Arms twirled her about and wrapped about her like steel bands.
“Emma?”
The surprise in Christopher’s voice almost had her giggling. Except the warmth of his body urged her closer. Barely louder than a whisper, Emma asked, “How did ye know it was me? It’s darker than coal in here.”
He ran his hand over her head and pressed her closer. “I know of no other woman who would dare come to my residence alone and in the dead of night.”
Christopher stroked her back, melting away her stress. Instead of pulling away from the comforting gesture, Emma wrapped her arms about him and leaned her cheek against his hard, warm, bare chest. “Aye, I suppose it is a rather odd time of day to seek legal advice, but it was on me mind, and so I’m here.” It wasn’t the only reason, but it was the only one she was ready to admit to him at present.
He pulled her away from him by the shoulders. “Are you in trouble?”
She shook her head. But since she couldn’t see anything, she assumed he couldn’t either. “Nay.”
“Stay here. I’ll light a candle.” He padded over to her left, and then the flame of the candle illuminated the room.
Her cheek was still warm from his skin. Emma’s heart raced at the sight of him in only breeches. The small ridges outlining his stomach captured and retained her gaze. He was a barrister, not a laborer, yet he was muscled and toned as if he hauled bags of wheat for a living. As he came closer, his eyes raked over her from head to toe. The worry lines on his forehead were clear.
Instinctively, she rolled up onto her tiptoes and reached out to smooth the wrinkles away. “Ye need not worry. I’m fine.”
He closed his eyes as if savoring her touch. She started to withdraw her hand, but he pinned her palm to his cheek. “This will sound bizarre given my hasty departure from your shop. But I’ve missed you.”
Emboldened by drink, Emma said, “I’ve missed yer kisses.”
Christopher lifted the candle closer. “Have you been drinking?”
“A little.”
“Who was the scoundrel who plied you with wine?”
“Lord Hereford, and it was Scotch, not wine.”
“Hereford?”
“Aye. He’s the reason why I’m here.”
Christopher shook his head. “Come, my dear, let’s sit, for I’m not sure I understand.”
She followed him to the enormous bed. He placed the candle on a table, picked her up by the waist, and settled her on the edge of the bed.
Standing in front of her with his hand on his hip, he said, “Now, let’s start over. Why are you here?”
“I need ye...” She paused as his eyes widened. “I mean, I need yer help.” She held in a sigh of disappointment as Christopher clasped his hands behind him. Emma’s eyes tracked the thin trail of hair that disappeared into his breeches. She leaned closer.
“You mentioned you are in need of legal advice. How is Hereford involved?”
If she was quick about her request, then mayhap there would be time for a kiss or two before she would have to leave. “I can’t read. I need ye to look over some papers fer me.”
“Documents?” he mumbled.
“Aye. Hereford’s will.”
Christopher sank on the bed next to her. “Why would you want his will reviewed?”
“He claims he’s arranged for me to inherit property and a sum of money, and this time, I’ll not be able to avoid his generosity.”
“This time?” He bundled her up and positioned her between his legs, so her back rested against his chest. Christopher’s warm hands rested on her shoulders. “My dear, I apologize for not keeping up, but I’ve not slept in days. I need for you to tell me all of it so I may assist you.”
Emma nodded. Safe in his arms, she took a deep breath. “Ye see, Hereford’s papa wanted to atone for his own papa’s misdeeds and bequeathed me a large sum of money. I asked Sebastian to give it anonymously to an orphanage run by the Network.” Emma fiddled with the edge of her cloak. “I don’t accept charity, especially from a bloomin’ lord.” She peeked up at him, and instead of pity in his kind brown eyes, she detected understanding.
He began rubbing her shoulders. She relaxed as his magical fingers eased the knots in her shoulders. Eyes closed, she said, “Tonight, Sebastian told me he has ensured I’d receive a cottage and funds upon his death. His solicitor assured him I’d not be able to gift the bequest to another.”
“And this has you in knots. Your muscles are strung as tight as the strings on a violin.” He shifted back towards the center of the bed and pulled her with him.
