“My mother would need smelling salts if she knew I was here.” She turned, and his face was far too near to hers. His midnight-blue eyes held a warmth that made her smile fade. Though he spoke not a word, she grew aware of his bristled cheeks and the heated look he sent her way. His palm moved to her hand, and his fingers laced in hers.
Her thoughts scattered like leaves on an autumn wind at the way he was staring at her. She couldn’t piece together a coherent thought, nor did she protest when he stood and took her by the hand. When she glanced over at her maid, she saw that Nell was dancing with one of the older men.
She asked no questions but simply followed Paul. He led her away from the others, toward a darkened corner. “Are you enjoying yourself,a gràdh?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
He pressed her back, and against her ear, he murmured, “I find that I’m wanting to kiss you again. If you’ll allow it.” His midnight-blue eyes were locked upon her, and the air was heavy with feelings she didn’t understand.
“Not here,” she whispered. “Anyone could see us.” But even so, her heart had begun to tremble at the thought.
He glanced back at the dancing. “There’s no one to see us. Look.”
She realized he was right. The small corner of the room was shadowed with no light, and there was a stack of chairs that hid them from view.
Paul held out his hand, waiting for her answer. Her pulse hastened at his suggestion, and she found herself slipping beneath his spell. She wanted to kiss him again, to feel like a normal woman instead of a fallen one.
And so she put her hand in his, following him into the shadows. Gently, he pressed her back, and her heartbeat trebled.
She lifted her face to his in silent permission, and when he brought his mouth upon hers, it was not at all a demanding kiss. No, it was slow and lazy. He savored her lips, tasting her. With his mouth upon hers, she forgot about her sins and could simply be.
Although he had her trapped in his arms, she didn’t feel afraid. Against her lips, Paul spoke. “I held you like this once, in the garden. But you were afraid of me then.” His hands moved down to her waist, and she caught her breath at his touch. “What about now?”
She didn’t know what to say to him. Her mouth was swollen from his kiss, and she wanted to lean in for another. “I’m only afraid of the way you make me feel,” she admitted. When she was in his arms, she lost sight of herself. She was fighting against the darkness of the past, forcing herself to remain in place.
Paul captured her mouth again, moving to her jaw and down to her throat. Shivers spiraled through her, and she was startled at the way her breasts tightened beneath her gown.
“You’re the loveliest lass I’ve e’er laid eyes on,” he breathed. “And I’m wanting to show you what I spoke of, in the carriage. But only when you’re willing.”
Her thoughts tangled up within her, and a refusal caught in her throat. She knew what he was asking, and instinct roared at her to say no.
And yet… was this not another face of cowardice? He wanted to touch her, as a lover would. To destroy her terrible memories, leaving something better in their place. There was no fear of dishonoring herself, for not only were they hidden from view… but she also never intended to be with any other man. No one else would understand her in the way he did.
He’d been achingly understanding over these past few weeks and months. Most women would have had a betrothal by now. And yet, he’d never pushed her.
“If I ask you to stop, will you?” she whispered.
He gave a nod. “At any moment, lass.”
She stood on tiptoe and kissed him again, bringing his hands to her waist. Against the juncture of her hips, he was hard, and she forced herself to remain motionless. The pressure of his arousal was enough to terrify her. And when she murmured, “Stop,” he broke away and took a step back. Without hesitation.
She took a shuddering breath, and he stared at her. “I canna change the way you make me desire you, Juliette. But I swear, I’ll stop at any moment you ask me to.”
She believed him. In his eyes, there was no doubt of his longing. He craved more from her, but he had full command of himself.
For so long, she’d been tormented by her nightmares of being held against her will and being violated. Though it was entirely improper, she wanted to give something of herself to him. Even if it was nothing more than a forbidden touch.
“Kiss me again,” she said softly. As he did, he held a distance between them. Likely he believed she was too timid for more. She reached for his waist and drew him against her. He broke contact with her lips, and she felt the gentle pressure of his erection against her.
He remained frozen in place, waiting to see what her response was. Though she was caught up with fear, she was more startled by the sudden warmth blooming between her legs. Her mind was rigid with visions of fear… but her body welcomed him.
It felt good in a way she’d never expected.
His mouth moved against her ear, and she shuddered against him, pressing close. “Careful, lass,” he warned. “You’re stretching my control as it is.”
“But you’ll stop when I ask you to.”
“Aye.” He inclined his head, though she sensed that with every liberty she allowed, the tighter he was wound up.
