He touched the petals. “They’re called?—”
“Moonflowers,” she said with reverence. “They bloom at night.” She edged closer to touch the spectacular flowers. “Stunning.”
“Our gardeners work hard to ensure the moonflowers flourish.”
“I would love to have them in my glasshouse.”
“You can have some.” He walked around the large plant, holding her hand. “Ask the gardener. And you can come here any time you want after I leave.”
“I’m going to miss you. You’re a good friend.”
“And you’re sweet and beautiful.” His voice lowered as he removed her mask and then his.
He caressed her cheek gently, and she wilted under his touch. Before she knew it, they were kissing. Deep, desperate kisses that made her head dizzy and caused her heart to gallop. All that heat and pleasure gathered in her lower belly, driving her mad with a desire she didn’t know she could produce.
She moaned when he slid his hands under her skirts and touched her. She had no idea his touch could be so good. All her body came alive with new sensations. Some of her friends had experienced tumbles and talked about the pleasure in wicked tones. Now she understood why so many people risked being ruined. And she wanted something exciting in her life.
He broke the kiss to search her face. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.”
“You know the rules.”
She nodded, impatient to feel his hand rubbing her again.
“I need to hear you saying them.” His fingers brushed her intimately, making her dizzy with need.
“No courting. No wedding. No gossip. Only pleasure.”
“Do you agree with them?”
“Yes.”
“There’s no going back from this?—”
“Please.”
“No, listen. There are methods to make your future husband believe you’re a virgin. I’ll tell you about them, but you do realise you’re going to lose your virginity, don’t you?”
“Yes, and I don’t care. It’s overrated anyway.”
“I agree.” He kissed her, starting to rub her. “And I’ll be careful, don’t worry.”
She wanted to touch him as well, so she unbuttoned his jacket, waistcoat, and shirt and unfastened the falls of his trousers. He groaned deep in his chest.
“One last time. Are you sure?” he asked, kissing a sensitive spot on her neck.
“Absolutely. I want this. I want you.”
And she meant it.
