Chapter Eighteen #2
Her green gaze was as captivating as her tentative smile. ‘Just to start.’
He didn’t wait for another invitation. He swept her into his arms and claimed her mouth in another searing kiss.
His desire had grown with each passing day, each gift of a smile.
He’d been tempted more than she’d known to open their adjoining chamber door and approach her bed.
He’d sweep back the covers and remove her pretty nightgown until she was gloriously naked.
He’d spread her vibrant auburn hair across the pillow and leisurely kiss every inch of her body until she cried out with need.
Now she was in his arms and kissing him.
She parted her lips, and he took advantage and swept his tongue inside.
When her fingers clutched his shoulders and her tongue urgently brushed against his, the fragments of his restraint snapped.
The kiss changed, grew more urgent, and his arms slid down her back and lowered to cup her bottom and tug her snug against him.
His arousal was immediate and insistent, pressing against her belly like a brand.
‘Nora,’ he growled, his voice was hoarse. ‘God help me, I want you.’
‘I know,’ she whispered against his mouth.
He tore his mouth from hers and met her gaze. ‘Tell me.’ If she rejected him, he’d go mad.
‘Yes,’ she said, her voice breathless. ‘Make love to me.’
Nora looked into Ralston’s eyes and knew she wanted him.
She’d desired him for a long time, ever since she’d slipped into his bed that fateful night at the house party.
Since then, her feelings for him had blossomed and grown and she knew that he would not touch her without her consent.
She was no longer willing to deny herself and, here, now, she wanted him to make love to her as a husband would his wife.
His kiss was ravenous and fueled her own need. Their tongues touched again and again until she was breathless. Her fingers slipped beneath his coat to the buttons of his waistcoat. She longed to feel him beneath the layers of broadcloth and cotton, wanted to see and touch him.
‘I’ve dreamed of you,’ she said, ‘and I woke up aching.’
His voice was hoarse. ‘You’ll drive me mad.’
She reached for his jacket. He helped her, shrugging out of the garment and tossing it onto a chair. Her fingers went to the buttons of his waistcoat and it followed suit. Pressing her palms against his shirt, his heart beat strong and sure beneath the pressed linen.
‘My turn, darling.’ His sensual grin made her breath catch.
She turned and he made quick work of the buttons on the back of her gown. When she faced him again, she released her grip and the silk slipped to her waist, leaving her in stays and her shift.
The admiration she saw in his eyes made her heart turn over in her chest.
They took turns. She unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it from his waistband. Eager to help, he tugged it over his head, and it joined his pile of discarded clothing.
She swallowed as she took him in. She’d felt his chest that first night in the country, but it had been dark as pitch and she couldn’t see.
Now he stood before her in the brightly lit room.
She’d never seen another man naked from the waist up, but she suspected his torso was impressive by any standard.
His chest was muscled, and a smattering of hair led down his equally muscled abdomen to the waistband of his trousers.
If she could draw like her sister, she’d sketch him now.
He was like one of the statues of the Greek gods she’d seen in the museum.
Her eyes returned to his and a shiver went through her at the fierce desire evident in his gaze. His broad cheekbones, strong jaw and nose were shadowed beneath the candles and light from the coal fire in the grate.
His voice was gruff. ‘Touch me.’
Gladly. Her fingers reached for his heated skin and grazed his flat nipples. Growing bolder, she smoothed her hand across his chest. The sprinkling of hair tickled her palm as she lowered it towards the waistband of his trousers.
His hand covered hers. ‘Not yet.’
Her gaze flew to his. ‘Why?’
‘I don’t want to frighten you.’
She wanted to protest, but he kissed her again and his nimble fingers worked the laces of her corset until it fell and joined the gown on the floor. She was left only in her shift.
He held her back, his eyes taking her in. ‘There’s something enticing about you in your white shift. Pure and temptress at the same time.’
Her vanity arose, and slowly, ever so tentatively, aware of his fierce gaze, she reached for the hem and lifted it over her head. The cotton fluttered from her fingers to slip to the carpet.
His eyes flared hot, ravaging her body before meeting her eyes. ‘Remove the ribbon in your hair.’
She did as he said and slipped her fingers through her hair. Her auburn locks caressed her shoulders and the tips of her breasts.
He hissed. ‘You’re so beautiful.’
Beneath his heated look, she felt beautiful.