Page 17 of Only You
‘Will you take your advice on letting someone care for you in their own way without question?’
‘Yes,’ she said smugly, crossing her arms with a playful grin.
Heat built under his collar as he stared up at her. He looked around, seeing the area was clear of any visitors, anticipation making his heartbeat speed up. He was going to get into so much trouble. Still, he shrugged nonchalantly as he stood. ‘Very well,’ he agreed.
Without further hesitation, Damien cupped the back of Sabine’s neck and pulled her into a kiss.
Sabine froze at the sudden touch. His lips were demanding on hers, but he noted the way she held onto his arm, tugging him closer. He let himself get lost in the touch of the lady that was finally in his arms, instead of across the room. How many times had he thought about this when remembering the way her face flushed after helping her with her necklace? How easy it was to always step closer over stepping back? Every brush of her lips fuelled his desire, wanting more. The way she parted her lips to sigh tempted him to go further – to cross another line – but she was already trembling.
Slowly, he pulled away. Sabine panted as she tried to catch her breath, subconsciously leaning forward for more. Damien’s lips brushed over her heated cheeks, his words a whisper in her ear.
‘I won’t apologise,’ he told her. ‘I was taking your advice.’
He pulled away too soon and Sabine blinked at him, her eyes still wide in surprise. ‘Ready to return?’ he asked.
‘Yes, I believe so,’ she said, still a bit breathless. He motioned for her to lead the way.
With one last look over her shoulder, she started walking along the path to the exit. He didn’t linger by her side, instead staying two steps behind. His face remained impassive, but his heart jumped every time she touched her lips or looked over her shoulder to make sure he was still there.
Chapter Seven
Paris
June 1895
Damien did his best not to seem more energised than usual when they returned to the house, forcing himself to relax as they were informed of a last-minute dinner party. He made sure to seem almost bored when Sabine came down hours later, dressed beautifully in a green gown and ivory jewellery. He made sure not to spare more than a cursory glance when men tried to whisper in her ear during dances and dinner. And he most definitely did not appear smug when she would inevitably dismiss them. He ignored how every inch between them felt like torture and how every look out the corner of her eye was a small victory.
He knew the penalty would be high should someone discover what had transpired in the gardens, but he felt a surge of pride at how dazed Sabine appeared after their kiss. Yet. He couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps he had read her reaction wrong when, after they arrived at the house, she kept distance between them. She didn’t dare to converse with him even when there was a perfect opening to do so. Perhaps the moment was supposed to be fleeting, buried over time.
Damien grimaced as he walked through the halls of Roulet’s home, taking a small break from the party. He didn’t want to cause her discomfort – and he should know better. Sabine was beautiful, but there were plenty of stories where a beautiful woman was the downfall of a man. He had a good life. Did he need to risk his position or comfort for one person?
‘Damien.’
He stopped short of the doorway to the sunroom and peered inside, barely making out Sabine’s silhouette as he stepped towards her cautiously. What was usually a prism of light over an intimate living room surrounded by tall, leafy plants was now mere shadows. Sabine herself was almost invisible to him even from a few feet away.
‘Personally, I didn’t take you for one that enjoyed the dark,’ he commented as he approached the chaise she sat on.
‘It’s the best way to see the moon.’ She pointed out the window.
He walked over to the glass, peering out. Sure enough, a crescent moon peeked just above the towering hedges that surrounded the backyard.
‘I see,’ he said, lingering on the twinkling night sky before he turned his attention back to her. ‘What…’ He lost his train of thought as the moonlight caught her eyes.
Her face looked soft and inviting, her mouth forming a natural pout, eyes clear and bright. Yet, there was a furrow in her brow. He reached out to smooth it without thinking. Sabine gasped sharply, the sound loud in the silent room. He pulled back instantly and cleared his throat. ‘We should head back.’
‘Right, um…’ She swallowed nervously, looking at him. ‘You…’ Sabine’s eyes flickered over his face and to his mouth before looking away.
Damien waited before stepping back, figuring he should leave first. ‘Why did you do it?’ she asked suddenly.
He paused, standing in the doorway. The light beckoned him to go. Leave the mystery behind and join the party. Find a girl that he could forget about. The old comfort was tempting. And yet…
He stepped back into the shadows until he was only a few feet from her. ‘Come here, and I’ll tell you,’ he dared.
Sabine slid from the chaise, the swaying of her hips accentuated by her silk dress as she walked towards him. Her hair was twisted into an elaborate pleat instead of her brunette waves she had this afternoon, leaving her neck and shoulders bare. Closing the distance, she stopped mere inches away, lifting her chin defiantly. Damien wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Her hands shook but she balled them into fists, never looking away from him.
Always the fighter, he thought before leaning down. Her eyes darted over his face quickly, her body tensed as he closed the meagre distance between them.
‘Sabine,’ he called gently.
