Page 56 of A Rogue to Watch Over Me
“He knew I’d watch over ye.” Telling himself he wanted only to touch the rebellious curl that had escaped Amelia’s rather-severe bun he reached out, tracing the curve of her cheek withhis thumb. “Not that Driscoll would be a challenge to send running for cover. Even yer ball of fur with teeth could chase off that bag of hot wind.”
A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I do believe you’re right.”
“Do ye now?”
Her smile lit the room. “Absolutely.”
The tempting curve of her lips stirred a longing deep within his chest. A hunger, physical in nature.
Yet more.
Infinitely more.
He wanted to make Amelia smile every day. He wanted to be the one who brought her joy. And God above, he wanted to taste those sweet, lush lips.
Unable to stop himself, he spoke the truth. “I’m of a mind to kiss ye, Amelia.”
“Are you now?” The husky notes of her voice were a subtle seduction.
He smiled. “Ye do realize we are actually alone. No nosy old woman to walk in at precisely the wrong moment.”
She flashed a cheeky little grin. “No dog to wreak havoc.”
“Not so much as an ill-timed bark.”
“Quite so,” she said. Her brow furrowed. “Unfortunately, Mr. Driscoll may return.”
“If he does—and especially if he walks in while I have ye in my arms—he will regret it.”
A soft, teasing challenge filled her eyes. “It would seem you are rather intent on kissing me, Mr. MacLain.”
He cupped his palm against her cheek. Her skin was velvet soft against his. “Would ye like that, Amelia?”
Her gaze locked with his, vibrant and tempting. “I do believe I would.”
Without another conscious thought, he took her in his arms. Smoothing her curls from her face, he studied her. Her eyes were the color of a stormy sea, tiny flecks of gray darkening the dusky blue of her irises. Bloody hell, she was beautiful.
This near, he could feel the gentle rise and fall of her every breath. Her mouth curved into the most tempting of smiles.
Amelia wanted this. She desired his touch. She invited his kiss.
She wantedhim.
Dipping his head, he tasted her sweet lips. Ah, it seemed Amelia had been made for him. The subtle fragrance of lavender filled his senses as her slender arms curved around his back. Bringing him closer. Gentle. Yet possessive.
He could not get enough of her.
He deepened the caress. Her response unleashed a wave of need coursing through his body. With a breathless, simmering heat, she kissed him. Giving and taking. Leading him to the brink of control. God above, she was more enticing than any woman he had ever known.
Sliding his hands along the length of her back, he ran his fingertips over her gently rounded bottom. Holding her close, he nested his erection against her softness. What he wouldn’t give to dispatch with the row of buttons on the back of her dress, peel the layers of clothing from her delectable body, one by one, and teach her the true depth of his hunger for her.
But by hellfire, this was not the time. And it was not the place. She deserved more than a quick tumble in her own flat. In her own bed. Amelia deserved to be tempted. To be seduced. To be loved until she was mindless with pleasure. She deserved to be held in the arms of the man who adored her all through the night.
That time would come.
But for now, he had to maintain control. He had to do what was right. He had to keep the focus on protecting her.
Summoning the strength to let her go, he gently eased his mouth from hers. His muffled groan sounded like a roar to his own ears.
