Millie smiled as tingles ran along her skin, especially when his gaze briefly dropped to her neckline. “Oh?” She brushed a hand along the front of his jacket, removing an imaginary piece of lint just so she had an excuse to touch him.
He took her hand, raising it to his lips. Then he lifted it to kiss the skin above the elbow-length glove she wore.
Her mouth went dry. The moment—especially her reaction—made her realize she was in over her head. If the simple gesture had her legs trembling and desire washing through her, how could she hope to keep her wits about her?
“I feel as if every moment we have together is precious,” she whispered. And dwindling far too quickly.
“So it is.” He released her hand to reach for her waist and pull her against him before kissing her.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, eager to show how much she desired him. Given how his kisses made her feel, dare she hope hers had the same effect? That they helped him see how wonderful a marriage could be between them?
His mouth was firm and demanding, his tongue pressing against the seam of her lips. She opened for him, the intimacymaking her feel wanton as the kiss deepened and their tongues tangled.
Winston moaned as he pressed a trail of kisses down her neck. His hands lifted from her waist to just below the swell of her breasts. He massaged there, his thumbs coming perilously close to her nipples until her breasts felt heavy with need. When he kissed the sensitive skin above her neckline, she gasped and arched in his arms. Her world tilted as passion took a firmer hold.
She loved how tightly he held her, as if he wouldn’t allow anything to happen to her, as if he desired her as much as she did him. His lips returned to hers, and she ran her fingers along his neck and shoulders, wanting the moment to last forever.
At last, he eased back to look into her eyes, a question in their depths as if he wondered what she was about. “We can’t remain here long.”
“No.” No matter how much she wished otherwise.
Winston frowned, almost looking pained as he slowly released her as if reluctant to do so. Good. That gave her another spark of hope. “I appreciate your message and look forward to the next time we can be together.”
Her own smile faltered at the reminder of how few might remain, but she nodded. Desperation filled her. “I-I hope we can continue to d-deepen our relationship.” Heat rushed into her cheeks at her bold words, but what choice did she have when the clock on her future was ticking?
“Deepen?” He quirked a brow at the suggestive word. “Indeed. But for now, we must part. Perhaps you should leave first.”
“Very well.” Unable to resist, she lifted onto her toes and kissed him before turning to the door. She stepped into the hallway only to see Lady Singleton nearby.
“Miss Davies? Is all well?” The lady frowned at Millie as she looked between her and the door.
“Oh. Yes.” Millie’s stomach dipped, her mind going blank. “I forgot where the retiring room was.”
“Just over there.” Lady Singleton frowned but gestured in the opposite direction.
“Thank you. The musicale was lovely. Your daughters are so talented.”
The compliment seemed to have the desired result of distracting the older woman, and Millie drew a steadying breath. She had no intention of being ruined but realized she was playing with fire—and her reputation—with every attempt at her secret seduction.
“I’m pleased you enjoyed it,” Lady Singleton said. “They like playing for others.”
Millie smiled and entered the retiring room, hoping Winston had heard the exchange and would remain in the sitting room.
A few minutes later, she returned to the music room where Prue sent her a concerned look.
“Is all well? I was beginning to worry about you.”
“Yes. I’m fine.” Prue’s gaze shifted to behind Millie, and Millie’s stomach knotted.
“Oh. I see.” The concern on her cousin’s face had Millie clenching a fist.
Before she could think better of it, Millie looked to see Winston enter the room with Lady Singleton at his side, his expression one of remorse.
Oh, dear. Millie’s face flushed as alarm filled her.
“Millie. What have you done?” Prue whispered, reaching a hand to grip her arm.
“N-nothing.” But she couldn’t meet her cousin’s gaze. Her focus returned to Winston, then to their hostess again, whose glare had Millie looking away.