He inhaled the scent of her hair, jasmine and fresh vanilla. It went straight to his head and made him forget what he had planned to do. His gaze settled on her lips. They were pink and full, and when she moistened them with the tip of her tongue, he had to kiss her.
“Maybe I should leave, I…” she stopped in mid-sentence.
“Yes.” There was a draw between the two of them.
Suddenly she laced her hand around the back of his neck and shocked him by pulling his head down to meet her. When their lips touched, something shifted deep within him, as though his old life left his body and a new one began. He groaned softly against her mouth as she deepened the kiss. It was like neither had control of what was happening. It just was.
For the first time in a long time, he called a moment in his life wonderful.
Placing a hand around her slim waist, he pulled her close. He had to feel her warmth against him. In his trousers his arousal was apparent; it grew along with an almost desperate need to have her be his.
He’d pushed away his physical emotions for so long he was shocked by how quickly Adeline brought the feel of pleasure back. He kissed her again, and then again. The touch of her mouth sent a slow shiver of desire though him that melted his ice-clad heart.
Clarke wanted the kiss to go on forever. He had never given in to his deepest desires, but at this moment all he wanted was to pull her beneath him. He wanted to peel the clothes from her body and kiss her in very unrespectable places until she moaned his name.
But now was not the time. He forced himself to ease away. They were both breathing hard, and they just stared into each other’s eyes.
“You were right before. I should leave. If I do not, you will be stuck with me for life.” Her cheeks were flushed and her mouth swollen from his kisses.
She smiled and his heart slipped. “I can think of many worse things.”
Chapter Three
It had been a week’s time since Adeline’s encounter with Clarke. She wanted desperately to talk to him, but knew avoiding their meeting was for the best since there were always people around. Every time she saw him, even at a distance, there was a wild charge that passed between them bringing back memories of the night he’d kissed her. Their encounter could only be one time. It could never happen again. She would never allow her family’s scandal to darken Clarke’s name.
Adeline grasped Felicity’s arm as they headed down curved marble stairs to the ball. Adeline dreaded the evening. These days, she didn’t really care much for any social gatherings. Earlier in the day she tried to use the excuse she didn’t have the proper dress, which she didn’t, but when Felicity let her borrow one, she’d run out of excuses. She’d used the excuse of a headache the week prior, and Felicity wouldn’t let her use that again.
She had to admit, the dress Felicity let her borrow was beautiful. The blue silk had an outer layer of delicate lace and ribbon trim. Adeline’s hair was covered with a row of sheer frill trim with matching blue ribbon knots. A pearl necklace, tasselled earrings, and bracelets on each wrist finished the ensemble.
The crinoline under her skirts was already itching through her chemise. She’d make a quick appearance and eat a few bites. After all, she had to eat something. She’d bid a quick goodnight and head back to her room.
She felt better now that she had a plan.
It also felt good to have Felicity by her side, but as soon as they entered the ballroom, Felicity spotted another friend and left her standing alone by a potted fern.
“May I have this dance?” a deep voice asked.
Adeline spun and almost collided with Clarke. He smiled and tipped his head her direction. In his white tie and tails, he was the handsomest man she’s ever laid eyes on. He extended his hand.
“I’m not sure that would be a wise idea, my lord” she said, pausing to keep an even tone to her voice.
“I know you are not here with anyone.”
“And how would you know that?”
“Felicity.”
“It is not necessary to feel pity for me. She always imagines herself a matchmaker. There are many much more suitable women here to dance with. If we dance the guests will start the gossip wheel turning against your favor.”
He looked around and frowned. People were watching them. “I do not wish to dance with ‘other women’. I wish to dance with you.”
She hadn’t really agreed, but Clarke grasped her arm and drew her towards the floor. The dancers stood in rows to face each other as the music began. Her heart raced seeing the fire in his eyes. The look he gave her made her feel beautiful and desired. He could have just about any single woman here. Why choose her, the woman with the scandalous family?