Page 36

T he carriage jolted to a halt and Ezra pulled her from her seat. Her feet barely touched the ground as he rushed her into the house. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he picked her up and took the steps two at a time.

Beatrice’s heart was racing as she tried to wrap her head around the last twenty minutes of her life. She was determined to end her maidenhood tonight, she just didn’t expect to be in Ezra’s arms when it happened.

Ezra kicked the door closed behind him and placed her down in front of him.

They both stood, caught in each other’s gaze. Afraid to move, Beatrice held her breath. Was this real? Is she really in his bedchamber about to give herself fully to him?

Anticipation and nerves coursed through her veins as her eyes searched his. His eyes were nearly black as he loomed over her, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

Ever so slowly he raised his hand and ran a finger along her jaw down to her neck, ending at the neckline of her dress. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as electricity ran from his touch to every fiber of her being.

A slow wolfish grin widened his lips at her reaction to his touch.

“Always so responsive, Mouse.” His words slid across her skin like velvet causing her exhale the breath she was holding.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she instinctively tilted her head back, opening herself up for his kiss.

She felt him shift as his breath tickled her neck when he whispered, “I will take you but only for tonight. Do you understand?” He pulled the bow where her cloak was tied and let it fall around her feet.

Her body was thrumming with expectation and need she could barely control her motions. Her head bobbed in acknowledgement as she whimpered against him. Only his one hand was on her but she felt his touch all over her body.

“I need words, Mouse.” He commanded.

“Yes, yes, yes. Only tonight. I can have you for only tonight.” She opened her eyes. “For God’s sake, Ezra, give me tonight.” Her eyes pleaded as her hands climbed up his chest and grabbed hold of his vest. “Now, Ezra. If I only have you for tonight I don’t want to wait any longer..”

Her words ignited something within Ezra. His hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her in for a crushing kiss.

His tongue pushed through her lips and captured hers in a war for dominance.

Both wanted more than they were willing to give.

As Ezra pulled at her dress, Beatrice yanked at his cravat.

After too much fumbling from both of them Ezra picked up Beatrice and carried her to the bed, tossing her on the oversized mattress.

He stood over her, chest heaving, eyes dark, body humming with barely controlled emotion. Beatrice laid with her dress half off, exposing her one breast, her hair wild around her, yet, within his gaze, she felt like the most beautiful prize.

Within his dark eyes she saw amazement and wonder. She bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering. Not out of fear, or chill, but out of anticipation.

Ezra was a large man and she knew he was known for certain proclivities in the bedroom. He could do anything he wanted to her and she could do nothing to stop it.

Her eyes locked in onto his.

Not that she would want to.

She watched as Ezra reached up and deftly removed his cravat, vest and shirt.

Standing before her with just his pants on, Beatrice’s eyes washed over his lean, yet muscular, frame in front of her.

Her fingers stretched, wanting to reach out.

She licked her lips, wanting to know what those hard muscles felt like under her touch.

Her eyes widened when his fingers opened his pants and shucked them off with his boots.

Standing in his glory she drank him in. Suddenly her own state of undress wasn’t enough. Sensing her displeasure with her clothing he leaned over and tugged her dress off over her head.

Ezra’s eyes lit as they took her naked body. Beatrice’s body came alive under his perusal. She found empowerment and strength in being watched with such reverence, yet she desperately wanted him to stop looking at her and start kissing her.

“Eager for me, Little Mouse?” His devilish grin had her blushing, which considering her current state was a bit amusing.

“And if I am?” Her voice but a whisper.

“It’s exactly how I want you. How I always want you.

” With each word he moved closer to her.

“I want you eager for me to touch you,” he said as he placed one knee on the bed.

“Take you,” his other knee landed in between her legs.

“Control you,” he said as he placed his hands on either side of her head to lean over her.

“Are you eager for me?” He asked again.

Beatrice shook her head quickly. “So much it hurts.”

His lips crashed down hers. Her body arched up into his with a moan. Her arms reached up and found purchase in his hair, pulling him down onto her. His lips left hers and trailed down her neck.

“I want all of you, Ezra. If I only have you for tonight I want it all. Don’t hold back.”

Ezra’s lips stopped on her neck and he looked up to her.

