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Just is. The words echoed around her head and she knew he was speaking about his father’s death. And she couldn’t change that he wanted to protect his ward or that Sebastian had used her name. It just was. Tonight just was. ‘Maybe you are right.’
His fingers stroked her cheek, sending a promise of illicit pleasure pulsating throughout her body. ‘Trust me. Start living and stop blaming yourself for others’ misdeeds.’
‘I think I am overtired.’ She took a step backwards, away from the seductive safety of his body.
‘Shall I call the innkeeper’s wife to help you or shall I play the lady’s maid?’ A wicked smile tugged at his mouth as he leant forwards until they were nearly touching. His breath tickled her ear. ‘I do a passable imitation of a lady’s maid, Henri. All you have to do is ask.’
Her senses reeled. Tonight would be about them. Not about anyone else. It was about the here and now, rather than the past or the future. And if he left now, she knew that would be the end. They would never have another chance like this one and, despite everything, it wasn’t over between them. She wasn’t ready for it to end.
He was offering her the choice and she knew there was only one sensible answer. She took a deep breath and plunged into the sensual unknown.
‘Stay. I…I don’t want anyone else to help me.’
His arms came around her and she felt them work at the tiny buttons on the back of her gown. It gave way, exposing her back to his questing fingers.
‘All done,’ he whispered against her hair. His warm hand, kneading her bare shoulder. ‘Does the maid get thanked?’
She gazed up at him and wanted to drown in his eyes. She deliberately raised her mouth to his. ‘Yes.’
His lazy kiss swamped her senses. She stood luxuriating in the taste and texture of him. Slowly she thrust her tongue into his mouth, drinking deep, devouring and dining on the kiss that seemed to stretch for ever. A primitive craving grew within her and she knew it was not enough. She was greedy, a glutton for his touch. She wanted to feel his skin against hers. Needed it to satisfy her longing.
‘If you can play lady’s maid, I can play valet,’ she murmured against his mouth. ‘You are overdressed for this feast.’
He gave a soft laugh that rippled across her sensitive skin.
Henri’s fingers worked on the stock and, to her relief, she pulled it correctly. The length of cloth undid easily, leaving the strong column of his throat bare. She pressed her lips against it and felt his steady heartbeat thrumming.
Taking her time, she carefully undid the buttons of his waistcoat, pushed it off his shoulders and undid the buttons of his shirt front to reveal his smooth skin. She slipped her hand in, traced the outline of his nipples and heard the sudden intake of breath.
‘Insistent?’
‘Determined.’ She gave a shaky laugh and withdrew her hand. ‘There is a difference. Shall I stop?’
‘Never.’ He crushed her to him, possessively lowering his mouth and reclaiming hers. This time, his tongue ruthlessly plundered her mouth, penetrating deep until she was gripped in the unrelenting maelstrom of sensation.
His fingers trailed down her back, cupped her buttocks and pulled her close. Against the thin lawn of her petticoat, she could feel his rampant arousal, pressing into, moving against her, reminding her of their previous joining. Her body arched towards him, craving that intimate touch.
Slowly, he nibbled his lips downwards until he reached her breasts. His tongue flicked over them, turning them into hardened points. He suckled, sliding his tongue over and around them. She clung to his broad shoulders for support as wave after wave of delicious sensation washed over her.
‘Robert,’ she whispered when she knew her legs would no longer support her.
He scooped her up, strode across the room and deposited her on the gigantic four-poster bed in her room. The mattress and pillows moulded instantly to her shape. His fingers worked on the front buttons of her corset until it loosened. He gently opened it and pushed her combination down her shoulders and body until she lay naked in front of him. Suddenly she became shy, aware of what she flagrantly displayed, and her hands moved to cover herself. With one swoop, he caught her hands and moved them above her head. ‘Don’t even think about it. You are magnificent. Allow me to enjoy you. Please.’ She heard the raw note of begging in his voice.
She nodded and he let her go.
His fiery gaze roamed all over her, caressing her. She patted the soft mattress. ‘Are you coming in?’
‘Much more conducive to romance than the hard wooden floor,’ he said as, one by one, his remaining garments dropped to the floor until he stood, naked, skin gleaming in the firelight. Perfectly made with sculpted muscles and a line of hair that ran from his belly downwards to his erection. An explicit invitation. ‘Tonight is for lingering and enjoying.’
