Even as he kissed her, Ned crooked the finger within her, moving it slowly at first but then more decidedly, tightening all her nerves until Cecilia was certain she would not survive the pleasure of it. He added another finger, pressing in deeper as his tongue worked faster. The raw intimacy, after days of watching him out of the corner of her eye and dreaming of how he might feel in her arms, became overwhelming. Suddenly her nerves broke apart, shooting sparks of ecstasy through her, from her curling toes to the cry leaping out of her throat. Her entire being felt like one great pulsing heart.

Ned moved up to kiss her open mouth. He tasted wicked, and she would have blushed were she not already vehemently doing so. His fingers remained inside her, holding her to his calm as she shuddered down into softness.

“Oh, I say,” she murmured, looking at him rather unfocusedly.

“Are you all right?” His smile was tender, as if he knew the answer perfectly well but wanted to hear her say it. His fingers slid out, and she sighed.

“Yes, I think so. I beg your pardon for my indecorous behavior.”

“Cecilia. Don’t apologize for orgasming.”

She frowned. “I suspect that is a rude word and you should not say it to me.”

“Fine, I promise never to say it again.” His smile became roguish. “But I shall do it to you as often as I can manage.”

“Oh. Er, well, I suppose that is in the bounds of good manners.”

“The best manners, I should think.” He began kissing her again along her jawline, stopping only to take her earlobe gently between his teeth. She turned her head wantonly to encourage him. She’d wondered sometimes what it would be like to fly without the protection of a house—a witch, boundless; a dream of herself. Now she suspected it would feel like this, here in his arms, under his gorgeous smile. The thought of gathering herself together into a stiff, careful posture for the world again was almost a physical pain, scouring her heart and making her want to weep. But she knew it must be done. This was only ever meant to be one beautiful moment.

“Thank you,” she said rather formally. “I hope that was also pleasant for you.”

“More than I can express,” he murmured against her cheek.

“It went quicker than I supposed; we should not be missed at all.”

Ned lifted his head, blinking at her through the fall of his hair; he frowned in bemusement. “Er, sweetheart, you do realize we haven’t finished yet?”

“We haven’t?” Her eyes widened.

Ned’s grin returned, even more wicked than before. “We’re not even halfway through.” Taking her hand, he held it against the hard swelling in his trousers. “Do you see?”

Cecilia blushed. His fingers were damp against hers; his eyes were growing dark in the most heart-stirring way. “I did wonder—that is, I wondered if—er, the gentleman’s accoutrement was involved in proceedings—”