to Beatrice’s mother hen, was managing quite well as Des’s assistant. She concentrated all her attention on the performance, as though Des were dependent on her for good luck.
Cecilia seemed awed by the juggling, but Jess suspected that the audience was as bemused by the vision in pink as they were by the man’s dexterity.
Occasionally Cecilia would glance at her sister. Beatrice’s worry must have communicated itself because those glances did nothing to bolster her confidence. Someone needed to distract Beatrice if only to save the performance. Nominating himself, ignoring the fact that it was just an excuse to be closer to her, Jess left his spot by the door and joined her where she stood at the back of the group.
“Dinner was a unique experience, was it not?”
“Yes,” Beatrice answered absently, as she gave a bright nod to Cecilia.
“To eat the very fish one has caught has a very basic feel to it.”
“Yes,” Beatrice said again, applauding lightly at a particularly deft catch by Des.
“It made me feel very primitive.” He closed the space between them even more.
“Indeed,” Beatrice said, ignoring his nearness, but he could feel her heat and she did not move away.
“It made me long to throw you over my shoulder, take you to my cave, and ravish you with kisses until you begged for mercy.”
That did draw her attention. She still did not look away from Cecilia but straightened her shoulders. “Begged? I would never beg, my lord. Though I must admit I am curious as to how it feels to be ravished with kisses.” She glanced at him. “Now stop trying to shock me and leave me alone until Lord Destry and Cecilia have finished.”
Despite the set-down, he had to laugh. Her reaction made him want to kiss her all the more. Not wise. Not wise at all. But then wisdom was not a trait particular to any of the Pennistans. They left that to Olivia’s husband, Michael Garrett, who had enough for five men.
“She is not the only one who must have confidence in her. You need to as well. Now is a good time to start.”
She stared straight ahead and he could feel her brain working. “You are right,” she said, as if a man with insight were the oddest thing in the world. “How did you know that?”
“I’ve spent my life watching people.” Usually at the gaming table but it paid off in other areas as well.
She followed his advice and gave him her full attention. “I’m curious, my lord, where does one go to be ravished with kisses?”
He could tell her, but it would be even more fun to show her.
A hearty round of applause startled her. The other guests moved to the front of the room, giving him an irresistible opportunity.
His rational mind made one loud protest but his impulse won out and he grabbed Beatrice’s hand, pulling her into the corridor, which was empty of guests and servants.
He could see surprise but not shock in her eyes as he lowered his mouth to hers. He could feel her smile, taste her sweetness, the gift of youth and innocence she presented to him without guile. Pulling her closer still, he found he wanted to protect and ravish her both at the same time.
Pleasure spiraled between them, ensnaring him with longing if not pure lust, and what began as a teasing kiss became something he could not control. He showed her what a kiss could be, how it promised and teased and tempted.
When he could finally command himself to draw back he was prepared for outrage, but she surprised him. She did look stunned, which was gratifying in a purely masculine way, but raising her hand to her lips, she smiled. A secret smile this time.
“How can it be everything and not enough, both at once?”
Like the urge to protect and ravish, he thought.
She seemed to think better of waiting for an answer and dashed away from him, back into the salon to join the others.
“IT WAS THE most exciting experience of my entire life.”
“Bitsy, you actually let him kiss you?” Cecilia was not at all sure she had heard correctly. Beatrice was given to impulse, but not wildness.
“He was irresistible.” The accompanying shrug was the most nominal apology.
“You barely know him.”
“It’s not about the length of an acquaintance. There is some kind of magnetism between us. The truth is, Cecilia, kissing him is the least of what I would like to do.”
Cecilia shook her head and covered her ears.