Christmas at Ravencrest: A Dark Hero Christmas Short (Reluctant Heroes) Read Online Free PDF

methodically. As his wife she was coming to understand that as a scientist, his exhaustive intellect would allow nothing less.
    A t this moment he was carefully unlacing the back of her gown. She could feel the loosening of the fabric along her back.  His lips grazed along her neck and over her shoulder after his hand had pushed the fabric down to expose her tender flesh. “A successful outcome to any experiment demands extensive planning and preparation.”
    “Am I an experiment, my lord?”
    “No. You are my obsession.” His tongue slid lightly along her collarbone and drew tantalizing, moist circles along the base of her neck.
    Elizabeth’s skin came alive under his careful attentions. She squirmed a little, unable to stop as his darting tongue brought shivers of delight. Her dress dropped to the floor. She was standing before him in only her camisole and petticoat. It was a delightful situation to be in. And knowing the door was locked against intrusion gave her some respite from her more reticent inclinations.
    Donovan lifted her into his arms and carried her across the room.  He slipped through the side door leading to a small, windowless room where two cots awaited. It was a room set up for his patients as a place for recovery after surgery. Lacking patients at the moment, Donovan had set up the small interior room as a meeting place for them.
    “You even lit a candle.” She noted as he set her gently onto the cot.
    He removed his shirt and joined her on the narrow bed. “It’s a sad day when a man has to kidnap his wife just to enjoy a few stolen kisses.”
    His lips devoured her mouth . As his tongue teased hers, Elizabeth moved her hand over his long, muscular thigh to the large mound straining his breeches.
    “ I believe your plan goes far beyond kissing, my lord.”
    *   *   *
    Elizabeth awakened suddenly with her head nestled on her husband’s bare chest.
    She eased up on one elbow and gazed about the room with uncertainty until she recalled her surroundings. She’d fallen asleep in her husband’s arms after their lovemaking. And Donovan, being ever the gallant one, did not disturb her repose.
    “What time is it?” She asked, feeling a sense of panic as she realized there was still much to do this day. “How long was I asleep?”
    “An hour, maybe more. Relax, love. Nothing is so urgent that we cannot lose ourselves in each other before tea time.”
    Elizabeth sat up, and started to lace together the opening of her camisole. Donovan’s hand prevented her progress as he deliberately reached beneath the fabric to cradle her breast. “Why did Pearl lock us in your laboratory?” She asked, recalling the oddness of the situation just now.
    “To give us privacy. To assure you that no one could disturb us.” Donovan’s hand brushed the fabric away from her breast. He sat up, and began suckling her nipple in a leisurely fashion.
    “ But . . . Pearl is forgetful. You do have key to the hall door?”
    “Yes, but there is always the greenhouse. You could escape me through there if that were your desire, my love.”
    “I ha ve no desire to escape, as you say, but duty doesn’t pause because we wish it to.” She still had so much to do before the day was finished. There were gifts to collect for the staff. She must wrap them and label them accordingly. Between the preparations for the servant’s party, the family feast on Christmas Day and managing the care of her wounded and ailing family, Elizabeth had much work ahead of her.
    Donovan placed his arm about her waist as he lay back down on the pillow. He pulled her down with him and nuzzled the crown of her head with his lips.  The peacefulness of moments ago returned to her as she allowed him to hold her for a little longer. His skin was warm against her back and his warm hand on her belly formed a cradle over their growing child. He kept brushing soft kisses along her temple and through her loosened hair. “You said earlier you had bad