Page 27 of The Moonstone Pirate
“That is nonsense. I had never experienced a kiss until you kissed me last night.”
He sighed and released her. “Do not remind me, Imogen. I am never going to forget that kiss.”
“Yes, you were quite clear about what a mistake it was.”
He growled softly. “It wasn’t a mistake. It was perfect and unforgettable.”
Her eyes widened and she let out a soft breath, for he spoke as though he’d liked it very much. “Truly?”
“Yes.” He placed a hand over his heart. “You are no ordinary young lady, and I find you far too tempting. The problem is, I should not have started something I have no intention of pursuing. I should have known that even one kiss with you would be dangerous.”
“Dangerous for me?” She crossed the study with him as he placed her books of sketches atop her uncle’s desk and then turned back to her.
“No, for me,” he said, his gaze quite hot upon her. “It was an incredible kiss.”
She laughed, but was utterly confused. “Are you flirting with me, Draco?”
“Pirates don’t flirt.” He folded his arms over his chest, inadvertently drawing attention to his powerful muscles and finely sculpted torso. “They take what they want.”
She blushed again. “And what do you want?”
“Nothing suitable for your delicate ears, Butterfly. Perhaps I shall tell you at a later date, once you are in your debut Season.”
“Why not now?”
“Because I dare not say anything more to you.”
She nodded. “For fear I will expect a marriage proposal. Honestly, Draco, it was a wonderful kiss, but it was just a kiss. And you were very clear about not wanting anything more. Can we not leave it at that?”
His expression was surprisingly pained. “Yes, we ought to leave it at that.”
“Yes, we ought. You kissed me, and then you could not leave me fast enough. Message received. You needn’t make more of it than it needs to be.”
He caught her hand as she started to turn away. “Imogen, that is not the message I was trying to send you.”
“Well, that is the message I received. Care to clarify?”
He raked a hand through the beautiful waves of his dark hair. “I need time, that’s all.”
“Fine, take all the time you need. But if you ever kiss me again as you did last night, it had better be because you love me and wish to marry me. You cannot trifle with me, Draco. I feel things too deeply and will be terribly hurt. Agreed?”
“Agreed, Butterfly. I wouldn’t hurt you for the world.” He caressed her cheek and then paused a moment before grinning wickedly. “Not another improper kiss until I am ready to claim you as mine. Try not to fall in love with me before then.”
She gave him a playful shove, which hardly budged him because he was built too solidly. “Oh, I’m sure I shall manage that quite easily,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “Honestly, Draco. If your head were any larger, it would not fit through the door. Must you always be so full of yourself?” She tipped her chin up and gave an unladylike snort as she left the study and started down the hall. “Men are such fools.”
She left him grinning at her while she marched into the parlor where her aunt, Deandra, and Albert were seated. Her uncle must have entered the study soon after her departure, forshe heard male voices in the hall and then the study door closing behind them.
Knowing she would never be able to hear what they were talking about while that door was closed, she took a seat beside Deandra on the sofa and resigned herself to waiting. Deandra immediately scooted closer and took her hand. “Did my cousin say anything to you, Imogen?”
She shook her head. “No. He’ll report to us about the investigation later, after he and my uncle have conferred.”
“Oh, that too. But I wondered if he had said…you know, something special toyou. Told you how lovely you were.”
Imogen blushed. “Don’t be silly, Deandra. Why ever would he?”
“Because he would not give Parrot to just anyone,” Deandra insisted. “He gave him to you at the party and has yet to take him back.”
“For my protection, that is all.”
