Chapter Nine
Maura had no idea what made her goad Aidan. Perhaps it was his overbearing attitude. Maybe it was to see just how far she could push him before his cockiness slipped.
She wasn't normally a bold sort of girl. Not like some of the girls Maura knew from school. Or even some her acquaintances in California who often frequented the night clubs where all kinds of raunchy things took place.
But something about Aidan touched her. He made her feel things. She felt so conflicted. She wanted him. But why? Was it the memory of the handsome man who did not hesitate to rescue a damsel in distress down by the creek? Or was it something more primal—the simple biology between a man and a woman.
She wished she had the answer. It might make it easier to understand these feelings she hoped would go away. Aidan made it clear he didn’t want her or their marriage. And tonight, what would take place between them wasn’t about his feelings for her. He wasn’t going to make love to her. He was putting the seal on the deal between their papas. It was about consummating a marriage that neither of them wanted, but both of them were depending on. She had better remember that, or her heart would pay the price.
Aidan turned off the single lamp sitting on the wooden nightstand next to his side of the bed. The darkness engulfed them. Maura felt the mattress sink beneath his weight. She turned on her side and waited for Aidan to lead. Her heart hiccupped in her chest pumping dampness to her core.
Aidan lay down on the bed next to her. His warmth caressed her body, making her feel weak and needy. But, he didn’t move.
She waited. Perhaps he was giving her time to relax before he approached her. After all, they were strangers.
The room was still and quiet. Maura turned her head to listen. Should she say something to her groom?
“Aidan? Are you okay?”
A soft snore vibrated through the darkness, and she knew he had fallen asleep. “That’s just as well.” Maura sighed and turned toward the wall and snuggled deep into the layers of blankets. It was deep into summer, but the mountain air was always cool year round.
Maura was drifting off to sleep when a hand traced her curves hidden under the soft bedsheets. Then, it drifted up her thigh, across the curve of her hip, into the hollow of her waist, up her arm, and over her shoulder.
Aidan's strong fingers pressed into her neck and pulled her closer to him. Their bodies touched, and his desire was evident against her belly.
“I—thought you were asleep.” It sounded lame even to her own ears.
“I was. But now I’m awake.” His masculine voice vibrated against her in the darkness of their bedroom.
She tried to relax. She wanted to relax. But this was all new to her, and as much as she wanted to enjoy this night, she was inexperienced. She was certain it showed.
Aidan kissed her on her lips. He was surprisingly gentle. His feather-light touch ignited a fire inside her. Ripples of desire coursed over her skin.
She raked her fingernails down his naked chest, tracing the ridges of his muscles. Her heartbeat stumbled a bit when she touched his rigid nipple. Curious if the other felt the same, she reached beneath him. He rolled to give her access. She was satisfied to know it did. Feel the same.
He pulled her closer, his hands cupping the cheeks of her bottom pulling her tight against him.
Instincts drove her forward, and any inhibitions she may have had disappeared in the waves of her passion. She slid her hand up and down his taunt stomach. Her breath caught when his whisper reached out to her in the dark.
"Ah, Maura. What are you doing to me?" Aidan groaned in her ear. He took her lips in a kiss that melted her core into a molten flow of need.
His lips traced the curve of her neck to her shoulder. The closer he got to her breasts, the more her core wept.
Anticipation was nothing compared to the actuality of his lips on her breasts. He stroked his hot tongue over each nipple.
"Do you like that, Maura?”
"Yes," she whispered.
He was half on top of her, resting the majority of his weight on the bed and his right elbow while his left hand worked its magic on her body.
"What about this?" he asked, his hot breath blowing along the wet trail he had just created with his wicked tongue.
Finally, Aidan rolled over her, bearing most of his weight on his arms. A thin sliver of moon glimmered through the lace curtains in the window, just enough she could see the sparkle of his eyes.
But when she heard his next words, she knew she might be in trouble.
"I will do my best to make this as painless for you as possible."
Maura knew what he was referring to. She lay back in the bed and stared at the ceiling, her nervous fingers picking at the lace on the sheet. Perhaps she should have told him.