He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “No, he definitely will not. Even if I appreciate your attempt at stroking my vanity, trust me—he’ll be livid.”

She slid her lips to his and kissed him. “Or he’ll never know. Not every woman is a virgin on her wedding night, and I bet most grooms never notice.”

“Alice,” he said on a long breath, almost a whine. “I don’t want to ruin your life.”

She squeezed her fingers around his erection, giving him a rough stroke. “Impossible. Everything in my life has been infinitely better since I met you.”

He brought his hands to the sides of her face, holding her as he stared into her eyes. The tenderness and desire reflected in the dim gaslight sank inside her, deep down to the bone and sinew, and she knew this was the right decision. She felt it in every part of her body.

His voice was affectionate and soft, as if she completely baffled him. “What am I going to do with you?”

“You are going to take off your undergarment and make love to me.”

He grimaced. “Alice, sweetheart. I . . .”

He was still hesitating. She could see the indecision in his expression. Had she not been clear enough? Or was it the word love that had thrown him off? Stupid, stupid Alice. That was the last reminder he needed at the moment, that she might fall in love with him. That this might be more than just lessons between friends.

“Wait,” she said, placing a finger atop his lips. “What I meant to say is that you should take your undergarment off and fuck me.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The words had the desired effect.

As soon as the crude term left her mouth, Kit leapt on her, his arms crushing her to him as he devoured her with a scorching kiss. Alice melted into him, holding on as the flood of wanting built back up inside her belly at a feverish pace. He was all she needed in this moment, the world distilled to his hands and his mouth, his strong body beneath her.

He pressed hot, openmouthed kisses down the sensitive column of her throat. “You want me to fuck you?”

She nodded, unable to speak as he dragged his teeth over her flesh.

“Then help me.”

He started to take off his undergarment, trying to free his arms first, but the remaining closed buttons over his stomach hindered the process. With a rip, he tore the garment open and she pushed the cloth over his strong arms. His chest was wide and sculpted, with a light dusting of dark hair in the middle. Before she could explore, he kissed her once more, and she felt him rise up to push the undergarment under his hips.