It was. But with that realization, so many things became easier.
“She always tried to frighten me when she was alive. She would beat me when she could, but I became too fast for her. Then she resorted to threats and ugly names. She told me no one would ever want me.”
She closed her eyes, shuddering at the memories. He held her tight and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“She was wrong. You are beautiful and smart. Strong and…” He flashed a rueful smile. “And I want you.”
She quirked a brow at him. “Passionately?”
“Yes.” He cupped her cheek. “But what of your banshee? Will she keep us apart?”
Sadie looked into his eyes and felt her heart melt. She saw earnestness in his eyes, not to mention desire. She remembered the countess’s words. If he bedded her now, he would do the honorable thing and marry her. But she didn’t want him on those terms.
“I didn’t listen to Ma when she was alive. Why would I listen when she’s dead?”
He grinned. “A very sensible answer.”
“I’m a sensible woman,” she returned, and to her shock, he barked out a laugh. “What?” she demanded. “I am!”
“I know you are,” he said, his eyes dancing with humor. “But sensible is not the first word that comes to mind when I think of you.”
“Then what?”
“Other than beautiful and maddening?”
“Yes.”
He cupped her cheeks, stroking his thumbs across her lips. “Fierce is the first word. Bold and determined come next.”
“Are those good things or bad?”
“Oh, very good,” he said.
“You don’t want biddable or meek?”
“That’s boring. It turns out that I enjoy a lady with spark.”
“You want refined. I am not.” She bit her lip. “You said you wanted a lady to be a good example to your children.”
“I did, didn’t I? Well,” he quipped, “I’ve been known to get it wrong now and again.”
Then he kissed her.
Such wonder to have his mouth on hers, and her body on fire in his arms. He teased her nipples, pinching them while she gasped. He kissed her neck and down her bodice. Her fichu was gone, taken off before she came downstairs. So it was her flesh he stroked with his tongue. And a simple tug at her ties let her gown slip open.
It was enough for him to lift her breast free. He set his mouth on her nipple and she gave herself over to her feelings. Fire in her blood, heat in her breasts, and deep, dark need between her thighs.
He teased her breasts, then she felt his hand beneath her skirt. She allowed him. Indeed, if he opened his falls and stepped between her thighs, she would say yes to it all. She wanted him that much.
He didn’t. He let his fingers slide up her thighs, and what he did there had her whimpering in need. So many sensations, nothing like her dreams. His fingers pushing inside her, his thumb stroking her.
Her legs were spread wide. His fingers opened her, penetrated her, and
And…
Her cry was muffled by his kiss.
She flew.
