In a bid to be nearer she shuffled closer, decided to kiss him in return. She brushed her mouth gently, tentatively across his. His unique scent surrounded her. She could taste it on his lips, the mix of raw masculinity and some wild, earthy essence she found intoxicating.
He let her set the pace. He lay there and let her kiss him softly and sweetly.
As a groan of appreciation rumbled in the back of his throat, she deepened the kiss, needing to satisfy a hunger clawing away inside. Her passion for him grew brighter and bigger, and she traced the line of his lips with the tip of her tongue — to rouse a response, to let him know she was ready for more.
Elliot understood her silent plea. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her on top of his hard body. His tongue met hers, caressing, dancing, delving deeper as his hands drifted lower to draw her against the evidence of his arousal.
"Grace," he whispered as they broke to catch their breath. He stared into her eyes. "Come home with me. Let me worship you in the only way I know how."
Excitement and fear fought a fierce internal battle. But her desire for him was too strong. In celebration, she kissed him deeply, passionately, her body writhing against his with a need she could not define.
She could hear their lustful pants, could feel a tightening deep in her core crying out to be appeased. She wanted to feel the warmth of his bare skin against hers, wanted to know if it was possible to feel pleasure when he moved inside her.
"Give me a little time. Tomorrow, I will stay with you tomorrow night."
"Only if you want to," he said shuffling to sit upright.
She looked up at him. "I do want to." There was nothing she wanted more.
He glanced across to the window. "Perhaps it's as well. I cannot risk staying here. I ne
ed to make sure I'm home before sunrise."
She had forgotten all about his terrible affliction, and she scrambled from the bed. "Then we should be going. I would not want you to suffer on my account."
A sinful grin played at the corners of his mouth, and he crossed his arms behind his head. "We'll have a little time alone in my carriage. You can show me how grateful you are to me for offering my assistance. You can experiment on me with those delightful kisses I've suddenly grown so fond of."
Grace's heart soared. "I shall need a lot more practice, particularly with my tongue," she teased.
Elliot groaned. "You may use me as you wish. But be prepared. I may do some experimenting of my own."
Chapter 11
"It seemed more sensible for Elliot to lend us the use of his carriage," Evelyn said glancing at Grace as they rattled along the busy streets. "The less time we spend out in public, the less chance we have of anyone identifying you."
Grace pursed her lips to suppress a grin. Being inside Elliot's conveyance roused memories of their journey home from Arlington Street. Just hours earlier, she had sat astride him on the leather seat, tempting him with her innocent kisses. Although they turned out to be no so innocent after all. The sound of his urgent pants and groans as she tugged at his hair had almost been her undoing, and she'd fought the need to lie back against the squab and offer herself to him.
"I don't care what people think of me," Grace said feeling genuine affection for the lady who had kindly taken her into her home. "But I do worry about you."
Evelyn made a puffing sound. "In a few days, I shall be tucked away at Stony Cross and doubt I'll ever have cause to venture into town again. Let the gossips say what they will."
The carriage jerked to an abrupt halt amidst loud cries and protests.
Grace grabbed the edge of the seat. "It probably would have been quicker to walk. What with all the growls and the bleating outside, it sounds as though a herd of sheep have surrounded us and refuse to move."
"Either that or the coachman has taken to impersonating farm animals."
Grace laughed. "Perhaps he is not used to escorting ladies about town and is trying his best to disguise his curses."
Evelyn smiled and after a brief silence suddenly said, "Elliot likes you. I think he likes you a great deal. Far more than he would care to admit."
The sudden change of topic startled her.
"He is just being kind," she said, her hand fluttering to her chest to calm her racing heart. The action was duly noted by her companion who gave another knowing grin. "I didn't really give him much choice in the matter."
"Kindness is the last trait others would associate with Elliot Markham. Although he has always been extremely kind and courteous to me. How he behaves around you, well, that is another matter entirely."
Grace tried to feign a nonchalant manner. But like a child in need of coddling, she wanted to indulge her fantasies. She wanted to believe the viscount held some affection for her.