As the final notes of the music played, Peter guided her gracefully off the dance floor, his hand still resting protectively on her back. The ballroom was filled with the sound of applause as the other couples finished their dances, but for Peter and Lavinia, it was as if they were in their own little world, separate from the rest of the guests.
Once they were away from the dance floor, Peter led her to a quieter corner of the ballroom where they could speak without the fear of being overheard. The shadows provided a semblance of privacy, though they were still very much in view of the other guests.
Lavinia could feel the weight of Peter’s gaze on her as they stood together, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. She wanted to tell him everything—to confide in him about her fears, her hopes, and the confusion that had been plaguing her all week. But she hesitated, unsure how to put her feelings into words.
“Don’t you think there are too many people hovering around us?” she said as she smiled at a group of young ladies nearby.
“It would be nice to finally get a little bit of silence, do you not agree?” Peter asked, as if hinting at something.
“I do not think there is a place in this room where I can acquire such silence, Your Grace,” Lavinia muttered under her breath.
She felt his hand move lower on her back. “There is an empty room at the end of the hall. I think you would find the peace and quiet you are looking for within those four walls.”
She blushed upon realizing what he meant.
He is directing me to his room.
“And what if I do not want peace and quiet, after all?” she asked as she shifted her weight, allowing the sleeve of her gown to brush against his coat.
Peter chuckled. “That is precisely what I was hoping you would say, Miss Fitzroy.”
Lavinia moved a step away from the wall, but just as he promised, he stuck right beside her. She was thrilled at the thought of returning to his room and doing… Well, she did not know exactly what they would do once they were alone, but she tingled all over with anticipation while just imagining the possibilities.
They rushed out the door and dashed down the hall. Lavinia’s heart raced in her chest, and she heard Peter laughing as he jogged behind her.
“Are you in such a hurry, Miss Fitzroy?”
“Indeed,” she called to him over her shoulder. “I do not want anyone to see us make this hasty escape.”
She skidded to a halt in front of the door to his chambers and waited for him to open it, then she hurried inside.
Once the door was closed and locked behind them, she sucked in several deep breaths.
“I had no idea you were so eager to be alone with me,” Peter said as he crossed what little space separated them and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I merely wished for the peace you promised,” she said in a whisper.
“Really?” Peter dropped one hand from her waist so he could grab her hand. “Peace is all you need?”
“I… I…”
“What do you want to do, Lavinia?” he asked. He turned his head to kiss her palm, and her cheeks reddened. “What should I do to you, Lavinia?”
Several wicked scenes flashed before him, but there was doubt in his mind. He wanted to do so many things to her, but he feared that she was not ready. He watched as she stared at his hand on hers.
Lavinia looked so enchanting on this particular night. Peter gazed from her eyes to her lips. Oh, her supple lips had beckoned to him since the first time they’d met. He wanted to feel them again.
He had never felt so wild and needy before. He had been with his share of ladies, but he had never wanted someone as much as he wanted her.
In a swift but gentle motion, he grabbed her other arm and placed it on his shoulder. Lavinia’s eyes widened. He heard her gasp as he dropped her hand and grabbed her waist forcefully. He pulled her in so that his stiff length rested against her abdomen.
He watched her lustful eyes. He knew she wanted something, and he wanted her to say it. He squeezed her hips, then lowered his mouth and kissed a hot trail along her jaw. His hands slid up so that he could stroke her breasts. He felt her inhale sharply.
“Do you like this?” he asked.
Lavinia only nodded, but he wanted to hear her.
“Does this feel good?” He cupped her breasts, squeezing them gently as his thumb rubbed against her nipples.
