Page 30 of Dark Princess Ascending

Was that the smell of his pheromones?

It must be, because any hesitation she'd felt evaporated, and she was ready to climb him like a tree and have her way with him.

Her nipples hardened to such a degree that even the silky fabric of her nightgown felt abrasive, and in a brazen moment, she pushed the straps down her shoulders and just let it slide down to the floor.

Brandon hissed but didn't reach for her like she'd hoped. He just stood there with an inferno burning in his eyes, still determined to let her explore and dictate the tone.

It was so frustrating. What did she have to do to make him react?

She was completely nude before him, her body bathing in the moonlight. Why wasn't he lifting her into his arms and throwing her on his bed?

If he needed a stronger hint, she was going to give it to him. Grasping his hands, she pulled them over her breasts and caged them with hers so he wouldn't be able to refuse her.

16

BRANDON

The contact electrified Brandon.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered as he rubbed his thumbs over her erect nipples.

The moonlight painted silvery patterns across Morelle's skin, making her seem almost ethereal despite the very real warmth of her beneath his hands.

"Tell me if I should slow down," he murmured against her throat, though restraint was becoming increasingly difficult.

"I want you to hurry up. If you go any slower, we'll be going backward."

He chuckled, the sound turning to a groan as her fingers returned to circle his nipples. "You're sure about this?"

Instead of answering, she pulled him down for another kiss, fierce and demanding. She might beinexperienced, but her enthusiasm more than made up for it.

"I want you," she whispered against his mouth.

The words sent heat coursing through him, and as his fangs lengthened, he had to fight the urge to bite her.

It was too soon for that.

He leaned away, watching her face in the moonlight. "You are absolutely stunning."

"And so are you." Her hands swept down his sides, her nails grazing his skin as she circled to his belly and then moved lower to where his shaft was peeking over the waistband of his pajama pants.

He remembered the feel of her lush lips on his cock, and the thought of her doing that again elicited a shiver.

She stilled and tilted her head. "Am I doing something wrong?"

"You are doing everything right." He put his hands on her waist, lifted her, and covered the distance to the bed in one step.

Laying her on top of the covers, he took a moment to admire her beauty.

"Perfect."

He leaned over her and returned his attention to her breasts, circling her turgid peaks before giving each one a light pinch.

"Oh, dear Mother above." Morelle arched her back, jutting her breasts up.

Brandon lowered his head, slanting his mouthover hers, and slipped his tongue between her pillowy lips. Kissing her, he kept playing with her nipples until she was undulating beneath him.

He craved her so badly that it hurt, but he had to be patient and follow her cues.