What the devil did he think he was doing? Well, besides manhandling her.
Grappling with him, she fought for purchase and her balance. A useless endeavor. Out of control, he dominated her. Using his body and hands, he blocked every move she made, pinning her down, controlling her completely…making her feel helpless in the face of his superior strength.
The latter forced her to change strategies. She stopped fighting. Mayhap an entreaty would work better instead. “Brigham, what are you doing?”
“Tell me again.”
Chest pumping, he breathed hard and fast. Pressing his mouth to her ear, he stripped away her belt. She gasped, squirming in his arms. He ignored the shift and, shoving her robe out of his way, thrust his thigh between her own, spreading her in preparation for his touch.
A little frightened by his behavior, Aurora tensed. “Tell you what?”
Pushing at his shoulders to dislodge him, she felt the brush of his fingertips against her curls. Dear God, she needed to get away. She was already starting to respond, and he’d barely even touched her. At this rate, she would never get the answers she wanted.
“Say it…tell me again,” he growled, sinking into her heat. His clever fingers stroked with determined deliberation, seeking her response in a torturous rhythm of advance and retreat.
“I…oh, don’t…I can’t think when you…” Aurora broke off on a cry of dismay painted crimson by delight.
Shrinking back against the wall, she twisted, trying to put distance between them. To no avail. He was too strong, and her will too weak. He’d trained her well over the last mouth. Now passion became her partner, her body responding even as her mind rebelled. Goddamn it. So much for her answers, because…
Oh, my. She was already slick with need. So ready to beg him for the pleasure, she could hardly fathom how it happened. Taking every inch she yielded, he spread her thighs wider. Bliss spiked on a heated swirl. Aurora moaned as he gained greater access to her.
“Brigham…you…I need to know…oh, hell in a hand basket.”
Relentless, Brigham worked one finger deep, stroking the perfect spot. Thumb circling, he teased the nub atop her sex, making delight crest. She tightened around him. Squirming in outrage, enjoying him beyond measure, she made one last attempt. If she could back him off, she would get her answers and…
Pleasure peaked.
Teetering on the edge, Aurora grabbed fistfuls of his hair and yanked. Hard. His chin came up as she wrenched his head away from her. He bared his teeth, growled, and withdrew. Turning her within his arms, he stepped toward the bed. His muscles flexed around her. Aurora shrieked as he tossed her into the middle of the mattress. She bounced. Once. Twice. A third time, skidding across the coverlet before settling. Heartbeat raging against her breastbone, she whipped around and…
Got tangled up in the clingy folds of her chamber robe.
His boots hit the floor. She panicked and tugged at the silk only to become imprisoned by her hair. With a curse, she flipped the unruly mass out of her eyes and turned to look over her shoulder. Her eye widened in alarm. Oh Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, she was in so much trouble. Stripped to the skin, Brigham stood taut in battle readiness. Head canted downward, he stared at her from beneath his brows, hands fisted, nostrils flared, chest pumping. She swallowed. He growled and, muscles rippling, moved toward her, the look in his eyes so feral it made her breath catch.
Magnificent man. Incredible. Beyond compare.
She’d never seen him like this. So full of heat. So hungry. So completely out of control. Dark and dangerous, wildness had overtaken the tender warrior who woke with her every morning and loved her into oblivion each night. Although, the take-charge attitude was nothing new. Dominant to the core, he took the lead in the bedchamber. But this man…the one standing naked and aroused scant few feet away? Aurora didn’t know him. Had never encountered his kind before.
Which left two choices: submit or flee.
Her body throbbed, demanding she surrender. Her mind rebelled. The answers she craved lay within reach. She was on the verge…so blasted close to gaining her goal. All she needed to do was hold the line. Stall the inevitable. Force Brigham to capitulate before giving him what he wanted. Great strategy. One big problem. He stood too close—at the edge of the bed—and she had yet to flee.
The thought prompted action.
With a nimble flip, she scrambled for the other side of the bed. She heard him move a second before his hand wrapped around her ankle. Heat ghosted up her calf as he dragged her, belly down, back along the surface of the coverlet. She kicked at his hand, trying to break his hold. He didn’t relent. His grip firmed instead. The bed dipped as he climbed on board.
