Page 61 of A Gentleman's Wife

No doubt sensing her change, he pulled back, his heavy breathing matching her own. He took her face in his hands, and with unimaginable tenderness, Thomas whispered, “What’s wrong?”

Marianne closed her eyes, unable to look at him. There was nothing in the world she wanted more than him. But that desire warred within her against the fear. Without the protection of her dress, he would see her, all of her, every flaw and imperfection, and it terrified her.

“Thomas, I…” She wanted to explain, but what could she say?

When she opened her eyes, she was made speechless by the obvious desire in his gaze. But it melted into adoration as he brushed the hair away from her face, the muscle of his jaw working before he swallowed hard. “If you’re not ready for… we can stop.”

It was the last thing she wanted, yet his words granted her some semblance of relief, which in turn filled her with anger. Why this conflict within her? Why could she not simply reach out and take the willing man before her? Couldn’t she trust him?

“I… I…” was all she could say.

Thomas nodded, taking a stabilizing breath. Then he placed one more sound kiss on her lips and whispered, “It’s all right. Go.”

Embracing her fear like the fool she was, Marianne fled out the double doors.

---