The man looked for ways to touch her, even in public. He even cupped her bottom once at a garden party, and if the look in his eyes was any indication, she could expect repeated behavior from the man. She cringed and closed her eyes.
“What is it, Marina?” Evan asked. “I know you hate me, but am I truly that vile?”
She met his eyes. “I just wish to avoid Papa. And Minto.”
Evan glanced to the side of the ballroom and nodded in understanding. “I am thankful you didn’t marry the man, if only to spite me. You deserve much better.”
“Careful, my lord. That almost sounded like a compliment.” She smirked.
“Well, don’t flatter yourself too much,” he teased. “I wouldn’t wish the man upon any woman.”
Once the dance ended, Evan thrust them toward the throngs of guests, enabling them to be lost in the shuffle where her fathercouldn’t see them. After she was out of her father’s sight, she bolted for the corridor and ducked into the first room she could find. After closing the door behind her, she glanced at her dance card and sighed in relief when Jude’s name was signed for the next dance. He wouldn’t be bothered if she happened to miss the dance.
The door opened, and Marina gasped. Her eyes darted around the room, debating if she had time to hide. Before she could move, recognition washed over her at the sight of Evan’s tall, muscular frame. He shut the door behind him and turned to face her, remaining by the door.
“Why did you follow me?” she ground out.
“Why did you come in here?”
She waved her hand. “It does not signify. I required a private respite, which you now deny me.”
Even with only the low glow of the fire, she saw his eyes narrow. The dark shadows on his chiseled jaw only made him more attractive, and she hated herself for thinking so. Almost as much as she despised him. More so, she couldn’t stand the way her desire for him continued to linger. Her entire body was aflame.
“I think there is more to it than that. You could just tell me what troubles you. Did Minto do something?” Evan asked, clenching his fists at his sides.
“No. Not yet anyway,” she replied. “You could also do as I have requested and leave me be.” If he stayed in her presence much longer, she might lose her resolve. She bit her bottom lip and regretted it. It only reminded her of his lips on hers.
Evan unclenched his fists. “Indeed.” He turned to face the door and reached for the handle but paused. “Do you ever think of our time together?”
“What?” Her eyes darted around the room, and she fought to control her breath. Why did she ask? She should have just told him to leave.
He turned back toward her and repeated the question, speaking slowly. “Do you ever think of our time together?”
She inhaled, then steadied her shoulders and lifted her chin. She had to get him to leave, or she would be lost to him again. “Are you referring to when I desired to be your wife, then you were nothing but cruel and referred to me as temporary?”
Evan flinched, and even though she hated him, she felt a slight sliver of remorse for dealing such a low blow. Only slight.
He drew a deep breath and sighed. “I was referring to when you found your first taste of pleasure in my arms.”
Her face heated, and she could only hope he wouldn’t notice in the dimly lit room. “It wouldn’t matter if I did. I can’t stand the sight of you now, so I guess we are at an impasse.”
His grin turned wicked and he said, “I wouldn’t say that, my lady.” He slowly closed the distance between them, almost catlike in his approach.
“And what do you mean by that?” She planted her hands on her hips, attempting to ignore the heat that pooled between her thighs and how she fought to breathe with every slow step he moved closer to her.
He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Turn around.”
Placing his hands on her hips, he turned her so that her back was to him. “There, don’t look at me. But if you want me to give you the release I know you seek, you must lift your skirts.” His breath was hot on her ear, and she struggled to find rational thought.
Her breath caught, and with a mind of its own, her body sank back into his. That intoxicating bergamot scent flooded her senses and the warmth of his body against hers drove her to distraction. After a few moments, she reached for her skirts, with her need and want of what he could give her outweighing her pride. She shivered when the cool air reached her thighs. With a firm hold on her hips, he pulled her closer, taking care to keep her body secure against his.
She instinctively tilted her head, giving him access to her neck. His lips grazed her skin, followed by a light nip before soothing the area with his tongue. He continued with a trail of kisses up to her ear.
Her breathing turned more ragged with anticipation as he moved his hand from her hip and slid it with maddening slowness to the area that longed for his touch. When his fingers brushed her most sensitive area, she gasped and rolled her head back onto his shoulder.
“Do you like that?” he whispered, then nipped at the lobe of her ear.
She nodded. His touch sent waves of exquisite pleasure coursing through her body. When he ventured lower and dipped his finger into her core, a low moan escaped her lips.
