“I wanted you to enjoy it, not shock you. I should have stopped.”
Oh, he had no idea. But it was her fault if he’d misunderstood her reaction.
“Tell me how I can make amends. I’ll spend the rest of my life making amends.” He breathed hard.
“No, no, Keith.” She put her hands over his. “There’s a misunderstanding here. You have nothing to make amends for. I enjoyed it, every moment.” Saying it out loud caused her voice to quiver. “I was shocked because I liked it so much,” she whispered. She couldn’t say that aloud. “It was sweet and beautiful. You did nothing wrong. I wanted it, too. Truly. I’ve never experienced anything so beautiful. All new, wonderful sensations.”
“You barely spoke to me when I asked you how you were faring.” A hint of hurt crept into his voice.
“If I’d been uncomfortable, I would have told you.” She ought to encourage him lest he decide not to touch her again, which would be a tragedy. “I liked it.”
The lines on his brow smoothed. “I was worried.”
“Sorry if I didn’t express myself better.” She leant against his palm.
Great. Now that the misunderstanding had been cleared, she didn’t have the courage to ask him to do it again. He caressed her cheek with such adoration her spine wilted. If she initiated the intimacy, he’d likely follow. But where to start? From a kiss? Should she simply touch him?
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He hugged her again, but this time the hug tasted differently.
It was sweeter than the first. He hugged her to protect her, to let her know he’d shield her from anything that might hurt her. His heartbeat slowed, and his caresses stopped as her stomach groaned in hunger. Not the best moment for her bodily functions to make themselves known. Besides, she wanted to feel more of those lovely sensations. Her stomach groaned again. They burst out laughing, and the tension left her shoulders.
“We should go to have breakfast.” He kissed her forehead.
Actually…oh, well. “You’re right.” She missed his warmth when he released her. Before he left the bed, she held his hand. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For the respect and the kindness. And the kisses.”
He brought her hand up and kissed it. “Always.”
She hitched a breath. What a wonderful way to start the day.
In the past hours,Violante had learnt so much about shipping goods she could start her own company. The count, Keith, and Sir Nigel had done nothing but talk about the advantage of using schooners against different types of brigades. No, it was frigates. Who cared?
The highlights of the conversation were Keith’s heated glances at her. Every time their gazes met, a corner of his mouth quirked up in a fleeting grin she adored, and his eyes would become smouldering with desire and the promise to do more. The flutter in her belly went on and on, intensifying when he angled towards her. She no longer cared about how her body reacted to him. The reaction was well justified, especially since she knew where that reaction would go—to immense pleasure.
“Enough talking about business.” Lady Diana huffed, throwing a hand up. “You always talk about work even when ladies are present.”
Her husband kissed her hand with devotion. “You’re right, darling. I’ll make amends with the flowers.”
Her eyes sparkled as she turned towards Violante. “We ordered flowers for the celebration. You’ll love them.”
If the florist managed to deliver them without breaking their neck along that awful road.
“Flowers are the secret of a happy marriage because they speak a language of their own,” the count said. “What about yours, Ashford? What’s your secret?”
Keith froze, his cup of tea halfway to his mouth. “Hugs. That’s our secret.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” Lady Diana said. “A hug is always a good idea.”
The count nodded sagely. Violante’s cheeks warmed at the memory of their long, sweet hug.
“And you, Glenister?” the count asked.
“I’m engaged to be married.” Sir Nigel shot a fleeting glance at the countess. “My knowledge of successful relationships is limited.”
“But what was your secret to wooing your bride-to-be?” the count insisted.
