Quicksilver Passion (170 page)

His fingers moved over her face in the darkness, touching each feature.
You will always be so very beautiful to me, even when you’re old. And the only mirrors you will ever need again is your reflection in my eyes.”

It’s so ironic,” she wept.
All I ever thought of was my vanity and now you will never see me age, never see my beauty fade like the rose in the song.”

He was silent a long moment.
What you never understood, sweet Silver, is that I wasn’t in love with your looks, I would have loved you no matter what. I’m in love with the
you
that’s deep inside.”

I love you, too.” She didn’t believe him; no one could really love her for herself. He loved her because, in his mind, she would always be the flawless beauty he rode away and left so many, many lifetimes ago.

He turned and felt his way to a chair, sat down.
If you don’t mind, I’d just like to hold you awhile, feel your heart beating, your pulse against my lips.”

And she snuggled up in his lap, stifling an urge to weep because he was blind, because she was scarred.
Life can be so unfair!”

That’s why we should take each moment as it comes,” he whispered and kissed her cheek, cuddling her in his strong arms.
No one ever promised that life would be fair or even that we would have a tomorrow.”

Then make this a night to remember,” she breathed against his lips. He undid her hair and let it fall in a cascade of silken locks over them both. Then he kissed the hollow of her throat.

They sat a long time before the fire. It was enough somehow that they were finally together. They had both waited so very long.

Then gradually, his hands stroked her skin into fire so that his touch sent goosebumps rising along its surface. This time, eager for him, she unbuttoned her own bodice and his shirt, and pressed her naked breasts against his brawny chest, her nipples against his until the tips swelled with the desire.

Kiss me,” he demanded.
Kiss me like you want me!”

She had never been the aggressor before but she was eager for him and she reached up to cover his mouth, pushing her tongue inside, probing the hot wetness, nibbling at his lips. Beneath her, she felt his manhood hard and throbbing. Her own ardor increased as she bent her head to suck and tease his nipples until he gasped and held her mouth against him. He trembled now, his hands pulling at her skirt and now under her lace pantalets, stroking her.