Twilight's Eternal Embrace by Karen Michelle Nutt

accepting such a gift from the elders of the Oiche Sith clan . It was blood money, a payment for Fianait ' s agreement to be wed. Truly , they all acted as if there was a n option not to accept . There wasn ' t a choice. If the family refused , they would live their lives in disgrace.
    Now she was glad for the horse. It gave her more freedom and a way to travel faster than on foot. Bram and she had precious few hours together . She didn ' t want to waste those moments on the journey to reach him.
    As she broke through the trees, she urged her mount to where Bram stood facing toward the sea . His fur mantle blew in the breeze like a welcoming flag. She had hoped he ' d wear the velvet one. She liked the way it felt against her skin.
    He turned as she neared, his lips curving into a smile. " You come dressed as a warrior. "
    She glanced down at her attire and chuckled. " The riding clothes are comfortable. "
    " I prefer the leine myself over wearing a braccae. " He took hold of her waist to help her down. " It gives me… " He cleared his throat. " uh…more room. "
    Pressed against his body, she knew why he wished for more room. She imagined he was large down there …like the rest of him, but she had yet to see for herself. She knew he wanted her. It was obvious by his body ' s reaction, but he did no more than kiss her. He had not even suckled her breast since the first time.
    Her hand went to the bulge pressed against her and he hissed in response, his hand gripping hers to still her exploration. " I would not continue if I were you , my sweet Adryanna. "
    " Why not? " She lifted a brow in challenge.
    He shook his head and chuckled. " If you must ask, you do not know what danger you are in. "
    " Danger? I trust you. I only want to touch you. You can teach me to give you pleasure. I am a quick learner. "
    He leaned his forehead against hers with a groan. " It would not be wise. I could lose control. " He pressed a kiss to her hand . " Not yet. "
    " Fine for now, but I want to know when. I will have you first before you are given to another. " She gave a startled cry at her outburst. She had not meant to reveal her thoughts in such a manner. She knew her skin turned a shade darker and even in the Twilight, Bram ' s keen gaze would pick it up. " Do not laugh. I could not endure it. " She glanc ed away, but his forefinger and thumb gently held her chin, forcing her to look at him.
    " I do not laugh. " No, he didn't, but his gaze slid over her, making her body tingle with longing. " I want you as well, but not at the risk of hurting you. We will take it slow. Aye? "
    She nodded and pursed her lips together for fear she would slip and say more to humiliate herself.
    He kissed the top of her head. " If it is your wish, we will find a way to be with each other. "
    She narrowed her eyes at him , holding his gaze. " You swear this is the truth,"
    His large hands cupped her face gently and his words a hoarse whisper as he pledged. " I swear. " He took hold of her hand and they walked side by side. The air was cooler than it had been on the previous nights. The stars didn ' t shine through the cloud layers. " It will rain soon, " Bram said thoughtfully. " We will not have much time together tonight. "
    " Can we not find shelter? I can barely stand the day without seeing you and I will not have my night cheated by the weather. "
    He glanc ed at her, his lips twitching into a smile. " You are in a rare mood this evening and full of demands. "
    " Does this bother you? Am I too brazen? "
    He pulled her closer. " Not in the least. I like a female who will speak her mind. "
    She was silent for a moment , wondering if he had many females at his beck and call. He claime d there were few women in his clan, but it didn ' t mean he hadn ' t slept with at least one of them.
    " Why the frown? "
    " Hmm? Nothing. " She shook her head.
    " Really? " He chuckled. " Now you wish to clam up. "
    " If you must know. .. I wondered if there were females in