Because I can’t bethere.
“Yes?” His lips brushed her neck. “Why do you have to stay here?”
Ah, she couldn’t think with his mouth on her. The past came rushing back, memories of Julian whispering to her just like this, his lips so sweet, and his tongue painting pictures on her skin.
“Tell me how to help you, Charlotte,” he murmured against her ear. His tongue darted out to taste her earlobe.
The whimper trapped in her lungs surged to her lips. Oh dear God, she wanted to tell him, to unburden herself, but she couldn’t, could she? There was a reason not to trust him, but she couldn’t quite remember.…
“It’s all right, sweet.” His hand found the arch of her back and he urged her against him, so her legs were between his, his hips pressed tightly to hers. “I want to help you.”
No, he didn’t…did he?
His lips were hot, his hands like fire as he stroked her body. His mouth became more urgent, his teeth scraping gently against her throat. “Please let me help you, Charlotte.”
He wants to make me leave London.
His other hand slid from her waist up her ribcage, palms hot and heavy against the deep blue silk of her gown. He stroked his fingertips under her breasts. “I can’t help you until you tell me the truth, sweetheart.”
He wants to send me back to Bellwood, to Hampshire.
A choked sob tore from her throat.
He touched his thumb to her lower lip. “Open your mouth for me, Charlotte.” His lips hovered over hers. “Tell me.”
If I tell him, he’ll leave me, and I’ll be alone again, alone with the ghosts and the terrible, crushing guilt.
She wrenched herself free from his arms and backed away from him.
He stood there, stunned, his arms still held out in front of him as if he didn’t quite believe she was gone. “Charlotte.” He dropped his arms to his sides and started toward her.
“No.” She threw her hand up in front of her to keep him away and retreated another step, toward the closed door. “Don’t touch me again. Don’t come near me.”
He didn’t approach, but edged closer to the door. “I have to come near you eventually, sweetheart, to escort you back to the ballroom.”
“I’ll find my own way back.”
He shook his head, his gaze never leaving her face. “No, I don’t think you will. I don’t think you know how to find your way back anymore.”
His eyes were so dark, nearly black, and if for a fleeting moment she thought she saw a flicker of the old light there, it was nothing more than wishful thinking. “Even if I couldn’t find my way out of this library, I wouldn’t accept your help.”
He was quiet for a moment, then “Why?”
“Why? Because instead of the ballroom I’d find myself back at Bellwood, or even worse, Hadley House. Do you think I don’t know what you’re doing, Captain? Such a novel idea, to try and seduce my secrets from me. Pity it didn’t work.”
His face closed, and his eyes went cold. “Forgive me, my lady.” He swept her a mocking bow. “But it seemed to be working when you were whimpering and clutching at my waistcoat.”
Fury and embarrassment made heat surge into Charlotte’s cheeks. “A whimper, yes, but nary a secret.”
His gaze swept over her, lingering at her mouth. “Not yet.”
“Not yet? Not ever. You’ll not wring another whimper from me.”
“We’ll see.” He paused, his dark eyes burning. “You still want me. I could feel you tremble for me.”
“Every debutante in London may sigh in vain over you, Captain, but I’m no innocent maiden. I know how to find my pleasures elsewhere.”
His face went as hard as stone. “You want me, but you’ll take Devon instead. Is that it?”
