Her head was tilted back so she could look up into his face, her breaths hitched with the undeniable irritation that poured off her in waves. She looked like a valkyrie about to decide his fate—a stunning image of strength and self-preservation.
Perhaps it was his reaction from earlier, that sting of fear that had shot through his limbs when he’d thought he might lose her to Lowell. Or perhaps it was simply the fiery beauty that spilled from her soul. Whatever it was, he found himself dipping his head and closing the distance.
He’d made a valiant effort to keep a respectable space between them, but all of that crumbled the moment his mouth met hers. It happened so swiftly she had no chance to escape. For a second, he contemplated retreat, but then her lips moved and her body curved toward his. Her arms found their way around his neck while little sighs rose from her throat in a sensual plea for more. It made him wonder why the hell he hadn’t kissed her sooner.
Spreading his hands across her back, he felt her gown ripple beneath his touch. She clutched at his head as if needing that extra bit of closeness. Adjusting his position, he obliged, deepening the kiss in an intimate exploration that sent hot blood thundering through his veins. She tasted divine; the fruity flavor of expensive champagne still lingering on her tongue. But what drove his fervor higher was perhaps her eagerness, for it proved she was just as hungry as he.
His hands slid lower, discovering the body that hid beneath her gown; a slim waist, the flaring of hips, and the soft flesh of her bottom curving against his hands. He dug his fingers into it, forcing her hips toward his in a powerful insinuation of what he wanted. Her gasp mingled with his breath as he kissed her harder, his mind wandering to a wide variety of possibilities—to a conjured image of fewer clothes between them, of her spread out against his sheets while he...
A clock chimed, announcing the hour, and Thomas’s thoughts came to a jarring halt. What the hell was he doing? This was Huntley’s sister he was kissing, not some widow with whom he could share a night of pleasure. Demands would be made if this went any further, and that was without considering the very real possibility of Huntley killing him. And then there was his life to think of. It was complicated and messy. The last thing he needed was to add a wife to it. Which was exactly what he would have to do if they got caught in such a fervent embrace.
He released her so fast she almost stumbled. “Forgive me.” It was all he could think to say. “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Don’t you?” The passionate look in her eyes faded until they began to shimmer with a horrible hint of tears.
He felt like an ass. “Amelia,” he said. “My job is to keep you safe, not to compromise you. But we have been spending a lot more time together lately and I... I would not be a man if I had not considered kissing you at least once. And if I can so easily succumb to temptation, then others will too, which is why I have been so intent on protecting you from situations such as this.”
She looked increasingly horrified. He was reeling in his effort to explain. All of his words were coming out wrong, but to think he’d just started down the path that had led to his own sister’s death—the concept that he wasn’t any better than the man who’d compromised Melanie—made him want to run from Amelia as fast as he possibly could.
How could he have succumbed to his baser urges with her when he of all people ought to have known better? Disgusted by his behavior, he told her frankly, “This cannot happen again. You must know that.” He had to tell her the truth. “I am not...”
The man you think me to be.
He ran his hands through his hair, knowing what had to be said but fearing the effect it would have on her opinion of him. But since it was the right thing to do, he determined to try anyway. “My life is complicated and—”
“I understand.” The wretchedness with which she spoke was devastating.
“I don’t think you do.” He held out his hand, uncertain of how to offer comfort without making matters worse. “Amelia...”
She turned away from him and walked to the door. Without uttering another word, she opened it and slipped out into the hallway beyond, leaving Thomas behind with a wretched feeling of loss and regret.
Chapter 15
Without planning to ever rise from her bed again, Amelia rolled onto her side and covered her head with her pillow when she woke the next morning. Coventry had kissed her, and it had been the most spectacular thing in the world.
Until it hadn’t been.
She groaned as she recalled what had happened and the manner in which he’d apologized for his regrettable behavior.I don’t know what came over me. He might as well have been speaking of some hideous hat he’d bought on a whim.
Pulling her duvet higher, Amelia snuggled into its warmth. She had no desire to do anything today or to see anyone or go anywhere. She simply wished to remain here alone until she forgot about that wonderful kiss and the awful way in which it had ended.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Go away. I’m still sleeping.”
Footsteps padded across the floor.
Amelia groaned. “Juliette, I am warning you. I wish to—”
“It is not Juliette.” Lady Everly’s voice was warm and kind. “I thought I would come and check on you since it is rare for you to sleep so long.”
“We had a late night,” Amelia explained.
“And it is now two o’clock in the afternoon. The duke is waiting for you downstairs.”
That got Amelia to sit up straight, her hair falling about her face in wild disarray. “Why?” She honestly hadn’t thought he would come today of all days, inconsiderate man.
“He claims the two of you agreed to go and check on the building site.”
