“Stephen, I don’t think—”
“I made you cry,” he interrupted. “I’m sorry for that. But not for touching you.” His voice took on a deeper timbre, making her flush. “You didn’t kiss me properly before.”
“It was only meant to thank you,” she said. “I didn’t intend to bother you.”
“I want you to bother me.” He leaned forward, resting his wrists upon his open knees.
“What is it you want, Stephen? You haven’t even decided whether or not to keep me as your wife.” Her heart ached, but she had to voice her greatest fear—that he would turn his back on her now.
“And what if I do?”
A frail hope took root, but she was too afraid it wasn’t real. “I don’t know if I believe that. Even if there wasn’t a threat on your life, we’ve become so different.”
Stephen rose and took a step forward. Then another. “We weren’t so different years ago.”
He lifted her chin until she could not turn away. His hands cupped her face, his eyes weary. Beneath the shadows of fatigue, she saw a man who had stayed up all night for a child he barely knew. “Let us try, Emily.”
She lost herself in those eyes, in his compassion. When his mouth met hers, she met his kiss without holding herself back. Heat and feverish sensation spiraled through her, awakening her with desire. His mouth moved over her lips, not forcing her, but letting her know the fullness of his own need.
It was happening again. She was falling under his sensual spell, letting herself believe in the fairytale.
She pulled back, her pulse trembling. His dark hair was unkempt while her lips were raw from the bristle of his unshaven face.
“Send for Anna and the doctor.”
Her brain wouldn’t work, couldn’t understand what he wanted. “Anna and the doctor?” she repeated.
“Anna can watch over the baby until the doctor can have a look at her. In the meantime, we’ve unfinished business between us.”
He laced his fingers with hers, pulling her toward him. Emily suspected his intent, but she shied away. “What are you talking about?”
His hand moved down her spine, fingers curled below the dip of her waist. “I’d rather show you what I mean.”
“It’s too soon.” She hugged her waist, taking another step away. “We barely know each other.”
“I shared your bed once before, didn’t I? On our wedding night.”
“Yes, but you don’t remember any of it.” Panic mingled with her own forbidden desire. What if she didn’t please him? What if he found their union disappointing?
“I remembered everything last night. All is clear.”
“Liar.” She didn’t believe a word of it. “I think you would say anything to me, if it brought me back into your bed.”
He nodded solemnly. “I would, yes.”
At his blunt honesty, a choked laugh escaped her. “Not a good idea, Whitmore.”
“I could show you what a good idea it would be.” He moved her palms upon the muscles of his chest.
Emily shook her head. “I need time first.”
“What do you mean?”
“I want a day without arguing or fighting.” She moved her hands to his shoulders, away from temptation. “A chance to get reacquainted. I married you because of who you were growing up. I want to know who you are now.”
“I’m your husband.” He captured her lips again, devouring her mouth until fire ignited upon her skin. She felt alive as sensations swelled within her. Her hands threaded through his hair while he taught her what it meant to burn for him.
She pulled herself back again. Her breathing was unsteady, and she held on to him for balance. She was afraid that when he let her go, her knees might buckle.
