“Do you know how badly I wanted you that night in the stable, so many years ago?” he murmured, kissing her rib cage. “It’s even worse now. I want to fill you up inside.” He slid a finger into her warmth as he spoke, and she shuddered against his hand. His thumb flicked the nub above her entrance, and as she continued to caress her nipples, a dark warmth began to descend. She felt herself straining against him, none of the cold air bothering her now. Her body was unbearably hot, reacting to his touch until she shivered. But she couldn’t seem to understand what it was she needed so badly.

He inserted another finger, mimicking lovemaking. Her body stretched against the unfamiliar invasion, and yet the torment went on. Over and over, he caressed her, while she touched her breasts. Something strange began to happen to her, a wild blossoming heat in her center. Stephen increased the pressure, and her hands suddenly gripped the edges of the tub, while shimmering tremors racked her body, flooding it with a release so hard, she nearly wept from the intensity.

She was boneless, melting against the edges of the tub as he lifted her up and dried her off with a linen towel. Naked and shivering, he laid her down upon the bed, covering her body with the sheets. His expression was dark, almost pained. But he made no further move toward her.

He was going to stop now, she realized. He wasn’t going to become her lover tonight. He’d given her unspeakable pleasure, while he’d taken nothing for himself.

She didn’t like it. It wasn’t fair, and she wanted him to experience the same wildness. Was it the same for a man as a woman?

He was starting to reach for his shirt, but she stopped him. “Where are you going?”

“To my own bed. Probably after I go and stand outside in the snow for an hour.” He sat on the edge of her bed, and she reached out to touch his shoulder.

Embarrassment colored her skin, but she didn’t want him to go. Not yet. The thought of him spending the night in a cold room, away from her, was unbearable.

“I’ve done something wrong, haven’t I?” Her voice caught in her throat, and he turned to face her.

“No, Emily. I’m the one who’s doing something wrong.” He closed his eyes, as if his own desire was still on the edge. “I took advantage of you.”

Though tears stung her eyes, she forged ahead. He wanted her still, she could see it. But likely, he feared he’d have to marry her now. She understood that it couldn’t happen. They were as far apart as a prince from a serving maid. Even so, she didn’t care.