Page 24 of Marigold and the Marquess
After all, there was an etiquette to a first kiss. It should not be too bland or she would be disappointed. Nor should it be too rough and ravaging or it would frighten her. It had to be deep, possessive, and just intense enough to sweep her off her feet. His pride would not permit anything less than her complete surrender and wholehearted satisfaction.
He meant to give her a first kiss that was all she had ever dreamed of receiving.
As for him, he would remember it, too.
Every blessed detail.
The sweet taste of mint and cocoa on her lips.
The swan-like arch of her body as she melted against him.
The perfect pleasure of her breasts molding to his chest.
Why did it feel as though their bodies were meant to be one?
This was very bad.
He could let nothing interfere with his plans.
Not even this delectable morsel.
Instead of withdrawing and ending the kiss, he deepened it, pouring his soul into the cavern of her mouth because this would be the first and last time he ever touched her.
He meant to make it count.
Which probably explained why he needed to run his hands along her body and memorize her every curve.
It also explained why he felt a crushing ache in his heart when he finally drew away.
Perhaps he would rethink this matter of this first kiss being their last.
Having tasted her once, he needed more.
But he could not have revengeandhappiness.
Marigold would never forgive him if she knew he meant to kill his nemesis. She could not talk him out of it, either. No matter how much she pleaded, he would never give up his vengeful quest.
What possible future could they have together then?
Nothing beyond this one, glorious kiss.
Marigold brought him to his senses with a soft cry of dismay. “Leo, did you hate it? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“How am I looking at you?”
“As though you have just made the worst mistake of your life.”
This was his chance to end their attraction right now.
“I have, Marigold.”
“You have? Are you sure it was a mistake? Our kiss was the best ever for me.”
“It is not possible. How can you judge whether it was your best ever when it was your first and only kiss?”
She cast him a stubborn look. “Kindly do not minimize the splendor of it. Why should I not appreciate when something is wonderful? And it was wonderful. How can I kiss any other man after this?”
“And there’s the tragedy of it.”
