Page 15 of Heart of Decadence

Frowning, she peered at him. “You gave me your answer.”

“I asked a question. I did not say it was my answer.” He kissed her hands, sending tingled up and down her arms. Between that sensual riot on her skin and his enigmatic words, her head was spinning.

“So what…is your answer?”

He turned her hand over and kissed her palm.

Her whole body went up in flames, heat licking through her veins until she was panting with desire.

“I have wanted you, Miss Burrowes, and you alone for ten long years.” He kissed the other palm, his tongue searing her flesh, and she whimpered, unable to help herself. “I will confess that after I assumed you had married, I allowed you to slip from my mind.” His kisses now strayed up to the sensitive skin over her wrist. “But I never moved on. Never looked for another woman to marry, even when I knew it was time that I should do so.”

Those sensual lips found their way to the crook of her elbow and lingered there, sending Amelia’s senses into a frenzy. If he didn’t stop, they might end up making all the gossip true. Still, she didn’t want him to stop.

“Then when I saw you at Lady Hamilton’s, I knew, deep down. I wanted you and only you for my wife.” He rose, bringing her to her feet as well. “Now I have a question, no two, for you, Miss Burrowes.” Capturing her head once more, he kissed her temple at her hairline, sending shivers down her spine. “When you said yes, was it really because of the safety my title and position will bring you, or do you wish to wed me for me?”

There was only one way to answer that question. She grasped his neck and pulled his head down to hers, seeking his mouth with an abandon that surprised even her. Moaning until her lips found his, she pressed them together, desperate to show him how much she wanted him, had always wanted him.

Eagerly, he enfolded her in his arms, drawing her so close she seemed to touch every inch of him. An insistent bulge below his waist strained against her stomach, and desire flared to life within her. Oh, if only they were married now. Why must they wait even longer than they already had? There was the risk, of course. She of all people understood that. But if she would chance further ruin for any man, it would be for him. “My lord?”

“Yes, Miss Burrowes?” Gravelly and low, his voice rumbled in her ear, his hot breath sending chills through her.

“I don’t know how to…” Completely at a loss for what to expect, Amelia whispered, “What do we do now?”

A shudder rippled down his body, as though he’d been doused with cold water, and he stepped away from her, holding her at arm’s length.

Not at all what she’d expected, or indeed wanted.

Gasping, Lord Ainsley held up his hand. After a moment, he sighed and his breathing returned to normal. “To answer your question, Miss Burrowes, now we return to Mrs. Doyle’s party and continue to play as though nothing has happened, however difficult that may be. On the way home, however, we will inform your parents we have come to an accord and tomorrow we will announce our betrothal.”

“Oh.” She’d not expected quite so prosaic a response.

Even in the darkness, she could see his smile. “Did you think I would have a different plan of action?”

Heat stung her cheeks. “After that…interlude, I thought you might wish to…”

“Out here in the garden, Miss Burrowes?” The amusement in his voice was almost palpable. “Neither the time nor the place for an amorous tryst, believe me. You are, however, correct regarding my personal wishes.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks must be the color of cherries.

He took her arm and twined it through his. “Let us walk a bit and hope the cool air aids us in our deception. It is not a very long path, but we will keep a very slow pace.” He steered them toward the back of the garden. “May I suggest we wed the day after the last of the banns are read? I know we could procure a special license, but in our case, I think we should continue to woo the ton with very circumspect behavior. They have extraordinarily suspicious minds and if we are married by special license, every lady in town would begin to count to see when our first child should be born.”

Amelia sighed. “It seems a shame to wait after we have already waited so long.”

“The correct response to that is, I believe, that having waited this long already, a little longer should not be an undue hardship.” His chuckle had a hollow ring to it. “I suppose that depends on who must do the waiting. But I shall endeavor to make the time go fast. We shall continue our outings in Hyde Park in the afternoons and various entertainments at night. You must go shopping for a new trousseau and be introduced to the servants at Ainsley Place.”

“Goodness, will three weeks be enough time to have everything accomplished?” Her mock horror was not lost on her betrothed, who chuckled.

“Not three weeks, my love, but a mere two weeks and a day. If we begin the banns this Sunday, we can be married in a little more than a fortnight.” He leaned over and growled in her ear. “And not a minute too soon.”

By the time they reached the willow again, her face no longer pulsed with fire, though she was still atwitter to think of the news to tell. Her parents would be so pleased with this alliance to a noble family. Her marriage should assure that next year her sisters would be received warmly. Perhaps she could be the one to bring them out. Unless by that time she was increasing. Still, it could be managed. With Lord Ainsley by her side, nothing seemed insurmountable.

“Are you ready to partner me at the card table once again, Miss Burrowes? We played well together last time.” They had reached the few steps to the veranda when something occurred to Amelia.

“My lord, earlier you said you had two questions to ask me, but I believe you only asked the one.”

“Yes, I believe I was kept too busy with your answer to the first to even think of asking the other.” He chuckled and patted her hand, secure in the crook of his elbow.

“But what was the second question, my lord?”

“Will you please call me by my given name now?”

“Oh, yes, of course.” She looked up at him expectantly.

“Nathan.”

“Nathan, I do remember now.” Such a strong name. It rolled off her tongue delightfully. “So, Nathan, what was your second question?”

His laughter filled the night. “My love, that was the question. As we are now betrothed, I thought we could be more familiar with one another without fear of censure.”

“I am such a goose. My head is in a whirl.”

He waited before opening the door, though she had no idea what for. “May I be so bold as to ask to call you by your first name, Miss Burrowes?”

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Nathan, I am so sorry. Of course, please call me Amelia.”

Nodding, he lifted her hand for a brief kiss. “With the greatest pleasure in the world, Amelia. And the most profound joy.”