Not that she cared.What did it matter when she hoped to spend the rest of her life with him?He had to feel the same way or he’d not have sent her the note.
This certainty amplified her excitement as she left the house, exiting through the kitchen door and climbing the steps to the pavement.The cloak she’d put on helped ward off the nighttime chill while the hood she’d pulled over her head provided the anonymity she required.
Walking with purpose, she made her way to the Hyde Park end of Green Street where Julian said he would meet her.They would have privacy there, he’d assured her.This promise alone made her speed up her pace, quickening her breaths.
There, just up ahead, was the entrance to the alleyway where they could find some time alone.For her safety, he’d told her not to enter it unless she found a red rose tied to the drainpipe of the first building she reached.
She grinned the moment she saw it, both from relief and exhilaration.Pleasure seized her as she untied the ribbon and raised the bloom to her nose, allowing its sweet scent to brighten her senses.
This was more than an illicit meeting.This was romantic and thoughtful.It proved that Julian cared for her and that he’d embarked on their courtship in earnest.
Eager to prove her own affection, she entered the alleyway, her anticipation rising with each careful tread.
“Julian?”she whispered when she failed to spot him.
“I’m here,” he murmured, his voice directly behind her as he wound his arm around her middle and pulled her back firmly against his chest.
The tie at the front of her cloak was swiftly undone, the bulky garment removed immediately and promptly discarded.His mouth found the side of her neck and she leaned into the caress – leaned into him as the same need she’d felt the last time they’d kissed began to consume her once more.
“Miss me?”he asked, his voice a notch lower than what she was used to.
“Yes.”
He caught her earlobe between his teeth, the gentle tug producing a cascade of shivers that only made her crave more.She tried to turn in his arms, to seek his mouth with her own, but he held her in place and something about that possessiveness increased her physical need.
So she didn’t complain when he tugged at her bodice.This was what she’d dreamt of since their last encounter – his hands on her body, soothing each ache he created while driving her want to new heights.
“Please,” she whimpered when he moved his other hand over her thigh.
“I wonder if you would return the favor.”
Again, his voice sounded off, but Lavinia dismissed it, deciding their scandalous meeting and where it could lead affected him as much as it did her.
“Would you?”he pressed, his touch fogging her mind with endless pleasure.“If I satisfy your desire, will you do the same for me?”
“Yes.Of course.”
His answering chuckle was low and hollow.It shrouded her in sudden unease.More so when his grip on her tightened, the fingers he’d used to caress her now digging into her flesh.
Lavinia gasped.“Julian.Please stop.You’re hurting me.”
“Am I?”He pulled his other hand free and gentled his hold while kissing the side of her neck.
The effect was wondrously calming, encouraging her to tilt her head back and relax while praying he’d soon return his attention to where she wanted it most.
Her breath hitched in response to him nipping her skin.The cool night air drifted across her face.From a few streets over, came the clatter of carriage wheels rolling over uneven cobblestones.
Julian lifted his head.An icy shiver brushed Lavinia’s neck where his lips had just been.One second later, a cat’s screech from somewhere nearby gave sound to her muted scream.
* * *
Seated at the breakfast table, Adrian smiled at the invitation Elks had delivered to him a few moments ago.Miss Carmichael wanted to see him again.At her home, no less.For luncheon.The day after tomorrow.
His chest expanded with pure pleasure.A sigh of relief followed.Last night’s incident didn’t deter her from spending additional time in his company.She’d not been put off by his beastly outburst.On the contrary, her missive stated that she dearly hoped he’d be able to join her.
Adrian tucked the invitation into his jacket pocket and stood.He reminded himself not to get too excited.Perhaps all she wanted from him was friendship.Thus far, she’d given no other indication.
It was too soon for that anyway he decided as he went to fetch his horse from the mews.Best take things slow while laying the groundwork for a potential romance.Rushing headlong into something like that would be unwise.
