Page 75 of Taming the Eagle
XXVII. ANIMA MEA
“YOU FOUGHT WELL today,” Justin said, brushing a lock of damp hair off her forehead. “Although, my heart nearly stopped when I saw you in the midst of those warriors.”
“I’m relieved you arrived when you did,” she admitted. “I’m not sure how much longer I’d have lasted.”
His gaze shadowed once more. “It was carnage out there,” he murmured. “I’ve fought in a number of battles in my time, but none as savage as this.”
“Then you did well to win,” she replied, even as her pulse accelerated. Talking of the siege put her on edge. “Especially against such a large army.”
“The attack was well-planned and carefully executed,” he continued. “They brought down the watchtowers nearest the fort. This afternoon, I learned that they hit our two northern outposts as well. Dalginross has fallen again, while Bochastle hangs by a thread. I’ve sent men north to escort the survivors safely back to Ardoch.”
Fenella swallowed. “What will happen now?”
Justin let out a long exhale, before reaching out, catching her by the wrist, and pulling her against him. He then placed a kiss on the crown of her head. “I don’t know.”
“Will you seek retribution?”
“No … we don’t have the men for it. And most of those who attacked Ardoch are dead now anyway.”
Fenella marked the bleak edge to his voice. Reaching out, she slid her hand across his chest, her fingertips tracing the wet whorls of crisp dark hair there. “You’re weary of this life, aren’t you?”
He huffed a laugh, however, there was no humor in it. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to me perhaps … only tonight.”
“I don’t let my guard down easily,” Justin admitted then, his voice lowering. “But I want to with you.” His fingertips trailed a lazy path down her neck to her spine, traveling between her shoulder blades.
His touch made Fenella arch against him, even as her chest tightened.
She wished he wouldn’t say things like that. It made tenderness well, made her want to lower her own defenses. Emotions bubbled close to the surface tonight, in the wake of so much killing.
Justin’s fingers hooked under her chin then, raising her face to his.
The vulnerable look in his eyes robbed her of breath, but she had no time to dwell upon it before his mouth claimed hers.
With a groan, Fenella sank against him. She craved forgetfulness now—as if their passion could wash the blood from the ground, could erase the violence of the past day.
She entwined herself with him, their slick bodies sliding together as he cupped her backside and pulled her closer still. She felt his shaft hard and hot against her belly, and reached for him, stroking him until he growled into her mouth.
Their kisses drew out, growing increasingly feverish. The heat of his mouth, the slide of his tongue, made Fenella forget all else. She wanted him to take her here, in the warm water, to chase away the shadows.
But Justin had other plans. He pulled away, disentangled his limbs from hers, and hauled himself up onto the edge of the pool. Reaching down, he helped Fenella out, before gently pushing her onto her back upon the cool tiles. He spread her out beneath him and then crawled over her, his mouth capturing hers once more.
Fenella trembled under him, gasping his name when his mouth trailed down her jaw to her neck. He inched down her body, loving it, and whispering endearments as he did so.
“Carissima … anima mea.”
My darling … my soul.
Fenella’s eyes flickered shut, and she gave herself up to him. Tomorrow the harsh world they inhabited would intrude. But now, the heat of his mouth between her spread thighs, his murmured words, transported her to another realm. And when he spread her wider still, and sank deep into her, Fenella quivered.
“Look at me, Fen,” Justin rasped. “I need you with me now.”
She opened her eyes, gazing up at him as bid. Justin held himself up over her, his face taut. Fenella’s breathing stilled; the intensity of the moment was too much. If she held his gaze now, he’d see into her heart and glimpse the war within her.
As if sensing her struggle, Justin reached up, cupping her face. “Stay with me … don’t hide from me, carissima.”
His golden gaze snared hers, holding her fast. He then rolled his hips, dragging a gasp from her. A moment later, he began to move within her.