Part 26 (2/2)

His last thought had sent him sitting bolt upright.

The thought that he would not let her go. Ever.

He'd brought Angelica to his favorite spot. He'd ordered that the picnic be set up so that they could enjoy the scenic waterfalls and the pool beneath it, an oasis that was secluded by trees and lush foliage, and she'd been moved by the gesture. A small voice inside him chastised him for the error. He should limit what they shared to his bedroom. But when he'd seen how pleased he'd made her, the small voice had been subdued by the contentment that welled up inside him.

Simon heard her sit up.

”Simon, what is amiss?”

Her chestnut-colored hair was down in long, soft curls. Having coaxed the clothes from her sweet form, he had her down to her chemise. The veil of cloth hid little from his hungry view. However, there was more than physical attraction affecting him.

He beat the emotions back, and glanced toward the waterfalls.

Merde. He wasn't used to feelings like these during s.e.x.

He might have made a lot of mistakes in his quest for betterment, but he would not err here. He couldn't-wouldn't-deny her the life that had been denied to him. He wouldn't let her lose her n.o.bility-and that was the consequence for a n.o.blewoman who married a commoner.

He would let her go. He would not keep her.

”What is it, Simon?” She forced his face back to hers. ”This has to do with n.o.bility...”

He quickly kissed her. Uncomfortable with his emotional turmoil, he didn't want to talk about this now, afraid of what he might say. He used the moment to collect himself, drawing upon years of experience in disguising his true thoughts and feelings to help him.

If he'd learned to hide his emotions, emotions as strong as fear, since he was a boy growing up on wars.h.i.+ps with Robert, then he could certainly manage to hide this, as a man, until, by strength of will, he'd master it.

She broke the kiss and frowned. ”Simon, I wish to talk about this.”

”Not now.” He formed a smile. ”There is something I want to do first.” He stood and held out his hand.

She remained seated, arms at her sides, staring up at him.

He indicated the environs with a sweep of this other hand. ”This is our private Eden. Come, I'll make it worth your while.” His right hand still jutted out, waiting for hers.

She folded her arms, not looking inclined to comply.

”I see my Eve requires further encouragement.” He pulled off his s.h.i.+rt and tossed it down onto his doublet. The suns.h.i.+ne felt good against his skin.

He bent down, easily picking her up in his arms and, walking toward the water's edge, climbed up onto a rock.

”Simon, what are you doing?”

”Enjoying our private paradise. A little fun and frolic in the sun.” He glanced at the inviting water before them.

Her pretty eyes narrowed slightly. ”You wouldn't dare...”

He c.o.c.ked a brow. ”Wouldn't I?”

He tossed her into the blue-green water, hearing her yelp of surprise just as she broke the surface. This was exactly what he needed-lighthearted diversions to lift his spirits and s.e.xual indulgence to diminish the enchantment.

It had to work.

Quickly, he stripped away his remaining clothing and jumped in after her, welcoming the water's cool sting against his body.

Just as he resurfaced, she splashed him.

He wiped the water off his face with a swipe of his hand, then reached out and pulled her into his arms.

”Sorry, but you looked as though you needed cooling off,” he teased.

”Really?” She was miffed, keeping her hands on his shoulders instead of around him. Surrounded by the turquoise water, her eyes took on a spectacular shade of green. For a moment, he lost himself within their depths. She looked utterly ravis.h.i.+ng, with the soaked chemise plastered to her body, her wet hair, and the droplets of water on her skin.

She pulled away from him. Her gaze dropped to his erection below the surface. ”I think you are the one in need of cooling off. I hope the water helps.” Turning, she began to make her way to the sh.o.r.eline. ”I'll be on the blanket waiting for you, when you are ready to talk.”

In a quick movement, he caught her hand and pulled her to him, trapping her in his arms. Dipping his head, he licked a water drop off her shoulder and heard her breath catch.

”I'm sorry, Angelica.” The apology had risen from deep inside him. From the pit of that emotional ache he couldn't seem to vanquish. Although, what he was truly apologizing for was what was most defeating, for he found himself in that moment wis.h.i.+ng he could give her more than he had to offer. ”I don't wish your ire. I brought you here to spend time with you. Just you and I. It's a beautiful day. Why discuss things that cannot be changed? Why not simply enjoy what we have together?”

He felt delighted when she wrapped her arms around his neck. ”I give of myself freely and completely to you. Without reservation. But you are holding back from me. And it's because of my station of birth.”

Instantly, he sealed his mouth against hers, fearing certain words might escape him. Words he couldn't say nor take back afterwards.

Ending the kiss, he forced himself to look into her mesmerizing eyes once more. ”There is more I wish to give. Last night was but a small sampling of decadent delights. We've only just begun...” His tone was full of carnal promise. Much better.

He claimed her mouth, his kiss languid yet heated. He sensed her fighting the hot impulses building between them. He couldn't let her.

”What about our talk, Simon?” she said between kisses.

”I promise before I leave for France, we will talk,” he said. ”But not now...” Lifting her, he then slid her s.e.x down along his stiff c.o.c.k. She softly moaned.

Stubbornly, she pulled back slightly and breathlessly said, ”I'm going to hold you to your promise.”

”I know. I want to make it up to you for tossing you into the water. Would that be all right, cherie?”

”That depends on what you had in mind.” Though she sounded suspicious, he saw clear interest reflected in those stunning green eyes.

”I was thinking of paying 'extensive homage to your person.'” He quoted her words from the night before.

She paused as though thinking his proposition over. ”I believe that would be satisfactory...as a start.”

A laugh escaped him. Dieu, she had a way of enticing smiles and laughter from him. ”How about if I start by telling you about a dream I had on the s.h.i.+p on our voyage here?”

”You wish to tell me about a dream?” By her tone, he sensed she left out the word now?

He continued to smile, unable to help himself. ”An erotic dream. About you.”

<script>