He liked that about her, too. He really disliked false modesty, and among women that was common more often than not. Keeping their demure attitude, acting as if they didn't know or didn't believe they were beautiful. Not Mary, though. Not only was she much more beautiful than any woman he could think of, she didn't shy away from accepting that, or even admitting it.

His hands slid up her sides, one sifting through her hair and scraping at the back of her neck as she trailed lower, a gasp leaving him when she lapped across his nipple.