Oh good lord, I have said nothing in how long? He thinks I’m rejecting him.
“I—what do—” She swallowed hard. “I’m uncertain how to respond. Did you ask a question?”
He smirked, but the uncertainty did not leave his expression. “I didn’t really ask one, but I will. Do you want this… whatever this is between us, do you want it to continue?”
“So when we return to England, we remain…” She hesitated. The termloversseemed cold, an utterly impersonal and inadequate way to describe the intimacy they shared.
“Yes,” he answered, as though unable to find the correct word either.
She shook her head, reality piercing the soft velvet veil he had wrapped around them. “You’re to be married, Henry. I won’t be an unwanted third in your marriage.”
He bit his lip, his eyes darkening. “It’s… a complication, I’ll admit.”
“A large one.”
Henry trailed his palms down her arms until he reached her hands, interlacing his fingers with hers. “I promise I’ll take care of it. I know that’s vague, but… I hope you can trust me.” He brushed a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. “Do you want me to try, El?”
Did she? Asking to continue their relationship beyond the bounds of this trip was inviting disaster and heartbreak. But would it be worth it if she could hold the smallest piece of Henry for herself?
“Yes,” she said, her voice trembling. “I do. I want you. I wantus.”
He looked down for a moment, a slow, satisfied smile spreading on his lips. When he opened his eyes again, they were glowing. “We only have one more night here, and then we can plan whatever comes next. Can I make this last night something special?”
“I want that,” she breathed, giggling with relief when she saw the fear leave his eyes, replaced by a warm sparkle.
Henry pressed his forehead to hers and laughed, a sound low in his chest vibrating through her bones. “That was one of my more awkward conversations.”
“I’m fairly well-versed in awkward conversations, and that was one of my finest as well.” She pressed her palm to his chest, his heart pounding under her touch. “I’d like to go home now.”
He pulled back and raised an eyebrow. “Home, as in London? Or—”
“The hotel,” she interrupted. Funny how it felt like home, the place where she had allowed herself to drop all her defenses and find the companionship she had desired.
He took her hand and pulled. “I’ll race you.”
Chapter 24
Henrydroppedtheroomkey a third time, the heavy brass clattering against the door. Ellie giggled but kept her mouth against his, kissing as though he would disappear if she broke contact.
“Darling, you must give me a moment,” he mumbled, reaching for the key again.
“No,” she replied, chasing his lips with hers.
Laughing, he put his hands on her shoulders, holding her in place. “There will be plenty of time.”
She shook her head but allowed him to insert the key into the lock and swing the door open. “There is never enough time.”
Henry stumbled backwards, pulling her close against him and covering her in kisses as he kicked the door closed behind them. Arms tangled and hands collided as they fought to undress, her dress falling in a heap next to his jacket and waistcoat, his shirt landing in a pile with her corset beside the fireplace.
Finally, the only thing between them was her chemise, a shimmering pink silk concoction held together by satin ribbons, a line of delicate lace edging against her skin. It clung to her lush body, the dusky tips of her nipples pressing against the fabric, the sway of her hips beckoning him to hold her. He sucked in his breath at the sight. “My god, El, this—” He blinked as he took in the seductive image. “This is fantastic.”
She beamed and glanced down at herself, a blush rising in her creamy cheeks. “I found a lingerie shop earlier in the week and couldn’t resist. I didn’t know if I’d have a chance to wear it for you.”
For you. She had done this for him, to please him. As though his pleasure, his reaction mattered.
His focus left her breasts and shot back to her eyes as his hands drifted over the fabric, unable to hold still. “So you’re saying there is a mystical place that hasmoreof these?” She giggled and nodded, and a low groan escaped his chest. “You’ll take me there tomorrow and I will buy everything.”
She laughed as he pulled her close, dragging his tongue down the column of her neck, scraping his lips and teeth over the arch of her collarbone, kissing the fine lace hiding her breasts from view.
