Page 41 of The Irish Gypsy
"No interest in the business whatsoever.Besides, he got all his mother's money when she passed away. I'llneed someone to leave all this to, so I've decided it will be mydaughter and my son-in-law--when I get one, that is." He cougheddiscreetly.
Patrick was left in no doubt as to whomSamuel Haynsworth had in mind and he decided it was worth carefulconsideration.
When they arrived at Julia's in CadogenSquare, Yuletide preparations were in full swing. Patrick had nodoubt about what he wanted for Christmas. He made plans immediatelyfor a private rendezvous and was more excited than he everremembered, even as a boy.
Kitty too was more excited than she had beenin years. She was filled with anticipation for what Christmas andthe New Year would bring. She had a feeling in her very bones thatone phase of her life was about to end and a new one begin. Patrickhad rescued her from a life of drudgery and had nursed her back toher full vitality. He had even paid to send her to a young ladies'finishing school so that she would be an acceptable wife. Though atfirst he had behaved very circumspectly with her, now he made nosecret of the fact that he was irresistibly attracted to her.Whenever their hands touched accidentally, heat leaped betweenthem. When he looked at her, he became smoky-eyed, then his pupilswould turn black with desire.
Though it made her blush furiously, she knewhe became physically aroused whenever he came close to her. Nowthat she was older it didn't frighten her, it made her breathlesswith excitement. She often caught him gazing at her mouth or herbreasts and longed for the moment he would crush her lips in ademanding kiss. When he spoke to her his voice became husky withneed.
Kitty imagined she was in a worse state thanPatrick. She hungered for him. When he came close her pulse speededup erratically, her breath became faint and jerky and her throatwent dry. His faintest touch turned her skin to ice, then fire, andfilled her with delicious tremors. When she spoke to him her voicebecame low and whispery and she loved to watch the devastatingeffect this had on him. She knew he couldn't possibly wait muchlonger.
Patrick invited Kitty to dine with him onChristmas Eve at Clifford's Inn, Fleet Street. The moment shestepped into the closed carriage with him, she knew the time hadfinally arrived. It was small and private and heart-stoppinglyintimate inside as Patrick took the lid off a large box and shookout a silver fox cape.
"Here's one of your Christmas presents,darling," he murmured, holding it out for her.
"Ooh," she cried with delight, removing herdark wool cloak. Then she slipped into the fur he held out andallowed him to wrap it about her. Womanlike, she blew upon the furto admire its thickness and rubbed her cheek against itsensually.
Patrick hardened instantly. For severalmoments he throbbed savagely as his hot blood surged into his shaftuntil he thought he would explode. He felt a driving desire tostrip her naked, lay her back upon the fur and take her right herein the carriage. With an iron will he tamped down his scaldingdesire. If she even guessed the things he wanted to do with her,she would bolt from the carriage.
Patrick removed his arms from her and movedback across the seat. He did not dare to leave his hands on her orhe would lose control.
Kitty could not hide her joy from him. "Thankyou, Patrick," she whispered and gave him a radiant smile.
Clifford's Inn was a small, elegant hotel andKitty was enchanted with the Christmas tree decorated withfeathered quail, sleigh bells, tartan bows and glass ballshand-painted with bird scenes. Her eyes shone with expectancy inthe flickering candlelight.
"Have I told you how beautiful you aretonight?"
She smiled and shook her head. The otherdiners could feel the current of their mutual attraction. His loinswere melting with longing, and his deep desire for her showed toeveryone. After the meal he took her hand and led her upstairs. Heunlocked the door to a beautiful set of rooms. The walls werepaneled, the floor covered in a Turkey red carpet and there was amagnificent hand-carved fireplace filled with blazing log.
"I reserved the bridal suite for us," hesaid, closing the door and slipping his arms about her.
She looked up at him joyously. "For tonight?"Praise God, they were going to be married tonight! Her arms liftedabout his neck and as he swung her about, the silver fur slitheredto the floor. He bent his dark head to capture her lips. Beneathhis, her mouth softened and parted and she recalled with amusementhow shocked she had been when he had first touched her with hiswicked tongue.
Patrick swept her up in his arms, then movedtoward a comfortable chair before the fire. He cuddled her on hislap and his lips brushed the tempting black tendrils at hertemple.
Kitty sighed deeply; she had everything shehad ever needed for happiness: a full belly, a warm fire andPatrick John Francis O'Reilly. She traced her finger along a heavyblack eyebrow, then brought it down to follow the slant of hisarrogant jaw. She didn't know if she loved him in spite of hisfaults or because of them, she only knew that she loved him withevery fiber of her being. She was dizzy with love. When her fingerlovingly traced his top lip, Patrick bit it playfully. Sheimmediately lifted his hand to her mouth and bit one of his fingersin return. "If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back," she said wickedlyand Patrick groaned at the fierce arousal she always produced inhim.
He knew he must go about his seduction with alittle more finesse than last time. Though he was ravenous for her,he knew he must starve a little longer while he kindled her desireand fanned the flame until she was white-hot. One hand caressed hershoulder as the other stole to her breast. He heard her swiftintake of breath that told him his touch gave her pleasure.
Kitty could feel Patrick's manhood, hot andhard, beneath her buttocks. She knew now that sex was primal,elemental and above all natural between lovers who were insatiablyattracted to each other. With a knowledge as old as Eve's, she knewshe was ready for this man to make love to her. The sensations hearoused were delicious as she clung to him, heady with the smell ofhis man-scented skin.
Patrick's fingers began to undo thefastenings of her dress. Kitty kissed him and stayed his avidhands. "Darling, you mustn't undress me until after the chaplain'sbeen."
"Chaplain?" he murmured huskily.
"Aren't we being married tonight?" she askedfaintly.
"Married? I should hope not! Where would thefun be in that?" He saw a pulse beating in her throat and put hislips to the spot. "When I marry, it will be for convenience, tosome respectable daughter of society who will be tied to thehousehold and children. I don't want to spoil your body withbabies, Kitty, I want you all to myself, free to come to Francewith me and to America next time I sail."
She felt like she had been doused with abucket of cold water. "I won't! I can't! Take me home!" Kitty'sIrish was up. Her eyes glittered dangerously. "If you touch me, Iswear I'll kill you!"
"Stop playing games with me, Kitty. I'm notblind. You want me every bit as much as I want you." He movedcautiously to the right to block the door. "Darling, you'll haveall my respect and honor and anything else you want." He touchedher cheek longingly. "Let me spoil you."
Her eyes narrowed with fury. "You've alreadyspoiled me! Or to use correct English, I should say despoiled!"
Goddamn and blast everything. It washappening again. Patrick hung onto his temper. He tried a new tack.He'd never begged a woman before in his life. Now he did. "Kitty,darling, yield to me. I swear I'll give youanything....anything!"
"Give me a wedding," she said stubbornly.
