Page 28 of A Raven Reborn

“Well, at night, when there’s no light coming in from above, you can't see past the lamps from down there, so this entire balcony is invisible.”

A soft gasp escaped her. “Really? So you can watch everyone and no one knows you’re here?”

He dipped his head slightly. “I thought you’d like it.” His smile was as intimate as a kiss, and it drew her irresistibly. Rosalyn raised herself on her toes and pressed her lips to his. She hadn’t meant to do it, and she certainly hadn’t meant to set off the cascade of desire that rushed through her body. She wrapped her hand around his neck pulling him down to her and brazenly plundered his mouth with her tongue.

Patrick groaned appreciatively, but then pulled away. “Not here.”

ChapterTen

Rosalyn tumbled into the carriage and when Patrick jumped up behind her, he dropped into the leather seat and immediately lifted her onto his lap. Their mouths collided rather roughly in their haste to taste one another again.

“So sorry,” Patrick mumbled against her lips, then he picked her up and unceremoniously deposited her on the opposite seat, bringing an abrupt end to their intoxicating kiss.

“I’m sorry, Rosie.” He held her hands tenderly in her lap. “If I don’t stop now, I’m liable to lose all control and ravish you right here in the carriage.”

“And what if I want you to ravish me?” Oh god, had she really just said that? What was wrong with her?

“The keywords were ‘in the carriage’.” He squeezed her hands gently. “We’ll be home very soon, and I promise we can pick up exactly where we’ve left off. But trust me, a bed will be worth the wait.”

“If you say so,” she said grumpily, folding her arms across her chest.

“Oh now, don’t be like that.” He leaned toward her and lightly traced her lips with his tongue.

She kissed him back, hungrily sucking his lower lip into her mouth and nibbling softly.

“Patience,” he said, as he pulled away once more. But he had barely uttered the word when the carriage rocked to a halt. Patrick pushed the door open and jumped to the pavement.

She raced to keep up as he dragged her behind him up the backstairs to his apartment. Pulling out his ring of keys, he fumbled to find the right one before jamming it into the lock. He kicked the door shut behind them and they sprinted down the hall.

“Lock the door,” he called down the corridor to Finch’s room as they passed by. Rosalyn giggled.

As soon as Patrick’s bedroom door slammed shut, he tugged on the ribbon holding her cloak in place. It slithered to the floor behind her, and she threw herself into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck and pulling his lips down to hers. Patrick grunted, and she knew his shoulder was paining him.

“It’s because of these bloody coats!” Mortified, she clapped a hand over her mouth. She’d never cursed in her life.

Patrick threw his head back, a great roar of laughter spilling from him. “You’re right,” he said with an amused grin. She quickly helped him to remove both coats and waistcoat, and then tugged on his necktie.

“How do you undo these things?”

Patrick stilled her hand at his throat. “Sit,” he said, pointing to the bed.

With a huff, she did as he commanded and watched intently as he pulled the knot undone. In almost no time, he stood bare chested before her. Well, almost bare. There was a light sprinkling of chestnut hair, with a crisp line marching down the middle of his abdomen and disappearing into the top of his trousers.

Her body followed her hand as she reached for him, and she was soon running her fingers over his golden skin.

“Your turn,” he said after a moment. He twirled his finger over her head, and she spun around. The sash at her waist floated to the floor and he quickly opened the buttons down her back. Even in her impatience, he was able to do in a moment what would have taken her ages. By the time the bodice hit the floor, he had already started on her skirt. He opened the waistband of it and the petticoats and drawers and slid them all to the floor in one swift movement.

Rosalyn stepped out of the mound of fabric.

Slowly and seductively, Patrick’s gaze slid down her body, an approving smile growing on his lips. She was strangely aroused by his interest.

Rosalyn wrapped her arms around his neck, and he obligingly brought his lips down to meet hers once more. In no time, her laces loosened, and Patrick reached between them to unhook her stays. The cotton of her chemise brushed across her swollen nipples as he gently massaged her breasts. With a groan, his lips left hers and her chemise slipped off her shoulder. As he took her nipple into his mouth, a bolt of pleasure shot through her body. Her knees buckled under the assault to her senses, but Patrick braced her with an arm around her waist, his tongue flicking relentlessly over her nipple. Her body jerked and twitched, each pass sending another bolt of pleasure to her core, where wetness began to flow.

Just when she thought she might burst, he stopped. Suddenly, she was lifted into the cradle of his arms. He placed her gently on the edge of the bed, somehow pulling her chemise up in the process. Cool air enveloped her heated skin as he pulled the garment up and over her head.

Patrick stepped back to take in her entire body. She should be embarrassed or ashamed, but how could she be when he seemed to be enjoying the sight of her immensely? He didn’t even seem to mind that she was still wearing her stockings and shoes.

“Oh, Rosie,” he said with a sigh. “You are beautiful.” Her heart tripped over itself at the words. She’d never needed anything or anyone the way she needed him, right this minute. She held her hands out to him.

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