Page 64 of The Moonstone Marquess
She looked at him, utterly bewildered.
Did he know how she was responding?
His shameless smile acknowledged that he did.
“Chloe, bring the girls. Breakfast is ready.” She scrambled to her feet and ran into the house. Tears filled her eyes as she ran up to her bedchamber and frantically splashed water on her face. She needed to compose herself or she was doomed. Well, she was likely doomed anyway, for she could not look at Cormac without wanton thoughts crossing her mind.
And he knew it.
Dear heaven, everyone probably knew it except for Ella and Imogen, who were too young and innocent to understand such things.
She was still splashing water on her face when Cormac entered her bedchamber.
She gasped. “You cannot be in here!”
“Blessed saints, Phoebe. Everything shows on your face.”
“I know. This is awful. Why did you have to cast me those hot glances?”
“Because I am in love with you.” He grinned rakishly. “They were no different than the way I have always looked at you. You’re the one who is responding differently.”
“What do you mean?”
He caressed her cheek. “Your body has come alive, my little lioness. How can I put this politely to you so you will not slap my face? You want me in your bed.”
She covered her face with her hands.
Her wet face.
And wet hands.
And the water was dripping onto her gown. “What sort of an example am I setting for Chloe? Her sister is a wanton.”
“Hardly,” he said with a soft chuckle. “Phoebe, calm down. I am not going to touch you outside of marriage.”
She peeked up at him. “You’re not?”
He laughed. “No, and it is not because the desire isn’t there. I am racked with ache to explore your luscious body. But you hide nothing, and Cain is going to kill me the moment he returns. All he needs to do is take one look at you and he’ll know I’ve touched you. So I am not touching you.”
“But you’ve kissed me.”
“That does not count. I will expire if you deny me that.”
She nodded. “I enjoyed your kisses.”
“I know, love. Come downstairs. Now that we’ve straightened this out, do you think you can compose yourself?”
She looked up at him.
“Blessed saints, you’re tempting.” He kissed her full on the mouth. “I’m riding to Bath and dragging Cain back here to get the marriage license. Phoebe, do you love me?”
“Don’t ask me that question.”
“Fine, but I have my answer. Your face shows it.”
“Please, stop. Have I not made enough of a fool of myself over you?”
He laughed softly again. “And what of me? Do you think I ever imagined hearing those words out of my mouth? What you are feeling is desire. That just proves you want me to explore your body. And don’t punch me! I know you would not be having these feelings of desire without also being in love. But I need to hear it from your lips. Do you love me?”