“Brigham, let go…don’t…bloody hell, you big brute… get—”
“Nay.” His growl sounded feral, more wild beast than tame man. Shivers slithered down her spine. Without mercy, he grasped the nape of her neck, and applying gentle pressure, pinned her down. Cool air touched her skin as he stripped her to the skin and tossed her robe over the side of the bed. “No more questions.”
“Unfair.”
“I don’t care.”
His fingertips traveled over her back. Aurora bucked, fighting the pressure of his hand as it settled at her waist. Still holding her down, he raised her hips. She snarled at him. With a hum, he shoved a pillow between her belly and the bed. She arched her back, twisting beneath him in a bid to gain the leverage she needed. ’Twas no use. He was too strong. And…damn it all to hell…she wanted him too much. The fight, the protest, all the threats were naught but a terrible sham.
Something he no doubt knew, because…
Brigham didn’t stop. He stoked her fire instead—spreading her legs, moving between, adjusting the angle between their bodies—until she whimpered and tilted her hips, inviting his possession. He took advantage. Caressing her bottom, he slid between her thighs. Playing in her heat, he caressed with light strokes. She twisted, and knees sliding on counterpane, opened wider, all but begging for more.
Releasing her nape, Brigham tucked his chest to her back. Warm breath flavored by mint touched her skin a moment before he nipped the shell of her ear. “Do you want me, Aurora?”
Unable to deny her need, she rolled her bottom against him. “Aye!”
Meeting her full force, he rocked against her. His shaft slipped between the spread of her thighs. “How much?”
She tossed her head, her hair slid over the coverlet. “Now Brigham…please, now!”
He growled, the sound ripe with satisfaction. “Good enough.”
Straightening, Brigham grasped her hips with both hands. A momentary adjustment, and he stroked deep. He groaned. She keened as he took control, invading her in one slow relentless push. Loving the feel of him, desperate to accommodate his size, she wriggled. Relentless, he pressed down, immobilizing her, controlling her, burying himself to the hilt only to retreat once more.
He set a fast pace, riding her with ruthless intensity. With every thrust, he rocked forward, and she slid. Her knees traveled across the face of the coverlet. The furled buds of her nipples relished the attention, becoming more sensitive by the moment. Excruciating. Glorious. The absolute best…ever. And as her vision blurred and pinpricks of pleasure sparked along her spine, muscles deep inside her coiled and tightened.
Riding the razor sharp edge of climax, Aurora fisted her hands in the covers. Brigham increased his rhythm. Her breath caught on a whimper. She whispered his name and reached for the pinnacle. Her brute denied her and, hands clamped on her hips, withdrew from her warmth an instant before she found heaven.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Dominance Is a Double-edged Sword
On his knees in the center of the bed, Brigham struggled to catch his breath. Along with the fraying ends of his control. A useless endeavor. With his chest snug against Aurora’s back, desire rampaged, sending him in dangerous directions. Withdrawing from her heat had almost killed him. On the edge of orgasm, his bo
dy rebelled, the throb of physical outrage demanding release. He shook his head, refusing to give in. The moment…here and now…was more than just about a quick tumble with his vixen.
It was about a great deal more.
With a gentle nudge, he shifted, rolling her onto her back. She moaned, protesting as he moved her closer to the end of the bed. He wanted her hands within easy reach of the footboard. When she settled, he glanced at her face and— She arched, undulating slowly beneath him. Brigham sucked in a desperate breath. Good Christ. God give him strength. She was panting, so needy she couldn’t lay still. Pretty pink nipples furled tight, she rocked in wanton invitation and reached for him.
“Please, Brigham.”
Her husky whisper almost did him in. He clung to his goal. ’Twas too soon to give in yet, but…God. He wanted to. Yearned to give her what she craved and find his own satisfaction in the doing. But nay. Not until possessed what he wanted. He needed to hear her tell him again. Longed for the “I love you” she now denied him. So aye. He would play the brute, make her ride the edge of ecstasy until he got them.
Unfair? No doubt. But he didn’t care.
