Chapter Twenty-Three
“I should apologize,” said Paul as he walked Harriet down the FitzArden driveway. “But to be honest, I don’t think I can.”
Harriet, still giddy from their kiss, glanced at him from beneath the hood of her cloak. “Then don’t.”
“I’m glad I kissed you,” he said with a measure of pride. “I’ve been considering it for quite some time.”
“Really?”
“Of course.” He neared her and took her hand, locking his arm around hers, holding them close to each other. “You’re a very desirable woman, you know.”
She gave a wry chuckle. “Up until recently, Paul, my desirability was solely based on my potential income.”
He sighed. “I understand. And it makes me exceedingly angry that you were so badly treated.” They walked on. “Would you like me to have your aunt and uncle…er…disposed of?”
“What?” She nearly stumbled at his words, grateful he was holding on to her so tightly.
His teeth flashed white as he smiled at her. “I could, you know. I have the right contacts. Nobody would be any the wiser.”
“You really are a pirate at heart, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely,” he agreed. “That’s a most astute observation.”
“No regard for rules,” she walked slowly but steadily beside him.
“None whatsoever.”
“You will do what you think is right,” she continued. “Just like Blackbeard.”
“Well, not quite as adventurous, but I’m not adverse to a bit of plundering now and again.”
“Pillaging too?” Harriet smiled.
He thought for a moment. “Possibly. Although I believe I’d be a better plunderer than pillager.” He drew them to a halt. “May I practice?”
She blinked. “Er…practice what?”
“Plundering,” he answered, pulling her close. “I fancy plundering your lips again.”
Which he did, thoroughly, and with Harriet’s complete support. He was so warm, and gentle, but also quite determined, which thrilled her to her toes.
This time, his tongue slid along her lips, seeking entry. And instead of her previous responses, which had all been to jerk away and cry out, Harriet found herself willingly obeying Paul, opening her mouth and welcoming his intrusion.
The kiss ended on a moan, but whether from him or her she wasn’t sure.
She had to stop this, behaving so disgracefully. But by God, she didn’t want to.
Finally, they parted, but she found she couldn’t quite let go. Not yet. So she simply leaned against him and let him tuck her head beneath his chin.
“We’re a good fit, Harry,” he observed.
The rumbling of his chest as he spoke amused her. And he was so warm. “Yes we are. Here, now, in the bitter cold of a snowy night.” She sighed and stepped back. “But in the clear light of day, we both know it’s not such a good fit.”
He sighed too. “I will get my name cleared, you know.”
“And I will get my inheritance. What’s left of it.”
“So until then, we can’t be like this? Hold each other? Share a kiss or two?” Paul linked their arms once more, sharing their body heat as the air continued to cool and the snow thickened around them.
