position tonight?”

“Like what?” she gasped.

“I would like it if you would lie on your belly and let me enter you that way.”

He stroked her cheek, and the light in his eyes spoke volumes.

She turned away from him. “Oh, Christopher, I would rather not.”

“Why not?”

She pinched her lips together. “It's my back. I'm just not comfortable with it.”

“I told you it doesn't bother me,” he reminded her.

With a sigh, she admitted, “It bothers me. From behind, I feel broken. I don't

like that. There's no point in looking backward. The scars don't bother me, you

know. They're so much better now.”

“They're about as better as they're going to get.” Her voice had taken on a strained tone from the battle between her desire to state her opinion and her growing arousal.

“I know,” he replied. “As long as they're not a danger to you, let them be.

Don't worry, love. I'm not disgusted by any part of you. Those scars are a symbol

of your strength.” Someday, love, you're going to have to integrate your past and

your future.”

She swallowed hard and broke eye contact. “I know, but not yet. It's too soon. Please?”

“Very well.” Christopher rolled onto his back. “Let's put you on top then.”

He reached for her. Katerina was still learning to believe in safety, but in bed

at least, Christopher had never let her down. She gladly placed her hand in his

and straddled his middle with her long, slender legs.

“Come on, love, take hold of me.” He guided her hand to his erection. She

blushed but complied, teasing him gracelessly but with gentle eagerness. Her tender touches brought him to the brink of completion in moments. He grasped

her hand to lever himself upright and urged her down hard, so he slid home in

one hard stroke.

Katerina's eyes opened wide at the rough entry. It didn't hurt exactly, but where is the tender lover who eases into me so sweetly night after night?

He pulled back and drove deep again and this time she understood. He's wild

with desire… for me. He wants me so badly he's lost control. She bit her lip to hold in a flattered smile. This sophisticated, worldly man desires me this much.

Me!

She relaxed against the passionate onslaught. The third hard thrust made her

tingle. The fourth made her bite her lip and moan. The fifth sizzled like fire. One

more was all it took, and Katerina screamed as a soul-deep orgasm crashed over

her. It was fortunate she arrived so quickly because Christopher had only one more thrust in him. He slammed to the hilt inside her and exploded with a roar

while she squirmed and clenched around him.

As Christopher's awareness slowly returned, he noticed Katerina's head resting on his chest. He felt a flash of concern. She's still so new at lovemaking, so tight and innocent, and that was no way to take a lady. I hope I didn't hurt her.

He needn't have worried. She levered herself upright, her dark eyes glowing

with satisfaction and amusement.

“Are you all right?” he asked, still not quite certain.

“Yes, darling. It was exquisite.” She touched his face as though to reassure him.

“Really? I didn't hurt you?” he pressed.

“No. Well, I might be feeling this one tomorrow… or next week, but I'm not

hurt. It was lovely.” She giggled.

“What?” he asked, relieved to see her smile and hear her laugh.

“Now I know your secret,” she teased.

If she's joking, she must be fine, he realized, shoulders relaxing . “What secret?”

“Underneath the proper middle-class gentleman lurks a wild man just

awaiting an invitation.” She wrinkled her nose at him.

He kissed the tip. “Love, that's no secret. All men are like that. Gentlemanly

behavior is learned, not innate.”