his coat, and went back into the yard, which was now thankfully empty. Intending to don his coat before returning to the house, he caught sight of something in the grass glinting in the sun.
He bent to pick the object up—an earring. Which he recognized. The gold-and-carnelian piece belonged to Genie.
His pulse quickened at the prospect of returning it to her. If only she hadn’t asked him not to say he’d enjoyed last night. He’d been certain she’d enjoyed it too. But it seemed she regretted it.
He closed his fist around the earring and straightened. Looking toward the house, he was surprised to see the object of his thoughts coming directly toward him.
Genie slowed as she neared him. She looked about on the ground. “I lost an earring.”
He held out his hand, opening his fist. “This one?”
She sucked in a breath. “Yes. Thank you.”
He closed his hand around it once more. “I could hold it hostage.”
Her gaze snapped to his, her eyes widening. “For what?”
“Do you regret what happened last night?” He had to know, and yet he didn’t think he could bear it if she said yes.
It took her a moment to respond, but it was worth the wait. “No.” She cautiously stepped toward him. “Still, I don’t wish to repeat it.”
“Why not?”
“Edmund, please don’t do this. It’s best if we move on.”
He took her hand and pivoted, pulling her with him behind the stable. Not pulling, exactly, because she wasn’t resisting.
When they were out of sight of the house, he let go of her and turned to face her. “Why? Tell me why you want to pretend there isn’t something between us.”
“I did!” Her eyes blistered with fire. “We don’t want the same things. We can’t make each other happy, not past this party.”
They didn’t want the same things. She wanted children, and he didn’t have any. He needed an heir, and she couldn’t give him one. That was the difference—she wanted and he needed. But did he want a child? He’d thought he might, but at the moment, he couldn’t see past the strong feelings he had for her.
He wanted every moment with her he could get. Even if this was to be the last one. “Then why not make the most of this party while we’re here? Come to me tonight.”
“No.”
He swore. Reaching for her hand, he put the earring in her palm. “Take this and go, then.”
She stared at the jewel. Shaking, she brought it up to her ear and slid it through the tiny hole, fastening it in place. But she didn’t go. She stood there, her chest heaving as she stared at him.
He saw the conflict in her eyes—the desire, the pain. “Genie, my darling, why do you fight this?” He gently stroked her jaw, then cupped her cheek.
“I can’t be the woman you need.”
His heart ached at the anguish in her voice. “You are the woman I want.” And he knew in that moment, despite the brevity of their acquaintance and the stark conflict that would seem to prevent their future, she was.
She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him. Edmund snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her chest against his. He slanted his mouth over hers and made certain she knew how badly he wanted her. Needed her. Desired her above all others.
He tossed his coat and hat away, then nipped her lower lip and kissed along her jawline, licking her flesh toward her ear. Dragging his mouth along her neck, he savored her taste and scent.
“Edmund, I—”
He pulled his head up and looked into her hazy eyes. “What? Tell me what you want. If you want me to go, I will. If you want me to toss up your skirts and shag you senseless, I will. Tell me, Genie.”
“Take me. Now. Please.” She dug her fingers into his neck and shoulders.
He steered her backward until she met the exterior of the stable. They were somewhat obscured by a shrub on one side, but if someone happened by on the other, they would be seen. “Be sure you want this—here. Now.” He clasped her hip and ground against her.
She whimpered. “Yes.” She tugged at her skirts, raising them.
There was nothing to aid them. He would have to lift her, but knew he could. Hell, he could have carried the damn world if it meant he could share ecstasy with her one more time.
He put his hand on hers and brought her skirts to her waist. “Hold them,” he