Page 69 of How to Start a Scandal

He was gone as soon as he appeared, no doubt making his way down the stairs and to the back door. Violet settled a hand over her chest as if she could physically stop its frantic pounding.

She should never have put herself in this position. She should never have allowed him to court her. She should never have allowed herself to kiss him. She should never have allowed him to ease his way into her heart.

The rear door to Dalton Place clicked and his voice filled the night air, quietly calling to her.

She stepped from the shadows, and he traversed the gap between their gardens.

A smile lit his face. ‘Violet.’ The way he said her Christian name was so tender, so intimate, it made her insides flutter.

‘Seth,’ she breathed.

He rushed to her and drew her into his arms. His hand immediately found her jaw, stroking her skin and tilted her face towards his to gently bestow a kiss. His lips were warm and he tasted rich and smoky, like brandy.

It was a tantalising combination when mingled with his clean, naturally masculine scent. She could breathe him all day. Kiss him all day. All night.

No.

She pulled her head back from him. ‘I have to speak with you.’

His gaze skimmed her face and lingered on her bosom before sliding back up once more. ‘You look beautiful.’

‘You mean my breasts do?’ she accused in a chastising tone.

‘You look beautiful and I also have a fine appreciation for your breasts.’ He grinned.

‘You’re wicked.’

He drew her more tightly against him. ‘My love, you don’t know the half of it.’ It was said with a growl, almost like a threat.

My love.

Chills danced over her skin and desire pumped through her body in hot, dizzying bursts that left her breathless.

Which was, of course, why telling the truth was so hard. It would be easy to fall into banter and kissing with Seth rather than do what she needed to do and confess.

‘I’m so grateful you’ve allowed me to court you.’ Seth’s tone turned tender. He ran the back of his hand down her cheek and his dark eyes shone with affection. Solely for her.

‘You’re witty, intelligent, and beautiful.’ He lifted his mouth in a boyish half-smile that knocked her senses askew. ‘You’re so innocent, my sweet flower.’

Her pulse caught at his last words.

Fraud. She was a fraud.

He lowered his head and nuzzled his nose against hers as though he intended to kiss her again. ‘What did you wish to tell me?’

She wanted to tip her head back and allow him to kiss the confession from her mouth. But she couldn’t. She didn’t deserve him. He was the best thing in her life and she would have to give him up.

‘I have a confession to make.’ She leaned back from him once more.

His brows pinched together and he released her, opting to hold her hands instead of her body. ‘Of course. What is it?’

‘I...’ Her frantic mind summoned an imaginary picture of Seth’s lip curling up in disgust. What if that became reality? What if he cast her off and she lost him for ever?

Her heartbeat slammed with such force, she could scarcely think straight.

‘Nothing you’ve done could possibly be that bad.’ Seth’s tone was patient and kind.

Oh, but it could be. Violet drew in a long inhale, though it did nothing to quell the raw hurt in her chest.