“My sweet Cilla.” He sighed heavily. “You are making a bigger scene than is necessary.”
“A scene?” Her voice rose higher. “You haven’tseenme making a scene yet. But I shall give you one, Your Grace.”
She turned, searching for something else to throw at him, he was certain. But he wasn’t about to let her. He strode to her and grasped her shoulders, swinging her around to face him.
“Let me make a couple of things clear.” He tried not to let his temper get the best of him. “First, I’m tired of asking you to call me by my name, so please don’t make me repeat myself again.” He inhaled deeply. “And I am not going to put up with these tantrums of yours after we are married.”
“Augh,” she cried out, raising her hand to strike his face, but he caught it before it could hit its target. He held both of her wrists and placed her arms above her head. He backed her against the wall so that she couldn’t move.
Her breathing was heavy, and the glassy look in her cobalt eyes was fierce, but he couldn’t deny she was still a beautiful woman. Passion poured out of her whether she was angry or melting in his arms during a heady kiss.
They stared at each other for several moments. Her ragged breaths began to slow, and her body didn’t feel as rigid as before. He enjoyed gazing into her eyes and watching the different emotions change in her expression. Indeed, he had never seen a more vibrant woman in his life, and at this moment, all he wanted to do was take her in his arms and kiss her passionately. But as hard as it was for him to resist, he must. Somehow, he needed to make her realize marriage was the best thing, even though he still struggled with the concept himself.
Seconds turned into minutes, until he couldn’t remember what they were arguing about. She was a stubborn woman, but he could be just as persistent. Perhaps the only way to make her see that marriage was their only solution was to make her aware of whatreallytook place at the woodsman’s cottage. He would help her remember. He would make her see that she hadn’t been dreaming. And he would do it right here. Right now.
“One last thing,” he added in a calmer voice. “I want you to know that somethingdidhappen between us when we were in the cottage.” His gaze dropped to her parted lips. “We kissed, and it was the most magical moment of my life.”
Before she could argue, he pressed his lips against hers. She inhaled sharply, but he wasn’t about to pull away until she remembered. He kept the kiss gentle, hoping something would spark her memory.
Slowly, he brushed his mouth across hers, urging her to participate, desperately wanting her to kiss him like she had done at the cottage. It had been magical, and he wanted more of her passion. He wanted her soft and willing in his arms.
Her body relaxed fully, but the position they were in was too intimate for him to release her arms above her head. Finally, her mouth moved against his as she answered his eager plea. When she gave up her struggles and began copying his actions, his heart soared with happiness.
He sighed heavily and released her wrists as he leisurely slid his hands over her hair, the sides of her face, and down to her neck, stroking her with exploratory gentleness. Her skin was so smooth, and he didn’t want to stop as he brushed his fingers along the bodice of her gown.
Her bosom heaved in a faster rhythm, making his heartbeat race with excitement. He prayed she liked his touch as much as he enjoyed the way her body reacted toward him. With every deep breath she inhaled, his strokes became bolder.
Slowly, she moved her hands to his chest, and gradually slid her palms up his waistcoat. Now he wished he wasn’t fully clothed. Then again, his grandmother would have sent him back to his quarters if he hadn’t been presentable.
He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her closer as she continued trailing her palms up his chest, touching his neck, and up further until her fingers teased the hair at his nape. Warmth spread through him quickly, and he shivered with pleasure.
Gavin tilted his head and deepened the kiss. Her response was just as spectacular as it had been at the cottage. A throaty moan escaped her as she clutched his shoulders, meeting hisdemanding kiss. Never had he felt such excitement flowing through him than when he kissed this incredibly passionate woman.
Suddenly, a realization filled his head. If their time at the cottage hadn’t started a rumor, what they were doing now in the bedroom would certainly have the servants gossiping. However, now it didn’t matter. He was going to marry this woman no matter how much she protested, because he knew now that she didn’t loathe his presence, and especially not his kiss.
Chapter Eleven
Priscilla sighed withpleasure, loving the way their quarrel had ended. Gavin had given her no time to let the truth sink in—that they had actually kissed while staying at the cottage. It was not a dream, as she had thought all this time. No wonder she couldn’t get the image out of her head. Which explained, of course, why she didn’t want to stop now.
Heavens, he was a good kisser, so much better than when she had kissed him eighteen months ago. Tonight, he was being so very gentle with her, and she liked that most of all. Would he be this passionate after they were married?
Marriage!
At the very thought of marrying a cad, her mind snapped her out of the dream he had put her under. Were they really going to get married? And why was she so confused right now?
“Gavin,” she muttered against his mouth as she broke the kiss by turning her head, but he continued, trailing his lips down her neck. Goosebumps rose all over her in a delightful way, and she tilted back her head to give him better access.
“Yes, my lovely Cilla.”
His hot whisper on her flesh made her shiver. “Gavin, we really must… stop.” He had made her so breathless, she wondered if she would swoon again.
“Indeed, we must, but I cannot.”
She smiled, knowing he was as mesmerized with what they were sharing as she. She couldn’t get enough of the heat rushing over her, and the way her heart softened because of his gentle manner. Well, he wasn’t very gentle when he pushed her up against the wall, yet even that was quite exciting. She had been upset with him, but her attitude changed the moment their lips met.
She held in another moan of pleasure. “Truly, Gavin, we need… to talk.”
When he raised his head and his incredibly green eyes looked into hers, he cupped both sides of her face. The intense look of passion in his expression made her insides quiver with delight. Her whole body felt like molten lava, and she realized he commanded her body just with his gentleness.
