He also danced, more than he ever had at any ball, including two with Caroline, one being a waltz.
“Do you think they are even married?” he questioned. “There wasno special license, nor were the banns read.”
“I overheard her mother say that they were married in the eyes of the lord and by a minister and that was good enough.”
“Perhaps for them, but by law?” he asked.
Caroline chuckled. “I am not certain the same rules apply to the Dutch as they do the English, but I do not think anyone will claim that the marriage is not real especially since the bride and groom have already left, which could leave Kaya ruined if anyone objected.”
Sterling was rather envious of Malik. He would like nothing better than to spend the whole of the night in a bed with Caroline exploring her as she explored him.
Sterling pulled her closer than was proper when they turned, but he did not care, nor did he think any of the others in attendance noticed. Many were already deep in their cups, and not only the men either.
His mood was light and if they were alone, he might risk kissing her. Instead, Sterling enjoyed having her in his arms, her steps matching his without hesitation or misstep. They moved as one, breaths mingled, eyes only on each other. His heart pounded as desire filled his body, yet he managed to keep everything in check so as to not embarrass himself, but they would be sharing a cottage again tonight.
Did he dare seduce her?
Was it even right to do so?
Or would he rise early again tomorrow and hide behind the mews a second time?
Bloody hell!
He had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted Caroline.
*
For a gentlemanthat she had feared when he first arrived, Sterlingnow warmed her heart. If he hadn’t proved it before today, he showed himself to be far from pompous, strict, or unyielding. He had laughed, danced, spent time with his family, and teased his cousins. Now he was dancing with her. His hand resting on her back warmed her skin. Her blood pounded in her veins and when their eyes met, longing filled her being. Her breasts tightened and her nether regions ached.
It had been so long since she experienced the need to be out of her clothing and be touched, to experience release, then be filled and soar again.
Caroline took in a deep shaky breath.
If only… But she couldn’t. It was too risky. He would be gone and she would remain here.
Yet, she was likely worried for nothing and Sterling had no desire or intention to seduce her, but she wanted to be seduced.
She was also afraid and as a widow, there were simply risks that she could not take no matter how much she ached for him.
As the song came to an end, they parted. Her face was heated and likely flushed because of her wicked thoughts.
“The party is coming to an end,” he observed and she looked around to note that the musicians were putting away their instruments and women were taking food into their homes. Some groupings lingered and talked, but several people were slowly making their way home.
“We do leave early tomorrow,” she reminded him.
“Then we should also turn in.”
It was unlikely that she would get any sleep tonight with her bodily state, but she had little choice because some risks were not worth taking, otherwise, she would likely attempt to seduce him.
Sterling opened the door when they reached their cottage and she stepped in, followed by Sterling who lit a lamp. As she crossed the room, he reached out and grabbed her hand.
Caroline turned to look up into his blue eyes.
“I mean no insult to your respectability, but I must tell you that all I have been able to think about all day and evening was kissing you.”
Her heart pounded heavily as he tugged her closer.
“You must know that it’s not just a kiss, and I will understand if you reject me and I will never speak of it again, nor will it change anything between us. But I want you, Caroline.”
