Page 54 of The Marquess of Secrets

“But the double wedding—”

“You will be attending as my guest.”

Lydia shook her head furiously. “Absolutely not. You mentioned it was family only. My presence there would upset those plans and raise speculation as to our relationship.”

“There will be a few family friends there as well. As I told you, my family is unaware of my secret life. Perhaps I need you as a witness, for I intend to reveal all to them.”

Harrison grasped his water goblet and took a drink. “I’m teasing, perhaps a little. But I’ve had enough with secrets and lies.”

He pushed the glass away. “As to our relationship, I will tell my family the truth—for once. I will tell them that you have captured my attention as no woman ever before. That you are under my protection. That we are friends. That I’m completely smitten and hope there will be more when you’re ready. And that you have a firm hold of my heart.”

He met her gaze. “I relinquish it to your care. For I am falling for you, Lydia. I will not deny it any longer.”

Lydia blinked rapidly; her lower lip quivered. “Oh, Harrison.”

“I assure you I’m not as dull as I outwardly project.”

“At this stage, I wouldn’t mind a little dull. You are far from that,” Lydia whispered. “I’ve had my fill of arrogant, brooding, possessive men. A generous man of honor? One who selflessly serves his fellowman? Loves his family? Respects women? Oh, I could give my heart to a man such as that.”

“If you were to ask it of me,” he said in a low, husky tone, “I would tear down the sky.”

“What is happening between us?” Lydia whispered.

Harrison smiled wistfully. “Something quite—wonderful. I want to kiss you.”

“You do?”

“Yes, standing, facing each other. I’ll caress your flushed cheeks, nibble on the pulse point on your neck, slowly move upward and capture your lips, kiss you, take complete possession, taste every inch of your mouth—”

The soft moan that emitted from her was all the invitation he needed. Harrison was out of his chair and bringing her up into his crushing embrace, and she softened in his arms.

Then he did as he described: he cupped her face, caressing her cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. He looked into her beautiful blue-green eyes and held nothing back. No more hiding his emotions.

Leaning in, he located that enticing pulse on her neck and nibbled and kissed it until she moaned once again.

God, he was aroused, ready to burst into flames. But nothing prepared him for the devastating kiss. Barely touching her lips in the bedroom several nights past had him reeling, but this?

Utterly earth-shattering.

Her tongue tangled with his, increasing the heat between them. Harrison brought her in closer until her ample breasts smashed against his chest, and his arousal pushed against her thigh.

Would she flinch or push him away? To his absolute joy, she flung her arms about his neck, kissing him enthusiastically, pressing against him until a deep-throated growl rumbled up from his chest and escaped the corner of his mouth.

Easy. Regardless of his rampant desire, Harrison didn’t want to overwhelm Lydia.

In slow increments, he reluctantly ended the kiss. “Thank you.”

“No, thank you.”

Laughing, Harrison gallantly pulled out her chair then took his own seat. Sobering, he caught her gaze. Lydia’s eyes were bright, alive.

“It is something wonderful. Can you feel it?” he said.

She nodded, then a furrow knotted between her brows.

“But I cannot attend a family event. Especially one as intimate as a wedding. Surely you see this.”

“No, I do not. Besides, there is a place I want to show you. It’s not far from my family’s estate. The Hornsby and Wollstonecraft Residential Home. It’s for those with special needs, mentally and physically. There is no reason you cannot be a nurse there. At least temporarily until you decide what you wish to do next. It’s far enough away from London—and Huntsford. The residence is located in a quiet, tranquil, country setting. It will give you time to heal.”