“Thomas, I—”
“’Tis unseemly for me to remain.”
Thrills shot through her at his quiet challenge, the unveiled need. “’Tis.”
Something dangerous flickered in his eyes, and her heart slammed against her chest. With sultry slowness, he kissed each finger, and then drew her against him until their mouths were but a breath apart. “Your pulse is racing.”
“I canna think.” The truth, this close, wanting him, the words she needed to say to push him away vanished.
Green eyes darkened with heat. “Mayhap ’tis best.”
“Is it?” she whispered.
“I am unsure.” He again claimed her mouth, took the kiss deeper, and whatever she’d meant to say faded beneath the blur of heat.
They’d kissed before, but against this onslaught, what she’d experienced prior ’twas a simple exchange of desire. Now, his each touch, taste became vital to her very existence. His mouth feasted, and she gave, demanded in return.
With tenderness he freed the ties of her gown, and then his fingers skimmed across the sensitive curves. Her body trembling, she arched, giving him access, wanting more.
On a muttered curse, he caught her shoulders. “As much as I want you, we canna do this.”
His rough words shattered the euphoria clouding her mind. Refusing to allow him to see her hurt, that if he’d chosen, wanting him with her every breath, she would have made love, Alesone turned away.
Gentle fingers turned her to face him. “Blast it, I am sorry. ’Twas wrong of me to touch you.”
Angry that he would blame himself in any way, she pulled free. “Iwantedthe kiss!”
Dark eyes narrowed. “Dinna you understand? Intimacy between us is wrong.”
“By whose standards?” Coldness filled her, and she stepped away. “You will have to forgive me if I dismiss decorum. Of late I tire of the standards of society, conventions I have followed my entire life, rules that have delivered me naught but contempt from those who wield them.”
“You are upset,” he said, “rightly so.”
“And what of you?” she demanded. “In regards to us, what is ityouwant?”
He stilled.
A thrill swept her at the naked desire in his eyes, a mixture of yearning and dangerous heat. Aware she crossed every line, shredded convention with her next words, she didna give a damn. Here, now, was all that mattered. For the first time in her life she’d met a man who made her care, who considering their extraordinary introduction had befriended her, and a man who made her feel desire.
“If I wanted you to…” The bravado of moments before faded. What was she thinking? Nay, rational thought was the last thing on her mind. Moments before she’d awoken from a nightmare. Instead of thanking Thomas for his concern, she’d pushed him to where he didna wish to be.
Mortified, Alesone shook her head. “About what I…Ignore my words.” Wide awake and with her safeguards restored, if possible, she needed to repair the situation. “You can leave,” she said, forcing her voice to remain calm as if inside she wasna falling apart. “I am safe. Naught but a dream threatened me.”
Tenderness softened his face as Thomas brushed his thumb against her cheek, and she savored the delicate tingle. “I willna depart allowing you to believe that I dinna want you, but ’tis nae so simple.”
Fighting the ache in her chest, Alesone took in the finely crafted mantle carved above the hearth with intricate Celtic pattern, the stained-glass window, and the thick covering upon the bed embroidered with an elegant design. “As the son of a powerful duke, you have duties.”
Anger flashed in his eyes. “Is that what you think I care about: power, status?”
“Nay,” she replied, ashamed by her words, those cast from her own lack of self-worth. “You are a good man, one who any woman would be proud to have.”
“Except you.”
A fissure streaked through her heart. She inhaled a rough breath, then another as she fought for composure. “As the bastard daughter of King Robert’s enemy, I am nae in a place where I could linger on thoughts of a normal life, much less allow myself to care for you.”
Eyes holding hers with fierce intent, he moved forward. “But you do.”
Another crack fractured her heart, and she cursed her weakness when it came to him.