“What are ye doin’? I’ve still got me bleedin’ boots on. I’ll mess up yer nice bed.”
He shimmied out from behind her, and in a flash, the man had divested her of boots and stockings. Settling himself on the edge of the bed, he grabbed her feet and began to rub her arches. She flinched as his thumb stroked the bottom of her foot, tickling the sensitive skin.
Scowling, Christopher stood once more and hauled her to her feet. “You’re a bundle of knots.” He was annoyed with her.
He loosened the string that held her cloak in place and then, with one swift tug, removed the garment. Christopher inhaled as he took in the sight of her. “You are a beauty, Emma Lennox.”
She stared at him, disbelieving her ears. Oh, the flare in his gaze wasn’t from anger-—it was pure longing. He wanted her. The thrill of being coveted emboldened her. Her hands smoothed over his naked flesh, reaching up and linking her arms about his neck. She had been dreaming of kissing him. The sleepless nights tortured her days. Emma drew Christopher closer and brushed her lips against his lips. His tongue slipped between her lips, and she savored the heady taste of him in her mouth. Wanting more, Emma mimicked his bold movements, sticking her tongue out, and then pulled back, grazing her teeth along his lower lip. Christopher’s deep, hungry growl mixed with her moan of delight. Open-mouth kisses were delicious.
Christopher withdrew and looked down at her. His pupils were dilated and irises ablaze. He pointed towards the top of the bed. “Up, my dear. Rest against the headboard.”
She didn’t know what he intended, but she was certain she wasn’t ready to leave.
He knelt on the bed and arranged her skirts to lie just above the knee. “Who drafted Hereford’s will?”
Bending her knees to her chest and tucking her legs under her skirts, she protested, “Ye don’t need to be touchin’ me ugly feet.”
“They are not ugly. Let me ease the knots from them.” His hand moved to the edge of her skirts.
Emma blurted, “It’s yer fault.”
His hand stilled. “Mine?”
“Aye. Every time I’m near ye, me body gets tense.” She stared as his lips curved into a deceptively alluring smile. She licked her lips.
“If it helps, you have a similar effect upon me.” He placed his hand out palm up. “Please let me ease some of the tension.”
She placed her foot in his hand and replaced her skirts above her knees. “Will ye help me?”
Christopher cupped the heel of her foot with one hand while his other snaked up to knead her calf. “Do you have any idea who Hereford sought out to draft his wishes?”
Swallowing a moan, she replied, “Nay.”
“If perchance it was my brother, I’m afraid…” His hand stilled.
Emma opened her eyes and frowned. “Ye brother hasn’t worked in an age.”
“He still dabbles once in a while. Especially for those he deems friends.” Christopher switched legs and repeated the magic that had Emma feeling like pudding. “Not to worry, there is always a loophole. I’ll be happy to review once Hereford provides you a copy.”
She scrambled off the bed and retrieved the folded sheets of paper from her cloak. Emma stood before a befuddled Christopher and held the relevant parts of Hereford’s will out to him. “Here.”
He took the paper from her hand and began to unfold it.
“Ye don’t have to read it now.” She took t
he papers and placed them on the table next to the candle. Turning back to face Christopher, she clearly saw the desire on his face. “Shall I pay ye now or later for yer services?”
“A kiss, for now, will do.”
He wanted a kiss as payment. Her heart jumped in her chest. She placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. His heated gaze had her eager for his kisses. Pressing her lips to his, she wound her arms behind his neck and leaned closer, increasing the pressure of the kiss. When she raked her fingers through his hair, her whole body came alive. Christopher’s hands remained at her waist. She craved his touch. For his hands to roam over her back like they had when they danced. His hands remained still, and so did his lips. She silently willed him to move, but he didn’t respond. Seeds of doubt seeped into her—perhaps the kiss had quelled his desire for her rather than stoking it. She began to pull away, but Christopher groaned and crushed her to him, urging her to open for him. Yes. This was the sin she craved from him. With his help, she climbed up to straddle him on the bed. She didn’t want the kiss to end and kept a tight hold on his hair. His engorged bulge nestled at her center. Instinctively she rocked her body closer.
