Page 17 of Pride of Lyons

“No one will know where we are going, save my servants. Even Joanna will put it about that we have gone in quite the opposite direction, in the event he proves persistent.” Thomas’s lips firmed into a straight line. “I pray he does not.”

“I, as well.” His news had sobered Honoria.

“If you are done, my lady?” Thomas nodded to her, and hastily Honoria rose. “I didn’t think we wanted to pass through to the drawing room for tea. We have a very early morning.”

“No, I am rather tired, even with my earlier nap.” All the exquisite food was acting as to make her even more sleepy. “I think I shall retire.”

“Allow me to escort you to your chambers, Lady Braeton.” Smiling, he rose and once more offered his arm, which she took most willingly. Honoria liked that he seemed to constantly think of her protection from Lord Danford. Never had she felt so safe.

They wound their way back up to their apartment suites, and he stopped before her door. His light amber eyes had turned dark again. Was it a trick of the light in this corridor that did that? It made him look so…hungry.

A shiver raced down her back.

“As today is our wedding day, Honoria…”

Every muscle in her body tensed. Would he go back on his word not to press her so soon? Her heart raced and her body heated. Did she want him to press her?

“Yes?” The single word was barely a breath.

“I wondered if you would allow me…”

She held her breath. Allow him…what?

“A kiss?”

Gasping, Honoria didn’t know whether to laugh or scowl at him. Thomas could be a rascal it seemed. “I believe that would be in order.” They had not even kissed after the ceremony. Papa had always frowned upon such public displays. “It is, as you say, our wedding day.”

“Yes, it is.” Suddenly he loomed so close to her that all the air seemed to have been sucked out of the corridor. Gently, he raised her chin and lowered his head until her mouth was mere inches from his.

Unable to stare into those darkening eyes any longer, Honoria closed hers and waited breathlessly.

Suddenly, his lips pressed against her, soft and warm. Everything about the man made her feel warm. He held her head in both hands and turned it ever so slightly until their mouths seemed to merge into one. With that small change came an overawing feeling of rightness, as though this was the way a kiss was meant to be.

She shifted just a little toward him, drawn ever closer to his masculine presence.

In response, he pressed his lips against her harder, more insistent.

A thrill of longing shot through her. As though she wanted more of that.

Then something brushed against her lips. Was that his tongue? Before she could wrap her head around that idea, he pressed again, more persistently at the seam of her closed lips. As though he wanted… She gasped, opening her mouth.

As though he’d been waiting for this very moment, Thomas slid smoothly through her lips.

She stopped dead still, appalled and yet exhilarated by the tingles now cascading over her body. And this was her husband. And it was their wedding day…

Gently, he explored here and there, as though he wanted to delve into every part of her mouth. Every part of her. Oh, good, Lord. Now that he’d done this, would he think she wished to do more?

Of its own accord, her body stiffened, as though expecting a blow.

With a little groan, Thomas slowly retreated until they stood apart. He gazed down at her, his eyes now black with that hunger she now instinctively knew to be desire.

Helplessly, she stared back into the darkened eyes. What must she do now?

“Good night, my dear.” His lips grazed her cheek, and he stepped back. “Pleasant dreams.” Then he slowly turned and headed toward his chamber door at the end of the corridor.

Breath still coming in ragged gasps, Honoria followed his slow gait until he opened his door and disappeared from sight.

A part of her, the part deep down at her core that now ached for more of his kisses, wanted to run down the hall and knock on his door. Go in and let her husband bring back those wonderful, wicked feelings.