Page 97 of A Sight to Behold
Nick’s mien fell somber. “I’m missing some context for why that’s bad.”
“The pavilion givescarte blancheto the most beautiful women at a ball. It’s a way for the diamond of the first waterto test their suitors. What happens in the pavilion stays in the pavilion.” She blushed further and reached for Nick’s shaft with her other hand. “Take me there.”
“You mean…” Nick said meaningfully.
“Yes, please. Just this once, I want to feel like the belle of the ball.”
“You are.” And he meant it.
“Show me.”
He couldn’t help the smirk that grew on his lips. As uncomfortable and out of place he’d felt, now that they were alone again, it felt easy. This was Pippa, his sweet Pippa. Despite the pomp surrounding her, she still wanted him. “Do you know how much I love you?”
She tilted her head sideways with the innocence of a girl but the allure of a vixen, as if she were embarrassed. “I never thought I’d stand here with a man as handsome and accomplished as you.”
“Says the lady.”
Their eyes met and Nick pulled her closer.
Pippa walked backward and led him through the pavilion door.
With her left hand, she let go of his and locked the door when they were inside a small room.
“Well, this is tight.” He looked around. Only a slight line of yellow light came through the windows from the house, but the trees shrouded the pavilion in privacy. There was a shelf of linens. By the sheen and colors, they were tablecloths. Some candlesticks were on another shelf with a silver tea set. “What’s this?” He looked up and there was a metal ring suspended from the ceiling on a chain.
“I’ve never been here, I told you.” Pippa stepped on the cushions on the floor.
“It locks from the inside.”
She shrugged. Then Pippa put her hand on his chest. “This is where young women are compromised. But I think you already understand that.” She lowered her eyes and fluttered her eyelashes. “Compromise me, Nick.”
“I think I already did that to you quite thoroughly.” Nick couldn’t hide the pride in his voice. It had been the best birthday in his life. The best day of his life. “But I would be happy to do it again.” He couldn’t wait, in fact.
She found the opening between the buttons of his shirt and slid her hand onto his bare chest. Nick let go of her and unbuttoned his vest, then his shirt. He granted her access. He always would.
“I’m all yours, Pippa.”
She chuckled with delight. And Nick felt like a prize. It was unbelievable how he could feel so good and yet so small around the aristocrats at the ball. But with Pippa, he felt like a king on the top of a mountain radiating light he caught from her. She was his sun. His light. His love. And there was nothing between them to refract the light that she brought to his heart, a bright beam leading him into their joined future.
Her hands trailed up and down his chest and Nick leaned in. She received his mouth willingly. So warm and lush. So perfect. He was whole.
Chapter Forty-Four
Pippa couldn’t containher excitement. She was in the pavilion. The Temple of Sin.
Delicious goosebumps sent a shiver over her shoulders.
Me.
In the pavilion.
With the most handsome man ever to walk the Earth.
Her hands explored his muscular chest, and he gave her access. Their mouths found one another with a ravishing passion. The experience wasn’t as new as it had been in the country house. And she wasn’t shy this time. The thrill of knowing his body took control over her and Pippa reached for his waistband.
He let out a guttural, manly groan, that couldn’t have been a better compliment for her. His hands came to her breasts, and she stretched her back to push against his palms. He reached into her cleavage and found his way expertly.
It was scandalous and wonderful, forbidden and perfect.
