyn winked, then mounted with little effort. Her sister was one of the best riders Katelyn knew of.
Katelyn hesitated. “Marilyn, I am afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
“That I shall have to marry Lord Balliford,” Katelyn said, mounting the horse. “That I will wake from this fantasy and realize that it was all too good to be true.”
Marilyn rode up alongside her and reached out her hand. “If it comes to pass that you must marry Balliford, then I shall steal you away like a thief in the night and we will never again be seen or heard from.” There was no teasing in her voice or in her expression. She meant every word.
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