"Yes… By my betrothed."
"But not a true kiss, I imagine. A true kiss is more than a meeting of lips. It's a mating… of mouth and tongue and breath… An intimate knowing." His fingertips traced the line of her mouth. "I want to truly kiss you, angel."
His delicate touch made her shiver. "I… You shouldn't…"
His smile was soft, indulgent, tender. He had a beautiful mouth, especially when he smiled.
"In circumstances such as these," he replied, "it is not improper for a man wooing his lady to claim a kiss. This is my sole opportunity to persuade you to become my bride. Perhaps the last time I will ever see you, ever touch you. Will you deny me my last chance to fulfill my father's dying wish?"
"No," she whispered, helpless to resist.
This time when he bent his head, she didn't stiffen or pull back. She let him draw her into his arms, let him hold her as a lover would.
His kiss was like nothing she had ever experienced. His mouth was hot, wet, open against hers, bold and unexpectedly intimate. Her nostrils filled with his scent, her mouth with his brazen flavor, as shocking pleasure assaulted her senses…
Her wanton response dismayed her, yet to her surprise, he was the one who abruptly ended the kiss.
"Perhaps this was a mistake," he said, his voice unsteady as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I thought I would have more control…"
Drawing a deep breath, he slowly drew away to capture her gaze. "No," he said with more composure, "judging from your response, I wouldn't say you feared me. You felt the same fire I did. The signs are all there. Your pulse has quickened, your ski
n is flushed…"
Her heart racing, Aurora stood mutely, torn between dismay and desire as he so perfectly described the sensations that were overwhelming her. She shouldn't be feeling this way, experiencing these powerful, forbidden feelings for a stranger. Never had she had such a primal reaction to a man, a reaction no lady would acknowledge.
"And that is only the beginning, sweetheart. There is much more I could show you. Give me that right, Aurora."
His eyes had darkened with sensuality and were as fathomless as midnight, Aurora saw. Captivated, she stared into them.
His voice dropped lower. "Your cousin believes he can secure a special license in time for us to wed tomorrow evening. I would consider myself the most fortunate of men if you would do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage."
Aurora shut her eyes, struggling to recover her dazed senses. Her mind was spinning, and she felt a similar chaos in her heart, a tumult of hope, fear, doubt. Did she dare consider his mad scheme? It was so very tempting, and yet undeniably daunting as well.
"You are my best hope, angel. My only hope. One night. Can you give me that?"
She swallowed thickly.
"Must… I answer this moment?" she said at last. "The decision you are asking me to make is a profoundly serious one. I need time to consider."
"Of course." His gaze held sympathy. "But however much I dislike pressing you, perhaps I should remind you that time is running short."
"I know." Her tone was bleak.
She stepped back, out of his embrace, and was unsurprised to discover how feeble her knees were. She didn't need Mr. Sabine to remind her of the urgency. He was to hang tomorrow – unless she consented to become his bride.
Then his execution would be delayed long enough for them to wed.
Her eyes were burning as she gazed up at him, her throat tight. So tight that she couldn't manage another word.
Turning blindly, she made her way outside the cell, where she leaned weakly against the stone wall. A shudder passed through her as she thought of him dying -
"Aurora, are you unwell?" Percy's concerned voice asked. She had forgotten entirely that he was awaiting her in the corridor.
Unable to speak, she shook her head.
"Come, we must get you out of this dungeon and find some fresh air."
She was grateful when her cousin took her arm and led her along the dim passageway and up a narrow flight of steps. When she reached the open air, she drew a deep breath, trying to contain the turmoil of emotions that were tearing at her inside.