Page 38 of Miss Kimble Bites Back

Gabby could not stop the smile that burst from her then. Mamble had captured her heart, and she seemed to have caught him, too, though she had not heard him say he loved her.

Lord Mamble’s thumb was still pressed against her lips, and before she knew it, her tongue darted out to taste him again.

His eyes flared, and a wicked smile curved his lips. “You need to stop doing that,” he whispered as his thumb dragged slowly off her bottom lip. “You’d be shocked by the thoughts that fill my head right now. But I like that in a woman. Boldness and passion.”

Gabby lowered her eyes a little. Passion was something she had yet to experience.

He bent until their eyes were on the same level again. Gabby’s heart raced as she stared into the duke’s knowing blue gaze. She was not afraid of what came next between them. It would be as extraordinary as meeting him. Mamble gently drew her into his arms, holding her close, and breathed deep. “Are you ready now for a wolf like me, Gabby?”

She grinned. “Are you sure you’re ready for me?”

CHAPTER TEN

“Shall we find out.” Sebastian bent his head and delivered a soft kiss upon her lips, one he hoped earned her trust. With that one kiss he knew why he was drawn to her.

He loved her.

This was no woman he could walk away from. There was no turning back. He’d known it deep in his soul the moment they’d met where he longed to be. By her side, forever. Watching over her as she found her feet in society.

Her response was hesitant at first but then she suddenly wasn’t. The kitten became bolder. Matching him in passion, kiss for kiss. Encouraging more by copying him.

When he teased his fingers into her hair, she did the same with him. When he slid his hands down her back to her rear, she copied that too, and they laughed together when their arms became entangled.

Their lives would become entwined now, too. He’d not counted on falling in love this season, but he loved a woman who had never wanted to become his duchess. Yet she would become one as soon as he could negotiate a marriage contract with her guardian, and he couldn’t imagine a more deserving woman by his side.

She was kind, smart, and no wilting wallflower. She was already so dear to him. And keen to be his sister’s friend. He almost couldn’t believe he’d been so lucky.

He drew back to look into her eyes again. “Do you love me?”

“I do, your grace,” she promised.

“Remember those two words for later,” he whispered, tapping her nose, “And it’s Sebastian from now on.”

“Sebastian,” she whispered, an impish grin on her face. “My Sebastian.”

“Yes, my love. I am well and truly caught,” he whispered, astonished to see tears fill her eyes at his words.

Sebastian led her to a settee close to the fire and settled her on his lap. Gabby laughed and squirmed, no doubt unused to such things, but he held her close against his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

He could not bear to let her go yet. But he would have to soon, of course. He must send her back to the ballroom and follow at a discreet distance. He would not have his future duchess’ reputation tarnished by scandal before their engagement was even announced.

He pressed his brow to hers. “What changed your mind about me?”

“I don’t know that it ever changed,” she told him. “I just needed to get to know you, and myself as well. There’s more to choosing a husband than picking one at first glance,” she warned him.

“What else is there to want from a suitor than a handsome face, wealth and a title?”

“A man with a kind and loving heart. You had no reason to dance with me that first night. But you did, and that one act of kindness changed the course of my life. The way you are with your sister was also endearing. I could see how protective of her you were. I believe in that, and in you.”

Overcome with emotion, Sebastian kissed her again and turned her about, pressing her back against the arm of the chaise. He’d known he wanted this woman, desired her, but it had been his soul crying out for her, too.

Gabby wound her arms about his shoulders and kissed him back with so much encouragement that soon he was pulling up her skirts. He stopped himself with a muttered curse and buried his face in the crook of her neck. “My dear, you excite me too much, too easily.”

He felt her lips against his ear, and then her teeth nibbled the lobe. “Did I ask you to stop?”

He looked up at her in astonishment. “No.”

She smiled. “I am bold, and I want you to touch me in ways I don’t fully understand yet. But I’m not afraid of what comes next, Sebastian. Something has to.”