Chapter 14

Aedan nuzzled her neck, moving slowly to the pulse, which beat wildly against her skin. He knew which areas to kiss, to nibble and suck. Unable to help herself she leaned into his touch, encouraging him without words. His teeth closed on her lobe, and he nipped, causing a frisson of sensation that made her body arch. He pulled back and his hands gently framed her face; the change in pace threw her off balance since she wanted his mouth back on her neck. But then she lifted her head and became lost in the depths of his deep blue eyes. His fingers caressed her cheek with a slow, mesmerising touch. She noticed his gaze move to her lips, then his thumb traced the soft outline of their sensuous bow shape. Aedan bent his head, slowly building the anticipation, making her ache for his touch.

She let out a soft moan of pleasure as his lips finally pressed against hers. She parted them, eagerly allowing him access. He kept the pace slow, a seductive slide of tongues, a lazy exploration. Reaching up, she curled her fingers around his nape, feeling the strands of his hair tease her skin. His hold tightened and the kiss deepened, a hint of need now evident.

Pulling apart, and feeling a little breathless, Aedan pressed his forehead to Emma's. "Back at the tent, you seemed nervous, so I need to ask; do you want this to happen?" His voice was husky with lust, but his concern came through. She leaned back a little, meeting his eyes with a slightly glazed look that did wonders for his ego. "You make me feel things I've never felt before, and yes, it made me a little scared to take the next step." The words rushed out of her in one long breath, enhancing the fact that she still felt some trepidation.

Aedan took a moment to think over her words, and then the dots connected, and he understood her apprehension. " Emma, have you ever slept with a man before?"
A rosy hue covered her skin as she shook her head. "No." The word came out as little more than a whisper on the breeze.
His desire kicked up a notch at the quiet admission, although it wouldn't have changed his feelings if the answer had been otherwise, considering how hard he'd fallen for her. But, he couldn't deny that it pleased him immensely to know he would be her first, and if he had anything to say about it, he would be her last. His lips found hers again and this time he ravished her mouth, leaving her feeling branded with the heat of his passion.

He took his time undressing her, his hands stroking over satin skin at every opportunity. Her body felt alive as each touch sensitised her skin, relaxing and arousing her simultaneously. His knuckles brushed against the curve of one firm breast, and his fingers whispered against her collarbone. Then down, along the sternum, briefly pressing against the other breast before gliding over her stomach, teasing the navel, the soft belly. Need built within her, like a stoked furnace, as she focused on his hand moving ever lower. Taking a deep breath for courage, Emma closed the distance, needing to touch him. She gathered the hem of his loose cotton shirt and lifted it, allowing him to complete the action when it became obvious that she couldn't reach over his head. A sharp intake of breath escaped her as she took in the magnificence of his upper body. The muscle definition tempted her to tease with tongue and lips, to trace every dip and ridge of his torso and arms. For the moment she restrained herself, instead letting her hand trail along the fine layer of hair covering his chest, circling the small nipples. Feeling curious, she ran a finger around the flat, brown disc and was rewarded with a tightening of his muscles and a muttered oath. Her wandering hands moved upwards, and his obliques jumped at her touch. For a moment, she rested there, feeling the heat and restrained force of this attractive and powerful man beneath her hands.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his sternum, her tongue darting out to taste his skin, sliding along the fine hairs. Her taste buds flared as his flavour filled her senses; a mixture of trees on a rainy day, and a wild, carefree scent mixed with his unique male muskiness. A hungry groan slipped from her lips as she breathed in his addictive fragrance. Emma's hands slid to his back, enjoying the feel of strong muscles bunching together before relaxing again. Her fingers dipped below the waistband, smoothing over the curves of his firm buttocks, feeling each attractive dip as his muscles flexed. She couldn't resist giving one firm cheek a quick squeeze.

Aedan's nostrils flared and quick as a tiger pouncing on its meal, he cupped her skull and brought her in for a long, bruising kiss that left them both breathing a little faster. He took her hand and led her to the edge of the lake. "I think I need to cool off, or this is going to be over much too quickly," he said with a chuckle. He pulled off his remaining clothes and Emma stumbled at the sight of him.
"You still with me, Angel?"
She nodded, feeling a little dazed. 'Blimey,' she rasped, her gaze still glued to his lower body.
Seeing the direction of her eyes, Aedan chortled. "Oh, my sweet angel, you really are perfect."

