Turning, fumbling, he lowered himself to a nearby bench and pulled her into his lap. With a squeak she settled against him, her delicate hands framing his face as she pressed her mouth to his, feasting on him as though he were a treat she meant to devour.
Her passion fed his own, igniting the flames of his ardor until he was desperate with need. Never in his life had he craved a woman as much as he craved Lilli. She was the air he breathed and the joy that gave his life meaning.
Guided by instinct, he tugged down the flimsy sleeves of her gown and kissed a path over the curve of her shoulder.
“I love you too,” he whispered against her. “Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. Without apology.” He punctuated each word with a kiss while travelling the edge of her décolletage. One hand found its way under her skirts, skimming her naked calf and thigh before settling boldly against her hip.
Moaning, she arched her back, offering herself in the most irresistible way. Hell, he could have been a monk and he’d still not be able to fight her temptation. So he dipped his head and allowed himself a taste of perfection.
The crunch of gravel stopped his heart.
It jolted back into a frantic rhythm as soon as he heard Henry’s voice. “What the hell?”
Lilli gasped and Tristan tightened his hold on her body, gripping her while he tried to figure out what to do and, most importantly, what to say.
As the light from a lantern swept over them, Tristan experienced a falling sensation that warned him his life was about to change for the worse. He sucked in a breath and adjusted Lilli’s gown while she clutched him with bruising force. Devil take it, he’d meant to talk to her, not ravish her. Least of all when he’d known her brother was in pursuit.
Where was his restraint and reasoning? Christ have mercy, he had to be the biggest imbecile ever to walk the earth.
“Unhand my daughter this instant,” a deep voice growled.
Good God. Lilli’s father had arrived too. Tristan gave Lilli a swift once over to make sure her body was respectably covered, then helped her out of his lap.
“It’s all right,” he whispered while mentally preparing himself to be skewered.
“Papa,” Lilli said. Her voice was shrill and much too loud in the still evening air. “Henry. What an unexpected surprise.”
Tristan nearly choked. Having risen as well, he stood by Lilli’s side, ready to face the consequences of his actions. And prepared to defend her part in what would undoubtedly be viewed as a severe lack in judgment.
“What the devil possessed you,” Stratham fumed. “Return to the house at once with your brother while I–”
“Papa,” Henry clipped. “Mr. Henley is in my employ. As such, I am forced to bear some responsibility for his actions.”
The stern look Tristan received from the man he’d counted a friend until now made him feel smaller than ever before – like a gnat beneath his shoe. Misery poured through him, yet he could not regret the kisses he’d shared with Lilli.
“If you would please allow me to handle this situation, Papa, I'd appreciate it.”
The earl glared at Tristan for a long moment, his expression so murderous there was no doubt he was picturing Tristan’s demise.
Eventually he nodded. “Come along, Lilliana.”
“But I–”
“Now,” her father snapped, “before I change my mind and decide to deal with Henley myself.”
“Very well,” Lilli muttered. To Tristan she whispered, “I'll find you later. We'll figure this out together.”
“All right,” Tristan said even though he doubted they'd have the chance. Not wanting to add to her troubles, however, he forced a smile to conceal his own heartbreak and watched as she walked away with her father.
“You've abused my trust,” Henry said, his voice a blade of disappointment that cut Tristan to the marrow. “I treated you as my friend and this is how you repay me? By taking advantage of my sister?”
“I did not–”
“Enough!” Illuminated by the lantern he held in one hand, Henry’s eyes glowed with demonic fury. “Don’t you dare insult me by denying what I myself have just witnessed.”
“Forgive me.” Tristan stared at the man whose good favor he’d carelessly discarded. Regrettably, he knew he’d do it again if it meant having Lilli back in his arms. He squared his shoulders on this thought and told Henry firmly, “What you saw was no meaningless dalliance, however. I love her.”
The shock on Henry’s face was palpable. “Love her?” He spoke the words as though they were sour. “If that were true you would have her best interests at heart. You would not presume to imagine her future might lie with you.”
