With a feral growl, he reclaimed her mouth, making it his, and she feared if she were to ever remarry, no husband would be able to satisfy her as he did. His kiss spoke volumes, made her feel as though he reached deep within her soul and touched her throughout. So absorbed was she by the conquering of his mouth over hers it took her a moment to realize he’d eased her down to the table. She’d only just become aware of the baize at her back when he began peppering kisses over her chin, her jaw, her throat, her breasts—

Then his hands were circling her ankles before gliding up her legs, shoving up her skirts until they were a pool of blue gathered at her waist. She gasped, having never been thus exposed.

He stilled, only his eyes moving as they came to hold hers. “Do you want me to stop?”

What she wanted had no bearing on the matter. It was all about what she needed. And she needed what he could provide.

Swallowing hard, she gingerly shook her head. “I want you to make me forget.”

His grin was wicked, filled with promise. “When I’m done, you won’t even recall your name.”

He disappeared behind the pile of her skirts and petticoats. His fingers danced along her thighs, his palms spreading her legs farther apart, separating the slit in the crotch of her undergarments. She felt the stroke of one long finger journeying down, then up.

“So juicy.” His voice was hoarse and rough. “As juicy as a plump strawberry.”

And she had little doubt she was even juicier now.

Her knees came into view as he placed her feet against the cushions that surrounded the edge of the table. She had a strong desire to cross her legs even as she wanted to part them wider.

A cool breath stirred her curls. A leisurely lick nearly had her coming up off the table. Her hands clenched. She reached for him. His fingers folded over hers.

Another lick that journeyed up, going side to side like the lacings on her gown. A circle. Yearning for something, she thrust up her hips, so she was closer to that luscious mouth.

He chuckled low, darkly. “Do you even know what you want?”

“No.” Her breathing was shallow, quick. “I’m scared I’ll find it, terrified I won’t.”

“Don’t be frightened. It won’t hurt. And don’t fight it, sweetheart. When it comes, let it engulf you.”