Why a Marauding Marquess is Best (Romancing the Rake 4)

He nodded. Part of him still didn’t trust her. But another desperately wanted to. “I know you’re not like Tiffany,” his own voice was more gravelly than normal. “And I’m not asking you to prove anything. I think that what I need is time. I don’t always feel good when I make decisions too quickly and I—”

She covered his mouth with a single finger. “There is no need to rush.” Then, the pad of her forefinger traced the line of his bottom lip. “I’m going to tell you what I want and I want you to really listen.”

He nodded, his heart speeding in his chest. “I’m ready.”

“I want…” Her tongue darted out, sweeping over her lip. “A bit of romance.”

One of his eyebrows rose. “Romance?”

She nodded, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. “I do want to marry. Of course I do. But right now, I love our stolen kisses and our promise of dances and the excitement that comes from being here in this moment, right now. My sisters have had these amazing courtships.”

He winced, feeling like he’d never measur

e up to Chase in this regard. He was the dependable one, the sensible man. “I’m sorry that I’m not giving that to you.”

She shook her head. “But you are.”

Those words made him blink.

She lifted onto her toes, stealing a small kiss. “I wanted to be cherished. I’m not the most demure, or the kindest, or the most sensible Moorish. I had begun to worry that no man would ever want me.”

He looked down at her, his heart sinking to the ground. It was so easy and simple what she asked. And yet he failed her tonight. “You deserve all the romance a woman could ever be given.” He closed his eyes. “I’m sorry that I missed our dance.”

“You’ll have to make it up to me,” she said, snaking her arms around his neck.

That made him smile. “Anything.”

She laughed softly as she brought her mouth to his. “I want you to kiss me again. Like you did in the garden.”

He took her lips with his own, lifting her up against his body so that her slippers dangled off the ground. He didn’t need to answer all the questions tonight. Tonight all he needed to do is make her feel wanted. Tomorrow, he could try and decide if he could risk his heart by confessing his love and proposing.

She was so warm and soft against him, her delicate curves fitting against his in a way that made him tighten and ache. Her lips yielded under his, opening as she allowed him to explore her taste, the feel of her tongue against his own. She moaned into his mouth and he started to move, seeking a sheltered spot to continue his exploration.

Vaguely, he noted a clump of rocks and headed for them, tucking them behind a large boulder. He settled her across his lap, tilting her back into the support of one of his arms as he continued to kiss her. His hand traced her neck, her collarbone, and then slid lower to cup her breast.

She moaned again, arching into the touch and he glided his mouth along the same path as he lightly massaged her nipple through the silk of her gown. Juliet clutched his shoulders. He wanted her so much. How could she ever have doubted him?

He caressed his hand lower, over her belly, and down her hip, and then her leg. When he reached her skirt’s hem, he flicked it up, and moved under the fabric, feeling her gauzy pantaloons and her shapely legs underneath.

Her breath came in short gasps as he found the slit in the garment and parted the fabric, his fingertips gently brushing her slick folds. If he’d needed proof of her desire, here it was, wet and hot, her entire body trembled at his touch. He dropped his head to her chest, his own breath ragged as he touched her again and her body shuddered.

“Dane,” she gasped out his name.

If this was fiction, he wasn’t certain he ever wanted to be part of the real world again. The way she breathed his name was its own magic, twisting into his heart and soul. “I’m right here. I’ve got you.”

Had he just thought he needn’t make any choices? Fool. He’d made one already. The moment he’d touched her like this, he’d never allow another man to be with her except for him. Whether she felt as he did or not, he couldn’t let her go now.

He increased the rhythm, her fingers digging into his shoulders. She tightened, twisting and whimpering as she climbed higher. “Juliet.” He kissed her collarbone. “You’re mine now. I’ll never let you go.”

She cried out, her finish making her tremble and shake in his arms. “Dane?”

“Yes, love.” He kissed her lips, wanting to be even closer to her than he already was.

“I…” She shivered in his arms. “What just happened?”

He held her tight to his chest. “I believe that I just asked you to be my wife.”

Chapter Twelve