Page 58 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“Hmm. There is much to enjoy about these mornings,” he said carnally. Here, Jasper had to regain his senses, for he knew that he was being far too suggestive with Catherine. Above all, it was her soul that he craved, almost more than her body.
“Let me gather my things,” she said, walking to a chair where her reticule sat. “I suppose that it is rather humorous because I do not possess many things.”
“You will have all that you desire when we are wed,” he assured her.
She turned to him and raised her brow. “All that I desire is you.”
Now, Jasper was the one to approach and gently place his hands upon her hips, pulling her in close for one last kiss. When the kiss was done, he felt a sinking in his chest, for he did not know the next time that they would share such intimacy. Instead of lingering in this pain, Jasper made a quick plan.
“Come to me again tomorrow night.”
“It might be dangerous to be gone for two nights in a row.”
“I care not. Come anyhow,” he said with a smile. “I shall speak to your father soon thereafter. There is nothing to fear anymore.” He placed a hand upon her cheek. “Our love is secure and safe. Soon, it will be just you and I. I shall make the arrangements for the wedding. I can procure a special license.”
“But what if my father refuses?” she asked, placing a hand upon his chest, her eyes fearful.
“That is not possible,” he assured her, placing his hand over hers. “I have a sizable income, Catherine. What’s more, I am a devoted man. I can convince your father of all of this. He will find the match most favourable.”
Catherine sighed, removing her hand from his chest, which made him feel bereft once more. “My father is a very particular man. Sometimes, I think that his whole plan was to have me marry someone in London. Why that should be, I know not.”
Brow furrowed, Jasper considered that he did not care for this conversation one jot. “It matters not what your father prefers. Your happiness is all that matters. Never forget that.”
“And you are the one that makes me happy,” she said with a smile, resting her cheek upon his chest.
Jasper exhaled slowly, delighting in the feeling. He placed a hand at the back of her head, feeling her soft hair once more. He knew that she could hear the beating of his heart in this position, and he desperately hoped that she understood that his heart beat only for her.
Just then, there was a knock upon the door, and he turned his head. “Who is there?” he called out.
“It is your handsome friend,” Felton replied.
Jasper smiled to himself as Catherine stepped back. “Come in.”
The door was opened, and there Felton stood, delight written upon his face. “I fear that I interrupt something profound.”
“You have no idea,” Jasper replied, not leaving Catherine’s side.
Felton stepped in and pulled a hand through his hair. “I must admit that I was shocked to arrive last night to an empty house. I was informed that you retired to your room and…understood what had happened,” he said, implying much.
Jasper did not want to elaborate. “Be sure that she gets home safely. It is going to be rather difficult getting her back inside the house. I know that you can manage it,” Jasper instructed.
Felton nodded. “If there is a will, there is a way.”
With that, Felton walked towards the door, allowing Jasper and Catherine one last moment. They gazed into one another’s eyes. “All shall be well,” he said, taking her by the hand.
“I will miss you desperately,” she said softly.
“Come tomorrow night. We can be alone again.”
She whispered, “All right.”
He watched as she walked away, gently opening the door and seeing herself out. Once she was gone, that familiar dread took over, and Jasper walked to the window so that he could watch as she and Felton fled. Once in view, Catherine walked quickly with Felton directly behind her. Jasper sighed. He leaned his elbow upon the window frame and spent several moments in contemplation before going over to his bed and throwing himself upon it, staring at the ceiling.
His hands clasped behind his neck, Jasper smiled to himself, delighting in every memory that lingered in his mind. Everything about the encounter had been intoxicating. The way she smelled, sounded, tasted—all of it was pure bliss. He was so enthralled by the memory of her, that Jasper remained in this position until Felton returned one hour later.
Just as soon as Felton knocked upon the door, Jasper sprung out of bed. “Is she secure?” he asked.
Felton nodded. “She is inside safely. Once she was secure, she came to the window and gave me a signal.”
