Page 7 of Celestes Forever Marquess
They smiled at each other, and a connection flared between them. What was it about this woman that fascinated him?
He sat next to her on the bench. She turned to him, becoming solemn. “While I think we can be friends. I need you to understand that I will never be your mistress.”
Anger flared in him that she assumed that was his interest. Why would this remarkable woman think that? Her eyes revealed nothing, but that was more telling than anything else. Her lack of emotion was a defense mechanism. He grasped her chin and softly said, “What has happened in your life to make you so guarded?”
She frowned at him. “Nothing. I just don’t associate with lords in that way.”
Caleb shook his head. “I detest that you would assume I wouldn’t want something more.”
A gasp escaped her, shocked by his words. “I’m not some young lady on the marriage mart. Your mother—”
He frowned at her. “My mother doesn’t make decisions for me, Celeste.”
“What are you asking of me?”
“I’m asking you to let me call on you,” he said quietly.
Before meeting her, he’d only played at considering his mother's request that he search for a bride, but now he wasn’t so sure.
Celeste flew up from the bench and laughed. “Caleb, you don’t understand what you are about to face in London. You’ve been in England for only a few weeks. Once immersed in the London Season, you will understand the way of things.”
He stood, stepping close to her. “So, does that mean no?”
She bit her lip, and Caleb wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, but waited for her response. Celeste took a deep breath. “Yes, that is no.”
“Why?”
“I don’t involve myself with lords.”
He shook his head. “You said you won’t become a lord’s mistress.”
She tilted her chin up stubbornly. “I won’t become a lord’s anything.”
Caleb leaned in. His lips grazed her ear. “That seems like a damn shame, Celeste.”
She stepped back. “You don’t understand this world. Trust me. I think it’s best if we return to Derry Hall.”
Disappointment filled him, and he said, “I think I will stay here for a bit.”
Celeste nodded and started to make her way out of the wooded area. Was this connection with her one-sided? Was he confused? Caleb couldn’t let her leave without knowing. He rose. “Celeste.”
She stopped and turned. Their eyes connected, and his body began to hum. Caleb didn’t believe he was the only one who felt the connection that existed between them. It seemed to be always present when she was near. He strode to her, sweeping her up in his arms. Celeste gasped as his lips touched hers. Their bodies pressed against one another, and moans escaped them as their tongues sparred.
Celeste wrapped her arms around his neck. They stumbled against a tree, and he pressed into her. He cupped her face with a hand and kissed her deeper. No, this wasn’t one-sided, he confirmed. Their lips mashed together over and over again, hungrily. She pushed into him. He released her face and slid his hands down her sides.
The movement seemed to shock her out of their haze of passion. She pulled her mouth from his and slid away. Her eyes were wide with shock. “That can’t happen again.”
He ran a hand through his hair. Caleb had only intended to kiss Celeste, but the moment their lips met, he became lost in her. His body demanded he pull her back to him, but he resisted.
“Celeste, there is something between us.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head adamantly. “I will not be owned by any lord.”
“I don’t want to own you. I’m not that man.”
She smirked at him. “Not yet.”
He took a deep breath. Someone had hurt this beautiful, fearless woman. If she ever revealed their name, he would take them apart. “I’m not giving up.”
