“I can.”
“That is the way to my heart.”
“I shall endeavor to remember that.”
“Someday I will call upon your service, Lady Julia, and ask you to make me some scones.”
“In your most desperate hour?”
“Of course.”
The sound of her laughter warmed his heart. He liked to see her smile, to enjoy herself so freely. Unable to resist, he took her face in his hands, admiring the way the afternoon sun highlighted the rich colors in her hair—the streaks of coppery red fascinated him. “You are beautiful.”
“Your Grace…”
“Alonzo.”
“The Duke of Pridegate.”
“Alonzo,” he said again, wanting to hear her utter his name.
“Alonzo,” she finally whispered.
“Yes.” He closed his eyes; one of his fantasies now fulfilled.
“Are you unwell?”
He opened his eyes and grinned at her. “Better than you’d ever know.” Still holding her face, he caressed her cheek, then leaned in, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. How would she react if he kissed her cheek? Did she like the feel of his hands on her? Did she want him to kiss her on the lips?
“Do you want to kiss me?” she asked.
“I just did.”
“A real kiss.”
He considered her, the way she was breathing, her wide eyes. Lady Julia had never been kissed before… and it excited him—thrilled him—lit a fire inside him. He wanted her, naked and writhing underneath him. Oh, how sweet she would taste and feel—so tight—so perfect. The thought made his body jolt.
“Your Grace?”
He growled and pulled her into his arms, devouring her mouth, enjoying the feel of her soft lips against his. More, he must have more. His tongue traced the shape of her lower lip, then begged entrance into her divine mouth. She gasped in surprise and opened up for him, their tongues touched, and she went stiff in his hands, but he soothed her by running his hand up her back, guiding her, kissing her with tenderness and hunger.
Yes. She was perfect. Innocent but curious. Fire and water. Everything he had imagined.
He played with a curl in her hair, slowly withdrawing from the kiss—not wanting to push her too far.
“Alonzo,” she said breathlessly.
“Did you enjoy your first kiss?”
She stared up at him unblinking. “How do you know I have never been kissed?”
“A man knows such things.”
“How?”
“I could never explain it to you.”
“Why not?”
