Page 3 of The Allure Of Lord Devlin
Despite being given a half share in a potentially profitable tin mine in Cornwall by Charlotte, Devlin’s financial woes were not settled. Her dowry was still a big prize for him.
Refusing to let thoughts of the conundrum that was Lord Devlin ruin the mood, she closed her eyes and let the music consume her. She let her emotions fly and simply felt the love generated by the music. Finally, the song ended and she slumped exhausted over the keys, only to be startled by a slow clapping coming from the other end of the music room.
“I could watch you play all day. You make the music come alive, almost magical.”
Devlin’s voice sent a shiver down her spine. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, but I couldn’t resist listening as I wait to see your brother. I’ve missed your playing. You filled the house with warmth when you played during your visit over Christmas.”
Her heart speed up as he prowled toward her with that innate languid grace. Dharma caught her breath, as she always did when he directed his gaze her way. Sharp bones rode high above the austere sweep of his cheeks down to the uncompromising square jaw. His nose was straight, definite, and fit his face perfectly.
His hair, thick, brown, fell in fashionable disarray about his head, making him look as if he’d just rolled out of bed. Large green eyes beneath sweeping brows made her wish she’d been in that bed with him. But it was his mouth that sent heat all over her body. The upper lip was straight, the lower full and sensual. Imaginings flashed through her mind of where he might put them on her body.
She couldn’t believe the hunger that hit her from not seeing him for two months. The man was too handsome for her good.
A face as elegantly aristocratic as his powerful and arrogant breeding. Only she quickly remembered his father had tainted all of that. The Devlin name meant nothing. She bristled at the unfairness. Devlin didn’t deserve to be tarnished by his father.
“I’d be happy to play for you whenever you so desire.” Her breath hitched at the flare of heat in his eyes.
He leaned on the piano. “Play for me now.” His voice suited him. Deep, slightly gravelly, as if he didn’t speak very often. It was almost a command, and she felt every word.
He unsettled her like no one else could. “Aren’t you in a hurry?”
For a moment, his gaze didn’t shift from her face, but then his eyes left hers to travel over her body. Like fingers, they touched her everywhere and she couldn’t repress a shiver. “I’m never too busy to spend time with you. You play like an angel.”
“My mother encouraged me as a young child. Looking back, I believe she did so to take my mind off her illness.”
He reached out and cupped her chin. “Was it your mother you thought of while playing?”
She swallowed hard.No, it was you.“Yes.”
His smile told her he didn’t believe her. “Funny, I thought you were playing a love song when I entered.”
The infuriating man. She ignored the knowing smile and simply began playing, trying very hard to ignore his overwhelming presence. Thankfully, the music did its trick and soon she lost herself in the notes and simply played as if the world and Lord Devlin had disappeared.
When the music ended, silence rang out. She looked up, wondering if he’d left the room, but he was merely standing next to her at the keyboard, his body still and his eyes focused on her.
Heat flooded her face, and she cleared her throat.
Finally he softly applauded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips, “Lady Dharma, your mastery of the piano never fails to astound me.”
Dipping her head modestly, “Thank you, my lord. Bach's compositions are endlessly captivating, aren't they?”
“Indeed, they are. But I daresay it's not solely Bach's genius that held my attention captive. Your playing moves more than just the keys of the piano. It stirs something within me—a melody that resonates far beyond the notes. Your passion, your finesse, it's truly enchanting.”
“You flatter me, Lord Devlin. I am but a humble enthusiast of music.”
“And yet, in your hands, the piano becomes an instrument of enchantment.” He sat on the piano stool next to her, crowding her sense as heat rolled off his hard body, his gaze unwavering. “I've been remiss in expressing my sentiments properly. Our time together during the Christmas festivities was a highlight of the season for me. Your company... it brought warmth to the coldest of winter nights.” He ran his finger over her lips. “I have missed you. Did you miss me too?”
She wanted to jump to her feet and run, but the magnetism of his gaze saw her glued to the piano stool. “A lady does not reveal such things. It is dangerous to her sensibilities.”
“I don’t want you to be sensible. I want you to be captivated.” He leaned closer. “Did you miss my kisses?”
She’d stupidly allowed herself to be kissed under the mistletoe at his home during her visit and she’d paid for that mistake in her dreams every night since. She made a further mistake now by looking into his eyes. Desire swirled, burned within, and panic rose deep within her along with the heat. He was too close.. too dangerous… she had a decision to make that would affect her life and how could she think the situation through when he offered her things her body wanted—desperately.
Her heart wanted more…
His lips kicked up at the ends at her silence. He took her hand, long fingers closing strongly about hers, his thumb stroking the bare skin on her palm. She’d not worn gloves, preferring to play without them. “In case you’ve forgotten, shall I kiss you now to remind you?” His whispered words sent memories to her brain. Her body, on its own accord, pressed closer.
And then her eyes closed on a small moan as he slowly lowered his lips to hers.
