Page 26 of The Best Marquess

Before she could reply, his mouth captured hers and the world turned upside down. Finn’s lips were warm and firm, but not gentle like a friend…demanding. Like a conqueror. Like The Highland Marauder or A Wicked Comte come to life, and her lips were tingling from the sheer goodness of the possessive pressure. Except then it got even better as the tip of his tongue flicked her lips, insisting on entry, and she surrendered her mouth with a whimper. Oh, but this was lovely. No, not lovely. Toe-curlingly, blood-fizzingly spectacular.

Why on earth had she waited to request kissing lessons? What a twit she was. All that time wasted, when they could have been kissing and touching and pleasuring.

Pippa gripped Finn’s arm, needing an anchor so she didn’t float away. Any moment now she would start tearing at her best friend’s clothes while offering herself up to be plundered, right here in this drawing room…

The sound of a cheering, whistling crowd broke through her reverie like a bucket of cold water. A stark reminder that this was just pretend. It didn’t mean anything; naturally a renowned rake knew how to make a public declaration and kiss like a dream.

Yet after that, how would things ever be the same between them again?

Chapter 6

He’d made an enemy of Lady Kingsford and the Duke of Devonshire. His father was furious at the spectacle of a public embrace. And yet, on the other side of the ledger, he now knew what it felt like to kiss Pippa the way he’d dreamed of doing for years. Far more importantly…she had kissed him back.

Finn shook the hand of yet another guest, but all he could think about was the priceless moment when Pippa’s surprise had turned into something quite different. When those velvety lips parted, her breathing hitched, and her fingers curled around his arm as she moved half a step closer. Pippa had tasted sweeter than the best caramels or brown bread ice the world could offer. Only the fact they’d been swarmed by the drawing room crush had prevented him kissing Pippa until their lips detached.

“Lord Knighton!” crowed two familiar warm voices, and he smiled as Lady Navemby and Lady Campbell each went up on their tiptoes to peck his cheek.

“I am so proud of you,” said Lady Navemby. “Well done.”

“Only following orders,” he replied with a wink. “Don’t think I’m unaware who began the kiss her chant.”

The countess blushed. “It seemed like a good idea at the time. By the by, where is your delightful lady? I should like to congratulate her as well.”

Finn pointed to a group about ten feet away. “Trapped in there, I believe. I just hope the dowager doesn’t have a pistol tucked in her stays.”

“Would I be correct in assuming,” said Lady Campbell mischievously, “that you quite spoiled Lady Kingsford’s plans for her granddaughter and a certain eligible duke?”

“I couldn’t possibly comment, madam. Except to say you’ve always had a fine mind and sharp wit.”

The baroness giggled. “Oh, my dear, you have unleashed merry hell tonight and I don’t envy you the next battle. But I shall cheer for you and your betrothed every step of the way; that kiss was quite something and it wasn’t one-sided. Reminded me of a comte and a princess in a certain book.”

Smiling inwardly at the comparison, Finn bowed. “That sounds like a compliment so I shall accept it as such. And then regretfully leave you, for I think my betrothed needs to be rescued from the circle of doom.”

After the ladies curtsied and moved away to the supper table, Finn inched closer to the group holding Pippa hostage; the dowager, two Almack’s patronesses, three political wives, an ambassador’s sister, and a Prussian duchess.

“Knighton,” said Northam, suddenly appearing in front of him like a solid yet colorful brick wall. “Not sure I’ve ever witnessed such courage. Or foolishness.”

“That is one of the cornerstones of love, is it not? Foolish courage?”

“Perhaps. I wouldn’t know, never having been in love.”

“Are you trying to warn me off?” asked Finn evenly, more than ready to fight.

The younger viscount shrugged. “Me? No. Except if you hurt Pip. Then it is another game entirely. Twin bond and all that.”

“Sixteen years of close friendship isn’t sufficient evidence that I hold Pippa’s happiness above all else?”

“Hmmm. I take it back. Your heart may well be the one at greatest risk. Have a care, Knighton; in my experience even seemingly good women can be treacherous.”

Shocked at the glimpse of darkness, Finn opened his mouth to respond, but Northam had already carried on to charm a group of young ladies who were fanning themselves frantically at the evening’s events. Ugh. Forget making the announcement early for his father’s sake; it was him who needed fresh air.

But he had to get Pippa first.

Lightly touching her shoulder was the only way to get her attention in the din, yet she still jerked and turned with pink cheeks. “Finn. There you are.”

“Shall we dance?”

Pippa immediately stepped back from the group. “Excuse me, my new betrothed requires my company for a waltz. Thank you.”