Page 71 of Untaming Lady Violet
“Two is not an abundance, kitten.”
“Do you forget the actress who just last season claimed you were to wed once production shut down? The gossips reported you vowed to end the play’s run if she did not say yes to your proposal of marriage. Of course, very few believed her since you were also in pursuit of Grace around that time.” Violet’s head lifted so she could gaze deep into his eyes. “Do not fear I will do the same, Tristan. I may be no more than a shy wallflower, but I possess some pride. And I’ll not scheme and lie to gain a husband.”
Tristan ground his teeth in silent frustration. It did appear there were several plots to shackle him with a wife.
None of the women Violet mentioned interested him in the least. Then or now. However, if he ever decided he wanted a wife, the woman in his arms at that very moment would be his choice.
And how his father would rejoice at that bit of news.
“No, you would not lower yourself to such deceptive measures, Violet. Perhaps that is why I am obsessed with having you while I can. While it’s possible. You are the unattainable. I may have my pleasure, and give you yours, with no worry that tomorrow will see me standing at the altar. It is a defect in my character that allows me to take your innocence with little qualm.”
Violet’s soft hands brushed over his abdomen before her arms slipped around his waist. Her grip tightened almost convulsively as she embraced him.
“If there is a flaw, it is mine to claim, Tristan. I gave myself to you. Few men would reject what I offered. I am a woman who has become willingly wicked, even if there is no gain to be had and no promises for a future.” Her voice turned fierce. “But I’m not sorry. I’ll never be sorry for this.”
Tristan could think of nothing to say to that resolute statement. He simply held her, contemplating how anyone could ever overlook a girl of her caliber.
Violet Everstone was a hidden treasure. He was a fool for having been blind to her for so long. And he would become a bigger fool when it was time to let her go and he allowed it.
“Will you allow me to help you overcome your fear of horses? You may find comfort in such a simple pleasure as riding one day.” He smoothed her hair back away from her temple, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “There is something to be said for a quiet morning ride through the forest, or across a green meadow. If you were properly introduced to it, you would enjoy it more than you think possible.”
She shivered just a little in his arms, no doubt remembering the day his friends terrorized her.
The irrational urge to find those men, to bloody their faces with his fists so they could experience the consequences of their cruelty surprised him. He’d always shown consideration and respect for the fairer sex, but this was different. This was a visceral need to punish anyone who might hurt this sweet girl.
It was a need to protect what was his.
“If you really believe it will help.” Violet’s voice was small, her breath warm against his chest. Her perfume tickled his nostrils.
His body was already responding again, ready to claim her a second time. When she shifted, the blood thumped quicker in his veins.
He couldn’t let her go just yet. The night was not over, and the thought of not tasting her one more time before this door closed on their relationship was stomach-wrenching.
Tilting her chin with his forefinger, he stared down into her dark violet eyes, memorizing all the myriad shades of blue swimming in their depths. The lighter flecks of color reminded him of diamond dust.
“There are many things that become easier after the initial undertaking. And definitely things you will find more pleasurable the second time around.” He brushed a kiss over her full lips, playfully tugging the bottom one between his teeth before releasing it.
She smiled shyly. “You are not talking about riding, are you?”
“Of course, I am. But what we are doing now is just another way you can gain some confidence.” His lips twisted upward. “Shall I show you, little kitten? Or should I allow you to slip away from me to the safety of your room?”
Violet’s breath quickened. She scooted forward until she faced him, her body nestled in the space of his legs, her chest to his, her hips caged by his thighs, her belly pressed against his rapidly growing shaft.
“We can do…that… again?”
Tristan chuckled at the hopeful tone of her question. “We can. We can do anything we wish. Anythingyouwish. And this time, you will take the lead. Whatever you want, even if you don’t know what it is just yet, I will do for you. I will help you discover what your body wants, and I’ll show you how you may please yourself. You have all of the control, Violet.”
Her head tilted. “I think I like that idea.”
“Then let us begin with a kiss,” Tristan replied, his voice husky at the thought of being at her mercy. “Kiss me how you like. Anywhere you like. And any question you have, I will answer as we go down this path together.”
The diamond dust in Violet’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Trailing a finger along the firm line of his jaw, she murmured, “The stubble of your whiskers tickles when you kiss my neck and shoulders. It makes me shiver but in a good way. As if warning me something better is coming. Does it tickle when I kiss you?”
“Violet.” Tristan took a deep breath, steadying his desire while she peeked up at him beneath the thick sweep of her lashes. “Your kiss lights a fire deep in my soul.”
A glimmer of pleased satisfaction lit her features as her finger moved along to his earlobe. “And if I bit you here, as you have done to me, would it feel like something sharp twisted its way into your heart, leaving you unable to breathe?”
Leaning forward, her breath whispered over his jaw before warming his ear.
