“I can’t stay away from you,” he confessed throatily and bent his lips to hers, brushing them across hers tenderly, hungrily. Then, he pulled her against him, kissing her with all the need and desire he felt.
He coaxed her mouth open with gentle strokes of his lips, and she responded with the same craving. His tongue swept into her mouth, swirling and battling with her own. Her pulse raced; fire danced through her veins. Her world spun, and she clung to him, the only anchor in her tumbling world.
Oh, she was in trouble, but she didn’t care. She only wanted Julian. To feel him, to touch him. To have him want her.
Julian pulled back and looked down the hallway.
In a haze, Elora heard footsteps and quiet laughter approaching. Julian stepped before her, sheltering her presence from the oncoming people. As she stared into Julian’s eyes, she couldn’t help but smile nervously. The risk of discovery, of scandal and shame, was the most thrilling thing she had ever experienced.
Julian held a finger up to his lips.
She placed both of her hands over her mouth to keep a nervous giggle from escaping.
He smiled a full, bright grin.
She was wrong!Hewas the most thrilling thing she had ever experienced. And she wanted to see him again and again. She would not let Edward separate them. Knowing that they could not be together forever, she wanted this time with Julian. She wanted every moment she could capture.
Finally, the quiet voices moved past them. Elora lowered her hands. His gaze wandered over her face, causing chills of excitement to enflame her body. Sadness at the prospect of what the future held for them wormed its way into her mind. She clutched at his shoulders, never wanting this moment to end. “What are we to do, Julian? We can’t keep meeting like this.”
“I have to see you again. Tomorrow. Will you picnic with me?”
She pulled back, shaking her head. “I can’t. If Edward found out—”
“There is a very private area on the outskirts of the town. Near the wall. By the river. I passed it on my way in. I joust Osmont in the morn. After that, I can take you there. No one will see us.”
She reached up to touch his cheek, running a thumb along his hard jaw. “Please be careful of Osmont. He is furious that you unhorsed him at the last tournament. His pride is injured. He will do anything to win. Anything.”
A darkness passed over his face. “I will,” Julian assured her. “Will you be at the joust?”
Elora grinned, delighted he wanted her to watch his joust. “Of course. And I will root for you.” Then her brow furrowed, and she dropped her hand to his shoulder. “Julian, Osmont is family. He is my cousin. You cannot ask for my favor.”
He nodded, his lips pressing tight as he lowered his head.
Elora stood on the tips of her toes to kiss his lips. “You always have my favor, but I cannot say so publicly. I cannot favor you over my family.”
“For you, anything.” Julian tugged her against him. “Will you join me in a picnic after I win?”
“Is it wise?”
“No one said I was wise.” He brushed her lips with a tender kiss meant to persuade her. “Please, my lady. I would be honored.”
Her body shivered with desire and pleasure. “I will consider it,” she promised.
Satisfied, he nodded.
“Good heavens!” Sarah cried with relief from behind them. “I didn’t know where you had gone.”
Julian sighed softly and offered Elora his arm. When she took it, he stepped into the hallway and began to escort her back to her room.
“That wasn’t very sensible,” Sarah chastised, following them down the corridor. “Someone could have seen you.”
Elora couldn’t take her stare from Julian. She heard Sarah and knew she was right. But when she was with Julian, and all worry and common sense fell away. He was so handsome. His square jaw, his kind eyes, his strength. She couldn’t look away from him. They moved into the spiral stairway and pulled up when a shadow suddenly appeared before them.
“My apologies…” Julian stopped mid-sentence. His back straightened.
Osmont stood before them.
Chapter Fourteen
