Page 56 of The Grand Mistletoe Assembly
Until Nathaniel was the only man in her mind.
Until a high-pitched cry of her release echoed in the room. Easing her through the waves of shuddering pleasure, he dropped soft kisses along her center and inner thighs before standing to his feet, tenderly drawing Bryony up and into his chest.
“That … that was …” Words failed to materialize in the aftermath of their lovemaking, so he urged her nearer, clutching her curvy form tightly to eradicate any empty space between them.
“Shh … I know. It’s the same for me.”
“But you didn’t …” She gestured toward his obvious erection as curiosity sprouted in her gaze. “I could …”
Chuckling, Nathaniel shook his head. “No, you couldn’t. Not right now. This evening’s for you, and I don’t need anything more than what you’ve already given me.”
They stood together in contented silence, exulting in their new bond, until raucous laughter nearby, followed by the crash of breaking glass, disturbed their intimate moment.
“As much as I love holding you in my arms after all these years apart, perhaps we should return to the party?”
“If we must …” Bryony reluctantly retreated, though a cheeky grin tipped the corners of her mouth as she grabbed his hand. “The night’s still young, after all. Carter’s probably still at the auction to ensure I never have to see those cursed paintings again, which means we have nothing but time to enjoy the rest of Mrs. Hanover’s unique soirée.”
The casual mention of her brother immediately raised Nathaniel’s hackles. Somehow, he’d separated Bryony from Matthews, conveniently forgotten their connection, forgotten about his best friend.
Bloody hell. What had he done?
Withdrawing his hand from hers, his fingers flexed, sweat coating the palm. Lust had overpowered his good sense. Years of mounting desire had clouded his good judgment.
He knew Bryony wanted him, too, but how could they be together with Matthews between them? Nathaniel didn’t want to ruin his friendship, nor did he want to lose Bryony. Would Matthews truly accept their relationship despite knowing the violent acts he committed while in service to the navy? Despite witnessing Nathaniel’s escapades in brothels across the Continent as a young man?
He wasn’t so sure.
“What’s wrong?” Bryony asked, studying his suddenly stern expression. She reached for his hand again, but he deftly avoided her touch.
“This was a mistake.”
“Pardon?”
“Us.” He motioned between them. “We shouldn’t have done this. Out of respect for your brother, I should have controlled myself.”
“My brother? Carter has nothing to do with us.”
Nathaniel gave a harsh bark of laughter. “Nothing to do with us? He’s your brother. My best friend. He deserves some consideration.”
“Have you forgotten how he practically shoved us together at the charity auction? He basically gave his consent to our relationship when he revealed he was aware of our mutual attraction.”
“You may be right, but until I speak with him, we shouldn’t be alone together.”
He needed to get them out of here.
“What happened to a widow’s freedom? Don’t I have a say in this?” Disbelief coated her tone, an angry blush suffusing her cheeks.
“I’m doing what’s best for you. I want to protect your relationship with Matthews as well as my friendship with him.”
“I don’t need protecting. Especially from my own brother.” She whirled toward the door with a huff.
Bang!The hardwood slammed into the wall as she stomped out of the room. Thankfully, the merry revelers around them were either incapacitated by drink or too focused on their own romantic liaisons to notice the argument brewing between him and Bryony.
He followed her through the hall out to the vestibule, where she requested her redingote before exiting Berkshire House.
Struggling to don his coat while chasing her down the pavement, Nathaniel growled in frustration. “Bryony, stop this madness. There’s no need to throw a temper tantrum.”
“So, now I’m a child.” She thrust her hands up in the air, the snow falling heavier now to cover their tracks toward Pearler House. “I experienced pleasure with you that I never had with my husband, and instead of whisking me to your home for more or declaring yourself hopelessly in love with me, you choose to use my brother as a barrier to our intimacy. Yetmyactions are under scrutiny.”
