Page 26 of Forbidden Earl
He twirled her and she landed back in his arms without question. He leaned closer and said, “You’re the best partner I’ve had, as you let me lead.”
They’d danced together since they were six years old. She had a flash of being at Gigi’s house on the beach in California and them both being forced to learn the waltz. She laughed at the memory. “Gigi drilled it in my head pretty good—which is funny because you’re the only one I trust not to get me run over on the dance floor.”
He brought her hand closer as the tempo changed but he continued to lead as he whispered, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without her. She’s all I have—the only one left that cared about me.”
The concave of her heart felt like it opened for Remy even more. She squeezed his hand and met his gaze. “I’m here for you too, Remy. I’ve always been here.”
A small smile hovered on his face. “I’d like that.”
A gnawing grew inside her soul and her lips ached. She lifted her chin higher and said, “Kiss me.”
Without another word her eyes closed, and he did as he was asked.
Fireworks brighter than any celebration in the sky set off inside her and she held onto him. The room disappeared and it was just the two of them, whirling in measured steps around the floor.
His lips left hers as he led her in the dance. Her entire body trusted him and she followed. His skin felt hot as he held her. “I want to do far more than that.”
If he was anyone else, she’d let her mind talk her out of what her body craved. But she placed her hand on her hip like she was a siren in a Bond movie. “Then let’s go home now.”
His body went taut and his eyes turned dark. “Are you sure? Yesterday, you said you wanted to wait.”
With Remy, tonight felt right. He was here, with her. He’d chosen her over Lucinda, or Chelsea, or any number of others. She took a deep breath and not one cautionary thought came into her mind. She trusted him. Instead she smiled and said, “That was yesterday. Tonight, I want to be with you, Remy. I’m too excited about our wedding tomorrow to get much sleep.”
He took her hand and guided her off the dance floor. Those nearest to them cheered at their skill.
Her face heated, but she stayed with Remy. “Let’s go. I’m glad you’re happy now.”
Being nobility, they didn’t run to the nearest door. There was protocol. He guided her toward the bride and groom where he bowed, “Blackwell. Donna. Congrats. We have to get going as our wedding is tomorrow.”
Donna then hugged her again. Cassidy added, “Many congratulations. I wish you were a bridesmaid at my wedding instead of my sister tomorrow, but I’m glad you’ll be there—an ally in the crowd.”
“Me too,” Donna said.
They walked out into the chilly evening air, but her skin was so warm she didn’t care. Remy’s hand was all she needed as he led her toward his Ferrari.
He opened her door and held it for her, gesturing for her to get inside. “Your chariot, my lady.”
She touched her diamond pendant and glided into her seat, opening his door before he had a chance to run around the car. When he sat and started the engine, she mimicked his wink. “Remy, you’re not a gladiator, despite how much you wanted to be one.”
“I remember,” Remy laughed. She recalled how he used to play with toy soldiers when they were children, each in Roman garb. As they drove away from Woodbridge Hall, he reached over and squeezed her bare knee. “My ancestors weresoldiersnot gladiators.”
She turned closer to him and felt another spark when she traced his lapel. “You finally read the family history?”
“Of course, Gigi insisted. If you need anything from your room, our rooms connect.”
For the past two nights she’d stared at the adjoining door and wondered how he slept. They drove onto their estate and she had a hum in her veins that didn’t quit. Luckily, he parked in front of his house and led her inside.
It was dark and quiet, so they raced up the stairs together.
In his room, her heart raced fast from adrenaline. The second she heard the click of his bedroom door being locked, she knew she was in uncharted territory. She could breathe because it was Remy. “Unzip my dress.”
His fingers traced her back as he undid her dress, and he kissed the base of her neck. The embers of desire grew hotter inside her while she turned toward him, in just her strapless pink bra and matching lace panties. He devoured her like she was Christmas morning. “Glad you’re comfortable around me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That’s always been true, but tonight is different.”
“For both of us.” He leaned forward and kissed her. She melted for him and didn’t care about the past.
Once the kiss ended, he took her hand and led her toward his bed. She felt heat growing in her cheeks as she realized that he must no longer think of her as his sister.
