Page 95 of One Night with an Earl

Ana hurried to the open French doors and descended the steps to the gardens. She leaned against a large oak, inhaled the fresh night air, and waited. He would come. She knew it as sure as she drew her next breath.

She sensed Oliver’s presence before she saw him come around the hedges. “We haven’t much time,” she said.

His voice was husky. “Enough time for me to hold you in my arms.”

His cologne filled her senses a moment before his lips captured hers. She didn’t try to resist. Why bother? She kissed him back, clutching his strong shoulders, her fingers digging into the broadcloth. Her problems with Penelope did not entirely go away, but the tenseness eased as she leaned into his strength.

“I miss your scarlet dress,” he whispered against her lips.

“Why? Does my companion garb dull your desire?”

“Never. I know what waits beneath.”

Her lips twitched with the beginnings of a smile, the first one since arriving at the ball. “You are incorrigible.”

“Only when you are near.”

At his light teasing, her emotional fear ebbed. She wasn’t ready to confess her feelings.

Not here. Not yet.

“I hoped you would follow so we could talk.”

“Talk? Eloquent dialogue escapes me at this moment. Besides, there is a much better use for my tongue.”

She batted his arm. “Oliver, I’m serious.”

He pulled back. His dark eyes turned serious. “What is it, my love?”

My love. It was the first time he’d ever called her such an endearment.

He was dangerous to her. Dangerous and utterly devastating.

She stiffened slightly as her fortune from Queenie’s cup reading returned in a rush. Queenie was known for her foresight and wisdom, and Ana feared the old woman had tried to warn her.

Her relationship with Oliver was one that could not last. He’d eventually take a wife, a lady of quality and standing to produce an heir and spare for the earldom. Ana could never be that lady, and she could never be a mistress. Which would leave her with a raw and aching heart.

It was truly ironic.

Oliver may not be like his father or brother. But he would destroy her just the same.

Love was the most effective weapon of all.

She lowered her lashes, suddenly feeling more vulnerable than she’d felt in a long, long time.

“What is it? What troubles you? If it is in my power, I wish to fix it.”

Ana looked up to find him watching her, his brows knit. She shook her head, unable to voice the troubling thoughts that plagued her. She cleared her throat and turned to the one problem at hand that continued to upset her. “It’s Penelope.”

Oliver nodded. “I saw her, and I purposely did not ask her to dance. I thought that would please you.”

“It may please me, but not Lady Malvern. She’s like a dog after a bone when you are in the same ballroom,” Ana said.

“Is that your worry?”

She let out a long sigh and shook her head. “No. Penelope is still upset with me, but even that is not why I’m concerned. I sense she is up to something.”

“Do you want my advice?”