The Seduction of Sebastian St. James (House of Renwick #2)(45)

The only thing that seemed to be wounded was her pride and her backside, not that she could check for damages considering her skirts had flown over her head. Maybe this was why women wore special clothes for riding.

“Emma? Can you hear me? Are you alright?” Sebastian was immediately on his knees by her side frantically pulling at her skirts to examine her face.

Emma watched wide-eyed as Sebastian moved his warm hands slowly up the expanse of her exposed calves. It was her fault she was in this predicament. Foolish of her to think she wouldn’t somehow fall off her horse and embarrass herself after challenging him then taking off in a blasted gallop.

Her skirts flung over her so fast it was impossible to cover up what was now exposed for the world, or maybe just Sebastian, to see. Unfortunately, now she was drugged, actually entranced as his wicked smile caused her stomach to clench with anticipation. Now that she knew what a man’s hands felt like on her legs, she wasn’t sure she would ever be the same.

His eyes locked with hers.

She was lost.

“Are you hurt?” He continued rubbing her legs, probably feeling for broken bones. Curse him for making her shiver.

“You’re cold,” he stated as he pulled her into his embrace and continued moving his hands down her arms looking for bruises.

Emma gulped when they touched her face. Almost like a whisper. “I’m fine I assure you.” Managing a weak smile she tried to pull back.

He held her in place.

“You don’t have to be strong, you know,” Sebastian said.

Oh, how untrue that statement was. “But I do.” She hadn’t meant for it to be a time of confession. If this man truly knew the reasons behind her strength, he would surely push her away.

Pulling her to her feet he managed a small curse as her knobby knees caused her to stumble into his chest. Again. Why did he have to be a duke? And why oh why did he have to be so blasted alluring?

“Sorry,” she mumbled, her eyes rested on his lips.

“I’m not,” he said, dragging her head toward his lips. The softness of his touch paralyzed her and possessed her all at once. The simplicity of the kiss both stunned and aroused her.

“Seb…” She tried in vain to say something—anything to free herself from his grasp, even though it was the last thing she wanted. It was in his best interest not to associate with her. But how she wanted him.

He pulled back long enough to look behind her, then grinning wolfishly, descended again with a blurry haze of passion, alternating between biting her lips and stealing the breath straight out of her lungs. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, begging entry. She gave in and hoped her sanity would stay in tact, though her brain was quickly turning to fuzz.

Sebastian groaned as his tongue tangled with hers. What on earth was she doing? Part of her wanted to escape, the other wanted to throw caution to the wind and melt into him.

As her body treacherously thought of ways she could mold herself to his person, his lips left hers and began biting swiftly down the curve of her neck until she thought she might go absolutely mad.

Who knew biting could be so erotic?

Only Sebastian St. James, the “good” duke who had his fair share of wicked intent this dark night.

****

Possession. Plain and simple. He needed her more than he needed air. Pure torture enflamed him when he saw the creamy white legs peeking out from Emma’s upturned skirt. First he was horrified and angry that she had challenged him, and then panic stricken because she had fallen off her horse. Blast him for his good intentions. All he wanted to do was help and then…well he had touched her.

All was lost in that moment.

He was known for having a sound mind and body.

It was not a proud moment for the Duke of Tempest. The second he finally gave in to the temptation he had been so desperately trying to ignore for the past week.

He clung to her body like she was his lifeline and prayed to God she wouldn’t push him away.

Her soft moan only fanned the flames as his hands pulled her hair free so it draped her smooth shoulders. He cursed silently to himself. She was perfect.

Emma arched her body toward his, and he took full advantage of the opportunity and brushed his lips across the upward curve of her breasts. Slowly, methodically he leaned her against the side of the hill and edged his hands up her legs.

Not able to take it anymore, he stole another glance as he caressed behind her knees. Never had a woman’s legs looked so good. Ever.

Groaning, he only released his hold on her because he wasn’t sure what he wanted more. To kiss the girl senseless or utterly ruin her for anyone else.

A primitive possession took hold, making him furious just thinking about another man touching her. And to think, he was supposed to be setting her up with someone else during this house party.

Never would another man have her. He was still furious at Rawlings for even suggesting marriage, let alone embarrassing her as he had that night at dinner.

Mine, mine, mine.

A horse neighed in the distance. He pushed her away out of sheer habit and finally got a good look at her face. Emma’s long hair mussed around her cheeks, giving her the look of a goddess. It didn’t help that her lips were good and swollen from being so passionately kissed.

I did that, he thought smugly as he reached out to touch her cheek.





Chapter Twenty-one