wrong of me to kiss you, Alyssa?”
***
Alyssa’s heart stopped beating. How on earth was she supposed to reply to that?
But perhaps words weren’t needed.
She wondered ifhe remembered stealing that kiss the night of her debut ball. Since there had been more than a hint of brandy on his breath that night, it would beamazingifhe recalled anything. But since she had been curious if his kiss wouldaffect her as much now asit had all those years ago,why not engage in a bit of flirtation? She wanted him totake morenoticeofher and she couldn’t very well do that withoutusinga bit ofherfeminine wiles.
“I think that would be perfectly acceptable, my lord,” she whispered.
The corners of his mouth lifted, as if her reply pleased him, and then he lowered his head and touched his mouth to hers.
Instantly, Alyssa’s pulse began racing.With just the lightest brush of his lips, she turned intoaraging inferno. It was so much morepowerfulthan five years ago when they had snuck behind the garden hedge for a quick tryst. Back then, it was innocent and fun, but now…it was so much more. If she wasn’t careful,the need for this man could easily consume her,body and soul.
As the pressure increased, she tilted her feet upward, seeking to deepen the embrace. With a growl that shocked her and sent her blood coursing through her veins, he pulled her against him where she could feel every single, hard inch of him. She placed her hands on his chest and sighed when she felt his heart was hammering nearly as fast as her own.
She dared to go further, sliding her arms around his neck as he wrapped his armsabouther waist. He coaxed her lips open by sliding his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she gasped, he thrust inside, only to retreat, and then repeat the pattern again.
Alyssa clutched his back, her fingers digging into his jacket. When he pulled his mouth away from her, she moaned at the loss, until he nuzzled the side of her neck. She had no idea how sensitive one could be there, but her thighs were burning, the apex between her legs throbbing with the need for something…more.
Only whenhis palm cupped her breast beneath her gown did sherealize how this could easily spiral out of control. She would tell him to stop.
She would.
Just not yet.
She’d waited for this moment far too long to end itso soon.
Her eyes fluttered open and her breathing hitched when she saw the answering call of desire in his hypnotizing, blue gaze. How many times had shedreamedof this moment? When he would touch her and caress her and whisper words of love in her ear…
Anticipationbegan to evaporate until itturned sour. It was obvious to her now that Travell wanted her, but lust wasn’t enough for her. She wasn’t some strumpet that he could have fun with and then discard. She cared about herself too much to give in to him without anything in return but the promise of passion.
Just when Travell was about to trail his finger down the length of her bodice, she lifted a hand and stopped his movements. “No more. Please.”
It took a moment for him to come back to his senses, but when he did, he looked at her inshockand took a step backward.She noticed that his hand was shaking.“I’m…sorry. I don’t know what…came over me.”
“I’m as much at fault as you are,” she returned softly.She glanced away, so she wouldn’t be tempted to fling herself back into his arms. “I’ll…see you tomorrow.”
She opened the door and walked out, shutting the door behind her.
***
That night was the first since he’d arrived that Lord Trenton slept completely through untildawn. Travell, on the other hand, found that the rest he’d so desperatelybeen requiring had eluded him. He’d tossed and turned all night, that kiss replaying over in his mind until he thought he would go mad.
He wanted nothing more than to repeat the experience, buthe wouldn’t disrespect her like that. If the time came when she wanted more, she would have to be the one to approach him. He would keep his distance, even if it tormented him.
Even so, after Travellhad finished breakfast, he found himself drawnto the conservatory. He told himself it was merely to see what she’d done with the space, but also because here, in her sanctuary, he could be close to her.
The moment he walkedintothe warm, humid room, he was struck with the fragrant perfume from numerous flowers. It was hard to distinguish one from the other, for there were several blooms in varying colors.It amazed him how much this dilapidated area had been transformed in such a short amount of time.What had once fallen into ruin was now bursting with life.
Hespied her prized roses and walked over to them, gently rubbingone velvety petal between his thumb and forefinger. “And how are you doing today?” he murmured, and then instantly felt foolish for speaking to a flower. And when the petal’s softness began to remind him of the silkiness of Alyssa’s skin, he let his hand fall to his side.
He had to admit that these Blue Ladiesweretrulyremarkable,boastinga haunting shade of sapphire that he’d neverseenbefore.
His sister had gushed about Alyssa’s talentsmore than once, but he’d generally listened with half an ear as she’d droned on. Now he could see that whatAlyssa hadaccomplished was rather impressive. But then, he had never been around anyone who enjoyed horticultureto this point. His mother certainly hadn’t cared about gardening, her talents best employed in a drawing room gossiping over tea. And Triana generally had her nose stuck in a book.
While his memory was rather fuzzy, he vaguely recalled Alyssa’s mother. He’d only been five when she’ddied, but the former Lady Lockley had possessed a kind smile, and the same interest in plants that her daughter now shared.
