My Fair Lover (Legendary Lovers 5)

“I will forever be grateful. Bella was my biggest champion these past few months. I asked for her aid before ever leaving America.”

“I suspected that was why she remained in Cornwall. So I would fill her role as matchmaker and conduct your search for a bride.”

“She had a hand in convincing the other members of your family also. They all made various excuses to avoid the voyage to France.”

Kate shook her head in mock indignation. “My own family in league against me.”

“Perhaps because they could see what even I could not: I long ago joined the ranks of the countless men who are smitten with you.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Now that I cannot credit.”

“Ask your brother. I told him as much before we left England, when I sought his permission to marry you. He gave his blessing, if you care to know.”

She arched an eyebrow at Deverill. “More secrets you have been keeping from me?”

His mouth twisted with regret. “Guilty as charged—but in future, I promise to eschew all secrecy.”

“I trust you will.”

“What of the secret you have been harboring? Cornelius mentioned your matchmaking theory based on legendary lovers. You sought to retell the Greek myth of Pygmalion and transform me from American scoundrel to English lord.”

Kate felt her face warm a little at his ragging. “My theory has been highly effective at predicting ideal matches for my family and friends, I’ll have you know.”

Deverill planted a kiss on her temple. “Whatever basis you chose for our union would not have mattered. I’ve wanted you for years, and I was determined to claim you. In fact, you were the prime reason I came to England.”

“You came to England to claim the title,” Kate retorted.

“That was only my rationalization. You are the bride I wanted all along. I would never have wed anyone else.”

“What of Daphne Farnwell? You showed great interest in her at that last ball.”

“I only pretended an interest to make you jealous.”

Kate felt a tightness ease inside her. “You succeeded quite well. My jealousy is what led me to propose our engagement.”

“Thank God. You made it very difficult for me to win you, particularly forcing me to confront my own demons. But you could never have gotten rid of me, princess. I was not about to give you up.”

He punctuated his declaration by be

nding his head and kissing her, which sent her pulse soaring. Breaking away, she cast a glance around the ship. None of the crew was paying them any attention.

“Let us go below and cement our pledge,” Deverill said in a husky tone. “I am not waiting any longer to claim you as mine. We have wasted too much time as it is.”

When he took her hand, Kate went willingly, her heart pounding in anticipation.

Upon reaching his cabin, he shut the door behind them and took her in his arms again. But there he paused. His warm palm cupped her nape and he stood staring down at her.

There were countless emotions in his eyes: affection, need, want, hunger. His dark eyes burned into her, rousing heat and fire and desperate longing inside her. When he began to undress her, Kate aided him urgently. She craved to feel the heat of his hands on her bare skin.

In short order she was naked with her hair down, so they turned to undressing him. Every perfect inch of him was devastating, she thought as he shed the last of his clothing and they came together again. Flaring excitement ignited inside her at the familiar, erotic feel of him.

Just as she expected, his hands were strong and possessive and hot against her skin, his touch sending desire vibrating through her body—the driving desire to be part of him.

Unwilling to wait any longer, she led him to the bunk. Then, staring into dark eyes that were heavy with his own desire, Kate lay back and drew him down to her.

—

Brandon felt the same urgency as Kate but forced himself to go slowly. Instead of kissing her fiercely as he knew she wished, he savored the moment, savored her…the silk of her skin, the taste of her, her luscious breasts…He cherished her with his hands and mouth, and by the time he began caressing the curls concealing her sex, she was whimpering in need.