“What is it, my lord?” she replied.
He took in a deep breath. “I wanted to apologize for the other day when I questioned you about your letters. It was not my place to say anything about it.”
Surprised, Victoria blinked at him before whispering, “Oh…well…thank you, my lord. I appreciate your apology.”
She waited for him to let her pass, but when he did not, she wondered if there was something else he wished to say.
“my lord?” she breathed. “Was there anything else?”
He appeared hesitant, and she saw him swallow before saying, “If…if you need anything, ever, I am here for you.”
His apology and his promise softened her toward him, and she did not want to hold on to her anger with him anymore. He appeared sincere, and she wanted to believe him. Wanted to trust him.
Perhaps he deserved to know the truth? Things would be so much easier if he knew who she really was. She wanted to trust that he would not turn her away. That he would accept her explanation and not hold her choices against her.
She wanted to tell him, she realized. She wanted to unburden herself and not have things lingering between them.
Licking her lips, she opened her mouth to tell him everything, but before she could get a word out, he cupped her face and suddenly dipped his head to press his lips to hers. She was so stunned that she stood frozen for the first few seconds. As his lips slanted over hers, though, she began to melt against him, sliding her hands up his chest to wrap her arms around his neck.
Their kiss grew even more frantic, and Lord Harford moved his hands to her waist. He pulled her tight against him, so their bodies were flush together.
“Lord Harford,” she gasped when he began kissing along her jaw and down her throat.
“Edward,” he growled, bringing his lips back up to hers. “I want to hear you say my name.”
“Edward,” she breathed, a thrill shooting through her. “I…I…”
“What?” he whispered. “What is it, Victoria? Tell me what you want.”
Her breaths were growing heavy, and her mind grew hazy with desire. What did she want? In a word…him. She wanted him so badly she was physically aching for him.
“I want you to touch me,” she answered. “I want you to be yours, Edward.”
“Do you know what you’re saying?” His voice was harsh and hot.
She nodded. “Yes, I do. Please…I need you.”
With a snarl, Edward reclaimed her lips and grabbed hold of her hips to lift her off the floor. Victoria wrapped her legs around his waist, and he carried her to one of the long couches. He set her back on her feet and took hold of the tie of her robe, and undid it. He pushed the material from her shoulders, and it pooled at her feet.
He then undid the little bow at her throat, which was holding her nightgown in place. When it was loose, he slowly slid his hands along her shoulders and pushed the gown down to join her robe on the floor.
Victoria swallowed, nervous as she tried not to cover herself with her arms.
Edward looked down at her naked body, and his eyes seemed to drink her in.
“Am…am I pleasing to you?” she murmured.
He rubbed a hand over his mouth. “You are more than pleasing. You are gorgeous, Victoria. Stunning.”
Her cheeks flushed with delight, and she bit her lip as she tried to hide her smile. Reaching up, she placed her hand on his chest.
“I want to see you as well,” she whispered.
Edward nodded and quickly undid his own robe. Victoria watched as he took hold of his nightshirt and pulled it over his head. He threw it to the side and stood before her with his arms at his sides as if he wanted to give her an opportunity to look him over as he had her.
Victoria let her gaze slowly roam down his body. He was beautiful. He had tanned skin and a strong, muscled form. His chest was broad, and his narrow waist tapered to strong hips and thighs. Her gaze fell between his legs, to his manhood. Her heart raced at the sight. It was long and thick and beginning to harden as she stared at it.
“Are you all right?” he asked her in a gentle tone.
