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Miles motioned for them to go before him and followed them. In the corridor, they continued speaking about the spare room and accommodations for a maid.

Siobhan wanted to scream after them. Why wasn’t Miles reacting more strongly? His voice was smooth and even, as if her mother had merely suggested that he and she go for a walk and not demanded marriage. In her mind, his courtesy toward her mother made the situation even worse and if she would have been able to walk, Siobhan would have dragged the woman from the house and demanded that she apologize to Miles.

She was not surprised when she was overcome by uncontrollable sobs that wracked through her body as waves of anger and frustration flowed over her. The fact that crying caused her so much pain made her sob harder and harder, until she could not breathe.

Miles re-entered the room and immediately came to her side. Because it was impossible for Siobhan to sit, he lay next to her and wrapped her in his muscular arms. With extreme care, he slid closer until they were flushed against one another.

Siobhan pushed her face into Miles’ shoulder, soaking the fabric of his waistcoat while grasping the fine, soft cloth.

“Shh,” he whispered. “You must calm yourself or risk causing harm.”

Siobhan did her best, taking deep breaths in between sobs, but it proved hard. Just when she began to gain control, another wave of sorrow would overtake her.

“Siobhan, what must I do to help you stop crying?” Miles asked, pressing his lips against her temple. “Must I tickle you? Kiss you?”

The words had the desired effect and she calmed to soft hitched breaths. “What?” She peered up at him. “What did you say?”

His lips curved. “I asked if I must kiss you.”

Of their own accord her eyes moved to his lips, the very ones she’d often daydreamed of touching hers. “Why would you do that?”

His soft chuckled brought her to meet his hazel regard. “Perhaps because I have been thinking about it for a long time.”

“That cannot be true.” Siobhan let out a breath, sure that she looked every bit a mess. “Especially now. I must look like a troll.”

“A beautiful troll,” he jested.

Unable to say more, she let out a shaky breath. “I am so sorry…”

At once, Miles’ lips covered hers and the world evaporated. The kiss was soft, gentle, but at the same time, passionate. Every part of her, mind, body, and soul united at that very moment sending tendrils of desire flowing through her.

Never before had she been kissed by a man in such a way with their bodies flush, and his strong arms around her in an intimate embrace and in bed, holding each other, their mouths exploring. His mouth traveled from her mouth to just below her ear. Tingles of awareness sent shivers down her spine. All thoughts of pain and discomfort disappeared, and warmth enveloped her in a blanket of overwhelming, wonderful sensations.

Miles deepened the kiss, suckling her lips, then trailed his lips from her mouth to her jaw, and when he kissed the side of her neck, Miles’ tongue darted out, wet and moist as it trailed across her sensitive skin.

Threading her fingers through Miles’ thick hair, she held him in place, silently demanding he continue. His breathing hitched when she exhaled into his ear, which emboldened her to press a kiss to the soft flesh.

“We cannot,” Miles murmured, slowly pulling away. “I do not wish to hurt you.”

For a moment it was hard to comprehend what he said. Still enraptured and floating on air, she slowly opened her eyes to meet his.

“Your eyes are dark,” Miles said, with a warm smile. “I wondered if they would darken when you’re kissed, like they do when you are annoyed.”

Her cheeks warmed and with a trembling hand she pushed her hair back. Words escaped her. Exhaling, Siobhan met his gaze. “Goodness.”

It was nice that he didn’t move away but instead kept his arms around her, holding her in place. Siobhan wondered if perhaps her mother’s demand had merit. The embrace brought peace and safety, a comfort of knowing she was protected. Truly, she could spend days in his arms.

“I ruined your waistcoat,” she remarked, studying the damp and crumpled fabric. “I am so upset at Mother for not taking me home. I should not remain here. The last thing you need is her coming up with a plan to ensnare you into marriage.”

“It will be worked out. I am an expert at avoiding unwanted attempts by overzealous mothers,” he replied.

The statement almost made her cringe. Of course, the man had no desire to marry her. Besides, she herself wasn’t interested in marriage to a man who’d been forced into marrying her.

Despite the affirmation, his statement still felt like a rejection.

Siobhan tried to push away, but his arms remained steadily around her. “We should not remain like this. Someone could walk in. I am calmed, I promise.” Unfortunately she spoiled her promise with a sniffle that confirmed she remained saddened.

“You are welcome to stay here as long as you wish,” Miles stated, a crease forming between his brows as he seemed to realize what he’d said could have come across as rude. “Do not feel that I am bothered by your being here. As you can probably tell, I quite enjoy your company.” He accentuated the words by pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Understood?”