“And it’s the truth. The only truth.”
There was a long pause, and then she quietly said, “I don’t believe that. In fact, your reaction just now suggests the opposite. It suggests you have a secret – that you’re keeping something important from me and—”
“What?” Tension coiled around every limb. His chest squeezed tight against his lungs. Fists clenched, he stalked toward her. “It’s not as if ye’re nae doing the same.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Irritation clutched at his stomach. “Ye’re lying.”
“I’m n—”
“There’s something about ye and yer stories, Miss Russell, something ye’re desperate to hide.” He loomed over her. “Care to tell me what it is?”
She shook her head. “No. I can’t.”
Unexpected disappointment cooled his blood. “Well then. In that case I hope ye can understand if I may have my own reasons for wanting privacy.”
“Yes. Of course. I’m sorry. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
She swallowed and looked away. Blayne moved a bit closer – so close he could smell her tempting perfume, an intoxicating scent of chamomile and honey with an added hint of citrus. “If there’s something you fear and I’m able to help, I want you to come to me in the same way I came to you.”
Undone by her offer, Blayne gazed at her in wonder. Every restriction he’d placed on his heart through the years came undone. He felt it swell with the sort of fondness he’d not thought he’d ever be capable of again. “Sweet lass, ye’ve already done so much just by placing yer trust in me. And the set-down ye gave Lady Warwick was extraordinary.”
“I had to say something.”
“Nae, ye didnae have to say a single thing, which is what made it all the more impressive.” Without even thinking he reached up and brushed his thumb along the edge of her jawline. A tremulous sigh escaped her, the sound a jolt to the need she’d instilled in him since the moment they’d met. “Why did ye do it?”
“Because I couldn’t stand to see you hurt.”
Her honesty broke him. Raw emotion overtook all reason and before he had a chance to contemplate what he was doing, he’d pulled her into his arms and captured her mouth in a kiss he hoped would impart what his words could never convey.
You matter to me as well.
More than you should.
I want you.
I need you.
I have to have at least this.
As if in agreement, she arched against him and parted her lips. Rogue that he was, he took advantage, tasting her as if she were the sweetest confection he’d ever been served. He lowered his hand to the flare of her hips and shamelessly drew her flush up against him. She gasped, but did not pull away, thank God. Instead, she clung to him even more, answering each of his movements with ones of her own while letting him savor the fruity flavor of rich champagne still lingering on her tongue. His hand stroked over her spine, then lower toward the curve of her bottom.
Shifting her slightly…just so…he moved into the space between her thighs and kissed a path along her jaw, then down the side of her neck. A soft moan filled the air, the sound so rewarding it almost brought him to his knees.
His fingers tugged at the delicate sleeve of her gown, pulling it down, bringing it lower, his only aim to free her just a little bit more so he could—
A cough broke through his lust-filled haze. Blayne stilled, every muscle and nerve ending drawing tight with apprehension while he paused to listen.
And then, “I think it’s time for my next dance.”
Miss Russell squeaked in response to Mr. Cooper’s stiff voice.
Shite.
Blayne pressed a kiss to her shoulder for reassurance –this wasn’t a meaningless dalliance, lass– then put her sleeve back in order, straightened himself, and took a step back. Turning toward the other man, he waited to be admonished for his actions – to have the threat of immediate marriage thrust upon him.
