Lucian had nearly forgotten the storm as they neared an argument, but noting her state, he decided not to lecture her further about using caution.
Eliza swallowed and took a deep drink of her brandy as the thunder became more intense. After each lightning flash, Eliza drew into herself as if she wished to hide.
The storm was turning into a beast and Lucian half wondered if they might not experience a tempest or tornado tonight but did not express his concern. Eliza was frightened enough already.
Something struck the window and he assumed it was a limb or branch and was thankful the glass did not break but Eliza gripped her now empty brandy snifter so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. He took the glass away before she shattered it in her hand.
“More, please,” she whispered.
“Neither one of us needs more brandy,” he said as he placed the glasses on the table. He then leaned back and placed an arm around Eliza and pulled her close. “You are safe with me.”
Lucian hoped he spoke the truth and that the house wasn’t destroyed around them.
Eliza was truly terrified and there was nothing he could do to help calm her.
He looked down to find Eliza looking up at him, her grey eyes round and coral lips parted. In that moment, he had never been so tempted to kiss anyone in his life.
Bloody hell!
Eliza wascertain that Lucian was going to kiss her. He stared into her eyes, then at her lips, and she waited.
Except, he did nothing and as she always went after what she sought, Eliza rose slightly, placed her palm against his cheek, then her lips against his.
At first, Lucian did nothing. No response and she might have been kissing a marble statue. His lips may be warm, but they were firm and not engaging.
Her stomach sank with her mistake and she tried to push away the humiliation as she pulled away from him. However, before she could fully disengage, Lucian’s hand slipped through her hair, his long fingers grasping the back of her head as he pressed forward, returning her kiss.
Goodness!
She sighed and he delved as Eliza wound her arms around his shoulders.
He seemed to kiss her forever and Eliza had no objection though her body heated from her toes to the top of her head and the most delicious awareness began to thrum through her body, especially in her breasts and in her nether regions.
Was this passion? Was it need?
Whatever it was, she truly wished to experience what came next.
His other hand slipped down her back, caressing before it settled on her hip, his fingers burning her through the thin layers of her nightshift and robe. His grip was not bruising but reminded her of someone warring for control.
He then caressed her thighs as Eliza felt herself falling backwards on the settee with Lucian coming over her.
He broke the kiss and she opened her eyes, except he wasn’t looking at her face. Instead, his lips descended to her jaw, then down her neck as he pulled at the ribbons of her gown, opening the neck.
The awareness that had developed turned into an ache as her breasts grew heavier and her nipples tightened, and then he touched her through the material as his lips grazed her upper chest. His caress was gentle at first and she nearly groaned when he ran a thumb over her nipple.
Lucian sighed and let his hand slip away and rested his forehead on her chest.
Eliza lay there wondering what to do next, if anything, and also wished to know why he had stopped kissing her.
He then rose away from her and sat at the opposite end of the settee. Was that all? Was he not going to further seduce her?
“The storm has passed,” he said quietly.
Eliza hadn’t even been aware the thunder and lightning had stopped. Nor could she hear the wind, just gentle rain.
“You should be able to sleep now.”
Lucian rose and crossed to the sideboard, taking his glass with him, and splashed more brandy inside.
