Page 22 of A Viscount's Bet of Seduction

“The adder only bites when it’s being attacked,” Silas explained from close behind her. She half-turned towards him, still keeping the snake in sight. His presence calmed her immediately.

Using a stick, he gently moved the snake away. “I do not believe in killing an animal, simply because it’s occupying the same space as humans.”

Lucy, moved by the sentiment, nodded. “I admire your respect for nature, Mr Sweet.” Her eyes went to where he was still holding her. He let go of her arm.

He smiled, his eyes going soft. “Please, Miss Wilds. You must call me Silas. Those who matter to me do.” She could not deny that this distinction brought her pleasure.

“Then you must call me Lucy.” She knew she was blushing furiously, but she was enjoying the conversation and did not want it to end.

“As you wish.” He smiled at her. “Come. There’s a good patch over there. I found it the other day when I came to check if the berries were ripe for picking.”

He led her over to the patch and they began to pick, side by side, in companionable silence. Lucy, whenever she found a particularly large, ripe berry, placed it into her mouth. As her teeth sank into the berry, sweet juice permeated her taste buds.

“Do you always keep the best berries for yourself, Lucy?” Silas asked.

“Only when they are fresh off of the vine,” she explained. “I’ve spent most of my life in London. There are few opportunities for me to have a ripe, freshly-picked blackberry.”

“Then I shan’t get in your way.” He held one out to her. “Here’s a good one.”

“Thank you,” she murmured. She accepted it, their eyes meeting. She put it into her mouth, biting into it.

“How is it?” he asked.

“Very good. Thank you.”

He nodded, smiling coyly as he returned to the task at hand.

They continued picking; the only sound was soft thud of the picked berries on the bottom of their baskets. Lucy swallowed, recalling the night before. She had been very abrupt with him. A flash of guilt overwhelmed her.

Perhaps, I should apologize and explain.Silas seemed like the sort of person who would understand.

“I’m sorry that I was forceful last night.” She kept her eyes on the work that her hands were doing, though she could sense that he was looking at her.

“It’s quite all right.” His tone was gentle, which made her feel even worse.

Lucy felt that she needed to explain, if only to soften her refusal. “It was several years ago when I decided that I would never marry.”

“I, too, have made a similar choice,” he responded. She looked over at him in surprise. “I have always preferred being single, but…” He trailed off, as though trying to choose his words carefully. “Meeting you has changed something for me.”

Lucy’s pulse raced as their eyes met. Her thoughts were disordered. She believed him to be an honest gentleman, and she was overwhelmed by how much she ached for what he said to be true. He smiled, which made her heart pitter-patter.

“You have a bit of berry on your lip,” he said, reaching up and using his thumb to wipe it away. Her skin tingled at his touch. That warm, pleasant rush that only he had ever caused her pooled in the bottom of her stomach.

His eyes were on fire, burning with desire. Lucy wanted him to touch her again. They were alone. The sounds of the others were far away, and on the other side of the trees. She suddenly realized how hidden they were—how alone.

He seemed to know it, as well. Silas moved closer to her, leaning in. This time, the kiss was heated and desperate. Lucy’s back was against a tree, the bark rough. She dropped her basket. Her hands were on his chest, grabbing fistfuls of his jacket.

Her mouth opened as she moaned with pleasure. He dipped his tongue into her mouth, the tip of it running over her teeth. His hands plundered her breasts, his thumbs caressing her nipples. Lucy moaned again, all of the sensations driving her into a state of abandon. She had never wanted something so badly that she ached—not in the way that Silas made her. He seemed to know exactly what to do.

He trailed kisses along her neck, his breath warm on the tender skin beneath her ear. Her bonnet slipped back, off of her head. Lucy panted, her fingers weaving into his hair.

How could something so positively brazen feel so good? Shouldn’t she want to stop? But she didn’t. She wanted more. As much as he was willing to give.

“Lucy?” Dinah called, from the other side of the trees.

They both moved apart, as though shocked. Their eyes were locked. Lucy straightened her skirts. She felt like she was waking up from a dream. He smiled at her, but she didn’t return it.

What have I almost done? she wondered in horrified surprise. She could feel her blood coursing through her veins, almost singing with joy. Her heart sank, though.

“Yes, Dinah?” Lucy yelled back. Her bonnet had fallen off of her head, and she settled it back over her hair.

With one lingering glance back at Silas, she picked up her basket and walked away. Her heart was absolutely pounding, and her thoughts were a flurry of different remembrances and sensations.

“There you are,” Dinah said, smiling. Lucy tried to discern if Dinah had seen anything, but she couldn’t tell. “Are you ready to head back?”

“Yes.” The two friends linked arms. Lucy’s heart was still pounding in her chest as she talked to Dinah.

What just happened? she wondered. Two people who do not want to marry, kissing in the woods! It was likeA Midsummer’s Night Dream. She thought about how Silas himself looked like a dark fairy king, with his burning blue eyes. She knew nothing good could come of it, but she wanted more from him.

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