Taking her hand, he led her into the cool water, and Emma sighed happily. "Ohhh, that feels so good." She wiggled her toes, appreciating the sensation of water washing over her sore feet. Moving in further, Aedan enfolded her in his arms and dipped them beneath the water. Silence encompassed them. Emma's limbs felt weightless, untethered, and as her body relaxed she felt at peace. Forcing her eyes open, Emma saw chinks of silver floating on the surface; moonlight shattered by their submergence. Then they moved upwards, disturbing the glitter once more as they emerged.

She wiped the water from her eyes just in time to see Aedan reach up and work his fingers through his shoulder-length black hair, the movement pulling tight his biceps and stretching his obliques. Sweet Maker, but he looked good enough to eat. She spotted the mischievous gleam in his eye a moment before he cupped his hands and threw a handful of water at her. Emma grinned and retaliated with manic splashing, but his hands were larger. In the face of such an overpowering attack, she decided to retreat. Laughing, Emma took off with a kick of her feet, swimming easily away. Glancing over her shoulder, Emma saw that he'd disappeared. She floated in the water, looking around, and then hands suddenly wrapped around her waist, causing her to let out a shocked scream. In one fluid motion, he turned her and covered her mouth, effectively stopping the sound in mid-flow. She tugged playfully at his hair in reprimand for scaring her, then she melted under the demands of his firm mouth. They swam lazily, touching and stroking until the soles of their feet scuffed against the soft ground.
With a touch of disappointment, Emma realised that they'd reached the river bank. "Are we finished?"
His blue eyes burned with carnal intent as he answered, "Oh no, sweet angel, we are far from finished, but if we stay in the water much longer, we're going to turn into prunes."
She chuckled, but her body tightened with need.

Aedan grabbed a towel from his backpack and laid it out. He beckoned to her, his eyes intent on the sway of her hips and the bounce of her breasts as she walked towards him. He reached for her and pulled her to him. His mouth descended on hers in a hungry kiss as he took her down to the ground, his arms steadying her until she lay on her back. His lips moved along her jaw, her neck, her throat, her sternum, chasing the drops of water that still clung to her skin.
"Aedan..." Her breath came out in a needy whimper. She had been simmering with arousal for so long that each touch to her skin felt magnified to the point of pain.
"It's all right, Angel, I've got you." His warm breath fluttered across her skin with each word, heightening the sensations until she felt she would go mad.

Aedan stretched his body over hers, capturing her lips in a slow and sensuous kiss. Then he shifted slightly and entered her. He looked for any sign of pain or discomfort but saw only pleasure. His primitive side urged him to move fast, but he gritted his teeth, determined to take it slow for her first time. Her slim fingers brushed against the nape of his neck; he lifted his head, and their eyes met. He could never have prepared for the intimate connection that snapped into place, nor the rush of emotions that made him breathless. He closed his eyes, afraid of the feelings coursing through him, but she wouldn't let him hide. Her hand stroked down his face, brushing gently over his brow.
"Please open your eyes, Aedan."
Those five hushed words moved him and unable to resist, he did as she asked, and found her eyes filled with tears too. "Emma, this is..." He shook his head then pressed his forehead to hers. "I've never felt this way before."
She cupped his cheek, meeting his gaze even as a tear slid from the corner of her eye. "Oh thank goodness. I thought it was just me. I feel like I'm losing myself in you."
Aedan smiled. "That's exactly what it feels like." His arms tightened around her. "Maker's breath, I'm close, Angel."
He started to pull away but Emma stopped him. "Grey Wardens can't get pregnant."
He stilled for a moment, his eyes searching hers. "You're sure?"
She smiled. "I'm certain."
Their surrender hit them hard, and they held each other as Aedan growled and Emma let out an ecstatic scream.

When they could move, Aedan rolled onto his back, holding on to Emma so that she sprawled on top of him. Running his warm fingers along her spine Aedan asked, "So, we might never have children?"
Emma nodded, happy to know he'd thought that far ahead. "It's highly unlikely but imagine the fun we can have trying."
He grinned as his hand played with her hair. "See, this is why I love you." He froze as he realised what he'd said.
Quickly Emma sat up, straddling his body, and leaning forward as she took his face in her hands. "Do you mean that?"
He knew he'd spoken the truth, so replied without hesitation. "Yes." His hands sat on her waist, thumbs stroking in a nervous rhythmic motion.
A radiant smile lit up Emma's face. "I love you too. I realised it before we talked, which is..." The rest of the sentence was lost in a kiss so beautiful that it devastated her senses and brought tears of joy to her eyes. He wiped them away with a gentle touch of his thumbs.

They stayed there for some time, talking, content to hold and be held until the air turned cooler, forcing them to dress and head back to camp. There were a few knowing glances thrown their way, along with a couple of smiles, but Emma barely noticed them. She felt happy, content, and completely and utterly satiated.