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Her sister and husband walked past, talking in hushed tones. If they were still up, then perhaps Alexander was too. “Goodness.” Vivian blinked, willing her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Finally, she gave up.
“Alexander,” she whispered. “Are you in here?”
Her hip hit something, and she reached out to ensure she knock something over. “God’s foot, why is it so dark in here?”
“I like it dark,” Alexander replied. “Stay there before you alert the entire household. I’m surprised your crash in the corridor didn’t already.”
Vivian gasped. “You heard that?”
It sounded as if he got out of the bed, then his warm hands took her arms. “Come sit, I will light a—”
“No, don’t,” Vivian said. “I look a fright, and besides, it could alert someone.”
“You prefer to talk in the dark?” His words were tinged with amusement. “How about I part the curtains a bit?”
“Very well, but I’m coming with you. I don’t care for the dark.”
His arm rounded her waist, and she was grateful for the darkness as she was sure her cheeks were bright red.
Reaching out with her right hand, Vivian touched what she assumed was a bedpost and stopped. “I will wait right here.”
Moments later, soft moonlight gave just enough light to make him out. In only bottoms, he wore nothing from the waist up. Her eyes rounded; she’d not considered what he’d wear to bed.
“Why are you half undressed?”
He looked down as if realizing it for the first time. “Because I was too tired to find my night clothes and didn’t wish to bother searching. Most of my clothes are in a trunk there.” He motioned toward a dark corner.
“I see. Aren’t you cold?” Vivian couldn’t stop staring at him. He had a wide chest with just a smattering of hair across it. Her eyes glazed over as she trailed her gaze down the center of his chest to his flat stomach.
“The blankets kept me warm enough. I’d best find my robe,” Alexander said, his lips curving. “Else my bride-to-be may swoon.”
“I don’t swoon.”
“Do you feel weak in the knees?” he asked, moving closer. “Is your breathing becoming labored?”
Vivian swallowed and inhaled deeply, doing her best to keep from taking another breath. When he came even closer, she gave up. “It’s all the activity...coming here...in the dark.”
“I see.” He was so close, it would take so very little effort to touch him. Her hand lifted, but she caught the treacherous thing and ordered it back down to her side.
“Why did you come to my bedroom?” Alexander asked. “Curiosity?”
“Of course not.” Vivian managed to sound annoyed. “I wished to...speak.”
His lips hovered over hers. “No interest in kissing or touching me at all?” Alexander’s breath fanned over her face, making her eyelids fall.
Would it be foolish to allow herself this? He was to be her husband, after all. Every inch of her body urged her forward. To touch, feel, enjoy.
“We...er…I’d better go. I’d hoped to speak to you, but I see it is not possible.”
When his warm fingers trailed down the side of her face and cupped her jaw, Vivian knew she’d not leave.
“Are you curious to know how compatible we are physically?” Alexander asked. “I believe I know the answer.”
Her robe seemed to fall from her body to pool around her feet. Vivian was too enthralled in his caresses, the warmth of his mouth over hers, and the feel of his bare skin pressed her body.
Of their own accord, her arms wrapped around him, welcoming what was to come. Already it was so beautiful as feelings she’d never experienced before overwhelmed her senses.
“You are so beautiful,” Alexander said.
