Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(49)

For now she would take the moment of quiet, although she still wanted to know what Colton had planned. She glanced across at him as he sat talking to Lady Perse. Why had she never realized that the two were more than acquaintances? They chatted and laughed like old family friends before turning to the music. It was impossible to turn her gaze away from Colton. Every move he made seemed so much bigger, more important, than anyone else’s.

He caught her staring and the corners of his mouth tilted up. He ran a single finger across the linen tablecloth, and she could feel it tracing across her collarbone. He dipped his finger into the champagne, and her nipples hardened with the sudden chill—and when he brought it to his lips…

Her knees pressed together, and it was work not to pant.

He’d been right about the anticipation. Her whole body felt ready to explode, and all he had to do was look at her.

What was he planning?

His eyes suddenly moved from her to the house and up. She followed his gaze. He was staring at the high stone balcony just off the music room. She looked back at him. He nodded to her and then up at the balcony.

Did he want her to go there?

A more vigorous nod.

Yes, he did.

She rose obediently and walked to her mother, whispering that she wanted a better view, wanted to appreciate the night-sky vista while listening to the vocals. Her mother gave her a questioning look but did not gainsay her.

With some trepidation, she walked into the house and up to the music room and then out to the balcony. The door had been left slightly ajar. Colton must have been up here earlier. The stone wall rose slightly above her waist. She leaned against it, peering out at the night. It was a spectacular view. Even if this was all Colton had planned for her, it would be worth it.

She glanced down. Colton was still speaking with Lady Perse. Her mother looked up and Angela waved.

She closed her eyes and listened to the music, letting herself relax and enjoy.

Music had never been her passion, but this moment was near perfect: the cool air, the sense of endless space, the—

Something brushed her ankle. Startled, she jumped.

“Shh, just be still.”

“But—”

“Be still.” This time, command filled his voice.

She glanced down. Colton sat beside her feet on the stone floor of the balcony, well hidden from those below.

“Keep facing the stone wall. Spread your legs slightly.”

With a swallow, she obeyed. It should not have been possible for him to be so filled with authority while sitting below her on the stones, but…“What?”

“Do not speak unless I tell you to.”

Pressing her lips tight, she inched her legs farther apart.

His fingers settled on her stockings, just above the ankle, and then…then slowly, oh so slowly, they inched their way up, pausing at the backs of her knees to trace the most delicious patterns.

Colton was touching her. He was finally touching her.

And it was so much more than she had ever dreamed.

She’d imagined it as she touched herself, thinking of Colton and her French lieutenant, but never—never…God, that was good. How could it be so much better than…A small gasp escaped as he caught the top of her stockings, brushing the tender skin of her inner thighs, pulling open the ties; then, inch by inch, he pulled them down, baring her flesh to the cool of the night air.

“Good girl, very good girl,” he whispered. “I’d like to make you take off your slippers, to stand on the cold stone, to fully appreciate how vulnerable you are, but given that someone might decide to join us, I shall let you keep them—for now.”

His words made her shiver. And then his lips were against the inside of her knee, nibbling, kissing. It was hard to stand still. She wanted to move, to reach down and stroke his hair, to hold him to her.

“Tell me what is happening below.”

“What?”

“What is Lady Johnson doing?”

“Lady Johnson? You want me to…”

“Do not question me.” The heat of his breath brushed her inner thigh and higher.

She stared down. Don’t think about…Ahh, that was tender. She’d never known that…Where was Lady Johnson? There, talking to Lady Perse. “She’s changed seats. She’s whispering something to Lady Perse. Probably something about what time breakfast is and whether she will be up before one.”

His lips moved higher. “Spread more.”

With a slight shiver, she complied.

He lifted her skirts, and the full chill of the evening air hit her, cooling her and inflaming her in one moment.

“Move farther from the wall; bend slightly, leaning over it. Yes, rest your weight on your elbows. Arch your back, just so. Very, very nice.” He moved away a bit and she felt him do something at the back of her hips. Knotting her skirts up somehow?

There was a scraping and she glanced down to see that he was now sitting against the wall of the house, staring at her behind—and not only at her behind. He was staring right between her legs. She started to close them.

“No. Move them wider. And wider still. Do you know you glisten in the moonlight? Are you wet for me, Angela? Is it thoughts of what I will do to you that has your juices marking your upper thighs?”

“I…”

“No, I do not want you to actually answer. Just keep looking down at the gathering; watch and enjoy the music—as I enjoy my view. Do not look back at me again.”