His cool fingers cupped her breast then his thumb flicked the nipple just enough to shoot a spear of lust to her very center.
“Perfect.” He kissed her again as his fingers worked their magic.
Unable to resist, she unbuttoned his jacket and ran a hand over his shirt, appreciating the muscled form beneath.
“Prue, I must touch you. Now.”
She frowned, uncertain of his meaning when he was already touching her. She only knew she needed more of whatever he was willing to give. “Yes. Please.”
Her gown shifted against her leg, but she thought nothing of it until she felt his touch on her thigh. Her bare thigh just above her stocking. It trailed slowly upward, and heat pooled between her legs.
He gently squeezed the flare of her hip. Then she felt the brush of his hand against her drawers. Did he intend to touch her there? The thought was positively scandalous as well as intriguing. Her legs trembled and her heart pounded, anticipation curling through her.
He kissed her senseless, and she lost track of his hand for a moment or two until she felt the brush of his fingers against the juncture of her thighs. With slow, methodical movements, he found her slick folds and caressed her.
The sensation was nearly more than she could bear. How could his touch feel so amazing and bring so much pleasure? Thank goodness he held her with his other hand to help keep her upright. She was damp where he touched her, but there was no time for embarrassment to take hold. Not when his rhythmic caress was bringing layer after layer of pleasure.
She broke the kiss again, uncertain what was happening, only knowing she needed more. She felt as if she were reaching for something she couldn’t see. “Silas?”
“Yes, Prudence. I have you.” He nuzzled her neck before moving to the sensitive skin beneath her ear.
It was all too much. She couldn’t think. Could barely breathe. Her senses swirled into a vortex, then suddenly she was flying as if she’d jumped from a cliff, hanging in the air with only Silas’s touch keeping her tethered to earth.
Her body shuddered as pleasure shot through her.
“That’s it. Yes, Prue,” he muttered as he held her even tighter.
She clung to him, hardly able to believe what was happening and too embarrassed to open her eyes.
He leaned his forehead against hers, the sweetness of the gesture wrapping around her heart. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Her eyes opened at that. “I—I didn’t really do anything.”
He drew back to look into her eyes. “You gave me the gift of you. That is priceless.”
If he was any sweeter, she might cry. He made her feel special, and that was something she rarely experienced. That was the true gift.
If only...
But no. She couldn’t allow her thoughts to venture there when it was impossible. She wasn’t the heiress he needed.
How unfortunate that he was the rogue she wanted.
Chapter Eight
Silas searched for Prue the moment he entered the Duncan ballroom. Since their interlude the previous afternoon in the conservatory, he’d had difficulty thinking of anything but her.
Between berating himself for taking advantage of her innocence and knowing he couldn’t allow anything of that sort to happen again to wondering if they might have the chance for another passionate encounter, he hadn’t slept more than a wink.
“Winstead.” Mr. Havenworth, the father of the heiress he’d been attempting to woo, glared at him and started to continue past.
“Mr. Havenworth.” Silas tried a smile, but the man only glared harder. “Is Miss Havenworth attending this evening?”
“She has no interest in you.” The man stalked away, tossing one last dismissive look over his shoulder.
Silas sighed but felt little remorse other than the waste of time and effort he’d put into speaking to her. Miss Havenworth hadn’t appealed to him, although losing a chance with an heiress was a setback. He’d have to find another. Unfortunately, the thought held no appeal.
How did other men manage to marry when they knew they had nothing in common with the lady? The idea of spending decades with someone he could barely tolerate was inconceivable. He hoped to be friends with his wife to make their years together somewhat pleasant for them both.