And then her hand slid up his chest.
He was not yet ready to return to being Mrs. Mossant and Mr. Waverly. Hell, he didn’t think he ever would be.
“I’ve proven quite the nuisance of a client, haven’t I?” He wondered if she laughed half-heartedly at her question or her actions.
Client be damned. He’d put an end to this here and now. He could not think of her as a client this morning. He doubted he’d ever relegate her to such a position again.
Pain hounded his left side, she warmed his right. Ignoring the stabbing sensation of moving, he rolled in her direction.
“Enough.”
“You would deny that I’m annoying?” A teasing smile lifted her lips.
He chuckled softly and studied her in the morning light.
He could hold her more easily like this. Skim his free hand along the length of her in order to divine feminine curves beneath the large gown. Dips and flares. He buried his face in her hair. “You aren’t a client this morning.”
“Niles.” She buried her fingers in his hair. “We shouldn’t.”
Ah, but he would.
This kiss differed from the one they’d shared yesterday. Earthier. Heartfelt and yet, raw.
Different than any kiss he could remember. Was it the woman herself, or was it him?
She’d joined him in the bed — in only a night dress. He could touch her freely. They would not be interrupted.
She arched her back, pressing into him.
“Eve.”
She opened her eyes and stared back at him. He needed to know she wanted this before going any farther.
One tear crept out the side of her eye. She blinked it away and nodded.
“I want it. You can’t imagine…” And then she closed her eyes and pressed closer.
Realistically, he couldn’t satisfy both of them this morning. Hell, he’d barely been able to turn onto his side.
But this.
This he could do.
His hand wandered downward again, over the soft mound of her abdomen. He watched her lips part on a gasp. God, he loved the pale skin of her neck and shoulders. Bending to trace her pulse with his lips, he discovered skin that tasted as delightful as it looked.
Gathering her gown in his fist, inching it upward so that he could touch the bare skin of her leg, seemed the most natural thing in the world.
He pushed the gown aside and traveled his palm over the soft skin of her thigh. And then up and around to cup a warm, heavy breast.
“Niles.” She clutched at him almost frantically as he settled his hand between her legs. A little pressure here, and then inside. Slick and warm. Niles dipped his head to her breast and nuzzled her above the material of her gown.
She trembled and squirmed, trying to get closer as her gasps came quicker. “Niles.” She spoke his name in awe. “I can’t. I’m not. I don’t know what—”
“It’s all right, love. Let go. Open for me. Ah, yes.” He encouraged her release. “Just like that. Beautiful, oh, my beautiful Eve.” His voice broke on her name.
She was Eve.
“Niles, please, please,” she begged. “Oh! Oh!”
