Predestined Hearts

Stopping and looking to my left, I saw him. Devlin Covington. His family owned a large tobacco plantation right outside of Savannah. They were also in imports, like Danny’s family. The first thing I noticed was his top hat, then his golden silk cravat. My eyes traveled down his well-dressed body. His fitted coat, which I’m sure was straight from Paris, along with his trousers. Only Devlin Covington would dress like he was on his way to a ball when he was most likely on his way to his parents’ house for brunch.

Smiling, I gave him a slight bow. “Mr. Covington.”

Devlin smiled as his eyes traveled down my body and up again with hungry greed. His smiled dropped slightly when he turned to Danny. Devlin’s eyes landed on my arm intertwined with Danny’s. “Mr. Stowe, I was not aware that you were courting Miss Montgomery.”

Glancing over to Danny, his smile widened. “Yes, soon to be my betrothed.”

Betrothed? Oh my.

My heart nearly dropped to my stomach. I smiled at the idea of truly belonging to Danny.

“Sophia, is this true?” Devlin asked as he looked at me with shock. I wanted to tell him I was as shocked as he. Glancing back to Danny, I stared at him. I knew something was going on when Danny asked to speak with my father in the parlor alone yesterday. Did he ask for my hand in marriage?

What would cause a man to claim someone so soon? Yes, we shared an intimate moment. A very intimate moment, but was Danny jealous of Devlin?

Smiling, I turned back to Devlin. “Yes,” I said, barely above a whisper. I heard the sharp intake of air from Danny and I could not contain the flutter in my stomach.

Devlin gave us each a small bow as he smiled weakly. I knew Devlin was taken with me and I could not deny he once held my attention, but that was before Danny. Clearing his throat, Devlin said, “May I offer my congratulations then?”

“It is not official, yet,” I said before I even realized it was off my lips.

Then Danny slipped his arm from mine and placed his hand on my lower back as Devlin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Shall we continue with our walk, my darling?”

Nodding my head, I smiled at Devlin. “It was lovely seeing you again, Devlin.”

As we walked away, Danny looked over his shoulder back at Devlin. “It seems your vixen ways have enticed another.”

My smile faded. I stopped and turned to Danny. “I beg your pardon? Do you assume I have approached Mr. Covington in a seductive manner? Is that what you think of me, Danny?”

Danny’s mouth dropped open. My body shook with anger as I spoke, “You declare to want to be my betrothed yet you accuse me of being a temptress.” I turned and began walking back. “I’ve had enough fresh air.”

Danny followed next to me before grabbing me and pulling me down a small narrow alley between two buildings. He pushed me against the wall, grabbed my right hand, and pushed it above my head as he lowered his lips to mine. I wanted his lips on mine desperately, but he denied me of my need.

“Do you deny conversing with him?”

My chest heaved up and down. “I do not. My mother wishes for a union between our families. We’ve danced at parties during this season.”

His eyes searched my face. “Do you desire him, Sophia?”

My mouth parted open and I felt tears sting my eyes. “No, I do not. I only desire you.”

“I want no one but you, Sophia.”

I swallowed and whispered, “I want no

one but you, Danny. Do you not see it in my eyes? Feel it in my touch?”

Danny leaned his forehead against mine. “I do. I fear I let jealousy take over my actions. I am sorry. You’re beauty is like no other. I cannot fault other men for being attracted to you.” He pulled back and his blue eyes were filled with something I’d never seen before. Could this be the look of a man in love? My heart rate increased as gooseflesh took over my body. “But you are mine, Sophia. You will always be mine.”

Licking my dry lips, I said, “Yes.”

Danny pressed his lips, and his desire, against me. I let out a small moan as our tongues danced together as one.

When breath was needed, we pulled away. “Soon, Sophia. I fear I will die if I don’t have my cock buried deep inside of you.”

I smiled at his wicked tongue. “I’m growing tired of this promise, Mr. Stowe. I challenge you to make this promise a reality, and soon.”

Danny’s mouth curved up in a seductive manner. “Before the clock strikes midnight on Saturday, I will make you mine.”