Page 30 of Never Dare to Masquerade with a Maiden

He winked at her. “You are right.”

Taken aback by his response, she closed her eyes and focused on kissing the man who possessed her completely. He drew back slowly and then quickly thrust himself deep into her until his movements matched her heartbeat. The escalating tension was far greater this time, and when he circled her sensitive nub, her muscles clenched about his cock. She arched her back as stars appeared behind her closed eyelids. Moments later, a guttural groan filled her ears and again the muscles at her core wrapped about his member, as tight as before.

Warm and sweaty, Warren rolled them to their sides. Face-to-face, he kissed the tip of her nose and said, “Promise to never lie to me.”

“If this is my punishment, I might consider lying more.” She ran a finger along his collarbone from his shoulder to the center of his chest.

Warren captured her hand. “This was your reward for telling me you lied, not that you lied.”

“Oh, I see.” She wove her fingers through his. “Then it’s fine to lie to others, just not you.”

Forehead pressed to hers, he answered, “Yes, you minx.” Warren’s eyes barely closed before they shot open. “Why do you think Lady Charlotte disclosed your identity before I did?”

Mind foggy, she blinked up at Warren. “I don’t have a clue, and that is what you wish to discuss right at this moment?”

He cupped her face, a gesture she was quickly becoming fond of. “Truth be told, my brain is in dire need of oxygen so you can’t hold me accountable for my bumbling ways.”

A happiness she’d only dreamed about filled her. “My body has never been this calm and relaxed, yet my thoughts remain as scattered and restless as ever.”

“Mayhap I didn’t please you as I should have.”

Warren’s intense gaze had her hips wiggling. The man’s suggestion to reenact the past hour was dangerous and exhilarating at the same time. She shook her head. “Oh, I might not have as much experience as you, but I can assure you I was pleased. Pleased well enough.”

His deep chuckle was warm, and she wondered why he didn’t laugh more. Eyes heavy, she tucked her hand beneath her cheek and rested. A while later the mattress moved, but her eyelids remained sealed. The weariness in her bones prevented her from moving, except Warren was pulling her upright and slipping her shift over her head. Clearly, he was more skilled at undressing than dressing a woman.

“If you want to wait another nine days before standing in front of the reverend, you best assist me in getting these blasted clothes back on.”

His words were like a splash of cold water to the face. She quickly donned her day dress and stood to smooth out the wrinkles, which she abandoned at the sound of the door latch rattling. Thank goodness, Warren had thought to bolt the door earlier. Olivia caught a glimpse of herself in the looking glass. Her hair was a matted mess. Left with no choice, she ran her fingers through her tresses, then tugged the ribbon about her waist free to loop it about her hair at the base of her neck. Wrapping her hair into a makeshift bun, she secured it with the ribbon and sent up a prayer it would hold.

“Warren?” Lady Anne’s melodic voice floated through the door.

Warren walked over to the door and stuck his head out. “Shh. You will wake Olivia.”

“Lady Charlotte is ready to leave. Your hair is a mess. You best make yourself presentable before escorting Olivia back down.”

He slammed the door closed and leaned back against the wood panel. “If I didn’t love her like a sister, I would not put up with her insolence.”

Olivia’s hand stilled. She hadn’t been wrong. Warren did care for Lady Anne. Only he cared for her like a sibling, not as a lady to wed. A stirring of hope wrapped about her heart. She checked that the ends of the ribbon were securely in place. Now was not the time to indulge in what might be.

On legs that were like pudding, she walked over to join Warren by the door. “I shouldn’t keep Lady Charlotte waiting.”

“Why ever not?”

She rolled her eyes at him and placed a hand on the door to prevent him from opening it. “Promise me that you will not insist upon marriage after nine days simply because of what occurred here today.”

What was the bloody matter with her? Why couldn’t she put a coherent sentence together? Apparently, intimate relations had lingering effects upon her far greater than she had been led to believe. Rather than responding with another quick query, Warren remained silent.

Olivia looked up at him. Was he angry? His narrow gaze confirmed her suspicion; he was not at all pleased with her.

“I’ll not force you to do anything, ever.” Warren swung the door open and waved a hand for her to proceed first.

She rolled onto her tiptoes and combed her fingers through his hair. He didn’t back away from her like he did from Lady Anne. No, the man bent lower and allowed her to do to him as she pleased. Emboldened, Olivia wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss that left them both breathless.

Warren hugged her tight and lifted her off her feet. Olivia leaned back and ordered in a half-teasing, half-serious tone. “Put me down.”

Warren obliged. “I’m serious, Olivia. I want us to be lawfully wed, but I’ll not make you marry me against your will.”

“I know, and I trust you.” Olivia hadn’t meant her reply to sound like a vow, yet to her ears it sounded as if she had already agreed to marriage even if she was holding out for a few more days.