Page 90 of Dark Angel

Another button.

And another.

Then another.

They pop open each time like they’re revealing more hidden secrets beneath. The more skin that’s being exposed to him, the faster his pulse races in his veins like the gushing water of river rapids.

His fingers continue to release those tiny ivory buttons until none are left fastened down her spine.

Pulling lightly on the ribbon binding the two halves together, the corset slides off with ease, falling to the floor along with the rest of hergarments. The only thing left hiding her small, milky body is a thin white chemise. Lace trims the edges, grazing down her thighs and covers her small breasts.

His hand absentmindedly grips onto her narrow waist, and he hears a soft noise escaping through her lips. Sliding her auburn hair over one shoulder, her sweet jasmine aroma fills his senses. His own skin is flaring with fervour and intensity.

She shivers from the warmth of his breath on her flesh. It’s so close, he can almost savour what her skin tastes like. His lips drag against the soft flesh of her shoulder, tingling with pleasure as they trail towards her neck.

Jordan digs his fingertips into the fabric of her chemise, and she lets out a tender gasp, that stirs him even more. His eyes close as he savours their closeness. Pressing his mouth onto Kora’s delicate flesh, the softest moan escapes her. It’s breathy and enticing, drawing more kisses from him. They creep further up her neck, each placed tenderly, until he stops just below her ear.

He hears Kora’s throat work and Jordan stills behind her, holding her petite body in his grip. His eyes shutter as he swallows, his hand sliding off her as he steps backwards, reluctantly releasing her from his grasp. He’s pretty sure there’s no blood left in his mind.

“You should dress now. We shouldn’t be late.” His voice is husky as he hastily walks towards the door. He feels his cheeks burning with heat, palms and armpits prickling with perspiration. His breeches are tight from all of his blood pooling there.

“Yes,” Her voice is also raspy, as if she’s still trying to contain herself as well, “Thank you.”

She doesn’t dare turn to face him, knowing that her own skin is too flushed right now from the heat burning through her. His mouth on her skin sent a lively current through her insides that she’s never felt before. It woke her entire body, jolting her senses and nerve endings to life. Her chest continues to oscillate as Kora controls her breathing.

The sound of her door opening and closing allows her to inhale normally once again. She’s alone now. The sage green dress hangs over the top of the screen, waiting to be slid onto her slender figure.

Jordan leans against the door, catching his breath as though he just ran from London to Derry. He didn’t trust himself being in that room any longer with his hands on her, and Kora only wearing a thin layer separating him from her flesh. His mind keeps thinking of her exposed freckled skin, the outline of her figure adorned in silky fabric and lace. The warmth radiating off her like rays of summer sunlight.

Jordan shakes his head, raking his fingers aggressively through his hair. He feels like dunking his head into a pale of ice-cold water just to compose himself.

31

Uncovering Truths

The carriage ride to the Carter manor is silent. Kora awkwardly fiddles with her hands in her lap as Jordan’s gaze remains trained on the small glass window beside him. Neither of them breaks the quietness. Neither of them dares to speak about what just happened in Kora’s quarters. Both of them are aware that it wasn’t proper of them, but they’re also not sure where it would have stopped if Jordan hadn’t of removed himself from her room.

Halting out the front, Kora takes in the sight of the grand house decorated with frost bitten shrubbery, spidering vines and a small delicate stone fountain. She remembers it from the first night she visited, but it’s more peaceful now and she has more time to study its intricacies.

Jordan steps down from the carriage before extending out his hand to her. Kora has to lift the bottom of her long skirt up to avoid accidentally stepping on the hem and tearing a gaping hole in the fabric with her slippers.

Crushed gravel crunches beneath their shoes as they near the entrance. He holds the door open for her with ease when a feminine voice calls out to him, “Jordan!”

Kora peers up as Josephine scurries down the hallway to greet them. Her hair is swept up off of her thin face, and her smile is gleaming so brightly it could blind someone.

“Oh,” his mother pauses, looking between the two of them. Her dainty face falters for a second before it lifts once again. “I didn’t realise Kora was joining us this evening.”

“I’m sorry to impose. Jordan invited me for dinner and to stay for the night. I hope that isn’t a bother for you.” Kora says nervously.

With a grin, Josephine pulls Kora into a warm embrace, “Of course not, dear. You are most welcome to stay. I will have Valarie put one of her nightgowns in the spare quarter for you to change into. Come in. Dinner will be ready shortly.” She points towards the parlour at the front of the house.

Valarie is already in there reading a fabric bound book as Tobias sits at the chessboard set up on the low wooden table between them. He stares intently at the game play, trying to figure out his next move. “Is Val beating you again?” Jordan asks as he guides Kora into the room beside him. His hand steadily holding her back, which is reassuring.

His father holds up a finger for Jordan to wait until he makes his move. Tobias nudges a piece forward and Valarie shuts her book with a loud snap. Glancing down at the board for a few seconds, she grins and sets her king in place. “Check.”

Tobias’ hand smacks the tabletop as he rubs his stubbled chin. “Who taught you how to play this well, Val?”

She giggles at her father innocently. “Lewis. He’s brilliantly clever.”

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