“And if he objects and bundles me away to Scotland or a nunnery?”
“Then you list all the reasons you love and respect your gentleman. And let Tobias meet him so he can see those qualities for himself. If you cannot live without him, convince your bother of your mutual affections, but do not wed where you will not be happy.”
Francie pulled back and smiled. “Thank you, Livvie. I shall not be persuaded away from him.”
“Good. Are you now able to share his name and family connections with me?”
“I wish to speak with Tobias first. I cannot trust you would not be tempted to tell him before I get the chance.”
“Francie! I would never betray your confidence.”
“Forgive me, but I must be careful, you do not know Tobias like I do.” Then she pressed a quick kiss to Livvie’s cheek and left.
She was still unsure if she had relieved her friend’s heart. The only thing she was certain of was that Tobias was avoiding her. She suddenly felt very inadequate and horribly embarrassed. It was clear the night in the closet was an aberration. He did not truly desire her. She was just the undesirable connection he felt honor bound to marry.
She was confronted with the daunting task of persuading Tobias to accept and possibly fall in love with her as she was—romantic and oftentimes reckless. Livvie despised the way her heart ached.
She closed her eyes, fighting tears. They were useless and she would not indulge herself. She reminded herself that she and Tobias had a lifetime to learn about each other and form an attachment based on mutual respect and genuine tender regards.
She exited her chamber and hurried below stairs to the library. After a quick knock to ensure it was empty, she entered and strolled over to the vast selection of books that lined an entire wall. The fireplace was lit and she enjoyed the inviting glow of the room. She would spend the night here reading. Ignoring the disappointment lumping in her throat, she selected a thin leather volume. The door opened and she spun around.
Tobias jerked to a halt when he saw her and stood stock-still for a few seconds before entering the room. His shirt was plastered to his chest in some places, and his hair was obviously damp. His chest was layered with well-defined muscle, and Livvie doubted she’d ever seen such a magnificent sight in all her life. Her eyes widened when she spied his bare feet.
“I did not expect anyone to be here,” he said. “I thought you would be asleep by now.”
She stared into his eyes for a long moment, hating how distant they seemed. “You’ve been swimming.”
“Yes. And it did not work.”
“What did not work?”
“I still want you.”
Her heart was in her throat. She had not expected such honesty. “That is why you’ve been swimming…because you desire me?”
“Yes.”
“And is that so terrible?”
“Evidently.”
She worked to contain her emotions. “Why?”
“I have never hungered for another woman the way I do you,” he said. “I do not like it.”
Elation surged through her blood. “It seems a bit foolish to be reserved with our passions…we are man and wife, I cannot think of a more permanent union.”
“No, I cannot,” he said thoughtfully.
He closed the door with a firm snick and prowled over to her until he was fairly crowding her against the desk. He nudged her legs apart and gripped her nightgown, pushing it up until he cupped the suddenly aching center of her. Nothing could have prepared Livvie for such a fierce jolt of desire. His throat worked on a swallow, and he closed his eyes as if trying to control whatever he was feeling. She did not give him the chance and instead leaned into him, causing his palm to press against her nub of pleasure. She shivered violently and an answering groan was ripped from him. “Kiss me, Tobias.”
The words were barely from her lips when he claimed her mouth in a deep carnal kiss. His mouth slanted over hers again and again.
She arched against him, seeking more of the incredible sensations. He pulled the pins out, and the weight of her hair tumbled to her shoulders. Livvie tugged at his shirt, and
with eager touches, tugs, and pulls, Tobias’s shirt was discarded. Before she could appreciate his magnificent form, he knelt in front of her, cupped her buttocks, and roughly pulled her up against his mouth.
Dear God, his tongue was rubbing against her most intimate part. Tremors of pleasure coursed through her body, and she bit into her lip to stop the cries wanting to erupt from her. He licked her deep, and Livvie screamed silently and fisted his hair with strength. Her heart pounded, and her knees trembled. Everything seemed as if it was spiraling out of control. His tongue flicked, and then his teeth scraped against her nub of pleasure. If Tobias didn’t have such a firm hold on her, she would have collapsed.