As if a powerful dam tore apart under the onslaught of a raging river, a deep vibration came from him, and he bent forward over her. She braced herself, hands on his shoulders, for the wave she could feel coming. Her heart beat faster as Cain slid his hands up her form to cup her face. The kiss deepened, and Ella was lost in the gentleness of his hands. Lost to heat and sensation and a tipping, giddy world that flooded her until all reason seemed to wash away. No clan names, no secret oaths, no strategies, no disloyalty. Not even games.

She heard another low grumble that vibrated from Cain’s chest as he held her, his masculine presence completely engulfing her as he surrounded her with his body. Yet she didn’t feel trapped. Oh no. She felt like she soared higher.

Her fingers curled into his massive shoulders as she clung, her mouth opening under his, giving him the freedom to taste her. A mix of chill and heat slid up and down her body as he swept inside, emboldening her to do the same. Her heart beat frantically—not in panic, but in need.

Ella wanted him, and the ache at the juncture of her legs throbbed. She pressed against him, rubbing as his large paw slipped down to cup her backside, helping her find just the right spot. His other hand tangled in her hair, pulling loose the pins holding half of it on top. It fell, adding to the silky curtain of waves about her that he lifted and raked as he cupped the back of her head.

He tasted of honey ale and barely controlled, raw power, the intensity causing her to tremble. Their mouths moved as much as their bodies: sliding, tasting, giving, and taking. Ella’s breath ran out, but she barely cared, and she inhaled against him, stealing some of his. Her fingers curled into his arms as she clung, and she moaned softly, pleasure building inside her.

It should scare her, this passion. Cain Sinclair was made of untamable power and lethal strength, someone she had no hopes of controlling. Yet the fire in her swelled up, burning away any concern. The need to draw him into her overrode everything. It was carnal and fierce, an instinct that made her blind to everything else in the world.

“Mayhap we will get some bairns out of this marriage yet.” Merida’s voice cut through the current of lust enveloping Ella, and she stiffened against Cain.

Cain released her lips, letting her slide down him while still holding her firmly upright, which was fortunate, since she would have plopped down on her arse if he let go. He kept his gaze connected to hers, his thumb coming up to gently touch her damp lower lip. There was no cockiness in his gaze, and she wondered if the ravished look on his face resembled her own.