Page 26 of Playing the Scoundrel

“Do you want to know the real reason?” he asked, a certain level of frustration in his voice as he placed his hands on her shoulders. “Why I haven’t sought out any other women?”

Emma nodded, unable to speak for being slightly breathless.

“Because I haven’t considered anyone else since I met you. No other woman compares in my mind, for I have only thought of you. Of winning your favor, of spending time in your company.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “Of what it would be like to kiss these lips.”

Such simple words created such big emotions in Emma’s chest. His thumb traced across her bottom lip, making them part with an unsteady breath.

With one hand, he gently pressed her back against the wall behind the red curtain, making Emma gasp. “What are you doing?” she asked, wishing there was more forcefulness in her voice instead of the gentle whisper.

“Hiding you away from all the prying eyes so that I might have a moment to taste your mouth.”

His eyes bore into her own as he pressed his warm hand to the curve of her jaw, the other resting on the wall beside her face. Emma needed to do something quickly, or she was going to be kissed by the man she despised. She had never felt inferior in his presence, and she wasn’t about to start now. The size of his hand had never even crossed her mind, but for some reason, the way it encompassed the side of her face made her weak. They were of nearly equal height, but something about being in this situation with him made her feel like a simpering fool. Why couldn’t she makehimfeel like this instead?

Mr. Godwin took a step closer to the point that Emma could feel his breath on her skin. The intoxicated look in his eyes suddenly reminded her she needed to be in control, so as he grew near, she turned her head. “I ought to say no.” It wasn’t an attempt at being coy; it was the truth. She couldn’t be seen kissing him. It would be one step closer to ruination, just like her sister. He was a scoundrel, and she couldn’t give him the one thing he wanted from her.

Then she felt his one finger on her chin, turning her back to face him. “But you want to say yes, don’t you?”

It was impossible to breathe and clear her mind. Mr. Godwin’s green eyes were a dark forest that seemed terribly inviting, and she was nearly unable to keep from accepting. Could she allow it? If she did let him kiss her, it could help seal the devastation on his heart. The room was empty. She wouldn’t be ruined by a single kiss from a man who didn’t want to marry, and he was certain to fall for her more fully if she allowed it.

And she could not deny, the thought of kissing him had crossed her mind at least once in the course of the night. Perhaps she could allow it, if only to satisfy her curiosity.

Emma straightened, eyeing the door of the box and wondering if Mrs. Dunn would grow impatient for them.

Mr. Godwin opened his mouth to speak, but Emma silenced him by placing a finger on his lips.

“Very well. I’ll allow one kiss.” Now that was the voice of a woman who was in charge.

But when Mr. Godwin smiled, Emma felt her control immediately begin to unravel.

“Then I’ll be sure to make it count.”

And with her breath completely stilled in her chest, he covered her lips with his own.

Emma’s eyes fluttered closed. His kiss was slow, but not gentle, as she had imagined. This was not an attempt at seduction. This was barely restrained passion, and Emma should not have been surprised by its fervor. He wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her body against his, so Emma let her hands fall to his shoulders, unsure of how to react. It was hard to think clearly when this attractive man was expressing his desire for her so thoroughly. There was no plan on how she could win this encounter; all she had left of her faculties was consumed in responding to his kiss, so she moved her hands to his face and his neck. Her fingers reached around to explore the back of his neck and nestled into his hair, while the other hand rested on his jaw. When she felt the strength of that muscle and the magic it was working on her own mouth, it made her lean into him.

It seemed to feed a fire within him, for he deepened the kiss, taking Emma by surprise. His hands moved from her waist to hold her face, angling his lips over hers and robbing her of any remaining breath or rational thought. Gold and glitter burned through her veins. Stars burst behind her eyes, and emotions she’d never felt before filled her heart. Her own hands traced down his arms and pressed against his back, wanting him closer somehow, even though it was an impossibility. She attempted to return his kiss with every gesture and match his fervor, but his lips never left hers, and she felt like she was drowning in a way that kept her from ever wanting to come up for air.

When Mr. Godwin finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers and let out a deep breath on her lips.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered with a lazy smile. “I never should have…”

He pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek, but that didn’t stop her from inhaling sharply, thinking he might kiss her again. It wasn’t out of fear, more so out of desire.

“Don’t tempt me to kiss you again. I’ve already lingered more than enough.”

Then he stepped back, brushing his knuckles against her skin as he carefully arranged her hair and allowed her a moment to catch her breath.

“Now come along. We must return to Mrs. Dunn before we’re missed.”

Mr. Godwin offered her his arm and Emma took it carefully. She swallowed hard, trying to sort her dazed thoughts. She should be pleased, for it seemed her plan was working, but she was beginning to realize just how easily men like him could charm women into their clutches. Because part of Emma wanted everything his kisses promised, and that terrified her.

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