Mr. Hayle glanced at Lizzie. “Miss Elizabeth is my fiancée, and we…we were only overcome just now.”
“Very well, my good lad, I am acquainted with throes of passion and its danger.”
His wife made a choking sound at that, and for just a second, Daniel’s anger was replaced with good humor. He continued, “You will await me in the house, in the study, Mr. Hayle. Lizzie, go inside and wash your face.”
His sister-in-law appeared to be in a daze, but she nodded and darted forward, careful to not peek at the man she loved. Mr. Hayle looked at her retreating figure, regret and longing evident in his features. He hastened after her, calling her name. However, Lizzie did not pause but broke into a run, with Mr. Hayle foolishly chasing after her.
Daniel glanced down at his wife. Tension crackled in the space between them. Her hands were clasped before her at her waist, her eyes bright with unshed tears and emotions he could not identify, yet they plucked a chord deep inside his body. The need to comfort and wipe that agony from her eyes twisted through him. “Wife—” he began.
She hurtled herself in his arms, slamming her mouth to his in a kiss. He stumbled, but he caught her about the waist, steadying them, while deepening their embrace. Her tongue glided carnally against his, and she cupped the side of his jaw with a tenderness at distinct odds with the tempestuous way they kissed.
He couldn’t understand the feelings writhing inside his chest.What the hell is this?That they did not feel familiar told Daniel he had never felt like this for another woman. Had he not known anger and fear and laughter despite the memory loss? Yet this sensation piercing his chest for this woman was unknown yet so sweet…tender…desperate…and visceral. A painful ache rushed to his cock, hardening his length, and wicked darts of lust tore through him.
By God, I want her.
She wrenched her mouth from his and lifted shaking fingers to his mouth.
“Why do you cry?” he asked gruffly.
Georgianna placed a light, trembling touch on his jaw. “I…I was frightened just now,” she whispered against his mouth. “So frightened for I did not know how I would have brought Mr. Hayle up to scratch or how I would have healed Lizzie’s crushed heart…and then you came…”
The wealth of emotions in her voice made his damn chest ache. “I am your husband. I will always be the rock you need, wife. There is no need to fear.”
Something wild and desperate and afraid flashed in her eyes before her lashes fluttered closed. Shards of ice seemed to pierce Daniel’s chest. “Look at me.”
Georgianna shook her head, and he leaned his forehead against hers. “I can feel the tension in you…and the fear. What is it?”
Georgianna shook her head once again.
“Look at me wife,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. He did not like the restless edge suddenly digging into his chest. Something was frightening her; even now small tremors went through the body flush against his.
Her eyes snapped open, and there was a hint of vulnerability in that defiant stare.
“Tell me,” he coaxed.
“One day I shall find the courage,” she whispered, “but not today. Now I must go to Lizzie.”
He searched her gaze, and assured by the steadiness he saw, Daniel dipped and kissed her forehead. Her breath hitched, and a sigh flowed from her before she curved her body within his. He held his wife like that for long moments, then she moved from his arms and hurried toward the manor without looking back.
An odd tenderness stirred within, and he pressed a palm over his chest.What is it that I am feeling for you, wife…and why does it feel so new…something never before a part of me?
…
Several hours later, that kiss from Georgianna haunted Daniel’s sleep. He looked around the small bedchamber, a keen sense of dissatisfaction filling him. Why was she not in here, sleeping beside him and in his arms?
Because it has only been several days and she is still waiting for you to remember her, a small voice reminded him. Daniel padded over to the windows, peeking out into the night. The stars were hidden, and rain seemed to be imminent. Mr. Hayle had departed hours ago with the understanding that his engagement to Lizzie would be announced to his parents and the good people of Crandell.
Thankfully, the attachment he claimed to have formed with Miss Tompkins had not been formalized, more of a suggestion between the parents that an alliance should be cemented between the families, in spite of the fact that no affection existed between the children.
Lizzie had been too overcome to dine with the family, and his wife had joined her sister in her chamber while he had dined with Anna and Sarah, entertaining the little hellions by teaching them how to play whist. He had not seen Georgianna since but had heard when she entered her bedchamber almost two hours ago.
Somehow, knowing she was beyond the door turned the soft want into a razor-edged hunger. He had only emerged from the bathroom, standing to wash in cold water instead of warming water for a bath. It had not helped the arousal thumping through his body and settling against the base of his cock like the most brutal aches.
Do you sleep, wife, or are you also restless and desperate for more?
Had he ever desired anyone or anything this badly? Daniel somehow knew he had never been an indecisive man, nor had it been his nature to want something and not pursue it. Absorbing that knowledge of himself, he padded over to the connecting door and wrenched it open.
Chapter Twelve
