Page 33 of A Most Unlikely Lady
Or touched my breast with his strong hands?
The idea should repulse her. But it didn’t. In fact, she found the images floating in her mind impossible to dismiss.
‘I’ve never been kissed by a man.’ The admission spilled from her before she could stop it.
Why did I say that?
Edward’s dark-blue eyes widened. He licked his bottom lip, the firm flesh glistening in moonlight. Without thought or plan, she stepped closer, reaching up to place trembling fingers against his mouth.
Why did I do that?
He closed his eyes, his expression almost pained as he covered her hand with his larger, warmer one, pressing it more firmly against his lips. In a moment of shocking intimacy, his tongue darted out, and he licked her finger. Now, she was gasping in pleasure.
Why didhedo that? And how can I get him to do it again?
She wanted more. And when it came to men, Ivy never wanted more.
‘Do you wish to be kissed, Lady Ivy?’ His words tickled against the pads of her fingers, and then he nipped lightly.
Yes.
‘I don’t know,’ she said again, unable to voice such a shocking desire as her fingers brushed over his mouth once more.
He wrapped his fingers around her wrist, gently guiding her arm up so her hand rested on his neck. His tightly cropped hair bristled against her fingertips in the most fascinating sensation. He bent his head closer, their mouths almost touching. She breathed his exhalation and tasted hints of mint and aniseed.
He is going to kiss me.
She froze. Need overwhelmed her, but old fears surged, and Ivy was caught between desire and dread. He turned his head slightly, his nose skating along her cheekbone until his mouth hovered near the shell of her ear.
‘Will you let me know when you’re certain?’ he asked. His voice rumbled along her senses like thunder. ‘Because I would very much like to be the man who kisses you.’
He stepped back, and Ivy almost fell into him as his solid warmth suddenly disappeared.
Something sharp and insistent pulsed through her blood. A hollow ache clenched low in her belly. Her nipples chafed against the dreaded corset, and the resultant tingles spiralled through her body, creating a hunger for something elusive. Frustration filled her, replacing the earlier fear.
Edward’s mouth curled in a wicked smile.
‘Bastard,’ she hissed, then slapped her hand over her mouth.
‘You mispronounced “admirable gentleman”, Lady Ivy.’ The sparkle in his eye mocked her.
Ivy crossed her arms over her chest, huffing out a breath. ‘I’m beginning to understand why Philippa so dislikes you, Worthington.’
‘Well, she is usually right. Infuriating as that is to admit. Shall we return to the dance floor, lest people think you lured me out here with less than honourable intentions?’ He winged up a dark brow.
Ivy had the urge to smack him. She never felt impulses to hit gentlemen. Avoid them, certainly. Hide from the more aggressive ones, undoubtedly. Ignore them completely, most definitely. But Edward –Commissioner Worthington– did something no other gentleman ever had. He provoked her. And when she responded, instead of pressing his advantage, he backed away, forcing her to step forward if she wished to continue whatever game they were playing.
But this isn’t a game.
It was Ivy’s life. A part of herself she thought missing entirely was emerging from the dark shadows of her past. The thrill of discovery blended with the fear of the unknown. She could still feel the warm, firm pressure of his soft lips against her fingertips. It wasn’t difficult to imagine them brushing over her mouth. One word from her, even a nod of assent, is all it would have taken to finally know.
I am such a coward!
He extended his hand to her, and she took it, berating herself for five different kinds of fool.
‘I am a patient man, Lady Ivy. I don’t mind waiting. And I promise you will tremble with desire, not fear, when you are certain of what you want.’ He kept his eyes ahead as his words crept into her soul, lighting fires she never imagined could burn quite so hot.
‘What if I’m certain I never want to kiss you… or anyone?’ Her voice was an unrecognisable rasp.
