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"Then I should practice more often." She tried to smile.
"Like I always say, damn—"
"Propriety?" she completed and he nodded.
"Steven is a cynic. I know he said something to you. What is it, Edwina?" he pressed, his voice soft, but commanding.
Her guilt returned. "I think I made a mistake. We should not be here. This engagement is a mistake. None of it should have happened."
His eyes flared. "Isthisa mistake?" He pulled her against him so she could feel his need. She gasped and her traitorous body began to soften and warm, yearning for his touch.
"What I feel, what I want is not a mistake,” he said. “I certainly do not regret a single moment in that library with you. I would do it all over again if given the opportunity."
His lips hovered dangerously over hers and she threw out all caution. His words had moved her and she reached up to draw his face down to hers. Her life might be falling apart but she had passion she could enjoy before everything collapsed. She wanted to let her body burn with the fire that only he seemed to be able to ignite.
With a growl, he turned them around and pinned her to the wall, devouring her lips while his hands roved her body. Just when she began to moan and plead with him to give her more, he slowly and reluctantly pulled away.
"Let us not lie to ourselves, Darling. Your desire burns as bright as mine. You know where to find me." He touched his lips to hers one last time before stepping away.
Edwina's fingers found her swollen lips, unable to believe how wanton she had been. She was supposed to avoid such encounters with him, yet she had allowed him to kiss her and revealed how much she desired him.
"That is not true,” she said, trying to catch her breath. “I don’t… I have to go.” She ran into the salon and out into the hall.
Chapter Eight
"What did you say to Edwina?" Albert asked, allowing the anger that had been swirling inside him all evening to be revealed.
The soiree was over and all the guests had retired to their rooms. He found Steven playing billiards alone in one of the game rooms and confronted him about Edwina. The poor girl had been distraught and had tried very hard to hide it.
He was certain Steven would not keep what he had said to her from him. The man was as honest as he was shameless. "I simply questioned her motives,” Steven answered without turning around to face him or pausing his game.
"What bloody motives?" Albert snapped.
“Careful, Cousin. You are not thinking with your head.” He picked up his half-finished whiskey and offered it to him.
Albert declined with a shake of his head, ignoring his suggestion. It was true he desired Edwina—more than he should—but that was not the reason for his actions. "If there is anyone with a motive in this, it is I for announcing an engagement just to spite Roxanne."
Steven quirked a brow at his confession but did not comment. "You will apologize to her," he continued.
"You are getting attached, Al. That is very dangerous." He set down the glass and picked up the cue to resume his game.
Albert was not attached. He was only helping a young lady save her reputation. This was not a real engagement and thus, he was unbothered by it. He knew his freedom would be intact when this was over.
"What does an apology have to do with attachment?" Albert asked, growing impatient.
"My intentions are pure, I assure you. My questions should only offend her if she is guilty." Steven sighed. “Is helping you a crime?”
"It is if you overstep your boundaries. Edwina is the victim here and you will respect her." Lord knew she deserved to be treated like a treasure. Enduring a loathsome and neglectful stepmother, and a dim-witted brother deserved a reward.
"Just as Roxanne Perkins was a victim?" Steven asked, his eyes narrowing.
"Why do you keep comparing them?"
"I don't know… I don't trust her."
"She is betrothed to me, not you. Your trust does not matter."
"But I will be the one to mend you if things go awry, will I not?" Steven asked gravely.
