Lair of the Lion

in danger. Why can't you understand that?
    From me, from this valley, from everyone. You're so fearless, so headstrong, you don't seem to be able to stay out of trouble for one moment." He shook her again and then once more blotted out the world, his mouth finding hers somewhere between anger and sheer terror.
    And then they were both out of control, kissing wildly, tearing at each other's clothes, trying to find skin, oblivious to the darkness, the cold, the enmity of the lion that had been stalking her. She wanted the solace and heat of his body, the joining of their bodies. She wanted him to fill her completely so that she could think only of him, of pleasure.
    He pushed her deeper into the shadows, forcing her against the wall of the building deep within the courtyard. His mouth was hot and dominant, a wild response to his fear. He tugged at the string of her neckline, loosening her top so that he could shove the material down, exposing her breasts to his exploration.
    Isabella slid one leg up his, nearly as wild as he was, pressing tightly against his thick arousal, rubbing her body against his. It was wicked to be standing outside with her breasts exposed to him, but she loved it, loved watching him look at her. Her nipples hardened in the cold air, and she cried out when he cupped the weight in his hands and bent to suckle.
    At once his mouth was driving her crazy with need, making her weak so that she clung tighter to him, her leg wrapped around his waist to align her body more perfectly with his.

    "It's too cold out here for you," he whispered as his teeth skimmed her nipples and his tongue stroked caresses over her breasts. His mouth, hot and moist, was branding her, claiming her for his own.
    "Then warm me up, Nicolai, right here, right now."
    "It's going to have to be fast, piccola. Are you certain you're ready for me? I don't want to hurt you." He was already checking for himself, sliding his hand up her thigh to find her heated, damp entrance. He pushed into her even as he pressed her tighter against the wall. "I want to make certain, cara," he said, lifting her to an outcropping on the wall, bunching her skirt around her waist. He wrapped her legs around his neck.
    "Nicolai!" She sobbed his name, her fists clenched tightly in his hair for anchor as he stroked his thumb over her core.
    He bent his head and replaced his hand with his mouth, his tongue stabbing deeply. Her body went wild, bucking against him, fragmenting, so that she was pleading with him to stop even as she held his head to her. He felt the orgasm take her, again and again, before he lifted his head, satisfied she was ready for him.
    "You'll have to help me. It's cold tonight, and that can take away a man's ability," he said as he allowed her feet to touch the ground. He was unfastening his breeches, his body already hot and thick.
    "Tell me, Nicolai," she pleaded. "I want you so much right now."
    "Keep me hot. Take me in your mouth, Isabella." He guided her head. "Wrap your fingers around me and squeeze gently, firmly. Dio!" He gasped as her mouth took possession of him, hot and tight and untutored but willing. He guided her as best he could when he could barely stand with the waves of pleasure washing over him. His hands found the back of her head even as his hips thrust helplessly.
    He watched her through half-closed eyes, marveling at her ability to please him in every way. He loved her body, her mind, and now even her mouth was priceless. Before he could embarrass himself, he dragged her up and simply lifted her in his arms, resting her weight against the building. "Wrap your legs around my waist."
    Isabella pulled her skirt aside and locked her ankles behind his back. She could feel him pressed tightly against her. Slowly he lowered her body so that she settled over the thick length of him, inch by delicious inch, an agony of pleasure. At first Nicolai allowed her the lead, watching her face, her dreamy, sultry expression as she began to move, began to ride him. She was strong, her muscles firm and tight. She started slowly, loving the way she could lift her hips and clench her muscles to bring him even greater pleasure.
    "You like that, don't you?" she whispered.
    Nicolai nodded, unable to speak, as he tightened his grip on her hips. He began to thrust upward hard as he brought her body down to meet his. She gasped, clutching at his shoulders, fingers biting into his skin. He did what she needed most—drove out every worrisome