Trail of Lust by Em Petrova Page B

brow crumple and dropped her gaze, staring at the width of his chest until her vision blurred. Fighting to grasp his words, she ran through several reasons why he'd make this request. Was he embarrassed by her? Or was it something entirely different—like he could be in trouble with the law? His cousin Xander had spent a year on the run. Maybe Graham was caught up in that.
    His big, warm finger stroked the underside of her chin. Her pussy throbbed in response as she remembered too well the kisses he had delivered to that same spot while he fingered her to completion.
    A ragged sigh left her.
    "I promise you, Kathleen, that the instant I make sure no one is after me and no harm will come to you, I'll shout our news to the world. I'll ride down through the middle of San Antonio, bellowing to everyone willing to listen that you're my wife."
    His words trickled into her brain. Warmth spread through her like honey, but she had to know more.
    "Is someone after you, Graham?"
    He cast a look around as if someone might have sneaked up on him. A pang went straight to her soul. She wished with all her heart she could ease the pain he carried on a daily basis.
    "I can't take a risk with you.” His voice was roughened by emotion. He cupped her face and drew her down to claim her mouth. The soft meeting of their lips pulled a moan from her. He held the kiss until she nipped his lower lip, urging him on.
    He pulled back, laughing. He took her boots from her, unknotted the strings, and set about slipping them onto her feet. She watched his quick, economical movements, fighting the rising need his thick fingers inspired.
    In one swift motion, he swung into the saddle behind her. Tugging her close, he murmured against her neck. “You look mighty pretty tonight for our wedding, Kathleen."
    Her desire to join herself to him was a fortress around her, and no matter what secrets lay on the other side of the wall, she still wanted him.
    With a click, he sent the horse speeding into the night, across the fields and into the valley where the preacher waited to hear their vows.
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    Chapter Five
    Graham could barely tear his gaze from his woman long enough to thank the preacher for getting up in the middle of the night to perform their ceremony. Kathleen was dressed in a prim white lawn blouse with a charcoal-gray vest fitted tightly to her ample curves, and a gray, flaring skirt. Her straw hat sported a black ribbon that made Graham's fingers itch to pull it off.
    "The only thing that could be improved upon concerning your appearance would be if your thick auburn waves were free,” he whispered into her ear as the preacher took his place before them.
    She turned her glowing, cornflower-blue eyes on him, driving all thoughts that he was making a grave error from his mind. He chafed her fingers and edged closer to her. Then, with a rumble of satisfaction, he spun his arm around her waist and anchored her against his side.
    To hell with propriety, he thought. They were alone, and the preacher wasn't going to take offense at this familiar touch. He was being paid triple for his efforts.
    Kathleen tilted her face up to his, and Graham nearly lost all control then and there. Her lips were entirely too plush for her own good. While ideas worked in his head about how to use that pretty little mouth, the preacher began the ceremony.
    Flashes of Graham's first wedding rose up. He and Bella being joined in a canvas tent on the boundary of the camp by a priest who had left his robes behind to fight for the South. This time, Graham could provide a solid wood structure for Kathleen.
    But there would be no ringing bells to herald their union, not at midnight. And he'd asked the preacher to keep his lips sealed.
    Graham had arranged for a private room for their wedding night. He'd sneak her in and make love to her all night on a real bed, watching her eyes darken with passion by candlelight.
    "Mr. Hollis, is there a ring?” The