She nodded, and the nod was a tiny gesture that shifted the Earth’s axis enormously.
The moment she rose from the chair, her father and the captain jumped up as well.
“Are you ill?” her father asked at the same time as the captain said, “Maybe you need to rest, Lady Vivienne.”
She waved dismissively. “I’m fine. I just want to take a stroll with my new husband.”
Holding her hand, he led her to the garden where a white gazebo towered among purple flowers and evergreen bushes.
She sighed when they were under the ornate roof of the gazebo. “I know there are important things we’ll need to face. Father wants to prosecute Dr. Tucker. He went to the police station last night to denounce him, and we should see the police soon, but today I want only to enjoy the party and be with you.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He stood next to her, lacing his fingers through hers.
For a moment, they listened to the birds singing and the sound of the carriages and carts coming from the other side of the fence.
She tilted her head up, her large eyes widening. “Do you remember the night when you came to my bedroom and asked to kiss me?”
“How could I ever forget?”
“When you asked me if you could kiss me, I didn’t think you meant on the cheek. I was a bit disappointed but didn’t say anything, not to sound petulant, but I’ve wanted a proper kiss since then.”
Instant heat burst in his chest.
“It’s time to correct past mistakes.”
She parted her lips, and a new flush filled her cheeks.
She moved closer until her chest brushed his, and he didn’t have time to think, breathe, or wonder.
They moved at the same time. His whole body tensed with anticipation and the fear of doing something wrong. He moved only his head, forcing his hands to remain at his sides. The distance that had seemed so short a moment ago was now endless.
She breathed faster, too.
At first, he simply brushed his lips against hers, and the delicate touch was like fire. He pressed his lips harder against hers, just to feel how soft and silky they were.
The kiss was nothing but a whisper, dancing on their breaths. He ran a hand from her shoulder to her waist and pulled her closer.
He savoured the perfect moment when the constant pain and fear didn’t matter, the world was beautiful, and he was just a man like any other.
Space separated them as he tilted his head back. Her blue gaze set on him for a long moment. Then they were kissing again.
Her lips moved over his, demanding everything from him. A little tilt of her head brought her even closer, and he parted his lips on pure instinct.
She shuddered when he darted out his tongue only to taste her lips, and that small taste awakened a hunger he didn’t know he possessed; it must have lurked inside him all that time, waiting to burst out only for Vivienne.
Hell, his heart was about to explode with too many emotions.
They shared their breaths as he inched away from her, needing a moment to let his heart slow down.
“That’s the kiss I wanted,” she whispered against his lips.
He touched his forehead to hers and waited before signing because he liked his hands on her waist.
He swallowed a couple of times. “I don’t want you to feel constricted by our marriage. You can do whatever you want.”
“Good. Because I want to be with you, see the world next to you, and help you with the wonderful job you’re doing.”
He loved her answer, but did she mean she wanted to share her bedroom with him? Perhaps he should mention that when she recovered her strength fully.