“Be careful what you wish for, Mouse. I’m barely holding on so as it is.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you’re not up for the task?”

Ezra leaned down and nipped at her breast causing Beatrice to squeal.

“I told you before, Mistress Mouse, I always do what I say, say what I mean, and follow through on my word. You will not leave here in one piece.” He leaned down and nipped at her other breast.

“I will break you apart,” he bit her side causing her to jump.

“I will take you to your breaking point over and over again.” He moved to her other side and left a small bite there.

“Piece by piece. I will have my fill of you.” He travelled to her stomach, leaving small bite marks in his wake.

“And only then I will shatter you.” His lips landed on her center causing her to whimper against his lips.

“And you will beg me to do it again. You will not leave this room whole.”

Beatrice’s body was on fire. Between his scandalous words and the way he moved over her body she felt as if she was going to break apart then and there.

His lips sucked and nibbled on her most sensitive of parts as she writhed underneath him.

“Is that what you want, Mouse?” His words were hot against her.

“Yes, yes, please, Ezra.” She pleaded as her hips began to move underneath him.

“Do you want to fall apart underneath me, Mouse?” His tongue swirled around her catapulting her to her precipice.

“Please, Ezra. I can’t… I need...”

“What do you need, hmm? Is it this?” Ezra slipped a finger inside of her and hit her center. Beatrice’s eyes flew open as she gasped. He began to pump his finger in and out of her as he sucked and nibbled.

Beatrice’s blood rushed to her head. She was no longer in control of her body. She dug her heels into the bed as she lifted her hips against his mouth. With a final flick he sent her careening over the edge. Her moans echoed off the walls as she fought to catch her breath.

When she opened her eyes Ezra was leaning over her, looking down into her eyes.

“You are beautiful when you break apart.” His voice was tender and full of awe.

Beatrice smiled. “Then do it again.”

Ezra smirked. “I told you you’d ask for it again.”

He winked as he began to kiss the sensitive spot on her neck causing her to wiggle under his kiss. He settled in between her legs and with his kisses on her neck as a distraction he pushed into her.

Beatrice let out a cry as she adjusted to his length.

“Breathe, Beatrice.” His words were muffled in between his kisses.

On his command she took a deep inhale and pushed it out, feeling her body loosen around him.

“That’s my girl.”

She preened under his praise.

“Are you ready?” He whispered.

“Ready for… oh!”

He began to move his hips, gently at first. Their rhythm was soft and exploratory. Her hands roamed over the hard plains of his back as his tender kisses trailed over her cheeks, neck and breasts.

Soon his movements became more erratic. His hips pushed into her harder and faster. He lifted his head and rested it on her forehead. Ezra’s eyes were set and focused on hers.

“Tell me you’re mine. For tonight, you’re mine. Say it.” He demanded.

“I’m yours, Ezra. I’m yours.” Beatrice said in between her moans and gasps.

At her words he squeezed his eyes shut and moved his hips even harder against her.

Fire burned throughout her body, burning whatever was left of the girl that entered this room. Her body met his rhythm, challenging him to go over the edge with her. She wanted him to be as lost to the moment as she was.

Beatrice snaked a hand into his hair as the other one held onto his shoulder. She pulled at his hair. He let out a moan when she wrapped her legs around his waist and squeezed.

“Ezra,” she cried out. “I’m yours!”

Ezra growled as his body bunched over top of her. Together they reached their peaks. Each calling out in ecstasy as they hurdled over the edge of euphoria.

She let her legs fall to the side, her soul still trying to find a way back her body. Her eyes fell closed as her breathing started to even itself out. Ezra rolled off of her and gathered her under his arm.

She cuddled against him as he pulled a blanket over them.

An overwhelming sense of emotion washed over Beatrice. She bit her lip to stop it from quivering. How embarrassing that she would respond to such a beautiful and life altering moment with tears!

“Are you well?” He mumbled.

Alarmed Beatrice looked up to him, swatting at her tears. “I don’t know why I’m crying.”

He pulled her back down to rest her head on his chest. “It’s not the worst reaction I’ve had, not the best, either.” He joked.

She laughed into his chest. “Can I ask you a question?”

Ezra nodded.

“Is it always like that?”

Ezra raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”