Her body moved against his as if it had a mind of its own, a need of its own. When his hand slipped between her legs and stroked her, she almost vaulted off the bed if it weren’t for him throwing his legs over hers to stop her.

“Tarass,” she whispered and heard the aching need in her voice.

“Good God, wife, you feel as beautiful as you are,” he said and buried his face in her neck to nibble along it.

His hand continued to tease between her legs and she thought she’d go mad. She bit her tongue to keep the moans locked away, but feared she’d fail in keeping them from escaping. She thought to reach out and explore him as he did her, but he had taken such command of her body that the only thing she could do was respond to his touch. And she did, her body writhing against his as if begging him for more, begging him not to stop, begging him to appease her ache.

She felt his manhood, thick and hard, against her leg and for a moment she wondered how he’d fit inside her, then she didn’t care. She wanted him inside her, not only to bring her pleasure but to seal their vows, their love, their life together from this day on.

Thaw’s growl and bark had Tarass ready to leap off the bed and throw the pup out of the room until he realized Thaw wasn’t barking in their direction. He was barking at the door.

“Someone approaches,” he said and hurried off his wife and out of bed to grab his sword. “Stay where you are.”

Snow wrapped the blanket around her, fear chilling her skin and turning it to gooseflesh. Who dared to come to their bedchamber so late? An intruder? Or someone bearing bad news? Either way did not bode well.

Tarass went to stand near the door, sword in hand, taking no chance. Everyone knew it was his wedding night and he was not to be disturbed, he had made it clear. And as much as he didn’t want to believe that someone had gotten passed his sentinels, he had to consider it. Especially now with a wife to protect.

A knock sounded at the door, but still Tarass stood ready.

“It’s me, Rannock.”

“This better be life or death,” Tarass called out and laid aside his sword, then reached for his plaid and wrapped it quickly around him and before opening the door he turned to his wife. “I’m opening the door for Rannock to enter.”

Snow was pleased that he let her know and tightened the blanket around her.

Tarass remained silent when he opened the door, knowing that the news couldn’t be good for his friend to disturb him on his wedding night.