Page 2 of A Rogue at Stonecliffe

They reached the beach, and Sloane let her down, her body sliding along his in a way that stirred his senses. She did not step away, and her arms curled around his neck, her face upturned to look into his. He couldn’t look away from her. Wouldn’t even if he could. He could drown in her clear green eyes, he thought, and have no desire to save himself.

Sloane bent his head and kissed Annabeth. Her mouth opened beneath his, her body pliant against his, and he lost himself in the kiss, lost himself in her. He wanted more, wanted so much more than kisses and caresses, wanted to sink into her, taking her fully and completely. To belong to her and her to him.

“Forever,” he murmured as he lifted his mouth from hers and kissed his way down her throat.

His hunger for her lay always just beneath the surface, awakened to roaring by tasting her, touching her. But of course he could not satisfy that hunger. Annabeth would be willing, even eager; in the ways of the heart, she had a bright confidence that he did not. She believed love would overcome all obstacles, heal all wounds, that the world would treat her well, that if she wanted something enough, she could make it happen.

Sloane knew better. And he would not do anything that would dishonor Annabeth or cause her harm. He would wait no matter how much desire drove him.

Annabeth twined her hands through his hair and tugged. That little touch was enough to stir him, but when he lifted his head, she went on tiptoe to kiss him again, her mouth avid on his. Desire throbbed in him, and he slid one hand up to curve around her breast. Through the material of her dress, he could feel her nipple tighten, and she made a little noise that sent his passion soaring.

He lifted his head and pulled back slightly, his breath coming in pants. Sloane looked down into Annabeth’s face, her eyes dreamy, her lips soft and red and faintly swollen, and he ached to kiss her again, to pull her down to the ground with him and explore her body.

Instead, he blew out a sharp breath and rested his forehead against hers. “Is it really four years till we can get married?”

With a notable lack of sympathy, she giggled. “I’m ready anytime for a trip to Gretna Green.”

“You know I won’t do that.”

“I know. It’s banns and all for you.” She patted his chest. “I just like to tease you.”

“Minx,” he said with affection, smiling at her.

“And yet you want to marry me.”

“I do.”

“It’s actually three years and ten months until I turn twenty-one.”

“Ah. Well, that makes all the difference.” He took her hand, and they started up the path again.

“But I’m sure Papa will consent to our marriage, so we needn’t wait that long.”

“I don’t know. Your father is a pleasant man, but no father would see me as a good prospective husband. I have to be able to support you first.”

“You mean smuggling doesn’t pay you enough?”

“What?” he said innocently, sending her a sidelong look.

“You think I don’t know? One of the grooms told me—thinking I knew, so don’t accost him. Apparently he’s in the same business.”

Sloane half shrugged. “I go out in the boat sometimes to take the barrels from the ship. There’s not enough money in that to live as you ought.”

“And it would be rather unfortunate if my husband was sent to jail for smuggling.”

“They’d have to catch me, first.” He grinned cockily at her. “Anyway, I won’t be doing it for long. I’m just building up money for a ship of my own.” He shrugged. “Then I can—well, you know my dreams. I’ve blathered often enough to you about building a shipping business. Having a fleet of ships. Being rich enough to shower you with pearls and diamonds and whatever you want.”

Annabeth smiled and squeezed his hand. “I don’t need pearls and diamonds. Just you.”

Sloane could tell that she wanted to say more, and he could guess what she wanted to say. “No, I’m not going to go begging to my uncle for the money to buy a ship.”

“I’m sure the earl would be happy to help you. A loan to you, if you’re too proud to take a gift.”

“He wants to send me to Oxford. So I can be his solicitor or a clerk.”

“Because he knows you’re smart, and he wants to help you.”

“You always think the best of people.” He set his jaw. “But I’m not taking money from Drewsbury.”