Page 34 of A Countess Never Tells

Ash stopped mid-stride. “Are you mad? He will be out there in moments and very likely pitch me over the side without even a by-your-leave, Kitty.”

But she’d been watching her brother and Judith from the corner of her eye and Providence might have finally smiled on her and Ash. “Look there.”

She nodded to the spot where John and Judith stood speaking to an older gentleman in uniform with a very red face. “That is Colonel Marstow, with whom John has been feuding for years about something to do with politics. If we wait just a few more moments…”

Ash gazed in the direction she indicated at the three people who suddenly exploded into a virulent argument, loud enough that the other guests turned their heads toward them as well.

“Go now!” Kitty herded Ash toward the double doors only paces away.

He didn’t hesitate—likely he’d had lots of practice slipping ladies onto balconies or verandahs or into other dark corners, as he’d done at Vauxhall. She giggled as they sped outside, closing the doors behind them.

“We are mad.” Ash let go of her arm and stepped away. “He’s going to break my neck.” He peered over the side of the balcony at the twelve-foot drop. “Or simply toss me like a ball in a game of rounders.”

“He’ll do no such thing.” She’d make sure to keep her word about that. She hadn’t waited all her life for the one right man to come along just to have her brother kill him before she could accept his proposal. “We need to talk…but first,” she stepped toward him and slid her arms around his neck, “kiss me.”

Ash jerked his head back and seemed ready to refuse, but Kitty tightened her grip, pressing her breasts against his chest. Ash glanced down at her, and she wet her lips in invitation.

That was all it took.

Almost savage in his need, Ash seized her head in both hands, and held her immobile as he plunged his lips onto hers.

The fierce action thrilled Kitty. Heat poured through her, as though his mouth and hands were ablaze, consuming her from head to toe. Her whole body throbbed, and her toes curled. Then his tongue slid through her lips, and Kitty was transported to that other dark avenue where she’d enjoyed another stolen kiss. As then, she boldly thrust her tongue into his mouth, wanting so badly to give him the same measure of pleasure he gave her.

His low moans gave her that satisfaction immediately, so she sucked on his tongue like before, hoping for the same guttural response that filled her with joy and fanned the flames licking through her to a frenzy.

There was a tug on her bodice then cool night air caressed her bare bosom. His hands no longer cradled her head, but cupped her breasts, fondling them, stroking them, making her nipples harden in a wanton way she could feel all the way to the center of her being. Kitty breathed deeper, moaning in her throat at the exquisite sensation of his bare hands all over her skin. Then he broke the kiss, and she was free to draw in a shuddering breath as his mouth closed around first one then the other nipple.

Between his hot mouth and the cool breeze, her flesh had furled into hard points that ached in such a good way she had to moan out loud. “Ah, ah, oh, Ash. Oh, God.” Her head lolled back, the ecstasy of his mouth on her almost too much to bear.

“Not so loudly, love.” He raised his head, though his hands still stroked her sensitive nipples. “You don’t want us to be interrupted, do you?”

“No…but,” she panted, unable to catch her breath, “I…feel weak. I need to…lie down.” That wasn’t all she needed. The insistent throbbing between her thighs wanted his touch as well, but how that could happen on this exposed balcony she couldn’t fathom.

He sighed long and deep, and there was a shudder in his voice. “We both need to, love, but not here. Not now.” With a sure hand, he popped her breasts back into her bodice and stepped away from her, his breath coming in strangled gasps.

Knees weak, Kitty grasped the rough bricks of the wall, hoping to remain standing. She dared not cling to Ash for fear she’d simply pull him to the floor and continue the madness that had come upon them. “I thought you were afraid of John discovering us out here.”

“I was.” His breathing had returned to normal. “But I decided if I was to be killed, I might as well die with the sweetest memories on my lips.”

Kitty agreed wholeheartedly. They were very sweet memories, but she didn’t want them to remain only that. She wanted them to be part of the ongoing passion between her and Ash for the rest of their lives. “You must talk to me, Ash. Tell me what you were going to say if we had taken that carriage ride. How can I be certain you will not return to your rakish assignations on balconies,” she swept her hand around the railing that surrounded them, “or in various strange beds once we are married?”

“What I wanted to say to you when I proposed was that when I speak my vows to you, I will hold them as the most sacred oath I will ever take. I will keep myself true to you until my dying day. I have always believed that when I married, I would cease to be a rake and become the best husband I can be.” He cupped her face, his touch warm and comforting. “That is why I had thought to put it off until I was at least fifty. I wanted to wait until it was absolutely certain I had no more wild oats to sow.”

“What changed your mind, Ash?” As she gazed into his dear face, a darkness clouded his visage.

Slowly, he withdrew his hand and leaned against the stone wall behind them. “When I was in Italy last year, I was walking home from a night of carousing with friends when I was set upon by several ruffians. They attacked out of nowhere, beating me senseless, and leaving me for dead after stripping me of my money.”

“Oh, Ash.” Shocked to her soul, Kitty threw herself into his arms. “Oh, my dear, how horrible.”

“I awakened in a hospital. My luck was in that night, I assure you.” He slipped his arms around her, holding her close to him. “The doctor there told me that had one of the blows struck an inch higher, I would likely have been killed. There is a scar here,” he reached up and pointed to a spot near his hairline, “that reminds me each morning when I look in the mirror, that time is of the essence. I can waste no more of it, Kitty. I must fall in love, marry, and put an heir in my nursery as quickly as I can, for none of us are promised tomorrow.”

“And you have been trying to find a bride ever since you returned?” Considering his experience, Kitty could understand his unease.

“The first day I landed in London, I visited the father of a young lady I knew.” Ash shook his head. “My first rejection occurred less then twelve hours after I set foot on English soil.”

“But you said you must fall in love, get married, and sire an heir.” Her heart seemed to slow as a chill chased itself down her spine. “So you loved that first young lady?”

Ash shook his head. “No, but I knew her, she was of the correct age and social standing, and her father was a friend of mine. I hoped he would be…understanding of my plight.” He peered into her face, a gentle smile touching his lips. “And I am heartily grateful he was not. I only added that stipulation—that I needed to fall in love—after I met you, Kitty.”