Page 67 of Intolerable
Mrs. Shaughnessy’s blue eyes, so similar to Ruark’s, shone. “You never know, dear. Perhaps your brother will be smart and decide to court Lady Cassandra.”
How Cassandra wished that would happen. But for now, she danced with another gentleman who wasn’t and would never be the man who held her heart.
Chapter 16
Ruark returned to the ball where he danced with a handful of young ladies. He smiled and charmed, but inside he seethed with yearning for Cassandra. Inevitably, he found himself back outside in the cool night air where he couldn’t see her dancing with a parade of eligible gentlemen. It was easier to stay away from her when he couldn’t see her.
The gardens were beautifully lit with flickering lanterns, a perfect surrounding for couples to promenade. He made his way to the reflecting pool where the echo of the flames shimmered on the surface of the water. From there, he followed a path to the hedgerow maze where a footman was handing out lanterns to those who wanted to try to find the center. Ruark wished he and Cassandra could do that. He’d find a dead end, snuff out the lantern, then take her into his arms.
He circuited the path outside the maze, appreciating that there was no one about—they were all inside the labyrinth of shrubbery. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t hear anyone approach.
“Ruark!” Cassandra called, but in a low tone when she was practically on top of him.
Eyes wide, he glanced toward the house. “Are you alone?”
“For now. I finished a set, and Prudence was in the retiring room.”
“Where’s your father?” He still looked nervously toward the house.
“The gaming room, thank goodness. He’s been a thorn in my side most of the evening.” Her exasperation was evident in her tone. Her expression was also a bit beleaguered. He wanted to smooth all her concern and annoyance away with kisses.
Ruark pulled her farther behind the maze, where there was even less light, and they couldn’t see the house over the hedgerows—which meant they couldn’t be seen either. Before he could ask her anything else, she was kissing him, her arms around his neck and her delectable body pressed against his.
Despite his better judgment since anyone could happen along at any moment, he clasped her to him and returned her kiss, as a tide of passion washed over him. “This is incredibly foolish of us,” he murmured against her lips.
“Probably,” she answered before stealing his breath once more.
After an ardent series of kisses, she pulled back and smoothed her hands down the front of his coat. “It’s been awful. My father is the worst sort of sponsor—he never ceases to foist me off on dancing partners or gentlemen who wish to promenade. I fear I’ll be dancing long past midnight at this rate. If it wasn’t for a short break in the music, I wouldn’t have been able to come out here at all.”
Ruark stroked his thumb along her jaw, reveling in the beauty and intimacy of her upturned face as she vented her grievances. “I’m glad you were able to find a moment. When I saw that your father was here, I despaired of being able to see you alone.”
She clasped the back of his head, her hand warm against him despite the glove covering her flesh. “I was wondering if we could somehow meet later. I have a room, and while you do not, I presume you could slip away from the ball without causing too much notice?”
A pure, delicious jolt of lust shot through him. “You aren’t suggesting I meet you in your room?”
“Goodness no.” She grinned, her eyes twinkling. “Prudence will be there. I could probably steal away, however.”
The temptation was overwhelming. An idea stole into his brain. It was risky, but perhaps worth it? “If we met while the ball was still in full swing, say around three, we might be able to pull it off. I’d suggest the stables, for there won’t be any guests there and it’s certainly teeming with coaches and dozens upon dozens of extra coachmen, meaning it’s chaotic.”
She nodded, seeming to understand. “We wouldn’t be noticed?”
“It’s our best chance to avoid notice, I think.” He glanced down at the stunning pink confection she wore. “You can’t wear your ballgown, however.”
“I won’t.”
He kissed her again, his lips moving gently over hers. “I don’t want you to risk getting caught. If you can’t get away, don’t. There will be other opportunities for us.”
She hesitated, her teeth snagging her lower lip in a thoroughly provocative manner.
“Are youtryingto arouse me?”
Blinking, she looked up at him in slight confusion. “What am I doing?”
“Biting your lip. Now I want to bite your lip. And other parts of you.” He skimmed his hand down her back and cupped her backside through her gown, pulling her against him. “You are a most wicked temptation.” He bent his head and licked along her lips before sliding his tongue into her mouth.
She ground her hips against him. He moaned, thinking how easy it would be to toss up her skirts and unbutton his fall. And how badly he wanted to. He pressed against her backside as he arched forward, his cock desperate for her and release.
Tearing himself away from her, he took a step back. “We can’t do what we did last night. By that, I mean you can’t tarry here. You must return to the ball.”
