Page 30 of The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes

The door that connected her suite to the viscount’s rooms opened, and Nathan entered, dressed in a blue silk banyan with a gold leaf print, carrying two glasses of champagne.

Her mouth dried instantly as she took in his superb form, for the robe divulged as much as it concealed. The soft silk draped elegantly over his wide shoulders, revealing their true shape rather than the usual square cut of his jacket. Although tied at the waist, the garment moved seductively as he walked across the floor, giving her tantalizing glimpses of what lay beneath—a flash of his strong calves, a show of muscular thighs, and a shadowy glimpse of something above them both…and suddenly the room had become much too warm.

“Here, my love.” He handed her a cool glass, and she seized it with shaking fingers. “Let us toast our marriage.” Gazing deeply into her eyes, he raised his glass. “May we live long, love well, and enjoy true happiness always.” They touched their glasses together but then, instead of drinking, he seized her head and brought her lips to his.

As ever when they kissed, Amelia’s pulse pounded, her lips warmed, and her body tingled. This time, however, with all of him so very close, and only a thin piece of fabric between her skin and his, a terrible ache formed deep within her, at her very core. Like a giant spring being wound tighter and tighter every time he thrust his tongue into her mouth. She moaned and twisted, wishing she could get rid of the champagne and wrap her arms around the body so temptingly close.

Either Nathan had the same idea or had somehow read her thoughts, for he pulled his lips away from hers—ever so reluctantly—then grasped her glass and plucked it from her fingers. “Drink a bit of this, sweetheart. You’ll be glad of it.”

She nodded, and he put the glass to her lips, letting her take tiny sips, careful not to spill it on her. The tart, refreshing wine seemed to clear her head, making her sit up straighter, shake her hair until it rippled down her back, and lower the sheet until her shoulders were bare.

He’d turned to put the glasses on a table, and when he turned back, he stopped, his gaze fastened on her naked skin. “Amelia, dear Lord, but you are beautiful.” Slowly, he slid his hands down her neck, over her shoulders, until he pushed the sheet away, and she allowed it to drop to her waist. His ragged breath sounded loudly in the still room. “I see I misspoke, my love. You are exquisite.”

Catching his excitement, Amelia pulled the belt of his robe until it slithered to the floor then boldly reached up to push it off his shoulders, as strong and broad as she’d suspected. They gave way to a lean, well-muscled chest that tapered to a small waist. The smooth skin invited her touch, and she ran her hand, first cautiously then more boldly, from shoulder to waist. Lower than that was still hidden by the bed, but not for long.

“You do know what we will do here, don’t you, Amelia?” His quiet voice broke the silence. “If you do not, I can explain it.”

“Oh, no. I do.” Unwavering, she met his hot gaze. “I have known for some time.” That knowledge had been burning inside her for much too long without being put to use.

His eyes widened for an instant, and he paused.

Lord, what must he think of that answer? She hurried on. “My mother explained it to me when I was betrothed to Lord Carrington.”

His brows rose then he nodded. “Then can you find room in that bed for me?”

Smiling, she scooted over and pulled back the covers. “Gladly, my lord.”

He slid in next to her and turned on his side to face her. With a firm hand, he gripped her waist, pulling her to him until their bodies truly touched at every point, and she ached for more. “Then by all means, let us begin at last.”