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Yes, it wouldn’t take much persuasion to convince him to bed her. Anticipation shot down her spine and made her shiver. “There’s a small balcony off my bedchamber. I often make use of it in the mornings before the housekeeper comes over with a couple of maids. I like to watch the sunrise.” Did he, or did he prefer the sunset? This was merely one thing she wanted to know about him.
“It’s a tempting proposition, all too tempting in fact. And full of risks.”
“What is life without them?” When would this terrible desire for him cease? It simply wouldn’t do to keep falling into bed with him, especially when she needed to concentrate on her upcoming flight.
“A fat lot safer,” he responded with amusement in his voice.
“Or dull.” Anne pulled him into the room and softly closed the door behind them. “This is one of the prettiest suites I’ve ever stayed in. I think I adore it more than my own at home.” She didn’t let go his hand until she paused at the open French-paned doors that led to the rectangular-shaped balcony. Beyond, rain slashed down, occasionally punctuated with the far-off flash of lightning and rumbling thunder. Gooseflesh raced over her skin. She’d have to ignore the storm. He was the best of all distractions. “Are you a good dancer, Worthington?” It was such fun to use his title to tease him.
“You can decide for yourself.”
“Does this mean you’ll agree to the scheme?” That was a surprise.
With his hand in hers, he swept her outside and into his arms. “It’s a bit tight for a waltz, but we’ll make do.”
The romance of it wasn’t lost on her. His strong arms around her were delicious. In that embrace, she found safety and security. He would protect her from everything that might bring her harm… except, the very things she liked doing could—and had—brought her into peril.
Did she need saving from herself?
All too soon, they were both soaked. The thin lawn of her shift clung to her every curve, while his shirt lay plastered to his skin, revealing the mesmerizing play of his muscles beneath. With each turn in the cozy space, he pulled her closer, and she went willingly. The heat of him seeped into her body, and the rain did nothing to cool her ardor. Water dripped from the braid she’d bound her hair into. With every flash of lightning, she caught glimpses of stark need in his hazel eyes that were more green than brown now.
Benedict drew her to a halt. Even she knew that trying to waltz in such an abbreviated space was ridiculous. “My skill in dancing is severely limited in this venue.” Rain spotted his spectacles. “I’m not shown to fair advantage.”
“More’s the pity, that, though you look stunning.” She couldn’t help resting a palm against his rain-slicked chest. “However, you’ll have a second chance to show me your skill in dancing at your fete.” She grinned as she stared up at him. “My mother sent a ballgown over, so at least I’ll fit in with your guests, but at least I had the commissioning of it.”
“That damned fete.”
“Yes, your mother told me it would end with fireworks from the village.”
“And you in your balloon.”
Unable to stop herself, Anne traced a finger around one of his flat, brown nipples, laughing when it hardened, and he hissed in a breath. “Are you looking forward to that?”
“My thoughts swing widely back and forth.” Concern pooled in his eyes, evident with the lightning. He sighed. “Anne, this time with you has been eye-opening and I’ve enjoyed most of it.” He moved a hand to her hip, holding her closer. Could he feel her trembles? “After the fete, you’ll have no reason to linger in Cranleigh, and I—”
Oh, no, no, no! I don’t want to discuss the future! “Shh.” She pressed two fingers to his mouth as something akin to panic welled in her chest. “I’m begging you, hush.” For long moments she looked at him as she dropped her hand. “What’s between you and me is complicated, certainly, and I’m not sure—”
“Then don’t think about it. Just feel and decide later.” Benedict held her gaze, and slowly, he lowered his head and kissed her.
It was a gentle kiss no doubt designed to set her at ease, but it only served to fan the tiny flames that had already lit in her blood. Yet he wanted the remainder of his life planned and mapped out, while she needed freedom to work impulsively. “Benedict…”
He pulled slightly away. “Don’t do anything until after your flight, but know I’ll be here, waiting. I don’t believe what we share can just be abandoned like it never mattered.”
“Agreed, and I appreciate your willingness to talk later.” She lifted onto her toes, looped her arms about his shoulders, and then kissed him, putting every ounce of feeling into that one meeting of mouths so there’d be no doubt in his mind how much she wanted him.
“Ah, Anne, what are you doing to me?” he whispered against her lips and moved a hand cup her arse cheek.
A surprised moan left her throat. “Stoking your courage.” Attempting to convince myself that romance isn’t a death knoll. Knowing she walked a fine line, she slipped a hand between them and cupped his manhood. “You feel so good.” Slowly, she stroked her fingers along his ridged length. “So hard. It would be a shame not to use this.” Oh, she was being a shameless flirt, perhaps a blatant wanton, but she couldn’t help it. Her want for this man knew no bounds. There was something about him she couldn’t ignore.
He groaned and pressed a hand against hers, whether to halt her manipulation or encourage it, she couldn’t say. “That’s perhaps not the best idea…”
“Pish posh. Fondling and intercourse are always a good idea.” Any maidenly concern fell right out of her mind, for she was nearly too far gone. There was no explanation for this connection, this bond that constantly worked to pull them together even if she wished to fight it at every turn. Perhaps it was best to merely enjoy it and this moment. “Are you willing to test your fears and expand your sensibilities?” Was she? As Anne manipulated the buttons of his frontfalls, he walked her backward until the wrought iron railing stopped further ambulatory movement.
“Does it matter? You’ll push me to the edge of the precipice anyway, and damn if I won’t let you shove me over.”
“Is that something you want me to do with you?” She arched her back in an effort to put her breasts fully on display. Thank goodness for fine lawn shifts and randy viscounts.
“Perhaps.” Benedict took full advantage by teasing her nipples with his tongue and teeth. Wild sensation skittered through every nerve ending. He rolled those puckered tips between his thumb and forefinger, using varying degrees of pressure until she cried out and nearly begged him for more.
