But before she could even take a step, Peter reached for her hand. He laced his fingers through hers.
Lavinia was already looking at him when he found her eyes. “I do not understand you, Peter.”
It was a relief to hear her say his name. No, it was more than a relief. It was a pleasure. It was glorious. It was exactly what he needed to hear.
He cupped her face, not saying anything.
“What are we doing here?” she whispered almost breathlessly. “Before… earlier… you ignored me.”
Peter looked at her eyes and then her lips. He could still remember what they felt like.
Their eyes locked onto each other. There was no need to say what he was feeling. He was certain her heart pounded just as rapidly as his own. He moved his head closer, almost closing the gap between them. Lavinia breathed into his face, and he could feel how nervous she was and maybe aroused.
He stroked his thumb gently over her palm, circling softly against the middle and the length of her thumb. She let out a soft moan.
“What are you doing to me?” she asked.
He watched her confusion. Maybe he liked it when she was helpless around him. Maybe he wanted to tease her like this.
“This is not fair,” she complained.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
“Peter,” she almost whispered.
This time, he could no longer take it. He quickly closed the gap between them, and their lips met once more.
Peter was gentler than the last time. He felt her lips as he stroked his tongue in between them. He pulled her closer, letting her feel how much he wanted her. Her lips felt softer than before. He couldn’t help but gently bite the lower one.
His hands stroked her back as his teeth gently nibbled on her lower lip. She moaned in surprise.
Suddenly, he stopped. He held her in his arms as she caught her breath. He enjoyed looking at her after kissing her. Her face had turned bright red, and her lips were swollen.
She looked perfect in every way possible. If only he could have her.
Slowly, he disentangled his arms from around her and put some distance between them. He took several steps back, then said in a resigned tone, “The next time you go for a walk in the woods, do try to be more careful. You never know who could be following you.”
CHAPTER 13
The soft rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds created a tranquil symphony as he made his way out of the woods. The gravel path back to the garden crunched beneath his feet.
The air was crisp and fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers. Lady Crawford really did not fail in maintaining the estate.
Peter found Madeline by the chairs near the buffet table. She held a plate in one hand while she munched on a sponge cake with the other. His lips twitched into a smile. She really was not like the other ladies; he had always known his sister was special.
Madeline put down her cake and waved at him to come sit with her, which he immediately did. He leaned back in his seat as soon as he found a comfortable position.
Madeline, sitting opposite him, looked at him with eyes sparkling with excitement. She had been vibrating with enthusiasm since the morning, eager for the day’s festivities.
“It’s such a beautiful day, Peter,” she said, her voice filled with unbridled joy. “Where have you been? I’ve been searching for you since this morning. And have you seen Lavinia? I have not seen her since yesterday,” she noted, biting into her cake.
Peter almost blushed as he remembered what had happened in the woods. He felt guilty for leaving Lavinia behind, but he was certain she would be safe now.
From across the lawn, he caught Lord Windham looking at him, his eyes piercing through him like a dagger, but Peter did not care about him at all.
“The weather has cooperated nicely,” he murmured. “I am glad it has not rained and soaked Lord and Lady Crawford’s guests.”
Soon, he saw Lavinia coming out from the woods, looking too calm and collected, almost as if she had not just been thoroughly kissed.
