Before she could finish her sentence, his hands were on her waist, pulling her close. His lips met hers in a heated kiss, muffling any further words that tried to escape from her mouth.
A surge of desire that she tried to suppress replaced Phoebe’s initial shock. His lips were demanding, his kiss possessive and urgent. The anger between them had transformed into an intoxicating mix of passion and frustration. She could not fight it. She pressed against him, her hands finding their way to the back of his neck, pulling him closer.
Graham’s kiss was both punishing and tender, a contradictory blend that ignited a fire deep within Phoebe’s core. The turmoil they had endured throughout the evening seemed to dissipate with each stolen breath, leaving only their desperation for one another in its wake.
Sixteen
Graham’s lips crashed against Phoebe’s in a fiery, desperate kiss. He could taste the anger and longing that simmered just beneath the surface. She pulled him closer, her hands gripping the lapels of his coat as she matched his intensity, and he could not resist pressing his hand against her lower back, clasping her body against his as their tongues danced together in a heated frenzy.
Graham’s fingers trembled with an uncontrollable urge as he traced them down the curve of her back, lingering at the indentation where her spine met her rounded bottom before sliding his hand lower. With a firm hold, he cupped her rounded bottom. Unable to resist the heat between them, he lifted her up and pressed her hips against his.
Phoebe wrapped her legs tightly around his waist as he thrust against her. She let out a gasp as he nipped and sucked on her lips, causing her to arch her back and writhe against him. Despite her obvious desire, he knew she was still innocent, making him crave her even more. The sound of her moans and the feel of her body against his pushed him closer to the edge, almost reaching the point of no return.
Graham wanted to possess her. To take her here and now and make her irrevocably his. Perhaps he had always wanted that. Wanted Phoebe. He remembered the first night he saw her, her lithe body perched in a tree, the moonlight dancing off her chestnut hair. In that moment, he knew he had to have her. And now, as she stood before him, her scent filling his senses, he realized that one kiss would never be enough. He wanted to possess her completely, to claim her and keep her.
Phoebe moaned against his lips, her hands wandering down his chest and teasing the edge of his breeches. He could feel the heat radiating from her body, igniting a fire in his loins. As she nipped and sucked on his lip, he pressed himself against her, desperate for release. The idea of marrying this woman filled him with excitement and anticipation for all the pleasure they could share. A life with Phoebe at his side would never be dull.
The thought should have terrified him. It should have sent him running, but it did not. Graham could picture a future with her—an enjoyable one. And the devil knew he craved it.
There would be no lack of passion between them. They would spend their nights in each other’s arms, and their days would be full of joy and companionship. She would make a wonderful mother, too, for she possessed a kind and caring nature.
If only he could protect her from the sins of his past.
She tilted her head back and laced her fingers through his hair as she pressed her lips against his. As they kissed, she let out a long, satisfied sigh, causing Graham’s heart to skip a beat. He could not help but get lost in the moment, nearly forgetting everything else around them.
But he could not forget. He could not undo his past. And he would not saddle her with his indiscretions. There was only one way to protect her from his past. This had to stop. He could not continue to spend time with her. Could not allow himself to imagine a future with her. And he most definitely could not touch her again, because if he did, he could not walk away—she would be his.
As he breathed in her familiar scent, Graham’s heart tightened with longing and sadness. Her natural musk mixed with the sweet notes of lavender and honey, a fragrance he had come to know and love. But those days were over now, no matter how it pained him. He gently untangled her legs from around his waist, carefully placing her feet back on the ground before taking a step back. He could not let himself get lost in her - he had to stay focused.
“Graham?” Phoebe stared at him, the golden flecks in her hazel eyes still smoldering. “Let me pleasure you. Show me what to do.” She started toward him, a coquettish smile on her face.
“No.” He held his hand up, staying her as he walked back to keep distance between them. “I want nothing from you.”
“Rubbish. You cannot deny your desire for me.” She continued toward him, her hips swaying with each step.
He wanted her with a fierce, primal need—more than he had ever wanted any woman. But he could not have her, and he would not allow himself to forget it.
He held her gaze and shook his head. He had to be harsh. Had to break her spirit—make her so angry that she would break the engagement.
“Why are you fighting this?” Phoebe wet her lips before continuing. “There is something between us. I know you feel it, too.”
“Stop fooling yourself,” he said, his tone as cold as he could make it. “I only care about what lies between your legs.” Graham forced himself to chuckle low and deep, as though she had been vastly foolish.
Her eyes rounded as her cheeks flamed, and her mouth opened in shock. Good, he had hit his mark. He pivoted and strode toward his horse.
As he swung his leg over the horse’s back, Graham glanced over his shoulder at her. Her eyes were fixed on him, but her face remained expressionless. A wave of guilt washed over him for the hurtful words he had just spoken to her. He hesitated, considering taking them back.
She shook her head. “No. You do not mean those hateful things.” Her back went rigid as she searched his gaze. “You are afraid. Terrified, in fact. And you are trying to hide it.”
Graham forced another deep chuckle. “Nothing frightens me, puss.” He caught the reins in one hand. “Here is a word of advice for you. In the future, refrain from giving your favors so easily.” He cringed at his words, but dared not take them back.
Phoebe rushed forward and jerked the reins from his grasp. “Why are you trying to hurt me?” Her heart thumped with a mixture of anger and desperation.
He stared down at her, his gaze softening for an instant before turning to stone. “I have no other choice. You refuse to hear reason.” He tugged on the reins, pulling them from her grip.
“You refuse to acknowledge the truth.” She stumbled back. “I love you, Graham!”
He squeezed his eyes shut, and for a long moment, her words rang through his head. She loved him. When he opened his eyes, Phoebe stared up at him.
