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Page 383
only one danger. Although Rhiannon was sensual and plainly enjoyed lovemaking, she had a will as strong as tempered steel. She might still refuse him! Simon flicked the cold drops from fingers and face and hurried back to the camp. He was a fool. He should have sent the men ahead and taken her while she was still aroused by danger.
There was no sign of her when he arrived at the camp. Simon gritted his teeth and hurried toward his tent. If she was already abed, his problem would be enormously increased. He threw back the tent flap and rushed in, only to be brought up short by the sight of Rhiannon sitting quietly on a stool waiting for him.
"What is it?" she asked tensely, jumping to her feet in response to his precipitous entrance.
"Only my impatience to be with you," Simon replied.
She put out a hand to him, at the same time beginning to say, "Simon, I must"
But she never finished. The extended hand was sufficient invitation. Simon pulled her close and kissed her, finding himself trembling with eagerness as if he were a green boy with his first woman. Rhiannon responded immediately. Simon could feel her press forward against him, and her mouth opened to draw in his tongue. Yet, even while her desire made her draw him closer, tightening her arms around him, her head moved slightly as if she felt she should draw away.
Simon tried to slip a hand between them to untie the neck of her tunic so that he could kiss her throat and eventually her breasts, but the moment he relaxed the pressure of his embrace, she freed her mouth.
"I must tell you," she gasped.
"Not now, for sweet Mary's sake," Simon groaned. "Later. Tell me later."
He pulled her closer again, and she did not resist, only whispered in a troubled way, "But Simon"
"I am afire," he pleaded. "I do not care."

 
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