Not the footman.
He turned to face Anne as they stood in the entryway of Lord Overburys home. Leo searched her face for anger, even as he knew he didnt care whether or not she was angry. He had acted, primal instinct pushing his body into motion, heedless of consequence.
Her eyes were bright. But not with anger. Something far more visceral. Excitement.
Tomorrow. He advanced on her, stalking her, yet she did not back up in fear. She met him straight on, until their bodies were less than an inch apart. You teach me how to dance.
You have taken a sudden interest in it.
He shook his head. If anyone partners my wife, it will be me, and no other.
Color stained her cheeks. Dancing exclusively with ones spouse is considered unfashionable at best. Gauche at worst.
Dont. Bloody. Care. He brought his mouth down on hers. Her lips were soft, silky. And eager.
Her fingers threaded into his hair, holding him close, as she met his kiss. In the span of a day, already transformation had begun. For she knew him nownot perfectly, not entirely, just as he still did not fully know herbut this, the touch of lips to lips and the consuming of each other, this was known and explored further.
His blood was fire, his body instantly awakened and aware. He gathered her close and hated the elaborate cage of her gown, for he could not feel her completely, locked as she was in stays, panniers, and petticoats. The rustling of her silken dress sounded louder than a tempest. It maddened him, suggesting the movement of her body beneath her clothing.
He walked her backward, until the wall met her back. Pressed himself against her. This primitive needit overwhelmed him. Never had the hunger for a woman been greater, the demand to take, and to give, in return. His cock was thick and impatient as he positioned himself between her legs, and as he rocked up, she gave a low, soft moan.
Hellfire, he wanted her. Like this. Now.
My gracious!
Leo swung around, snarling. Lord and Lady Overbury stood nearby, frozen in shock as they took in the sight of their guests on the verge of coupling
right in the foyer. Several other guests gathered behind them. And the footman, holding Annes cloak.
Releasing Anne, Leo held out his hand toward the servant. The footman hurried forward with the cloak. Leo took it from him, then draped it around a stunned Annes shoulders.
My carriage ready?
The footman nodded and held open the front door. Leo flung a shilling at him before tucking Annes hand into the crook of his arm. They strode from the entryway, out into the night. He did not wait for the footman to open the waiting carriage door, but tore it open and helped Anne inside. With her seated, Leo threw himself into the carriage, sitting opposite his wife.
As the footman shut the carriage door behind them, Leo caught a glimpse of the assembly guests all standing in the doorway of Overburys house. They stared at the carriage as if it were the vehicle of the Devil himself. Leo smirked. They had no idea.
He rapped on the roof of the carriage, and it drove away, heading northeast toward Bloomsbury.
In the shifting shadows within the carriage, Leos arousal did not diminish. It grew only stronger. He thought about reaching across the space of the vehicle and gripping Anne about the waist, hauling her over so that she straddled him. Sex in a carriage could be damned enjoyable.
But a slight movement captured his attention. Anne was shivering within her cloak. And not from the cold.
Damn it. He had scared her. Again.
Youve nothing to fear from me. His voice was rough, and he heard the hard consonants of his old accent.
When she spoke, her words were soft, barely audible above the rattle of the carriage wheels on the cobbles. Its what I want that frightens me.
Chapter 7
For the whole of the ride, he did not attempt to touch her. Neither spoke. Despite the chill outside, the atmosphere within the carriage felt hotter and heavier than any tropics. She breathed in, and felt every one of her nerves absorb the heat.
From the time she left her home this evening to now, she had transformed in a way even she did not fully understand. She felt the profundity of her body, its taut anticipation, and also the barely leashed hunger in his.
Sit beside me, she said into the darkness.
Cant. His voice was an almost subterranean rumble. I touch you, I wont stop. And Ill not take your virginity in a carriage.
Anne did not know one could engage in lovemaking in a carriage. Now that he had introduced the idea, though, her mind filled with possibilities. It wasnt capacious, but surely there was room enough, and the curtains could be drawn ...
Stop. He scrubbed a hand over his face. I know what youre thinking, and if you keep thinking it, Ill make it happen.
Perhaps I want you to. God! She could hardly believe she had said that! Yet this night was abounding with possibility, just as she was.
Leo growled a curse. Not in a damned carriage. Not the first time.
A sultry need spread through her when she considered that at some point in the future, he might very well take her in a carriage. Or she might take him. Anything could happen.