“What changed?” she asked with some wonder.
“Still trying to determine how to solve this puzzle?” he asked with a slight laugh.
“I think I’m missing some pieces,” she murmured.
“I’d be happy to fill them in,” he said. “But for now, let’s say that I finally realized that there will never be distance between you and me — not when we are both here in London. We are married. We seem to be attracted to one another. So why not take advantage and enjoy one another?”
A brief flicker of emotion filled her eyes, but before he could wonder whether it was hurt or something else, it was gone.
“Very well,” she said with a slight shrug. “Let’s enjoy one another.”
“Are you sure?” he said. “I don’t want to force anything?—”
“Asher,” she said, shaking her head with a laugh. “Are you trying to talk me out of this?”
“Never.”
“Then stop talking and kiss me again.”
He certainly couldn’t argue with that.
18
Evelyn’s heart pounded against her ribs as Asher stared down at her, licking his lips.
She could hardly believe this was truly happening, and yet, she wanted it to with every part of her being.
When he finally moved to meet her lips, it was with a kiss so searingly decisive that she gasped into his mouth, shocked at the desire that flared between them.
It had been building for so long, but now, with them choosing each other, choosing to forget all else around them and explore this moment between them… it was unmatched.
His hands roamed over her curves, caressing and exploring as Evelyn melted against him with a soft moan.
He held her as though she was the most precious thing in the world to him, yet with a soft strength that reminded her of what had led them to this moment — him claiming her as his own, as no one else’s.
Which sent a thrill through her, making her want him even more.
He broke the kiss to trail his lips down the sensitive column of her throat, the light stubble on his chin rubbing against her and causing gooseflesh to break out all over her body.
Her fingers tangled into his hair as she arched into him, silently begging for more.
"I want to taste you," Asher murmured against her neck. "All of you."
She shivered, even though she didn’t completely understand what he meant – but she had a feeling she was going to enjoy it. "Please," she breathed, agreeing to whatever he had to offer.
She was a woman of knowledge, of puzzles, of words and facts and books. She knew the mechanics of how two mammals — or two people — came together, driven by the desire to create new life or, in some cases, by a need that ran deep inside.
But she hadn’t completely understood the whole of it.
Until now.
At her acceptance, with deft fingers, he undid the fastenings of her bodice, parting the fabric to allow her breasts to fall out, held back from being completely bared to him by only a thin layer of fabric.
Evelyn momentarily tensed as she suddenly felt too exposed, too vulnerable, but then he cupped her breasts reverently, rubbing his thumbs over the hardened peaks straining against her chemise, making her forget any hesitation.
Evelyn gasped and clutched at his shoulders, her nails digging in as she clung to him as her lifeline.
Asher seemed encouraged as he lowered his head and closed his lips around one rosy nipple, suckling her through the thin material. She cried out and arched into his mouth, having never before realized just what such a touch on her breasts could do.
