But she didn’t.She had broken so many rules today, shaming her family and behaving like the worst sort of daughter.
“Push me away, Hannah.Take a damned spade and strike me over the head.”His gaze was heated, his eyes burning with a warning she couldn’t possibly heed.
She couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to.Something about this man drew her in, tantalizing her with the promise of physical pleasure.
“Don’t stop.I need this...for a moment.”She didn’t even understand what she was asking for.
“So innocent.”His mouth moved over her cheek, caressing her with his warm breath.Like before, her body came alive, needing him to touch.To taste.
No matter how many books she’d read or how many languages she spoke, in physical matters she was completely ignorant.A secret part of her thirsted for the knowledge.
Michael pressed her against the shed, though he didn’t hold her tight.“This is your last chance to run away.I’m not above taking what’s offered.”
“Show me what it’s supposed to be like,” she murmured.
The words were all the encouragement he needed.He trapped her against the wood, covering her breathless mouth with his own.Instinct took over, and Hannah kissed him back, ignoring every warning that flew into her mind.She didn’t care.Soon enough, she’d never see him again.
And, by heaven, if she was going to be ruined after today, she might as well have a memory to show for it.
His tongue slid inside her mouth, evoking a shocking sensation.Her breasts ached against the fabric of her gown, her nipples rising.He slipped his hands around her waist, his wide palms resting upon her ribs.His kiss grew fierce, his mouth conquering hers.She opened to him, and raw desire pummeled her senses, making it impossible to stop, even if she’d wanted him to.
And God help her, she didn’t.He pulled her close and she felt the hard length of his body nestled against her.Something unexpected blossomed inside, and she shifted her thighs, not understanding what was happening.
His mouth moved over her throat in a forbidden caress.“You shouldn’t have started this.I was going to leave you untouched.”
“I know.”She shuddered as his tongue flicked over her pulse.The secret longings made it impossible to think clearly, and she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.“But there’s no harm in a kiss, is there?”When he didn’t answer, she prompted, “Lieutenant?”
“Michael,” he corrected.“And you’re wrong if you think that’s all I want from you.”His hands moved over her bodice, resting just beneath her breasts.Hannah grew feverish, her skin blazing with wanton needs.
“I don’t know what you want.”Or what I want, she thought.
With his thumbs, he stroked her nipples, tantalizing her.His breathing had grown harsh, and she cradled his head, kissing him deeply.
“Are you trying to punish yourself?”he asked, his lips resting upon her skin.“By kissing a man like me?”
“You’re not a punishment,” she whispered.“It’s just that—I wanted to know what it was like.To be desired.”She lowered her head.“Not for my fortune, not for my hand in marriage.But for me.”
He took her lips again, this time softly.A lover’s kiss, one that made her tremble.Michael broke away, resting his face against hers.“I should never have come here.You’re a complication I don’t need right now.”
Her throat was burning, but she managed an apology.“I’m sorry.”
He cupped her cheek then pulled away.“Be well, Lady Hannah.”The shed door clattered shut behind him.
Hannah stayed inside the shed, the privacy cooling her unexpected desire.Regardless of what he’d said about himself, Michael was no ordinary soldier.He didn’t let any man intimidate or threaten him.Instead, he carried himself with self-assurance, a man accustomed to guarding others.
And yet, there was no one protecting him.Her spirits dimmed at the thought of the lieutenant enduring hardships he’d never admit.Like hunger.
Her mother had always cautioned her to think of the poor, to put others before her own needs.The lieutenant needed someone to look after him.
But it could never be her.
Chapter Seven
Thefollowingmorning,Michaelstood in front of Number Fourteen, St.James’s Street, the Graf von Reischor’s residence.All night, he’d thought of Lady Hannah.
He’d never intended to kiss her again.It had been a monumental mistake, and one he wouldn’t repeat.She’d been distraught after the events of the afternoon, and he’d taken unfair advantage.Again.
But when she’d clung to him, kissing him back, he hadn’t been able to stop the rush of desire.Like a train crashing through him with unstoppable force, he’d touched her the way he’d wanted to.Like the bastard he was.
