"Indeed." His fingers moved to trace the line of her brow, sending a shock of sensations through her body. "Nights such as this lead to all sorts of wicked thoughts."
Wicked. Amelia shivered, feeling oddly unlike herself in the darkened garden. Perhaps it was the moonlight. Or the delicious scent of roses. Or perhaps this was simply a moment out of time, she thought dizzily. Whatever the reason, she desperately longed to shrug aside her heavy burdens and responsibilities. Just for now she wanted to be a young, beautiful maiden with nothing to concern her but a very desirable flirtation with a handsome gentleman.
With a deliberate coyness she peered at him from beneath her heavy lashes.
"You intrigue me, sir. What possible wicked thoughts could a gentleman such as you possess?"
His breath rasped through the air at her deliberately provoking manner, but his expression never altered.
"Thoughts best forgotten, my dear."
"Why?"
"You do enjoy playing with fire, do you not?" he murmured, his fingers moving to outline the full curve of her lips.
"At times, I suppose." Lost in the unfamiliar fever that seared her blood, Amelia shifted close enough to j feel his body through the thin lawn of her gown. "Do you prefer the more cautious paths?"
He gave a choked groan deep in his throat, his fingers convulsively cupping her cheek. "They are considerably safer."
"But often dull."
"And peaceful."
She gazed into the eyes that had turned to a misty smoke. "Surely as a scholar you desire some stimulation to keep your wits sharp?"
His features remained composed, but Amelia could; sense the rapid, uneven beat of his heart.
He might desire to be indifferent but his body was swiftly betraying him.
"It depends entirely upon the stimulation," he muttered. "My wits do not feel particularly sharp at the moment."
Her smile was filled with a feminine mystery as old as time. Oh no, at this moment she was not boring, responsible Amelia Hadwell at all.
"Perhaps you should blame it upon the moon."
"The moon does indeed possess its share of blame." His gaze lowered to where his fingers continued to brush over her lips. "But not all, I think."
"I have no ancient powers."
His expression became wry. "You are mistaken. Your powers are the most ancient of all."
A faint frown touched her brow as she sensed the rigid control that wrapped about his inner passions.
"Powers you are quite determined to resist, are you not?"
He drew in a deep, uneven breath, an unmistakable flare of pain darkening his eyes.
"It seems the wisest course."
"Why?"
"There is still a demon haunting the neighborhood. As long as there is danger then I must remain vigilant." His hand tightened upon her cheek, his expression somber. "It is very important, Amelia."
"Yes, I know," she agreed softly, even as her mind shied from recalling such unpleasantness.
There would be time enough for such worries tomorrow.
Clearly sensing her dangerous mood, Sebastian shifted uneasily. "You should return to bed."