Christopher pulled back. “I’ve said it before, and it still holds true. You, Emma Lennox, tempt me like no other. But if you wish to remain an innocent…”
“And if I don’t?” She placed a kiss on his cheek next to his ear. “What if I want to spend a night in yer bed?”
He captured her in a dark, hungry kiss. He released a growl. “If you stay, it shan’t be for one mere eve.” He nibbled on her collar bone.
“But I’ve got to git to work in the morn.”
Christopher scowled down at her. “Let me be clear. If you stay and share my bed with me this night, we shall marry as soon as it can be arranged.”
“Marry?” Emma narrowed her eyes. The man was serious, but so was she. “No one knows I’m here. I snuck past yer watchmen, and I can leave undetected. Ye needn’t worry me dad will be after yer head.” She reached behind and released the bow at the back of her dress, allowing her décolletage to gape loose.
Christopher ran a finger along the edge of her dress and over the tops of her breasts. “Before I ignore my better senses and agree to let you stay, tell me why you came here tonight.”
“I made an error the other night. I pushed you away when really I wanted…I wanted you to stay. I’ll not make the same mistake.” She ground on him and circled her hips.
He dipped a finger between the valley of her breasts. “You know of my need to wed, and if you…” He gripped her hips and held them still. “My terms are non-negotiable.”
“Me mum says everythin’ is negotiable. Wot if I assist ye in findin’ a wife?”
“No.”
“I seen maids bein’ taken against a wall. Wot if we..”
“No.”
“Ye’re being difficult.”
“And you are stubborn. Why do you object to marrying me?”
“I don’t honestly know ye well enough.”
“But you are willing to lie with me?”
“Aye.” She smiled and pushed him to lay flat on his back. “I don’t understand it, but I can’t stop finkin’ of ye and yer kisses. I keep hearing yer voice in me head. Thank goodness yer not a lord like yer brother, but ye will be a PORF soon enough, and then I’ll not be able to enjoy the feel of yer lips on mine.” She bent to partake in the devilish kisses.
Christopher managed to release the row of buttons at the back of her gown. Emma was thankful for the man’s dexterity. The cold air hit the top of her back and shoulders as her dress fell open. Unafraid, Emma sat up and withdrew her arms through her sleeves. Reassured by Christopher’s crooked smile, she reached behind her back for the ribbon of her stays. Her fingers grazed Christopher’s as he assisted her in removing the horrid contraption, leaving her torso bare. His impassioned stare increased her own desire. Eager but uncertain as to what was to come next, Emma brought her hands to rest upon his sides. Mirroring her actions, Christopher’s warm hands traveled down her ribs to settle at her waist. His touch had a possessive edge that made her feel coveted. He urged her to her knees, gathered the freed material, and lifted her dress over her head. The rough fabric of Christopher’s breeches rubbed against her naked thighs as she sank back down to sit upon him once more. Nervous but emboldened by her position atop of him, Emma found herself leaning forward to gaze into Christopher’s burning eyes. Placing her hands on either side of his head, she lowered herself until their mouths were entangled. Her nipples pebbled as they grazed against his chest. He released a groan, halting her movements.
Christopher nuzzled her neck. “Now that I have you naked and in my arms, I certainly don’t wish for you to leave, but unless you agree to be my wife, there’ll be no more kisses. You enchant me, Emma.”
She didn’t want to leave. Simply being within a foot of the man, her entire body and mind entered a more relaxed, secure state. He made life exciting again. Her pulse began to race at the heat, radiating off of him. She needed to be closer. If she agreed, she would lose her shop, her freedom. She couldn’t be seriously considering marrying the man. Or was she?
His warm skin was like a magnet pulling her body close. “I fink I’ve changed me mind.” Christopher stiffened, but she rushed onto say, “It’s not yer kisses I want more of, its ye that I want more of.”
