So she was. She took a deep breath and pulled her gown loose about her neck, but didn’t remove it any further. In fact, she clutched it to her, feeling as bare and vulnerable as if she were suddenly seventeen once more, and thrust into the unwelcome arms of Edinburgh society. She couldn’t bring herself to turn to face Devon, so she said with a nervous laugh, “I’m certain you made many of the women of the ton very happy.”

There was a short silence, and then he leaned forward to wrap his arms about her. “Kat, don’t be afraid. Not of me. You are one of the most natural, passionate women I know. I don’t want you to feel less because of me.”

“Less?”

“I won’t pretend I don’t wish to see you without that blasted gown. I do. So much. But not at the price of your pride.”

Her pride. Was that what was holding her back? She considered this and then decided he was right. It astonished her that he seemed to understand her so well.

Her first impulse was to turn toward him, wrap her arms about his neck, press her body to his, and kiss him as deeply and passionately as he had kissed her only a day ago.

And after she thought about it, she realized it was also her second, third, and fourth impulse, as well. She wanted to kiss him. Kiss him and more. Much more. She wanted to kiss him, taste him, feel his mouth on her lips, her skin. She wanted to touch him, and feel him against her, inside her—

Stop it, she warned herself abruptly. Already her body was responding to Devon’s intoxicating closeness. She didn’t need her vivid imagination adding more stress to her already fractured brain.

Devon watched the play of emotions on her face, fascinated despite the raging ache in his loins. He had never known a woman whose face showed her feelings so clearly, and he didn’t think he would ever tire of seeing her myriad expressions.

Her gown dropped to the floor.

Devon’s breath stopped as he slowly took her in, from feet to glorious crown of hair. She was magnificent, even more lush and beautiful than he’d imagined. Long-limbed and rounded, every lush inch of her made his mouth water, his heart pound, his manhood rise in eagerness.

She crossed her arms over her breasts, drawing his attention back to her face. “I am not going to be the only one without clothing.”

Her chin was jutting stubbornly, challenge in every line of her rich body. Devon undid his breeches and stepped out of them with an alacrity that had everything to do with the sight of the beautiful woman before him.