Shock waves crashed over her and her mouth hung open. His words were so appalling, even though they were close to the truth. “How dare you insinuate—”
“Miss Emmie? Do you want me to hold and kiss you, instead of Lady Sarah?”
Her breathing grew faster, and although she should slap his face, this was exactly how she felt. Excitement and anticipation shot through her. Against her will, she was being lured into his charm.
He bent his head, brushing his lips softly against her mouth. “Tell me. Do you want me to kiss you? Is that the reason your gaze followed me around all evening?”
Their closeness made her head swim and her body weaken. At the same time, his actions and truthful accusations disturbed her.
She pressed her hands against his chest and shook her head. “Mr. Worthington, you have gone too far.”
He grinned. “No, I haven’t, but I will now.”
Pulling on her shoulders to bring her closer, he lowered his head. When she fell against him, he placed his mouth over hers. His warm lips moved sensuously back and forth across her stiff ones. She should struggle and break his hold, but his determined kiss convinced her to yield. His mouth remained soft as he pecked at her lips, urging her to open for him. Once her lips parted, his tongue slipped inside. Fireworks exploded in her mind as dizziness assailed her.
One at a time, his hands moved from her shoulders as they slipped around her back, pressing her more intimately against him. Fire consumed her the longer they kissed. Helplessness washed over her, and she hated feeling that she had no control. Her body wouldn’t listen to her mind, which screamed at her to stop and push away. The strength in her hands slowly disappeared, and her lips softened and relaxed to his passionate kiss. She had never been kissed like this before, and strangely enough, she didn’t mind feeling so vulnerable… if even for a few seconds.
At her surrender, he growled and turned the kiss wild. She sighed and gripped his shirt, fitting herself closer to him. But as soon as the thrill began to build, he broke the kiss and stepped back.
Her strength returned just in time. Before she melted to the ground, she steadied her legs. As the shock of the situation finally hit, disgust ran rapid inside her, more so over her weakness than his actions. Anger streaked through her, and she slapped his face.
“Indeed, you have gone too far,” she said, her voice deep, still laced with passion.
His blank expression didn’t change as he stared at her. She didn’t know if he was angry or hurt, and she wished he would say something to let her know. His chest heaved with quick breaths, the same way hers was doing.
Finally, he nodded. “I beg your forgiveness.”
He continued to stare at her for several long, agonizing minutes while she tried to get her breathing regulated. Her body shook, and she cursed herself for feeling this way around him.
Emmie gained control of her senses. She lifted her skirt to her ankles and ran into the house, all the way back to her room, where she knew she would feel safe.
Her heart beat erratically. She could not stop thinking about Mr. Worthington and that earth-shattering kiss.
Chapter Six
Broderick stood stunned.Not because he had kissed Emmie, but because he enjoyed it so much.
Usually, he preferred more experienced women, and those who dressed better. Certainly, she wasn’t the kind of woman he would usually seduce. Yet he had been thinking about doing that very thing since noticing her hiding behind the statue.
He shook his head and turned back toward the house. His uncle and aunt were saying their goodbyes to the last of the guests who just wouldn’t leave, and Broderick really didn’t want to be included in that, but he had to go inside nonetheless. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he noticed a friend from earlier who was speaking to Uncle Henry. Broderick hadn’t wanted to say anything to his friend before, since there were too many gossipmongers about, but now would be a good time.
Just as Broderick reached them, his uncle walked away. Broderick stood in front of the other man, eyeing him warily. He tried not to grin, but his lips pulled upward. “I’m hesitant to ask if this is a coincidental meeting… Mr. Daughtery.” He chuckled softly. “I honestly didn’t expect to see you here.”
Phillip grinned and folded his arms. “Ah, my good friend, Mr. Worthington. I almost didn’t recognize you.” His gaze lifted to Broderick’s hair. “You actually look better with brown hair, I must say.”
Broderick laughed. “But I think you used too much black when you changed your hair color.”
Phillip ran his fingers through his crop of hair. “Yes, the person who helped me was not as talented as the one who assisted you.”
“Obviously.”
“Tell me, Worthington, why are you here?”
“Mr. and Mrs. Crampton are my uncle and aunt.” Broderick took a quick glance around the empty room. “Who are you here with?”
“My cousins, if you must know. I had nowhere else to hide out but with them.”
Broderick nodded. “I understand, my friend.” He clapped his hand on Phillip’s shoulder.
