“I know you better than you think, lass,” he said. “From the moment we met, I knew you were different. Other women bend back and forth, weaving themselves around the people they seek to manipulate to gain what they want. Like water, they follow the easy path. But you…” He sighed, his chest rising and falling in a shuddering motion as if he struggled to contain himself. “You’re like the mountain. Straight and true, you never deviate from your path, no matter the temptation.”
Guilt pricked at her conscience, and she spoke harshly to conceal it. “You came to my chamber, risking my reputation, to tell me that?”
“I’m here out of genuine concern for your welfare,” he said.
“I’m well, as you see.”
“Why are you awake?” he asked. “Is there anything you need?”
“No,” she said. “I have been admiring the view from my window. The mountain is so beautiful. Will you take me there tomorrow?”
He smiled. “I promised, didn’t I? I agreed to show you pleasure five times to complete your education, and I have only done so once. You have four more.”
She reached up and touched his face, unable to fight the need to feel his skin against hers.
His nostrils flared, and he closed his eyes.
“Miss Hart, you know not what you are doing.”
She tipped her face up. “I’m asking you to honor your promise,” she whispered.
He lowered his mouth and brushed his lips against hers, then peppered her face with light kisses. His breath tickled her ear.
“I want ye—badly,” he said, his voice hoarse, “but I would never scandalize ye.”
Her body hummed as his brogue became more prominent. He moved against her, and she felt his maleness, hard and hot against her stomach through her nightrail.
“Would you show me pleasure?” she asked. “Like before?”
“Ma is sleeping on this floor at the other end of the passageway.”
“I have no wish for your mother to join us,” she said.
A low growl rumbled in his chest. His knuckle brushed against her breast, and a small gasp left her lips as her nipple beaded.
“So responsive,” he breathed. “You’re a natural, Miss Hart. Your body was made for seduction.”
“No, Your Grace, it was made for you.” She reached for his arms. “Are you to continue my education, sir?”
“I see I have an eager pupil.” He entered the chamber and closed the door behind him.
“Am I to be your prisoner, Your Grace?”
“I’d like nothing more, lass, than to tie ye to the bed and have my way with you.”
She shivered with anticipation at his deliciously wicked suggestion.
“Ah!” he said. “I see you’re not averse to the notion of being at my mercy. But I merely wish us not to be disturbed.”
“Surely we’d hear anyone coming?”
“Lass,” he said, “ye’ll be too busy screaming my name to notice any passersby.”
He took her hand and led her toward the bed, then he lowered his gaze to her chest where her nipples poked insistently against the fabric of her nightrail.
She sat on the bed, and he pushed her back, his hands gentle yet firm.
“Do ye trust me, lass?”
“Yes.”
She yielded and let her body relax. He gave a low rumble of approval and lifted her clothing. Strong, warm hands caressed her legs, moving slowly toward the juncture of her thighs, where she felt wet.
“Oh, lass, you need me as much as I need ye.”
“H-how can you tell?” she stammered.
He inhaled deeply. “I can smell it, lass. You’re ready for me.”
She blushed at his wanton language and her body’s reaction to him.
“There’s no shame in it, lass,” he said. “To enjoy your body is the most natural thing in the world. Society should hang its head for demonizing the most beautiful act between a man and a woman.”
“You speak as if you have extensive experience.”
“I do,” he said. “How else would I qualify to be your tutor? Surely you’d rather learn from a master at the art of coupling—a real man—than fumble in the dark with a mere boy? I would have ye learn the pleasures of your body, lass, so that you might show your future husband how to please you.”
Your future husband…
His words tempered her desire. Did he see her as nothing more than an apprentice, to be taught the pleasures of the flesh, then cast aside? Once he’d finished with her, would he move on to the next? Was that what he’d done to Miss MacKenzie, the woman who now clung to him, displaying her desperation so openly?
But he’d made her no promises. Lilah had entered into their agreement willingly. But this man—this beautiful man who loved his homeland, who took pleasure in his privileged life but worked hard for the benefit of others, was in very great danger of making her fall in love with him. Would she be able to safeguard her heart while yielding her body to him?
He dipped his head and placed a soft kiss on her ankle. His touch sent a shiver through her body. Murmuring gentle words of praise, he peppered her skin with small kisses. Then he nudged her thighs apart, and she gave a squeal of embarrassment.
“No, lass,” he whispered. “It gives me great pleasure to look at ye. Would you deny me that pleasure before I give you pleasure in return?”
She lifted her hips, and he growled with approval.
“That’s right, lass,” he said. “Ye’re ready for me.” His tongue flicked over her flesh, and she gave a low cry.
“Delicious,” he whispered. “Perhaps I should place you on the dining table. A rare banquet that would be. Would ye like that, lass, to be spread over my table ready for me to devour whenever I wish?”
His voice had grown hoarse with need.
“Tell me dinner is served,” he rasped. “Say the word and permit me to feast.”
“Your Grace, I…”
“Just say it,” he growled. “Tell me ye’re mine for tonight.”
“Yes,” she said. “Yes, I’m yours.”
He dipped his tongue again, a soft, velvet weapon caressing, teasing her, circling her flesh until it found what it wanted—the little nub of pleasure. Then he clamped his mouth over her and sucked hard.
Her body exploded, and she cried out, clutching at the bedsheet as the world shattered around her.
“Good, lass, Delilah…”
His words of praise fueled her pleasure as wave after wave engulfed her. As the waves receded, his caresses grew gentle, while he murmured her name.
The bed shifted, and he moved beside her. His maleness pressed against her side, and a musky aroma thickened in the air. He let out a deep sigh.
She opened her eyes and looked up. The moonlight formed a soft halo around his face as he gazed at her, his eyes glowing in the dark. The aftershocks of pleasure gave way to fear.
Fear that her heart was already lost.
He reached out to touch her face, and she turned her head away.
“Didn’t you feel pleasure?”
She forced a smile. “Yes,” she said. “You’re an able teacher. Perhaps the man I marry will continue my education.”
He hesitated, then nodded his head. “You may compare us if you like, though I’d advise you not to voice your comparison. Sometimes the truth can be painful.”