And now, since spending time with her at Eden’s Court, and now on the road… she aroused his interest even more.
And other things.
Her soft curves pressed against his naked chest and damned if he wasn’t tempted to take her this morning. Take her in every way possible. He’d gladly provide her with an abundance of research to enhance her understanding of all that she’d read.
His fingers itched to slide between her legs. His mouth hungered to taste her all over.
Alarmed at the strength behind these urges, Marcus gently removed her hand and rolled off the opposite side of the bed.
If they made very good time today, they could possibly make it to their destination before nightfall.
He could rent them two rooms, and they could be married early in the morning.
Then he could have his way with her. Better yet, allow her to have her way with him.
They could satisfy her curiosity and his urges and then make their way back to London and his father.
Marcus dressed quietly, washed, passed on a shave, and then packed up his belongings. Determined to keep things from getting out of hand again today, he hardened his features and then touched Emily on the shoulder.
“Wake up.” He jostled her when she mewled and stretched. She reached her arms above her head, causing her pert breasts to strain against the material of her gown. His lips had tugged at those breasts. His tongue had flicked around the dusky rose skin of her nipples.
He stepped back.
“We’ve a long day. Meet me in the yard in half an hour.” Without waiting for her to respond, he pivoted on his heel and strode out of the room.
She had a way of knocking rational thinking right out of his brain, and he needed to put a halt to it. He’d work her out of his system after they said their vows and that would be the end of it.
Allowing tender emotions to guide the course of one’s life was not only foolish, but it could be dangerous. He’d been intrigued by women before. He simply had to convince himself that Emily was no different than the others.
Except he was going to make her his wife.
Marcus rode most of the following day on the driver’s box, beside John. Emily had sat on such a box in the past and although one could see the landscape better and be refreshed by the breeze, she knew that the seat, lacking a cushion or backrest, failed to provide much comfort.
He was avoiding her.
The same as he’d done yesterday, after the first of their… experiments. As though he’d burned himself on a stove and needed to back away and only approach it again with an abundance of caution.
She wondered if she’d ever see him again after they actually consummated their marriage. Although she chuckled at the thought, her heart skipped a beat.
That was his plan. She knew it. She wondered if he’d even wait long enough to get her with child before fleeing England again. She blinked away the burning sensation behind her eyes.
When they stopped for lunch, she’d inquired if he planned on riding in the carriage with her during the afternoon. He’d failed to look her in the eyes and dodged the invitation neatly. Something about not wanting John to miss their turns. It shouldn’t have mattered. She understood… or at least she thought she did. But nonetheless, the rejection stung.
They’d made very good time and would likely arrive in Gretna Green by nightfall. Tomorrow at this time she’d be married.
What if his Meggie was still alive? What if he had a child somewhere? Would he forgive his father and feel guilty for marrying her?
Marrying him was quickly becoming the most selfish, manipulative thing she’d ever done.
Yes, he ought to have researched the matter himself. He ought to have assured himself of the facts before ostracizing himself from his family. But still…
She pulled her feet up to the bench and wrapped her arms around her knees.
Barely a few hours and she missed him. She hated admitting it to herself, but blast and damnation, she missed the miscreant.
Even if he would prove to be more of just a friend than a husband.
Friends didn’t treat one another like this.
