Page 40 of Sir Hugo Seeks a Wife
“It’s my middle name.”
She couldn’t suppress a short laugh.“You’re a sentimental fool, Hugo Brinsmead.”With every second, her tension eased.Apart from the tension she felt because she was frantic for him to touch her.“Do you think you might kiss me?”
His smile broadened as he advanced.“Only a fool would say no.”
As she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, she couldn’t contain a sob.She’d just endured two abysmal weeks.She’d feared that she’d never see him again.She’d feared that those few kisses were all she’d have.Knowing that they were together now, however long their union lasted, filled her with choking gratitude.
His encircling embrace provided an immediate sensation of safety.Which was preposterous, when today’s plans put her in danger as she hadn’t been in danger for years.But that didn’t stop her nestling closer.The memory of his warm body and his clean male scent had haunted her, ever since she’d sent him away at Sylvie’s.Now that warmth seeped into her, when she’d been so cold without him.She breathed in that spicy scent, seeking to capture his essence and keep it forever.
“Athene, sweetheart, don’t cry,” he murmured with such care that her vulnerable heart cramped.
“I can’t help it,” she admitted in a constricted voice.“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Silly girl,” he said, his bass voice a lovely rumble in her ears.“One word from you and I’d have been here faster than lightning.”
“I’m sure you didn’t expect to start our affair with me weeping all over you,” she said, struggling to sound as if her uncharacteristic fit of tears meant nothing.
He gave a grunt of amusement.“I’m made of solid Yorkshire rock, built to withstand snow and wind and storm.A few tears won’t hurt me, lass.”
“I love it when you call me lass.”It made her bones dissolve like sugar.
He settled her closer.“Then I’ll do it all the time, lass.”
“It’s less of a mouthful than Athene.”
“Believe me, Athene’s better than Aphrodite.”
She gave a watery giggle.“My father had a taste for Greek mythology.I thought I’d continue the tradition when it came to an alias.”
“You sound like you’re fond of him.”Hugo seemed surprised.
She pulled away far enough to stare into his rugged features.“He spoiled me when I was a little girl, so of course I loved him.I ran wild for most of my childhood.I’m sure he’s regretted his lenience since.”
“It’s been a long time.Have you tried to make contact?”
Wry humor lengthened her lips.“More sentimentality, Hugo?Imagining family reunions?”
He cupped her jaw with a tenderness that penetrated her soul.“Your family has missed out on a treat, not knowing you.”
She turned her face to kiss his broad palm.“You’re too kind.”
Athene saw that he didn’t like her making light of his praise.“You know, one day soon you’re going to have to tell me the whole story.”
“No more secrets?”
“No more secrets.”
“That’s rather alarming.”It was utterly terrifying.
When his eyes focused on her mouth, excitement gripped her.“It’s alarming how much I want to kiss you.”
“That I can help with,” she whispered, surging up on her toes.
The heat of his lips made her feel alive.She tangled shaking hands in the thick silk of his hair.He brought her flush with his powerful body and kissed her as if he starved.With a throaty sound, she parted her lips.His tongue slipped through to explore her mouth with devastating effect.By the time he raised his head, she hung off him because her knees had turned to water.
“We should talk.”
His purposeful voice made her heart sink.She’d much rather keep kissing him.“Must we?”
