Page 71 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
Chapter Twenty-One
Macie had thoughtherself daring—at least, far more daring than the socialites and dollar princesses who would content themselves with a life that was little more than an existence. Settling for hearth and home with a man who offered little beyond his name and title was not in the cards. Not if she could help it. In the past, she’d stirred a scandal here and there—some strategic, others, not at all by design. Driving away the nobles who wanted a taste of her father’s money, she’d taken chances with her good name. But now, in a dimly lit garden, she took the biggest risk she’d ever dared.
Standing in the garden courtyard, she smiled even as her pulse raced. As Finn pulled her close, she drank in the heat of his long, lean body. The faint scent of bergamot filled her senses, and she savored the feel of his powerful arms holding her tight. She savored every sensation. Every touch. Every delicious moment.
Oh, dear, this was perhaps the greatest chance she’d ever taken. Ever so much was at stake now.
She pulled in a shallow breath as the reality cascaded over her. If she did not proceed with great care, she would risk more than her reputation. More than her preciousgood name.
She might very well lose her heart.
The faint illumination of a single gaslight torch accented Finn’s carved features. My, he was handsome man, wasn’t he? But there was more to him than the rugged cut of his jaw. Morethan the keenly intelligent amber eyes that at that very moment looked into hers. More than the sensuous curve of his mouth.
So very much more.
The passion for life that gleamed in Finn’s eyes drew her in. He wasn’t one to settle for a life that did not suit him. He would not be content with an existence of starched shirts and keeping up appearances. Rather, he was his own man.
For as long as she’d known him, Finn had possessed the ability to drive her to distraction. He’d never flattered her with words he did not mean. Never sought to curry her favor and seize a chance to nab an heiress for his own. Years ago, he’d looked upon her as a girl, his friend’s sister who was simplythere.
But now, all that had changed. The expression in those captivating eyes drew her in. No longer was she merely Jon’s sister. In his eyes, she saw the heat and the passion and the truth of his hunger—his hunger for her. And her alone.
The faintest of smiles played on his mouth. “Ah, Macie. I could hold ye all night, here in the moonlight.”
She coiled her arms around his broad back. The sleek muscles beneath his jacket flexed beneath her touch. Reaching up, she looped her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoe to press a kiss to his throat.
He lightly framed her face between his hands, gazing down at her as if what he saw was very rare. And so very precious.
“Ah, Macie, ye’re perfection.”
His thumb traced a path over the curve of her mouth, gliding gently over her lower lip. Dipping his head lower, he brushed his mouth over hers. Softly at first, as if merely tasting the flavor of her lips. So tender. Yet sensual. And bold.
She pulled in a low breath as he deepened the caress. Coiling her arms around his neck, she relaxed against him, drinking in the heat of his lean male body.
Holding her with a light touch, he kissed her deeply.
Taking. Giving. Seducing. The caress kindled the intangible heat that flowed between them to a roaring flame.
A low sound like a groan in the back of his throat rippled through her senses, betraying his need. Good heavens, his kiss was oh, so very delicious. Each moment stirred passion and sweetness and an intense joy in her heart.
It all felt so very new. So very right.
His tenderness blended with a desire more intense than she’d dreamed possible. She melted against him, craving the closeness of his body. He was the one she wanted. Body and soul, she wanted this man.
And no other.
Macie felt his body tense, and he eased back, putting a hand’s breadth of space between them. His voice was raw, his breath ragged.
“Macie, we must . . . we must . . . stop.”
“And if I don’t want to?” she teased.
“We must.” He gazed down at her, passion darkening his eyes. “This... this isn’t how it should be, lass. Ye deserve so much more. More than I can give ye.”
“Your kiss is all I want.” Hands around his neck, she tugged him closer. “All I need.”
“Ah, my sweet lass, don’t ye know... how bloody much I want ye.” His gravel-roughened words held an edge of pure need. “But this... this is not the time. Not the place.”
In her heart, she knew he was right. She delighted in his touch. But a few stolen moments could not be enough.
