Page 4 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Time seemed to halt as she savored the sweetness of the connection, the press of his lips soft yet fervent, a delicate exploration that spoke volumes in its silence. His hand cradled her cheek, thumb caressing the skin with a feather-light touch, while her hand found its place on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath the layers of fine fabric. Hers, on the other hand, was racing. Why did she not affect him in the way just his smile could affect her?
The piano, a silent witness, echoed the melodies of their shared intimacy, its music hung in the air like an echo of their affection. They lingered in the embrace of that kiss, a moment that held the promise of more shared harmonies, more silent conversations in the language of touch and tenderness.
But she knew deep inside, passion and desire did not equal love. It gave her the strength to break the kiss and look away, trying to hide her rapid breathing. His was steady, as if he’d been totally unaffected.
“One day I shall lay you naked on top of a grand piano and play you.” The words so decadent, whispered in her ear, sent her world tilting. She could picture it so easily and God help her, she wanted to experience that. Before she could gather her wits, she heard her brother's voice in the hall.
Devlin rose slowly to his feet, towering over her, and moved round to the other side of the piano. She still could not look at him. Her emotions were too raw.
“You will save me both of the waltzes at Lady Bradshaw’s ball tonight.” Once again, his words were a command, and her senses were in no condition to deny his request. She nodded her head, words still stuck in her throat. “Good.” He strode towards the door to meet her brother. “Until this evening. Have a pleasant day.”
Then he was gone, but his scent lingered. She reached up with her fingers and traced her lips, feeling the scorching sensation from his kiss. He was so experienced, and that was unfair.
How was she expected to make such an important decision when he overwhelmed her senses with just a look, a smile, a touch…
Her fingers crashed down on the keys and the jarring notes broke his spell over her.
Philippa, her brother’s wife, entered the room. “What’s got you looking like you’d like to stab someone?” The teasing note to her voice showed she knew Devlin had been in this room with her.
“Do men even have emotions?” she asked her sister-in-law.
Philippa laughed. “Of course. They simply conceal them more effectively than we do because that is how they were brought up. They have to shoulder more responsibilities than us and as such feel it weakens them to show emotions.” Philippa sat on the stool with her. “Besides, they usually only hide certain emotions. Other emotions they are rather free with,” and she nudged Dharma in the side.
A blush raced over her cheeks. Passion and desire for men, they seem thrilled to share, that was true.
“I thought it odd the first person Devlin called on upon his return to London was Tobin. I suspect he wanted to see you.” She eyed her sister-in-law dubiously. “Well, he has written to you every week. I’m lucky if I get any missive when your brother is away.”
“It almost seems as if Devlin is trying too hard. I feel I have been very honest about what I expect in a marriage. He only has to share his heart and I’ll say yes. So why is he—” She could hardly say he was trying to seduce her to Philippa.
Philippa patted her hand before she stood. “I think you’ll learn that love is something men fear, and goodness knows why. He has feelings for you, you know that. Give him a chance to open his heart to you. It’s always worth the wait, I assure you.”
Long after Philippa had left the music room, Dharma continued to sit at the piano and play. She’d hoped the music would speak to her, but after an hour, all she knew was that this was not a game and she would move forward with Devlin with caution. She’d hate to lose her heart to him and never have that love returned.
Women feared love too. Or perhaps it was a woman feared unrequited love.
If she fell in love with Devlin and he did not love her… spinsterhood beckoned.
Because she would not marry for anything less.
Finally, she made her way upstairs to have a rest before the long night ahead. Would Devlin exceed her expectations and what would society think of her dancing two waltzes with him?
ChapterTwo
Everyone who was anyone had arrived back in London over the past ten days. Parliament had its first sitting this week. Tonight Lady Bradshaw, one of society’s grande dames, held the honor of hosting the inaugural ball of the season.
Dharma should have been looking forward to the evening. The event was a chance to catch up with friends, and to observe this rarity of beings—men looking for wives. But for once Dharma was unsure of what she wanted, or if she was truthful with herself, who she wanted in her life.
Devlin and Rosemary would be in attendance tonight.
She admired how Devlin had worked hard to ensure that while most good families avoided him, some within thetonwere more forgiving and issued his family with invites. Lady Bradshaw was one who chose to overlook his father’s disgrace.
Ever since Charlotte’s marriage to the Duke of Sinclair, Devlin had set his cap at her. She tried to resist the urge, but when she missed him, she couldn't help but pull open her dresser drawer and reread every word of his letters.
While Dharma wanted to believe his interest in her was because of feelings of love, something held her back. Seeing her stepmother trapped in a loveless marriage to her father for many years, Dharma’s worst fear was making a mistake and marrying the wrong man. A lifetime was too long to live trapped.
Given her whirling thoughts, she wanted to kick herself. Why had she agreed to accompany Devlin in the second waltz of the evening?
The word dance conjured visions of gliding movement and swirling dresses, but what Dharma saw, or to be exact, felt, was heat, passion, and desire—especially when she was in Devlin’s arms. Was it love or money that saw him so persistent in his pursuit? How did a young lady learn the truth before it’s too late?
