His hands trembled as he tugged the gown over her head and discarded it. He longed to talk to her, to ease her fears and any discomfort she might experience when he entered her. But he found himself incapable of muttering a single sound. His fears were rampant. He was afraid he'd be too heavy for her. That he was too large for her. He feared his weight might somehow injure the child.
Hannah must have read the uncertainty in his eyes. "It's all right," she whispered, linking her arms around his neck, bringing him down to her. She kissed him as though that would convince him all was well.
"The baby?"
"Will be fine---I'm not so sure about me, though, if you keep me waiting much longer."
Riley loved her in that moment, more deeply than he thought it was possible to love another. Taking infinite care, he moved over her, lowering himself between her legs, which she'd willingly parted for him. His gaze burned into hers. Going as slowly as his body would allow, he positioned himself and entered her unhurriedly, watching her closely for any sign of pain or discomfort, giving her ample time to adjust to him, to his body invading hers.
Hannah dosed her eyes and dragged in a deep breath.
"I'm hurting you?"
"No… not in the least. I… don't remember it feeling this good." Her hands tightened around his neck, and she hooked her feet around the backs of his knees and shifted upward, as though taking in every part of him were of the utmost importance.
When he was as deep as he dared sink, he shuddered, surrounded as he was by the most intense pleasure. Surrounded by joy. And love. He stared down on her, his heart full, and she looked up at him, her gaze as warm as liquid honey.
"You're sure?" He had to ask, had to know.
"Yes… oh, please."
A frenzy of long-denied need overtook him then as his hips pumped against hers. Rhythm was lost to him. So was the proper pacing. He took her swiftly. Then slowly. Then fiercely. Then gently. Their mating was wild and raw and hot. So unbelievably hot that Riley felt consumed by the fire of his need. Of her need. Of them together.
Riley's completion came in minutes, with a flash of pleasure so keen it bordered on pain. It was over. Far too quickly. Much too soon.
He hadn't finished making love to Hannah and already he was worrying about how long it would be before he could have her again.
Holding her against him, his hands in her hair, he savored the closeness they shared. Wrapping his legs around hers, Riley rolled onto his side, taking her with him, maintaining the intimate link between them.
Their eyes met and Hannah released a soft, feminine sigh, then smiled. Tears streaked her face, and Riley reached out and, frowning, brushed them aside. He'd hurt her, only she'd never admit it. His stomach tightened