J. RoBB - The Lost

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 spinning. You?”

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 grinning. “You want to talk?”

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.

“To grab a shower and dress. Cullen will be back. It might prove awkward explaining to Bridget and Cullen why I’m sneaking in, late and mussed.”

“To save face, you intend to leave me alone and bereft? I can see where your priorities lie.”

The look on his face had her heart stuttering. He looked so inviting, with his hair tousled and his eyes heavy-l idded with passion. Like a man who had been thoroughly loved.

In her most haughty tone, she said, “I live to break men’s hearts. Now, like Cinderella, I fear the witching hour. I must flee before I’m discovered, barefoot and in rags.”

“Even in rags, Aidan, I’d want you.”

Her heart lurched. To keep things light, she simply smiled. “Easy for you. You don’t have to face Bridget’s wrath.”

As she started away he drew her back. “You can’t leave me without a kiss.”

She brushed her lips over his and was startled when he dragged her close and ravaged her mouth until her heart began tripping over itself.

“Stay, Aidan. I’ll show you all the wonders of the world.”

“I thought you’d already done that.”

“Oh, but there are so many more.”

She drew back. “You make it entirely too tempting.” She stepped away and this time managed to cross the room.

“All right.” He slid out of bed and trailed her. “The least I can do is scrub your back.”

Still laughing, they showered together.

As they dressed, Aidan spotted the cashmere throw which had been carefully folded over the back of a chair.

She arched a brow. “I’d forgotten this.”

He merely smiled. “Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, it remained after you’d fled. I liked having it here.” His tone deepened. “I missed you the minute you walked out the door. Which is why…” He linked his fingers with hers and held the door. “This time I’m not going to let you out of my sight.”

His words touched her heart and made her so incredibly happy that she couldn’t stop smiling as they strode hand in hand from the cottage and made their way to the lodge.

As dusk settled over the land, the storm had blown itself out, leaving the gardens fresh and glistening with raindrops.

Aidan and Ross stepped apart before entering the library.

Cullen and Bridget were huddled in quiet conversation in front of a roaring fire.

The old man looked up with a smile and held out a tulip glass of champagne to Aidan. “I hope you found something to do while I was gone, my dear.”

She accepted the glass and sipped. “I had a lovely tour of the countryside by horseback.”

“Excellent.” He handed Ross a tumbler of ice water. “Thank you for standing in for me, lad.”

“It was my pleasure. You had to drive through quite a storm.”

“Storm?” For a moment the older man seemed puzzled. Then a wide smile split his lips. “Oh. Yes. The storm. Not quite as fierce in town as it was here, I expect. Did you two have supper?”

Aidan nodded. “And you?”

“Oh, my, yes. We ate at the pub after our meeting. Here, my dear.” He indicated a group of chairs in front of the fire. “Warm yourself.”

Cullen settled himself beside Aidan, while Ross chose to stand in front of the fireplace where he could watch her expressive face.

“The farmers were impressed by the accuracy of your figures. They claimed that without your help, they’d have had to hire a firm from Dublin, which would have charged them a fortune. Thanks to you, Aidan, they’re showing their biggest profit ever.”

“I’m so glad.” Aidan sipped her champagne and shot a quick glance at Ross, who was openly staring, as though he couldn’t get his fill of looking at her.

“The Cooperative would like to pay you for your services.”

Aidan flushed. “Please thank them for me, and explain why I must refuse their generous offer. It was such a treat for me to be able to do something that I enjoy while knowing that I was helping them. To me, that’s reward enough.”

“Indeed.” Her response seemed to please Cullen tremendously. “You’ve a generous heart, my dear. But then, I never doubted it. You come from a long line of generous souls.”

After less than an hour of pleasant conversation, Cullen stifled a yawn. “I’m afraid this day has worn me out. Forgive an old man his weariness.” He got to his feet. “You two stay and enjoy the fire.”

Ross gave a quick shake of his head. “I thought I’d give Aidan a tour of the gardens by moonlight. Will you join us?”

“Not tonight. I’m off to my bed.” Cullen bent to press a kiss to Aidan’s cheek. “I expect the courier should be here by the time we finish our breakfast.”

“So soon?” Aidan’s heart contracted and she looked over to see Ross’ little frown.

“’Twill end the suspense for you. For both of us,” he added as an afterthought. “Good night, my dear.” He straightened and walked to Ross, laying a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. “Good night, son.”

“Good night, Cullen.”‘