Entwining his fingers with hers, Brigham settled between her thighs. As he gave her his weight, he raised her arms and pressed the back of her hands into the mattress. Abdomen rippling against her core, his chest met her breasts in a sensuous dance of sensation. Abandoned and greedy, she welcomed him. Cradling him in warmth, she wrapped her legs around his hips, begging him to take her.
“Brigham, I need—”
“Tell me again, and I will give you what you need.”
Licking over her bottom lip, he teased her, making small forays into her mouth, denying her the long, wet, slow kisses she craved.
Aurora tugged on her hands. “Brigham!”
With a hum, he caressed the centers of her palms with his thumbs. Drawing her arms up, he wrapped her hands around the wooden framework of the footboard.
“Hold on tight,” he said, his voice rough with warning. His eyes on her face, he slid his hands down the underside of her arms. Lingering in the sensitive crease of her elbows, he checked the tension. He kissed her softly, holding her gaze, projecting his intent, making her tremble beneath him. Good. He wanted her raw, beyond ready, willing to do whatever he asked of her. “If you let go, I’ll restrain you.”
Her lips parted on a gasp. But she obeyed, grabbing hold of the wooden slats. Watching her with rapt attention, he cupped her breasts. She arched as his thumbs brushed over her nipples and his head dipped. Aurora closed her eyes, bracing for the pleasure before he delivered it. It didn’t help. As he intended, anticipation only heightened her delight. He licked over a pebbled peak, first one and then the other. She started to beg. He refused to relent. Bathing her in heated bliss, he played, pushing her so hard she writhed beneath him.
Oh, but he wasn’t done yet. Knew the ideal spot to drive her mad.
Lifting his mouth from her breast, he slid down her body. He paused above the soft curve of her abdomen. Suspended in pleasure, Aurora held her breath. Brigham grinned, and lowering his head, swirled his tongue around her belly button. As he licked into the slight indentation, she bucked, rocking her hips up and…
Excellent. Perfect in every way.
Showing no mercy, he cupped her bottom and used his shoulders to press her thighs wider. She froze beneath him. Shock? Anticipation? Brigham didn’t know. He’d never taken her this way. Never loved her with his mouth. Had decided to wait until she was more seasoned and better able to appreciate the delight of an intimate kiss. Taking advantage of her stillness, he licked between her folds. Her breath hitched. He pressed deeper, eager for more, and got his first real taste of her.
Damnation and the devil. She was so slick, so hot…so incredibly fine.
Shaking her head, Aurora rose in rebellion beneath him. “Nay, Brigham…don’t. What are—”
“Hmm, loving…so good. You taste so good.”
She protested again. He refused to let her go. God forgive him, but he couldn’t. Had waited so long to have her like this. Wanted to give her every ounce of pleasure she deserved, so…nay. Despite her sensibilities, he denied her shyness and tightened his grip, refusing to allow her retreat.
Her hands left the footboard. No doubt to push him away.
He growled in warning. “Don’t let go, Aurora.”
“Unfair.”
“Entirely,” he murmured against her curls. “Hang on, vixen. You’re in for a wild ride.”
Oh God. He meant every word. Brigham would tie her up. Tie her down. Keep his promise and…ensure her vulnerability with one sure stroke. The fierce timbre of his voice left little doubt. His warning said it all, and his actions, more.
Despite her unease, he was enjoying himself. She, on the other hand? Aurora wasn’t sure what to think. He’d never loved her like this before. Had never touched her with his mouth. Never pushed her so hard…
Or insisted on his way.
Panic circled like a vicious bird of prey. Tightening her grip on her bedposts, Aurora shoved the angst away, refusing to give in. Perspective. She needed some…right now. Before she lost control, but…
God. She felt so vulnerable. Well caught too, ensnared by the instinctive call for retreat and the fear of being bound. Bad memories lay in that direction. Ones she didn’t want to revisit, but the threat of bondage wouldn’t let her go. Her bottom lip trembled. Tears stung the corners of her eyes. She held the line, a death grip on her wooden handhold as she reminded herself over and over…and then over again…that Brigham would never hurt her. He was nothing like her…
Nay…oh no. She refused to move in that direction.
