A Dash of Scandal(47)

Lord Dunraven lifted his head and looked deeply into her eyes as if searching for something. With one hand splayed against her back he pressed her to him. With his other hand he reached up and touched her ear, softly caressing the small lobe. Slowly his fingertips took the same path down her neck that his lips had followed earlier, only this time the journey didn’t stop at the lace collar. His hand continued down her chest until his open palm rested on the full swell of her breast.

Millicent was hardly breathing. She felt as though her insides were twisting into a wondrous knot of exciting sensations. No one had ever touched her breasts before, and it was thrilling. His hand slid beneath her breast and lifted it into his palm and he closed his fingers around it, squeezing gently yet firmly. The sensations that shot through her were wondrous.

Her lower body strained to get closer to him, and he answered her invitation by pressing harder against her. Millicent gasped again as she felt the hardness of his body.

For the first time in her life she knew what it was like to want a man to love her. The desirous sensations caused her to press her lips to his and slide her tongue deep into his mouth. He muffled his groan.

“I knew it,” he whispered passionately against her lips. “Your breast fits perfectly into my hand.”

It feels perfect.

He looked into her eyes. “If only I could remove your dress and look upon your beauty with the desire I feel for you at this moment. I would show you how a man loves a woman.”

As if considering the possibility, he glanced toward the front of the shop, where muffled talking could still be heard. He lowered his head to her chest for a moment, then lifted it again.

“But now is not the time and this is not the place. I want to kiss you again. I have good luck, but I’m not going to push it further today.”

Slowly he let her go and stepped away. Millicent felt bereft and out of breath. He helped her to straighten her collar, then ran his thumb across her lips and smiled.

“You look like you have been thoroughly kissed.”

Millicent touched her lips with her fingertips. “What should I do?” she asked.

“Nothing.” He reached up and lowered her hand from her mouth. “The redness will disappear quickly.”

She shook her head in worry. “I can’t believe I let you kiss me and… and… touch me so intimately here in this public place. I’m afraid I’ve shocked myself.”

As soon as the words were out, she would have done anything to take them back. He probably wanted to hear that she was upset with herself for submitting to his wishes so easily. Her heart was beating so fast and she was so light-headed with desire that nothing more sane would pass her lips.

He smiled. “Don’t worry about your reputation. You are safe with me.”

“After what just passed between us, that is an absurd remark, sir. I’m safe anywhere but in your presence where I seem to turn into a wanton—”

He cut off her words by placing his thumb lightly against her lips. “We shared some passionate kisses. That is all. No one but us will ever know.”

Of course he would say that. He would not want to be caught in such a compromising and unforgiving situation and be forced to marry her. He was a confirmed bachelor. No, it was best they forget this ever happened, and she must stay away from him at all cost.

“I understand.” She pulled on the neckline of her dress and moistened her lips. They tasted of Lord Dunraven, and her chest tightened, as she missed his embrace already. Oh, what had she done? What had she allowed him to do, to kiss her so intimately and to touch her in such forbidden places?

“What parties are you attending this evening?”

“We’ll be going to the Dovershafts and then to Almack’s. Why?”

He stepped away from her and said, “Because knowing where you will be means I don’t waste time looking for you this evening. Go back to the other side of the counter before your maid misses you.”

Just like that he was ready to be rid of her. How could she have gone so easily into his arms and allowed him to do whatever he wished?

“Clearly, Lord Dunraven, I had not met a rake until I met you. I should have nothing more to do with you.”

His gaze stayed on hers. “Perhaps you shouldn’t, but the question is, will you?”

Millicent closed her eyes and counted to three.

Angels above! She should be worried about much more than having been so thoroughly kissed. How had she fallen under his enchanting spell so quickly and completely?