The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the drawing room, illuminating Selina and James as they sat side by side on the chaise longue. Her fingers trembled as she set down her brandy snifter, the amber liquid sloshing gently.
His heated gaze locked onto hers, filled with a potent mixture of desire and hesitation. She found herself unable to look away as the air between them crackled with tension.
"James," Selina whispered, her voice barely audible. "I have changed my mind about kisses."
She shifted closer, bridging the small gap between them. Her hand rose of its own accord,fingertips grazing his bruised cheek with feather-light softness.
He inhaled sharply at her touch. "Selina," he murmured, his rich baritone sending shivers down her spine. "Are you certain? I have no wish to take advantage of you."
Her mind raced. Was she certain? After the loss of her husband, she had sworn never to open her heart again. And yet, here she was, trembling with longing for this far to handsome rogue.
"Yes," she said, her voice quavering. "I cannot deny what I feel when I am with you."
In one fluid motion, James captured her hand in his. Warmth shot through her at the contact, setting every nerve alight. He tugged her closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his body.
"Darling, Selina," James breathed, his eyes flickering with tenderness. "There is nothing I want more than to kiss you."
Her breath caught in her throat as James leaned in, his lips barely brushing against hers. The world around them faded away, leaving only the drumming of her heart and the intoxicating scent of his cologne—a heady mix of sandalwood and spice.
As their passion ignited, her mind warred withher desires. "We should not," she gasped between kisses.
James pulled back slightly, his gaze intense. "When you kiss me like that," he growled. "I want you, Selina. All of you. But I will stop if you wish it."
With those words, the last of Selina's reservations crumbled. “I want you, too,” she sighed, leaning closer. She surrendered herself to the kiss, her body desperate for him.
As they sank back against the plush velvet sofa, her mind swam with a mixture of desire and disbelief. James's hands roamed her body, igniting a fire she thought long extinguished.
"James," she said, her voice thick with longing. "I never thought I would feel this way again. That I would need a man like I need air."
He pulled back, his gaze searching hers. "My darling Selina," he murmured, "you deserve all the passion this world has to offer. Let me worship you."
She nodded, her lips parting in invitation as she pulled his mouth back to hers, and her world narrowed to the exquisite sensations coursing through her. The taste of brandy on his tongue, the warmth of his hands as they caressed her through the thin fabric of her gown, the sound of their mingled breaths in the otherwise silent room.
Selina arched her back as James's lips found the sensitive spot behind her ear. A soft moan escaped her, and she clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders through his coat.
"Ah!" she exclaimed, as James's hand skimmed the side of her breast. Her mind reeled, torn between loyalty to Nile’s memory and the passion brewing within her. "James, I... I am afraid."
He lifted his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and tenderness. "Of what, my darling?"
Her voice trembled as she confessed, "Of losing myself. Of betraying Nile. Of being hurt again."
James cupped her face in his hands, his touch gentle despite the fire in his eyes. "You cannot live in the past. I swear to you, Selina, I will never willingly cause you pain. Trust in me, as I trust in you."
As their lips met once more, Selina surrendered herself to the moment, allowing the pleasure to wash away her fears and doubts. She wanted him more desperately than she had ever wanted anyone, and she would not deny herself.
Her fingers fumbled with the buttons of James's waistcoat, her usual dexterity abandoning her in the throes of passion. He chuckled softly, his breath warm against her ear as he assisted her, shrugging off the garment and tossing it aside.
“It has been a long time,” she said.
"I am glad of it," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “for I have the honor of reawakening your wanton side.”
“Be quiet and kiss me,” she laughed.
“My. But you are impatient, darling,” he teased.
She felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she met his gaze defiantly. "Perhaps you are simply too slow, my lord."
James's eyebrow quirked at her challenge. With swift, practiced movements, he began unlacing her gown. "Is this more to your liking?"
