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The carriage stopped in front of a non-descript building a few blocks from the Bedfords’ townhouse.
Andrew leaned forward to open the door when Tabitha placed her hand on his arm to still him.
He frowned. “What? Are you having second thoughts? Do you want to go back?”
“No,” she said emphatically. “I simply wanted to thank you again for your help. Most men would not have aided me. They would have called me a foolish girl and told me to do as I’m told. I’m glad there are men like you—kind, trustworthy men.”
“Don’t give me too many good attributes. You wouldn’t say such nice things if you truly knew me, Miss Crestwood.”
“I believe you have shown me your true character tonight, sir.”
He laughed. “My dear, if I’d shown you my true character, you would be running from me.”
“Why?”
“Because well-bred ladies such as yourself do not associate with known scoundrels like me.”
“My lord, I think by now you know I am not like other well-bred ladies.”
Yes, he knew, and it didn’t help that they were alone in a carriage under the cover of darkness. How far would she go with her defiance? Would she kiss a known philandering rake? Andrew would love to know the answer, but now was not the time or place.
“We need to get you inside, to your friend’s home.”
“Of course. Thank you.”
Was that regret in her voice? It didn’t matter. His obligation to the headstrong Miss Tabitha Crestwood was at an end.
Andrew stepped out first, then turned to offer his hand. As she stepped down, Miss Crestwood stumbled, falling forward, but Andrew steadied her. He kept his arms securely around her waist until she gained her balance. Even after she had righted herself, Andrew found himself not wanting to let go. If he was any type of gentleman, he would have released her as soon as she had her footing. But he wasn’t a gentleman. And he liked the way she fit in his arms.
Her hips flared out slightly, accentuating the curves he wanted to explore without the impediment of clothes. Andrew wanted to see her hair undone, to run his fingers through it, then wrap his hands in it to pull her closer as he made love to her.
Lord, where had that thought come from?
Perhaps it was her perfume; a mix of lilac and something sweet that he couldn’t place. The heady scent must have caused him to be addle brained. How else could he explain his sudden and startling reaction to a woman he’d only met tonight.
But gazing down at her, he wondered what she would taste like. The urge overtook him to know if the young lady would return the kiss. Would she be shy and hesitant, or would she be bold and adventurous?
I must find out.
All at once, he brought his mouth down onto hers. The instant Andrew placed his lips on hers, his pulse raced in excitement, his blood boiled with lust, and his cock sprang to life. Andrew encircled her fully within his arms, drawing her closer. He angled her head to get a deeper taste.
He was intoxicated, having never sipped from a sweeter vintage. The perfect mixture of sin and salvation. It was like nothing he had ever experienced, and he’d kissed many women. His cock throbbed with need when he heard a faint, throaty moan from Tabitha.
In that one moment she was his—hisTabitha.
Andrew was lost in the kiss but craved more. Tentatively, he rubbed his tongue along the seam of Tabitha’s lips, hoping to coax her open to her mouth, to accept him. Much to his astonishment and pleasure, she readily opened and allowed him a further taste of paradise. Without hesitation, his tongue swept over hers, taking in her very essence, hoping in some way to take a piece of her with him after she departed.
One part of Andrew’s mind screamed,This is wrong. This was an innocent young woman who was no match for him, a seasoned womanizer. But the other part of his mind didn’t care. She may be young, but her enthusiasm showed that a passionate woman lay underneath the prim and proper miss.
* * *
For the firsttime in her life, Tabitha thought she would faint from the sheer thrill of being held by Lord Claridge. Heat radiated off his large frame, warming her to her core. Could he see the blush which must surely be on her cheeks? It was absurd. No man had ever caused such a reaction. When she peered into his eyes, they seemed to have an inner glow, a spark that both frightened and excited her.
All at once, Tabitha was pulled against him, and she was helpless to stop. Not that she wanted to. As he drew her nearer, Lord Claridge placed one hand at her nape. Her mouth opened in a silent moan, and a subtle pulsation hummed between her legs.
Then his mouth was on hers, tender at first, then more persistent. Tabitha was unsure of herself, but as the kiss continued, she leaned into him, allowing Lord Claridge to take the lead.
His other hand caressed her back, sending shivers of delight up her spine. The lightheaded feeling had not abated, so Tabitha clung to her companion, wrapping her arms around his waist. Lord Claridge’s lips were seductive, teasing and nipping until a moan escaped from her throat.
