A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,74

of himself, while Shelley only loves himself,” he scoffed. “Neither are romantics in my opinion.” He shocked her by bending down and pressing his lips against her skin where a tear stood suspended, refusing to fall down her cheek. Still holding her, he leaned away and grinned like a wicked rogue. “I admit I surprise myself sometimes.”

Underneath his gruffness was a man who possessed the ability to feel deeply. Whoever married him would find herself in a love affair that would last a lifetime.

But she couldn’t think of that now. She’d not think of another woman in his arms. Not when he held her so close. He was giving her a moment in time, one she’d cherish forever. A brief respite from the ugliness that shadowed her.

This time when their gazes met, something changed. It was as if they were building a path, stone by stone, between them. Kat had no idea where it would lead them, but she wanted to follow it.

Unable to resist, Kat tugged his coat gently, urging him toward her. When he complied, she balanced herself on the balls of her feet to meet him. His eyes never left hers as she tilted her mouth. With the gentlest of touches, she brushed her lips against his in the same manner as he’d done in the conservatory that very afternoon.

A deep groan vibrated in his chest at her touch, but she wouldn’t give him any quarter. She wanted to kiss him repeatedly until he understood what he meant to her.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

“Say my name,” he demanded softly. “Don’t let that intimacy be stolen from us.”

“Christian.” Her voice had softened with desire, and she repeated it. “Christian, let me kiss you.”

“Yes.” His whisper buried deep within her, unleashing a want she’d never felt for another before.

She pressed her lips against his and allowed the kiss to evolve on its own. He pulled her tighter into his embrace, all the while holding her steady. In turn, she wrapped her hands around his neck. His long hair was softer than she’d ever dreamed. Unable to keep from touching him, she played with his locks as they slid through her fingers like black silk.

Emboldened, she gently nibbled on his full lower lip. It was like the finest velvet. She licked the seam of his mouth. In response, he exhaled, and she swept her tongue inside.

As they explored what each liked, they held each other tighter, both unwilling to let the other go. Unhurried, he mated his tongue with hers. His hands skated down her back much like a waltz. Two slides down, and one slide up. This continued until one hand rested on her lower back.

He leaned back and his gaze drank in her features, slowly and methodically before he closed the inches between them. It was his turn to kiss her. At first it was gentle but grew demanding and possessive. Her thoughts whirled, and she realized that for the first time in her life, she was experiencing real passion with a man who wanted her as much as she wanted him.

It was seduction at its finest. And she didn’t care that it was her doing the seducing. Or was it him? It didn’t matter. Only this moment mattered.

Christian pulled her close, pressing her lower body against his. Through the layers of clothing, she could feel his hard length where heat pulsed. Pure male power surrounded her. He wanted her. A familiar wetness grew between her legs, and she moaned. It always happened when she thought of them embracing like this.

His kiss turned urgent, as if he were claiming her, marking her as his. Just as she’d imagined doing the same with him. Honestly, she imagined lots of things besides kissing Christian. She fantasized about them in bed making love. It would be glorious to kiss every inch of his body while she explored. His body was like a tapestry, and she’d take her time admiring every inch of him.

His hands continued to roam her body until she put her hand on top of his, then slowly pulled her skirt up. He broke the kiss, and his gaze turned tender. She smiled in answer, all the while pulling her gown up.

“No one will intrude. Willa’s warned everyone to stay away when my door is closed.”

“I hope you pay that woman enough for her sound judgment. However, I locked the door behind me,” he murmured, then stole a kiss.

Katherine laughed gently against his lips. Without warning, he picked her up