Page 18 of My Darling Rogue
Smack!
The heaviness of his palm cracking over her bottom was unexpected. Gabriel’s hand was so enormous it nearly covered both cheeks. Celia jolted forward in shock, biting back a cry before freezing still with awareness.
“That was only a preview, sweetness, of what I wish to do.” Gabriel’s breath was ragged, and yet control simmered in the way he handled her. “There’s more. So much more than you could ever comprehend.”
Celia shuddered but did not dare attempt an escape. She remained draped over his lap in a state of willing although dazed curiosity.
He wasn’t done with her just yet as evidenced by his barely audible sigh.
“Damnit, Celia. I can feel your heat, smell your arousal. It is unraveling me.”
Gabriel’s hand slipped low. It ventured beyond the slit in her underdrawers. Then he was exploring her with just one finger. A devilish, sinful finger that dipped and swirled against the opening of her body for what could have been an eternity but was likely only a few seconds.
Celia let out a muffled cry, sensations flooding her. She shuddered. Aching. Wanting. Needing. Because Gabriel still wore riding gloves and the leather burned like a firebrand on her sensitive flesh, igniting every nerve ending until her body screamed for more.
Her legs fell further apart, greedily inviting him to take everything.
But as quickly as her punishment had begun, it was over.
CHAPTER9
Gabriel stood, hauling Celia up along with him. He had no intention of being so rough in his handling, but he gripped her upper arms so tightly he probably left behind imprints of his hands.
Celia could not hide her emotions. Wide, expressive chocolate brown eyes shouted everything at him. Things he had no right knowing. Her excitement. Her confusion. Her shocked arousal. It swirled around him, a heady mix of innocent discovery, and Gabriel fought the urge to place his index finger in his mouth. Fought against the rampant desire to know how sweet her intimate flavor would taste on his tongue. He wanted to lick his finger clean. Allow her body’s essence to eddy and collect on his tastebuds. He wanted to savor and appreciate the taste of her and store the memory away for later when she was no longer under his control.
A surge of lust careened through him at the salacious idea. And Gabriel fought that, too. What occurred in the library was bad, but this,thiswas insanity. It would mean certain ruination if they were caught like this, and he was in enough trouble as it was with this girl. He could not continue inventing reasons and excuses to touch her. It was utter madness.
Because she was not meant for someone like him. That fact would never change.
No matter the circumstances. Or who his father was.
Once more supporting Celia’s weight, Gabriel practically dragged her back to where Arion nibbled on the few blades of grass sprouting up amongst the carpet of leaves.
“We must return before they come looking for us.” His gruff explanation came while tossing Celia onto the horse’s back.
She instinctively grabbed the reins and a handful of Arion’s jet-black mane. Her features tight, she stared down into his face. “I’ve said the same thing, but you ignored me.” She sounded sullen, frustration leaching into every word.
“Well, we shouldn’t dawdle any further.” Gabriel turned, looking for her hat. The breeze had caught it up and carried it a few feet away.
“Is that what men call this? Dawdling?” Celia said peevishly to his back as he strode toward the bonnet with the intention of retrieving it.
The moment he bent over to pick up the pretty hat, Gabriel knew his mistake. He’d vastly underestimated the girl.
Celia twisted in the saddle, maneuvering so that one leg awkwardly swung over Arion’s neck. Now, she sat astride, full skirts hiked up past her knees and an expanse of white silk stockings readily visible. While Gabriel stood awestruck at the magnificent sight she presented, Celia clucked her tongue to the horse. Setting her heels to his flanks, she held on tight as Arion, the traitor, obliged her command by bolting forward.
Celia’s little yelp of surprised alarm almost made Gabriel smile. But then, concern for her safety erased any sense of amusement. There were many trees along the pathway leading out of the forest. She might fall off and seriously injure herself. And if he let out the whistle sure to stop Arion in mid-stride, she could still end up taking a tumble.
Best that he allowed the stallion his head and trust in his sure-footedness. No doubt, the horse would quickly find his way back to the stables where a bucket of oats awaited him.
Raking a hand through his hair, Gabriel sighed.
It was a long walk back to the manor.
* * *
Gabriel was metby Alan when he entered Beaumont’s foyer.
“Ah, there you are. We were preparing to send out a search party.”
