Page 4 of The Iron Earl

The anger on his forehead relaxed, a knowing smile curving onto his lips. “You’re not out here for a word, are you, lass?”

Before she could answer, his hand lifted, wrapping about the back of her bare neck, and he descended, his mouth meeting hers.

Warmth juxtaposed with the hardness of his lips as the faint smell of brandy and spice filled her head. Without thought, without resistance, her mouth fell to his—fell deep into a well of desire instantly out of her control.

Blast it.

She didn’t know this man. Didn’t know him at all, and he was kissing her?

Not only that,she was letting him.

The momentary loss of her senses sent a jolt of fear down her spine. She yanked her head backward, breaking the kiss, though she refused to let her feet retreat.

She had him cornered and she meant to keep him so.

He pulled up, his hand falling from the back of her neck as his eyes searched her face. A lascivious smile danced about his lips. “Why so nervous, dove?”

The murmur of far-off voices floated through the night air of the expansive gardens and over the evergreen hedge.

She glanced over her shoulder, her gloved hands settling across her belly and the golden embroidered silk of her gown. She would have to talk fast. “My name is Evalyn—Eva.”

“Then my name is Lachlan.”

Her head swiveled back to him and she met his eyes, now hooded deep in the shadows of the alcove. Shadows that masked whether the anger that had been palpitating from him just moments ago was truly gone. “You’re also soused, Lord Dunhaven.”

“Lachlan, sweet lass. I want to hear the name from your exquisite lips.” His fingers lifted and his thumb settled onto the center of her lips, then dragged slowly across the delicate skin still pulsating from his kiss.

Her shoulders pulled back, her spine stiffening. “Lachlan then my lord. And it does not negate the fact that you’re foxed.”

“My lips and hands still work the same, dove.”

She snatched his wrist, tugging his hand from her face. “No. I did not approach you for this, Lord Dunhaven.”

“Lachlan.”

She stifled a seething breath. “I did not approach you for this,Lachlan.”

“No?”

“No. I understand you and your companions intend to leave the duke’s estate tonight?”

“Aye. We are done with Wolfbridge.” His head tilted to the side. “You said your name was Eva?”

“Yes. You are leaving posthaste?”

“In a number of hours. Aye.”

“Take me with you.”

He laughed, a low rumble that vibrated through his body and shook the gravel under her toes. “Take you with us?”

“Yes,” she said the word with simple, unshakable determination.

“Forgive me, Eva, but do I forget making introductions with you?”

“No.”

“You are serious?” The smile slipped from his lips and he straightened, sobering, all amusement at her request vanishing. “It won’t happen, lass. Not how we travel.”

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