She chewed a corner of her mouth and tugged at the hem of her bodice. “I need to talk to you.”
“Tell me.” The prickling sensation started again, but he didn’t know if it was desire or a warning. Maybe both.
Her chest rose and fell quickly as she fiddled with her hands. “It’s not easy.”
“You can trust me.” He took her shivering hands in his and kissed her knuckles. “I know what happened between Julia and Benedict must’ve shocked you, but I can assure you I’ll do everything in my power to help Julia.”
“Oh, Chris.” Tears shimmered in her eyes.
He stroked her cheek with a thumb, and she leaned against his touch.
“You’re so good to me.” Her voice cracked with emotions, and he couldn’t stop himself.
He kissed her sweet mouth. He’d meant to give her a quick peck, but the moment their lips touched, he couldn’t stop. Shivers ran along his body when her hands rested on his chest, and her tongue stroked his.
Burning desire shot to his groin, his whole body aching with desperate need. Her fingers curled on his waistcoat. She pressed harder against him. The flowery scent of her hair and the softness of her skin sank deep into him. It was like diving into warm, soothing water, and he badly needed her soft body. He held her and stepped back to the couch until he sat down and dragged her on top of him.
Amelia nested on his lap, breathing hard. The top of her dress inched lower, showing her flushed skin. He stared at her breasts and didn’t give a damn if it wasn’t appropriate.
“Chris,” she whispered.
A worried note rang in her voice, but he was ready to show her she was safe with him. Her hand cupped his cheek, the one with the scar, and travelled lower to rest between his neck and shoulder.
The tip of her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, and dark need gave another pull to his heart. He drew her closer for another kiss. Her response was immediate. Curious fingers toyed with the buttons of his shirt. She caressed his neck.
The contact was like burning fire. Energy shot to his groin, and a painful erection strained his trousers. The fact that she shifted on top of him, stroking his shaft, didn’t help. Every time her rear touched him, desire drove him mad. He put his hand on her hips, then lifted and turned her so she straddled him.
Folds of her skirts heaped at her sides and left her legs bare. Pink lace and silk ribbons showed on the top of white stockings. Another twitch of his shaft tore a groan from him. She undid the first buttons of his shirt, her breasts almost brushing his chin.
He should ask her what she wanted to tell him, but every coherent thought fled his mind. The only thing that mattered was unfastening her lovely dress. With their mouth devouring each other, he fumbled with the little pearly buttons on her back until the top of her dress slackened.
Amelia broke the kiss just to shrug her gown off. Layers of satin and silk swished over her skin as she lowered her bodice. The flimsy white chemise she wore underneath barely concealed the curve of her breasts.
Putting her hands on his shoulders, she paused, panting. She was a glorious sight, all pink and flushed, wearing only a semi-transparent layer of muslin.
“You’re so beautiful it hurts,” he whispered.
Slowly, she dropped the straps of her chemise and tugged at the ribbons tightening it on the front. His mouth grew dry as inch after perfect inch of creamy skin she revealed her body to him.
The taut pink tips of her nipples begged for attention, and he drew one into his eager mouth while teased the other with his thumb.
Little moans of pleasure erupted from her. She entangled her fingers into his hair and urged him closer. He tongued her until she was a writhing mess over him.
The sun was dipping on the horizon, and a golden glow suffused the room, shimmering on her skin. Her thighs tightened around him as she reclined her head back.
“Chris.” This time there was no fear in her voice, only sheer desire.
He removed his jacket and shirt and unfastened her skirts. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but in a swirl of fabric and a thud of petticoats hitting the floor, they were both naked. She was wearing only her fine stockings with the pink ribbons. Her chignon had fallen loose at a certain point, and her golden tresses cascaded over her full breasts.
Gently, he gathered her in his arms and laid her on the woollen carpet in front of the warm hearth. Only the crackle of the fire and the loud thumping of his heart filled the silence.
Her sapphire eyes lit with need when he lowered his head to kiss her. Her soft, velvety body writhed underneath him. Wetness damped his fingers as he stroked her heated folds. She was so ready for him that his balls ached. Her back arched when he drew circles over her nub, and she sank her teeth into her bottom lip. Hell, he could climax just looking at her. He rubbed her faster while sucking her taut nipple. A muffled cry ripped from her as tiny pulses hit his fingertips. He smiled against her skin.
There was something incredibly powerful and satisfactory in giving a woman a pleasure so big to undo her. The only problem was that either he slid inside her, or he died.
The blunt tip of his shaft hurt with the urgency to be sheathed inside her. But he paused, propping on his elbows. It required all his self-control to not bury himself inside her with a single, savage thrust.
“Are you sure?” His voice sounded croaky and husky.
