The hardness in his expression disappeared. Her hopes lifted. Would he let her tell him the truth, and would he believe her? If so, would he give her a chance? She prayed he could eventually trust her with his heart.
His gaze dropped to her mouth and her heartbeat picked up rhythm. He leaned up on his elbow and hovered closer to her. Once again, her mouth grew dry as anticipation soared through her. As much as she wanted his kiss, she also wanted... no,neededto tell him who she really was. She couldn’t have him thinking she was like those other women.
“Felix, I—”
“Katrina, my dear.” His voice was soft. “I think we should get some rest. It’s getting late and morning will be here before we know it.”
Her hopes dropped. Obviously, tonight wasn’t the night for her confessions. Tomorrow. She’d tell him tomorrow. By then she would have gained more courage. “Yes, you are correct. I’m getting sleepy.”
“Good. Now turn down the lantern, but don’t turn it off.”
“All right. Good night, Felix.”
As she reached over and turned down the light, he rolled away from her. She prayed she hadn’t said anything to upset him. Now she wouldn’t know until the morning.
This would definitely be a very long night.
* * * *
FELIX’S MIND SLOWLYbecame aware of his surroundings as he awoke. Groggily, he peeked through slit eyelids. Morning’s light hadn’t fully graced the land with brightness, only enough to bring him alert. Immediately, comfort filled his heart, and a smile tugged on his face. Sighing, he closed his eyes. Softness rested against his chest as he lay on his side. He inhaled the sweet fragrance of flowers that was beneath his nose.
As he became more alert, he realized he cuddled against a feminine body. His arms were wrapped around her as her head lay in the crook of his shoulder.
Katrina!
In seconds, he became fully awake, but he didn’t dare move. It was obvious she was still slumbering since she hadn’t said anything to put a stop to this pleasure. Hesitantly, he lifted his head to look upon her. Those pretty green eyes were closed, and her thick, dark lashes fanned on her cheeks so peacefully, she looked like an angel. Her mouth parted ever so sweetly as breaths escaped her mouth that was curled up slightly at the ends. Whatever she was dreaming must be pleasant, because she looked as satisfied as he felt right now.
Inwardly, he groaned and closed his eyes. If truth be told, he enjoyed cuddling with her. It was refreshing to awaken and gaze upon such beauty. If only she wasn’t a pampered rich woman. If only he could trust her with his heart. But he’d learned these many years that there was no such woman for him. All women lie. All women were deceptive in one way or another.
Yet why was she so different? He’d noticed it several times these past few days. She was certainly a mystery to him.
He blinked open his eyes again and lifted his head. Waking her right now wasn’t a good thing. He must figure out a way to pull himself away from her without her awakening. But her arms were lying over his and her hands cupped his fingers. This would not be easy!
Perhaps the key would be to allow her to wake up first and discover they’d been cuddling. He, of course, would pretend to be asleep and therefore not be the one held responsible.
The longer he waited for her to come awake, the longer he stared at her. So lovely. So peaceful... and so very tempting.
What would it hurt if he brushed his lips across her ear? If anything, it would help her become alert so his plan could begin.
Cautiously, he leaned into her ear. Her hair was softer than he figured it should be, and he closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek against the texture. He found it strange that she smelled so much like wildflowers, when he and the rest of his men probably reeked of sweat and dirt. Nevertheless, it was her sweet fragrance that had him moving his mouth closer to her earlobe.
Taking gentle care, he brushed his lips against her neck as he moved up to her ear. A soft sigh whispered from her mouth as she arched her neck. He stilled, yet his heart beat madly. This wasn’t going the way he thought it should. She wasn’t supposed to enjoy it. She was supposed to awaken, realize their scandalous embrace, and quickly move away.
But she did the exact opposite and cuddled against him, much closer than before. This was not good! Knowing it wasn’t working, he really should stop, but something deep inside urged him to continue, blast it all. He was a weak man in this kind of situation.
He trailed kisses up her neck to her ear. She shivered and wiggled closer. Even her arms tightened over his.
His breathing grew irregular as excitement built. He feathered kisses along her ear and down her neck until her breaths were coming as fast as his. Sighing, she turned her face toward him, but her eyes remained closed. Her mouth parted, blindly seeking his.
Felix’s mind screamed for him to stop this insanity right now. Going any further could be disastrous.
Taking slower breaths, he tried to regain control. In the midst of the silence, she whispered, “Felix.”
He groaned. Surrendering his will, he pressed his mouth against hers and kissed her soundly. Her lips moved so sweetly with his as if she knew exactly what she was doing. Explosions erupted inside his head, and all thought of stopping their passionate moment was lost.
He gathered her closer, turning her body more toward his. Her arms slid up his chest and hooked around his neck as she pulled him to her. Soft and gentle fingers stroked through his hair, sending spirals of warmth throughout his body. She caressed the side of his face, and he thought he’d died and gone to Heaven. Her very touch made him want to shout with happiness.
Never had a woman created such havoc inside his mind and his heart. Not even Eva. Katrina was so different. At times he thought of her as spoiled because of the way she acted, yet other times she was a down-to-earth woman. He laughed in her presence, and he couldn’t remember being with a woman who made him do that.
