Lair of the Lion

rooms." He lifted her high into his arms so her breasts nuzzled his chest.
    Isabella wrapped her arms around his neck. "My room, please, Nicolai. We'll be safe there. I won't be afraid." She could hardly breathe with wanting him, and when he bent his head to flick her nipple with his tongue, she felt another wave of warm moisture seeping in invitation from between her legs.
    He wasn't altogether certain he could walk, but he was not going to take Isabella's innocence on the tiles like a heated, uncaring youth. As he made his way through the hidden passage, he stopped to kiss her several times. Once, just outside her bedchamber, he allowed her feet to touch the floor while he pressed her against a wall and took her mouth with his, his hands wandering over her body.

    Isabella found his mouth a wonderful mystery, a place of erotic beauty. He swept her into another time and place, where her body burned deliciously and she craved him, craved the feel and taste of him. She would never get enough of his kisses, never get enough of his body. Boldly she slipped her hands beneath his tunic to find the muscles of his chest. His skin was hot. She couldn't resist rubbing her hand over the large bulge in his breeches.
    Nicolai nearly exploded. He came to his senses with his mouth at her breast and his fingers deep within her body. He was attempting to tear his breeches away, and the frustration brought him back to reality. He took a breath, breathed her in, and once more cradled her to him. She was offering herself to him without reservation, a gift he was determined to treasure.
    Nicolai carried her into her chamber and laid her on the bed. Unable to take his eyes from hers, he pulled off his tunic and dropped it on the floor. She was beautiful, lying there completely naked, her gaze following his every move. He sat on the edge of the bed to pull off his boots and couldn't resist the temptation of the breast closest to him. He bent to suckle, his tongue teasing her nipple, his teeth scraping gently until she shuddered with pleasure and her legs moved restlessly.
    Her belly was soft yet firm, and she jerked as his hand slipped lower. "Trust me, Isabella," he pleaded. "Just let me take care of you."
    "Undress then," she said, trying to catch her breath. "I want to look at you the way you look at me." It was broad daylight, and she should have been ashamed, but he filled every one of her senses until there was only Nicolai. Everything he did, everywhere he touched or tasted, brought her pleasure and need. Her body no longer felt like her own but was heavy and aching and desperate for release. She was hot, feverishly so, and she needed something.
    Needed his body.
    He tossed his boots carelessly aside and stood to rid himself of his breeches. She found herself staring in apprehension at the hard, thick erection springing from between his legs.
    Nicolai smiled as she frowned at him.
    "I think you may be too big for me," she said softly.
    "That's not possible. You were made for me." He wouldn't let her be afraid of making love with him. There were many legitimate reasons for her to fear him, but his size wasn't one of them. "I'll make certain your body is ready for mine. Trust me, Isabella."
    She reached out to wrap her fingers around his thickness. When she felt his shudder of pleasure, she slid the pad of her thumb over the soft tip to watch his reaction. Her stomach clenched hotly deep inside, every muscle contracting with anticipation.
    "Later, cara, I swear, I'll show you many ways we can pleasure each other, but right now, I want you very much. I need to make certain you're ready for me."

    "I feel ready for you," she said as he knelt between her legs, nudging her thighs wider.
    She felt ready to explode.
    "We both thought you were ready for me before, cara mia, but I rushed you." He pushed his finger slowly into her tight sheath. Isabella gasped and nearly came off the bed. "This is what it's like, cara, only more, remember? There's nothing to be afraid of." He bent to kiss her belly as he withdrew his finger. "Now I'm going to stretch you a little, but it should bring pleasure, not pain." He pushed two fingers in very slowly, watching her face for signs of discomfort.
    Her muscles clenched and tightened around his fingers, and he began to push deeper, a longer stroke that had her crying out. When he withdrew his hand, Isabella protested.
    "Nicolai." A soft reprimand that made him smile and shake his head.
    "Not yet, cara. One