“Minx. I’ll not take you until you agree.”
She crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Ye call me stubborn. Yer the most obstinate man I know.”
“Why, that is one of the highest compliments I’ve ever received, given you know my brother.”
“Pfft.” Her traitorous hand ran down his chest, and desire pooled between her legs. His manhood twitched beneath the taut material of his breeches. “What if we don’t rub together right? Perhaps we should wait to discuss until after…”
“Hmmm… You have a point. To agree to a lifelong commitment before you know if you can experience pleasure at my hands would be rather risky on your part.” He twisted, and Emma found herself the one lying on her back and him straddled across her thighs. He took in his fill of her body. “Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.” He leaned forward. The inside of his wrists grazed the sides of her breasts as he planted his hands on either side of her. Ducking his head down, he kissed and suckled her breast before trailing his tongue across her chest to repeat the same delicious, torturous treatment to her other sensitive globe. Christopher emitted a low, feral growl. He kissed his way down the center of her body as he rested back on his haunches—hands trailing down her sides. Every inch of her body yearned for his touch.
Christopher sat up, a devilish smile on his fine features. She shivered. Whatever he had in store for her, she was sure it would remain forever burned in her memory.
He raised onto his knees and then moved to stand beside the bed. “Turn over and rest your head upon the pillows.”
For once in her life, she didn’t question. She did as he bid and rolled onto her stomach. Her cheek rested against cool, soft cotton pillows. A far cry from the lumpy pillow she slept on.
Instead of lying next to her upon the bed, Christopher padded over to a connecting room. He returned with a dark glass bottle in his hand. As he neared the bed, he removed the stopper and poured a liquid onto his hand. Her nose twitched at the aroma of roses. Scented oil. Her pulse increased with anticipation. He placed the open bottle and cap next to the candle. The bed slanted as he kneeled upon the bed, and Emma closed her eyes. She heard him blowing on his hands as he rubbed them together. Warm, slippery hands rested on her lower back, and then Christopher swept his hands up her back to massage the knots in her shoulders.
“Close your eyes and try to relax.” He slowly kneaded his way down her back, dispelling each knot along the way.
She moaned as each muscle loosened and became lax.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Do you recall my terms, my love?”
She nodded and mumbled,
“Aye.” She yawned and let her eyes close. She trusted this man for some odd reason that her mind couldn’t fully comprehend. As his hands massaged down her back and along her thighs, she smiled. The heady sensation of being desired and treasured engulfed her and sent her heart soaring. And if he could pleasure her like this every eve, she’d willingly agree to marry him, but she wasn’t ready to admit it just yet.
Chapter Sixteen
Christopher’s thumb rubbed over the rounded curve of Emma’s bare shoulder. He’d normally be up and mentally preparing for the day. Except he couldn’t focus on anything but the naked woman snuggled against his side, who was making soft chortles. He’d never invited a woman to his bed before, always preferring to leave women sated in their own beds. But Emma made him want to linger. His lips curved into a smile as he imagined waking up next to Emma each morn. Instead of focusing on the challenges the day might bring, as was his usual habit, Christopher began to envision days filled with adventures. For a life with Emma would be a far cry from boring.
Emma’s eyes moved beneath her pale eyelids. What was she dreaming of? He wished she could read her mind. His intuition told him Emma hadn’t merely arrived in the dead of night to seek out legal advice. She could have sought out Bronwyn’s assistance, but she came to him. A spark of hope that Emma wanted him flared in his heart.
The faint streaks of sunlight filtering through his dark curtains marked the end of his time alone with his future wife. He’d not been surprised that Emma fell fast asleep as he massaged the knots from her beautiful body, but he hadn’t expected her to sleep straight through the night. Ignoring the prickling sensation settling into his arm, he remained still and drank in her beauty. Emma was clearly exhausted, but if he was to sneak her out without detection, he’d have to rouse her and soon. He had locked the door as a precaution. His valet was rarely up before the sun, but Cannon had an uncanny ability to appear as soon as Christopher began to rise.
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