He’s kissing me.
Not gentle. Not asking permission. Just claiming, demanding, taking everything I’m willing to give and asking for more.
His hand is in my hair, tilting my head back, and I’m gripping the front of his sweater because my knees have gone weak and my heart is racing and this is—
This is nothing like kissing Joseph.
With Joseph, I’d always held something back. Always kept a part of myself behind glass, safe, untouchable, even when he’d accused me of being cold. I’d never understood why I couldn’t just let go, why something in me always resisted, always pulled back.
I understand now.
I was waiting.
I just didn’t know for what.
His mouth is warm and firm and sure, and when his tongue sweeps against mine I hear myself make a sound that I will be embarrassed about later, and he makes this low noise in the back of his throat that sends heat flooding through my entire body, and my fists tighten in his sweater, pulling him closer, and he presses me back against the bookshelf, and I can feel his heartbeat against my chest, fast, just as fast as mine, and—
A hand appears in my peripheral vision, waving.
We break apart.
Lady Hampton is standing in the doorway, her expression caught between amusement and apology, and she’s waving to get our attention because she can’t exactly clear her throat to announce herself.
How long has she been standing there?
How much did she see?
Everything, probably, based on that Mona Lisa smile.
‘I’m sorry to interrupt,’she apologizes even as her eyes twinkle.‘Damian Fox just called. The Spring Gala is tomorrow night, and there’s been a last-minute change to the program.’
Tomorrow night.
Already?
I’ve completely lost track of time.
Veil steps back, running a hand through his hair, and I can see him forcing himself back under control. His jaw is tight, his eyes still dark, and when he looks at me—
Later, that look says.We’re not done.
“What kind of change?” he asks his mother, his voice remarkably steady for a man who had his tongue in my mouth thirty seconds ago.
‘They want a calligraphy demonstration during the opening ceremony,’Lady Hampton signs.‘Live. In front of everyone.’
My eyes widen.
‘Both of you,’she adds, looking between us with obvious amusement.‘Together.’
I’m still in a state of shock and rising panic when I hear Veil say, “Perfect.”
My lips part in a gasp, but no sound comes out as my gaze collides with his, and I see the way he’s looking at me so very...
Well, let’s just say it’s the kind of look that has his mother laughing while I start fanning my heated cheeks.
Is this really happening?
It’s a question I still find myself asking as I head back to my room in a daze. My heart is still racing from the kiss. My lips still tingling. And tomorrow night I’m going to stand in front of hundreds of people while he puts his hands on mine again, guides me through writing love letters, makes everything feel like a declaration.
