The Lost

As the two hurried away, Bridget watched with a dreamy smile on her lips before returning to her chores.

“It’s all so beautiful, Ross.” Aidan reined in her mount at the top of a hill and stared down at the scene below.

The sprawling mansion resembled a castle, with its tur reted roofs sparkling in the sunlight. Around it were the graceful arboretum, green fields of sheep and cattle, and even a bee farm on a nearby incline. “I don’t know how you can ever bear to leave this place for even a day.”

“It is lovely, isn’t it?” Ross brought his horse beside hers. “I once accused Cullen of being a magician. When he first started the renovation, the lodge lay in ruins, the river polluted from an old factory and the fields around it were fallow. The village of Glinkilly was so poor there seemed no hope of ever bringing it back to life. And yet here it is, all of it looking like a sparkling jewel.”

He looked up at the clouds begi

“I’ll race you.” Aidan shot him a grin before nudging her mount into a run.

Ross gave a shout of laughter and joined in the race.

By the time they’d turned the horses into their stalls and stepped from the stable, they were feeling the first raindrops.

“Just in time.” Ross caught her arm. “I don’t think we can make it up to the big house.”

They turned and raced through the rain to his cottage.

Once inside, they heard the rumble of thunder. Minutes later the skies opened up and the storm began in earnest.

They stood together by the windows, witnessing the wind whip the trees into a frenzied dance.

For long minutes they stood watching, each achingly aware of the other. As the minutes ticked by and the storm grew in intensity, Aidan turned toward the door, rubbing her arms.

“I think I’ll brave the rain and return to the house.”

“Don’t go.” The words were torn from his throat.

“Ross, if I stay…”

He crossed to her in quick strides and gathered her close.

“I’m sorry.” Ross pressed his mouth to a tangle of hair at her temple.

“What… what are you sorry about?”

“This. I thought I could fight it, but it’s too much, Aidan. I want you too much. There’s something deeper, stronger here than just my will.”

She gave a long, deep sigh. “I know. I feel it, too.”

He stared down at her, his eyes so fierce she actually shivered. And then his mouth was on hers, and she was lost in the kiss.

When they came up for air, she touched a finger to his lips. “I’ve tried fighting, but the truth is I want you, Ross.”

It was true. She had to have this man. She was actually trembling with need for him.

“I want you, too, Aidan.”

And then there was no need for words as they came together in a storm of passion. With each touch of his lips, his tongue, his clever fingers, she felt herself growing hotter and hotter until she was engulfed in fire.

Because her legs had turned to rubber, she clutched at his waist for support, and would have surely fallen if he hadn’t held her firmly against the cool wood of the door.

His hands found the zipper of her dress, and he slid it from her shoulders. It pooled at their feet as his clever fingers dispensed with the lace that covered her breasts.

She hadn’t known how desperately she’d wanted his hands on her. His mouth followed, taking her even higher.

When he lifted his head to catch a breath, she used that moment to tear at his shirt. She heard the buttons pop and roll across the floor as she flung it aside and reached for the fasteners at his waist.

With his help his clothes soon joined hers on the floor around them. In one quick motion her bikini panties were stripped aside.

Now they were free to feast. And did.

She ran her hands over the muscled contours of his chest and shoulders, then followed with her mouth, and thrilled to his low growl of pleasure.

“The bed.” She managed the words despite a throat constricted with need.

“Too far.” He lifted her, his mouth still feasting on hers, until he bumped into the overstuffed sofa.

He drew her down before stretching out beside her. At last free of any restraint, they came together in a firestorm of desire that rocked them both.

She shuddered as his hands and lips moved over her, taking her on a wild, dizzying ride that had her head spi

“I knew,” he whispered against her ear. “The first time I saw you, I knew that you’d be here with me.”

“Though I tried to deny it, I knew…” Before she could finish, his mouth covered hers in a kiss so heated, she could feel her bones melting.

No one had ever excited her like this. The darkness, the danger of this man had the heat growing until it threatened to choke her.

Desperate, she twined her arms around his neck, dragging his head down for a long, drugging kiss.

Against his mouth she whispered, “I want you, Ross. Now.”

“And I want you.” He lifted his head. “Look at me, Aidan.” His voice was rough with need.

Through the heat of passion that clouded her vision, she struggled to focus. His eyes were hot and fierce, and remained steady on hers as he entered her and began to move.

With incredible strength she matched his rhythm, moving with him, climbing with him.

Heat rose between them, pearling their flesh, dampening their hair as they strained to reach the very top of a high, sheer cliff.

For one precious moment they seemed to hang suspended. Then, eyes steady, hearts thundering, they took that final step into space.

“Ross.” His name was torn from her lips as she felt herself soaring high, then higher still, before shattering.

“Aidan.”

She heard him sigh her name as though in prayer as she slowly drifted back to earth.

Still joined, they lay in a limp heap of arms and legs on the narrow, cramped sofa.

Ross pressed his lips to her forehead. “What just happened?”

She managed a laugh. “I think we got caught in a storm.”

“Sorry I was so rough. Are you all right?”

“I think so. My head’s still spi

He levered himself above her. “I’m not sure. Guess I’d better check.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “Umm. That works.” He ran a hand down her side, then up again, pausing at the swell of her breast. “Everything’s still working just fine.” He kissed her again, slowly.

Against her mouth, he whispered, “That storm has been building since you stepped out of Cullin’s car. But maybe now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can actually think and talk.”

She couldn’t help gri

His smile matched hers. “Not really. But I thought I’d show you that I can be civilized.”

“I see. Civilized. I think it’s a bit late for that.”

He threw back his head and roared. “I guess you’re right. All right then, what would you think about joining me in my bed?”

“Is it bigger than this sofa?”

“Much.”

“Good.” She started to stand.

As she got to her feet he scooped her up in his arms and strode from the room, depositing her in the middle of his big bed.

“Much better.” She sat up and watched as he settled himself beside her. “Now, what would you like to talk about?”

“Let’s save that for later.” He gave her a wolfish grin. “I thought I’d show you that I’m not always in such a rush.”

“You have another speed?”

“I do. Yes. Just watch me.” He drew her down among the bed linens and began a slow, leisurely exploration of her body with his tongue.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Ross snagged her wrist as she started to slide out of bed.

They’d spent hours talking, laughing, loving, until both were sated. Now, with the rain gone and evening shadows dappling the lawn outside the window, Aidan bent to brush a kiss over his mouth and allowed her free hand to stroke his cheek.