AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He smiled, turning Tabitha’s attention to his full lips. Then her gaze lifted to his eyes, which had a hungry glint to them. It had been a mistake to tarry so long with the duke. Even now, Tabitha knew she should leave, but her feet failed to take heed.
She had to be on her guard, lest she fall for Holcombe’s charms. But he was making it difficult for her to keep her resolution. His mouth was so tantalizing and close.
“You are a beautiful woman, Tabitha, inside and most certainly out. Let no man tell you differently or make you feel less worthy than you truly are.”
The sound of her name on his lips was her undoing. Holcombe circled his arms around her waist, drawing her against his muscular frame. Tabitha put her hands on his chest, not sure if she wanted to push him away or pull him closer. His breath whispered across her lips. The logical part of Tabitha’s mind knew this was wrong. She shouldn’t be alone in the dark with a man who was a rumored womanizer, gambler, possible murderer. But she wanted to feel alive, the way she had when he’d last embraced her.
Holcombe studied her lips for a moment before saying in a husky tone, “I wonder, after all this time, do you taste the same?”
Tabitha barely comprehended his meaning before his mouth descended on hers and laid siege to her lips. She readily conceded defeat, letting out a sigh as she wrapped her arms around his neck. A bolt of need shot through Tabitha, centering between her legs. The intense sensation almost made her cry out.
In that moment, she didn’t care what anyone said about the duke. This was what she had been dreaming about. To be kissed by her scoundrel, to feel the heat of his touch as she erupted in a bursting flame of passion. This was where she wanted to be, in his arms.
Holcombe’s tongue persuasively nudged at her lips, asking for permission to enter. She parted her lips, and he greedily plunged into her inviting mouth, sweeping his tongue over hers, just as he had in the past. At first, Tabitha was hesitant, but after a few moments, she grew bold and moved her tongue over his. Holcombe pulled her closer, letting out a low growl of possession.
Another current of desire shot through her. In the past, Tabitha had scoffed at people who spoke of lust or the intense attraction they felt towards another person. It seemed ridiculous to believe one person could make you lose your senses so completely, but now Tabitha understood.
All reason fell to the wayside with Holcombe’s lips are hers. Tabitha ran her fingers through his hair then gave a gentle tug. When she did so, Holcombe’s kiss grew more urgent, hungry for more. Their tongues dueled, each giving and taking, exploring everything the other had to offer.
If the man was as bad as everyone whispered, a murderer by some accounts, then how could it feel so wonderful in his arms? Had Tabitha merely succumbed to his charms like so many before her? Holcombe’s reputation with women was well known, and he would be skilled in the art of seduction. Perhaps she was foolhardier than she thought.
No, he had sought her out. Holcombe didn’t have to come into the gardens. He could have stayed in the ballroom. Instead, he’d followed her. That meant something. Didn’t it?
Voices coming down the garden path made the couple break their embrace. Holcombe motioned Tabitha to be silent as they moved behind a tall shrubbery for cover. Tabitha held her breath, fearful that the slightest movement would give them away. The voices gradually drifted away as the people moved on.
Tabitha exhaled in relief. She had to get back to Aunt Caroline before the older lady worried. Before she left, Tabitha ran a smoothing hand over her hair and dress, then turned to leave. But Holcombe pulled her back into his arms to kiss her again, not caring who might see them. The kiss was brief, but it made Tabitha’s blood boil with desire.
She peered up at her companion. The mischievous glint she’d seen in his eyes earlier lingered, and if she was not mistaken, he was smirking. Her heart sank. He didn’t care, not really. If that expression told Tabitha anything, it was that Andrew Holcombe was indeed a womanizing scoundrel who wouldn’t think twice about seducing a lady in a garden. If that was true, what else could be true?
The man spelled danger, not just for her reputation, but for her heart. For a brief moment, she’d thought the duke different from other men, but now Tabitha realized she was mistaken. No doubt the duke was doing what he did best, being the dashing scoundrel looking for the next lady to fall to his charms. Well, he would not play Tabitha the fool. She was older, wiser now. Not some naïve girl who saw a hero where there wasn’t one. Holcombe had been right two years ago when he’d told her not to give him any good attributes. Apparently, he hadn’t changed his ways.
Well, best to nip any hopes the duke might have of them having an affair in the bud. She narrowed her gaze at him.
“We should not have done that.”
“Why not? You wanted it as much as I did, judging by your enthusiasm.” His voice was husky and raw.
She shook her head and took another step back. “It will not be repeated. Now, if you will excuse me. I must rejoin my aunt.”
Holcombe stepped in front of her, blocking her escape. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that as much as I did. You’re lying to yourself if you don’t admit it.”
She’d be damned if she admitted it. He would probably gloat, and Tabitha wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing how much the kiss affected her. With as much nonchalance as she could muster, Tabitha answered. “I suppose it was an adequate kiss when compared to others.”
He stiffened. “What others?”
“I’ve been abroad for two years. Do you think I haven’t sampled what others have to offer?”
Holcombe came up to her, nose to nose. “I think you’ll find the English variety has the most... complexity. Full-bodied, well-aged, perfect to satisfy any lady’s appetites.”
If she had a fan, now would be the opportune time to use it. How could a few words make her weak in the knees? The gentleman was skilled indeed. Tabitha was no match for him when it came to a war of words. He would see right through her lies. Best to admit defeat and leave.
“As much as I would love to continue this conversation, I must get back to my aunt before she comes searching for me. Besides, I’m sure you have other matters to attend to.”
“Nothing pressing at the moment.”
She arched a brow. “I would think you would be busy courting every eligible lady in attendance tonight.”
“Why?”
