Night Hawk'S Bride (Tyler) (Harlequin Historical Series, No 558) by Jillian Hart Page B

sidesaddle style, and cradle her in his arms.
    But she had other ideas. She slid into place between his thighs, riding astride, and all reason fled. Her soft backside fit into the cradle of his thighs, and she was all heaven and tempting woman.
    Her silken hair brushed the sensitive skin against his throat. Her warmth touched him from thigh to chin, and desire cannoned through his entire being.
    Instantly hard, he fought to control his body’s raging demands. Marie stiffened, and he knew she’d felt his desire for her.
    Shame engulfed him. She was a maiden. To react to her like this showed her great disrespect. What on earth would he say to explain? That his steely will melted like ice in the sun when she was near?
    â€œIt’s a lovely evening, isn’t it?” she said, glancing over her shoulder at him. A mysterious smile touched her lips.
    Night Hawk strangled on a groan and sent Shadow streaking across the darkening meadows. The horse’s gait rocked Marie intimately against him, mimicking an even greater act. Need hammered through him as his hands curved around Marie’s hips, settling at her slim waist.
    She didn’t protest; she pressed boldly against him.
    They were like a tree and the wind, moving together, one caressing the other, in a rhythm as old as time. Every rolling step Shadow took brought them closer as dusk gave way to night. Stars glittered on the eastern edge of the world where darkness gathered and lit their way.
    He didn’t dare breathe for fear of shattering the moment. Of waking up to find this was only a dream. That he would awaken to find her fading like mist from his arms when he wanted to hold her forever.
    Too soon, the fort loomed shadowy and ominous in the clearing ahead. The settlement was quiet, and they were alone as he guided Shadow down the lane toward the closed gates.
    With regret, he slid from the stallion’s back. His feet touched the earth, ending the dream.
    Even in the darkness, he could see her face, the hint of a smile as she leaned into his hands. He caught her arms and cherished the feel of her one last time as he lifted her safely to the ground.
    â€œI’d like to come in the morning and check on our hawk.”
    â€œI’ll send Meka to meet you.”
    â€œYou could meet me.” She lifted her chin, breathless with her own brazenness.
    His knuckles brushed her cheek. “I will.”
    She craved a deeper, bolder touch. Her entire being felt aflame, and she longed for the feel of his arms again. For the hard wonder of his chest against her back and the powerful thighs cradling hers. For the thrust of that part of him that now strained at his trousers.
    She’d done that. It seemed impossible that this noble and exceptional man wanted her.
    â€œYour father will be angry.”
    â€œProbably.”
    Night Hawk’s gaze dropped to her lips. Even in the dark, she could see his pupils dilate.
    She wanted his kiss more than anything. And no polite demure kiss, either. She wanted one intimateand tender, deep and passionate. The kind lovers shared.
    As if he read her thoughts, Night Hawk bent closer. Yes. She tilted her chin to meet his kiss. Her lips tingled with anticipation and a bright joy gathered deep in her heart.
    His mouth hovered above her own and lingered. All Marie could hear was the pulse of her heart and the moan in her throat when, instead, he leaned his forehead to hers.
    â€œI’ll stay until you’re safely within the gates.” His breath mingled with hers and the intimacy lashed through her.
    Tomorrow, she vowed. She would kiss him tomorrow. The beautiful light of this love she felt for him blazed bright enough to blind her. She would not be ashamed of her feelings or of the honest passion that thrummed through her veins.
    â€œGood night, Marie.” He spoke and his words rumbled through her. He stepped away, and her skin burned with his heat.
    She watched while he hopped onto his