Luck Is No Lady(63)

Lifting his head to watch her, he was stunned by the magic he held in his arms. Her eyes were closed as she tipped her face up to the night sky. The beauty in her surrender was astounding, and he felt a wave of possession so overwhelming his legs nearly buckled beneath him.

He plunged his fingers more forcefully into her, grinding his palm against her mound until her thighs clamped around him and the arch of her spine deepened. Her inner flesh fluttered around his fingers. Then her entire body stiffened and her teeth came down on her bottom lip as pleasure claimed her.

He held her trembling body secure in his arms, easing the movement of his fingers to a gentling caress. Though his cock pulsed with an agonizing need, he placed soft, sipping kisses on her lips until she slowly relaxed and her leg eased down the side of his body.

Her breath slowed to a normal rhythm and her hands slid from around his neck to settle lightly on his shoulders. Without a word, Roderick helped to steady her on her feet and straightened the fall of her skirt. The ache in his groin was echoed by the tightness in his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.

“Roderick?”

The soft murmur of his name on her lips sent a streak of pain through his center. Guilt filled the hollow places inside him. Her virtue may be intact, but he had claimed her innocence. And he would do it all again. He wanted to right now. If not for where they were, he would commit to exploring every inch of her body and finding new ways to pleasure her for the rest of the night.

With supreme effort, he stepped back enough to allow her to stand on her own without the support of his body. She kept her hands on his shoulders, not allowing him to leave her completely. Lifting her chin, she peered at him through the shadows.

“Are you all right?” she asked gently.

He would never be all right again.

He wanted to growl his response, but instead he took a long breath and answered with a smile. “I should be asking you that.”

She gave a sound that was half laugh, half sigh as she ran her hands down the front of her gown, brushing out the creases that had settled into the fabric.

“I am…” Her soft gaze met his. “I had no idea.”

“Neither did I,” he confessed in a low whisper.

“Did you…?” She paused. “Did you feel the same thing?”

Oh God, she wanted to know if he had climaxed. He shook his head and took another step back from her, needing more distance if he were to regain any semblance of control.

He ran his hand back through his hair and glanced up at the stars, seeking strength in the stretch of sky above. “No,” he finally replied, meeting her gaze again. “This was for you alone.”

She tipped her head to the side. “Why?”

How could he explain that despite how badly he wanted to claim her completely, he never would?

He clenched his fists at his sides as he looked at her. Her features were smooth and unreadable, giving nothing away. She deserved the truth from him.

She deserved a hell of a lot more than that, but the truth at least was something he could provide.

“Nothing can come of us,” he said sternly, realizing he was trying to convince himself as much as her. He lowered his brows. “You understand that, don’t you?”

Her gaze roamed over his face, touching on every feature in a careful study. He stood silent under her regard, willing her to see the truth of the matter. “Your virtue is safe from me,” he added bluntly when she failed to respond. “Someday you will find a gentleman worthy of being your husband. I will not ruin you.”

She was silent for several thudding heartbeats, then she gave a small nod. “I see.”

He sure as hell hoped so, because he did not think he was capable of muttering through further explanation.

Her spine straightened and she lifted her hands to smooth her coiffure. Her movements were economical and precise. The passionate woman who had been writhing and gasping only moments ago had effectively been replaced by the practical young woman who took her responsibilities seriously. Roderick almost smiled with the pleasure of knowing he was the only person to see that other side of her, to know what it felt like to hold her magic in his hands.

She held her chin firm as she looked toward the house. “I should return.” Looking back at him, she swept her hands down the front of her gown and asked, “Am I presentable?”

You are gorgeous.

He wanted to say it, but the words could not get past his tightly clenched teeth. Instead, he gently took her face in his hands. He brushed his thumb across her lips, and they parted beneath his touch, her breath bathing his thumb in a gentle caress. Knowing he tortured himself, he could not resist one more kiss. Her taste was saturated with desire and threatened to draw him in again. He kept his lips firm against hers and the contact painfully brief.