Growling, he scrubbed his hand over his chin. “What else has she told you that I haven’t given her permission to disclose?”
“She told me a little about your family. She also told me that you spend a lot of time on a ship—”
“Exactly! I spend time on a ship because that is what I enjoy doing. I love the taste of the salt air on my tongue, and the seabreeze blowing through my hair. I love commanding a crew, as well.”
“Pardon me?”
“Oh,” he shouted, flipping his hands in the air. “Let me guess… The high and mighty earl’s daughter doesn’t approve of a ship’s captain? Is that too far beneath you?”
Fury shot through her eyes and her lips thinned. Before he could say another word, her hand sailed through the air, and her palm met his cheek dead center. The sound of the slap echoed through the room.
“That was uncalled for,” she snapped.
He rubbed his stinging cheek. “Well, if that was uncalled for, I’m sure you will be very happy to hear that I cannot stand people like you. I especially loathe your uncle for all the people he has hurt.” He stood straighter and lifted his chin. “Now, my dearLady Sarah, what do you have to say about that?” He pointed to his other cheek. “This one hasn’t been slapped. Feel free to release your anger on this side as well.”
She gasped, her hand flying to her throat. Wide, surprised eyes stared at him for a few awkward moments as her bosom rose and fell quickly in uneven breaths. He had certainly caught her off guard with that confession. Thankfully, his anger didn’t loosen his lips enough for him to tell her that he was also Captain Hawk. That bit of information would have her running back to tell her father and uncle.
Finally, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. Within seconds her expression changed, and anger was nowhere in sight. Instead, she looked almost pleased.
“You want to know what Ihave to say about that?” she inquired sweetly.
She stepped closer until she was right in front of him. Her gown even brushed against his legs. Now he could seeher striking eyes better, and they were definitely not shooting fireballs at him.
Emiline toyed with the buttons on his waistcoat while staring up into his eyes. “Are you sure you want to hear my answer?”
What game was she playing with him now? He wanted to hear her answer, although he still waited for her to deliver another slap on the face—one he definitely deserved this time. “Yes.”
“I think your confession was the most wonderful thing I have ever heard.” Her gaze dropped to his lips for a brief moment before bouncing up to meet his eyes. “Although I’m related to the lord chancellor, I feel the same way you do about my uncle, and I sympathize with those he has destroyed. If only there was something I could do to help in your quest—”
He cut her off by grabbing her and pulling her against him, capturing her mouth in a fiery kiss. An overwhelming surge of happiness grew inside of him. Never had he expected such a confession, and hearing her sweet words melted his heart faster than a roaring fire could.
At this moment, he didn’t care who her father was, and he couldn’t care less about her uncle. Nothing mattered except showing this woman how much he loved her.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hungrily returned his kiss. His heart burst in his chest as love poured out. He rubbed his hands over her back, pulling her closer, as if to make her part of him.
As she caressed his hair and neck, each touch, each stroke, let him know what was in her heart better than any words could at this moment. Then again, he didn’t want to break the kiss to find out. He took pleasure in the way her mouth fit with his as their bodies practically melded together.
He lifted her and carried her the few steps to his bed, then laid her on the mattress. She broke the kiss and smiled. He caressed her hair as he stared dreamily into her eyes.
“Does this mean you have forgiven me for being a mule’s hind end?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I’m still considering it.” She grinned teasingly.
“Will a few more kisses help you make up your mind?”
Her eyes twinkled. “It certainly couldn’t hurt.”
He placed his mouth over hers again, but this time kissed her with such gentleness that it nearly had him going insane for more. A soft groan escaped her throat as she cuddled closer.
Inwardly, he cursed. She would definitely be the death of him. But he also knew that if he didn’t stop this insanity soon, he would give himself to her heart and soul—if he hadn’t already. But he couldn’t do that, especially knowing she was a true lady. Although he wanted her badly, she needed a normal wedding. Not one forced upon them by an irate father.
He broke the kiss again and smiled down at her. “How was that?”
She nodded. “Perfect. I do forgive you now.”
“What would you say if I told you how much I love you?”
Her amazing, wondrous eyes swam with tears. “I would tell you I love you right back.”