Raising his head, Brigham caressed the outside of her thigh. “Aurora…what is it?”
She turned her face away. A single tear rolled from the corner of her eye. “N-nothing.”
“Easy, loving,” Brigham whispered, soothing her even as he touched her with his mouth once more. Each gentle stroke added to the next evened her out. Made her trust a little more. Gave her the strength to let him continue. Brigham helped every step of the way, settling her with a rhythm meant to soothe and relax. “Tell me what is wrong.”
He licked her again. Pleasure hummed, making Aurora gasp. Oh my. That was nice. Beyond good. Unbelievable in a way that…
“Oh!” She shuddered in delight. “I…goodness.”
Brigham chuckled, then settled deep again. Curiosity took hold, shoving dismay aside. With a murmur, she shifted, lifting into each delicious stroke. Within minutes, she went boneless beneath him. Adrift in pleasure, she sighed, only to moan a moment later when he flicked his tongue against the nub at the top of her sex.
“Why were you afraid?”
“Wh-what?” Her words slurred, Aurora fought to clear away the sticky web of desire.
“Afraid. . .of this.” Licking her again, Brigham punctuated the point, then raised his head to look at her.
Frustrated by the loss of his tongue, Aurora frowned and wiggled against him.
Amused by her impatience, Brigham smiled, then got back to work. Finding her nub again, he sucked lightly. “Why?”
Breath suspended on a moan, she arched against him. “Oooh aye. Brigham, that’s. . .nay, don’t leave, don’t…” She whimpered when he stopped, arresting her delight. “What are you doing? Come back!”
He hummed, and using the tip of his tongue, teased her. “You give me answers, I’ll give you pleasure.”
Aurora squirmed in outrage. “Dear heavens, you are driving me daft.”
“Answer my question.”
“Question?
Done playing, he withdrew and set his chin atop her curls. “Why the tears, little heart?”
“I don’t like being bound.”
Rewarding her honesty, he pressed his mouth to her folds and licked deep. Ecstasy sharpened on a dizzying wave. Her breath hitched as Aurora’s body tightened, pulsing around his tongue. God, she was close…so unbelievably close.
And oh how she wanted it. Wanted the sharp ache of pleasure to explode into climax.
“Who bound you?”
“My uncle…once…he was very angry.”
“The bastard.”
“Uh-huh.” She purred when Brigham stayed with her. His rhythm gentle, he drew her taut, thread by passion-strung thread. Dipping back into delight, she sighed. “Umm, aye…I like this.”
“I know.” Brigham grinned, enjoying her confession. “Aurora, give it to me. I need to hear you say it.”
Say it? Say what? What the devil was he talking about?
Aurora shook her head. Her denial wound him up. With a growl, Brigham changed tactics, becoming more aggressive. Stroking the seat of her pleasure, he brought his fingers into play, thrusting in counterpoint to the swirling rhythm of his tongue. Toying with her, he played in her heat, kept her on the edge of glory, never allowing her to crest into orgasm.
“Brigham. . .please!”
“Tell me, and you will have what you need,” he said, ignoring her plea even as he increased his rhythm. “You said it before. Say it again.”
The ragged entreaty prompted her memory.
Pleasure nearing pain, she struggled to recall what she’d said during their confrontation. It all seemed a wretched blur but…Aurora blinked. Damnation, had she really told him she loved him? She thought hard. Aye, she really had, and now he demanded she admit it again. She wanted to rebel—but with her hands above her head and Brigham between her thighs, torturing her, she couldn’t find the will to deny him.
Beyond desperate, she gave him what he wanted. “I love you!”
“Ah, there it is.” Brigham groaned, the sound triumphant, and nipped her gently.
The gentle touch threw her over the edge.
Aurora screamed as she came. Flung high on the wings of rapture, she flew on ecstasy. Bliss raced up her spine and slammed into the base of her skull. Intense pleasure exploded into another round as Brigham shifted. Big hands cupping her bottom, he thrust deep, stretched her to the limit, sending her into a second climax more powerful than the first.
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