Excerpt of A Bit of Heaven on Earth by Lauren Linwood

Gavin walked out the cottage door and drew a deep breath. Dawn had broken. A new day. One where he could say he helped bring a new life into this world.

An immense sense of pride filled him. Of all he’d ever accomplished, this night and his small part in birthing the little boy meant the most.

He heard chattering voices and saw two women come from round the side of the cottage.

They curtseyed and eyed him curiously. “We’ve come to check on Agnes, my lord. We do every morning for the past week. Her babe will come any day now,” one informed him.

“Then you can say hello to her and her new son,” he replied. “She gave birth minutes ago to a hale and hearty lad.”

Both women squealed in delight and rushed into the hut. Elizabeth emerged a few minutes later, her clothes and hair disheveled, a happy glow across her cheeks.

“They will take care of the rest. We are free to return to the castle.”

He took the bag from her as they began to walk back. “Do you do this often?”

She shrugged. “A few times a month. More often close to Michaelmas. I suppose more babes are begun in the cold winter months.” She smiled shyly at him.

“You seem in good spirits.”

“I am,” she agreed. “You think I would be worn to the bone after no sleep and such a long ordeal. Yet for a few minutes after, I am exhilarated, happy for the mother and her child.”

“Have you ever longed for your own babe?”

He could have kicked himself for asking, simply from the shadow that crossed her face.

“I suppose ‘tis not meant to be,” she replied quietly. “I do not mind. I have Aldred to care for. And Kentwood.”

“But every woman wants a babe in her arms.”

“I’m not every woman,” she snapped. “I don’t need love. Children, I mean. I have all I want in Kentwood and my husband. A woman’s worth should not be judged by her ability to produce a child.”

She lifted her skirts and raced off. Gavin quickly caught up with her. He grabbed her arm and whirled her around.

“I must apologize, my lady,” he began.

“You have no need to be sorry.” Elizabeth’s voice trailed off, and she began to cry, great gasping sobs.

He didn’t know if it was because she was tired or for his insensitive remarks, but he knew he was responsible for her tears. He’d never been able to watch a woman cry. That he’d caused Elizabeth this pain upset him more than he cared to admit.

He dropped the bag and enfolded her in his arms. “Hush. ‘Twill be all right.” He held her close, one hand running through her silken locks. “Shush. You will be fine.”

She raised a tear-stained face to his, her mouth trembling. With no thought to the consequences, Gavin bent his head and touched his lips to hers.

Fear struck Elizabeth as Gavin’s lips met hers. A kiss! What was he thinking? She could not kiss him. She didn’t kiss anyone. Aldred’s feeble attempts over the years flittered into her mind. She stiffened in his arms.

Her hesitation did not stop him. His lips slowly brushed against hers. The sensation was most pleasant. A ripple of heat ran through her. His hand stroked her hair. Her scalp tingled. Her body relaxed.

Panic set in suddenly. She tensed again. She didn’t know what to do, how to respond. Yet respond she did, as if her body were no longer her own. Her knees grew watery. She gripped Gavin’s shoulders for support. He pulled her closer still. His arms wrapped firmly around her, drawing her into a muscled chest.

And still his lips worked their magic, now nipping her lower one, teasing her. He licked the corner of her mouth and trailed kisses along her jaw. Her head fell back. A shudder rushed up her spine.

This is heaven.

His kisses continued along her exposed throat. She began to throb everywhere. Her fingers kneaded his shoulder. She heard a noise that sounded like a satisfied growl come from him.

Then his lips were gone. A shiver passed through her as the gentle breeze blew. She opened her eyes, only to meet his gazing down at her. He brushed a kiss against her temple, another one on her cheek. The slow play of his mouth began again as he caressed her. The throbbing built within her, starting an ache that clamored for a satisfaction she didn’t know how to satisfy.

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, to ask what was happening. Gavin’s hand, tangled in her curls, caught them and pulled slightly, forcing her head back. His eyes glowed, a heat in them that frightened and excited her at the same time.

Then his mouth was upon hers, gentle no longer. She clung to him. His tongue demanded to mate with hers, taking, taking. Again and again he took from her, even her very breath, till she no longer knew where she ended and he began. His arms pinned her against him. Her breasts ached. Her bones melted. A dizziness swept across her. She wanted this to go on. Forever.

A rooster crowed in the distance. It brought her to her senses. She broke their embrace.