The Artist and the Rake (The Merry Misfits of Bath 4)

“I know, and I’ve given it a great deal of thought. As I’ve said before, I am a patient man. You need time, and I acknowledge that. I would never force you or make you uncomfortable.”

“But it is your right as a husband.”

He kissed the back of her hand. “My right as a husband is to make my wife comfortable and happy.”

“That sounds quite noble, but suppose I never become comfortable?”

He leaned back on his heels. “I don’t mean to brag, but I am quite sure over time I can help you overcome your fears.”

Lizbeth chewed her lip and studied him. He was honest and sincere, and she knew she had no reason to doubt his word. She had asked him to help her with this problem, but she certainly hadn’t expected the man to offer for her.

Also, she had been curious lately about kissing Marcus…

“Can I ask a favor before I answer?”

“Of course.”

She nodded. “First of all, please get off your knees. That is making me uncomfortable.”

He grinned. “And me as well.” He moved up alongside her, continuing to hold her hand. “What do you want, love?”

She cleared her throat and raised her chin. “Kiss me.”

His brows rose and she was tempted to giggle. He did look a bit surprised. “Miss Davenport you never cease to surprise me.” He offered a soft smile and cupped her face in his hands. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and closed her eyes. The air between them seemed electrified. She was certain it was not fear that settled in her middle, causing butterflies to dance to their own tune. It was anticipation. And in some ways, a test. If she could not even allow a kiss the situation seemed dire indeed and did not portend well for marriage.

She felt his warm breath on her face as he leaned closer. He smelled of bath soap, and something minty. The first touch of his lips startled her, and he pulled back. “Are you sure you’re sure?”

Lizbeth laughed. “Yes. I’m sure I’m sure.”

This time he didn’t hold back. He started off easy, but it didn’t take long after she gave a soft moan that he pulled her flush against him and moved her head in different directions to take the kiss deeper.

He nudged with his tongue at her lips and she opened, surprised when his warm soft tongue swept into her mouth. She met his with her own tongue and they dueled until she felt as though all the bones in her body had melted.

Marcus pulled back and grinned. “Breathe, Lizbeth.”

She slowly opened her eyes and took a deep breath. “Yes. Breathing is good.” Her heart pounded in her chest as if she’d run a race. Her insides tingled and her breasts ached. “Can we do that again?”

“With pleasure, sweetheart.” He covered her mouth once again and this time she entered his mouth first. He ran his hands up and down her back, then leaned over her so she was resting on the settee.

Bells went off in her head, and the image of the naked man climbing over her with his leering eyes flashed through her mind. She opened her eyes and pushed Marcus with all her strength. “Get off.”

He sat up immediately. He held his hands in the air, palms facing her. “I won’t touch you. Be calm. Please.”

She nodded and took deep breaths. Marcus leaned back on the settee and also gulped in air. He rested his arm across the back of the sofa and gently touched her shoulder with one finger.

When she didn’t push him away, he began to draw small circles. “I apologize. I should not have done that.”

Lizbeth shook her head. “No. I think we have agreed that I am the one with the problem.”

“And we agreed that I would be patient.” He smiled at her. “Speaking of being patient, you have not answered my question.”

Jumbled thoughts and images swamped her mind. Her horrible experience at the brothel. Marcus teasing her, smiling at her, helping her, championing her. Then she asked herself the one question that really mattered. If Marcus had proposed to her before she’d been kidnapped what would her answer have been?

Yes.

There was no doubt about that. He was the husband of a young girl’s dreams. Tall, handsome, witty, brave, caring. Add wealthy and generous and only a fool would say no.