Chapter 22

Greyson guided her back until her back pressed against the trunk of a tree. The soft gasp that had escaped her lips let him know that she wanted his touch as much as he wanted to touch her body.

Her hand trailed up his neck before her fingers tangled in his thick hair.

"I want you so much, Violet," he breathed against her neck as his hands sought the curves of her body, touching her in the places that had made her moan before.

"Greyson…" was all she whispered in response when he kissed a path up her jawline and pressed his lips hungrily to hers.

Her kiss tasted sweeter than any fruit he'd ever eaten, and the hunger she aroused in his loins was far more pleasurable.

Pressing his body against hers, he felt her melt into him. Her hips fit against his like a long-forgotten piece of a puzzle. He needed to touch her, to reassure her of the passion and desire that coursed through his veins.

He trailed his hands up her arms and down her chest, cupping her breasts and squeezing them. Her lips parted beneath his, and their tongues fought for dominance. The sleeves of her dress slid down her arms with the friction against the bark of the tree, exposing the smooth skin of her shoulders and upper arms.

Her arms snaked around his neck as she gasped in pleasure, guiding his face to her jawline and then her chest.

"God, you are beautiful," he whispered desperately against her chest before lowering the neckline of her dress and exposing her corset.

Her milky flesh drove him wild as he licked a path over the swell of her breasts. His engorged, throbbing member pressed against the flower between her thighs, eliciting a groan of pleasure from her lips.

Unable to control himself any longer, Greyson quickly lowered his hands to her skirts, working his way up her thighs and pushing her chemise over her hips. Nothing was left between them now as he slipped his fingers into her wet folds.

Moaning in pleasure, Violet raised an arm above her head, supporting herself against the tree, while her other hand rested on his shoulder. The sheer look of pleasure on her face spurred him on as he used his index finger to gently rub circles over the pearl beneath the tiny hood.

He wanted to savor every reaction, keeping his eyes on her face as he leaned in closer and whispered, "There are so many things that I want to do with you…"

Violet began to grind her hips against his finger, hungrily demanding more.

"Not so fast," he whispered against her neck, covering her body with his. "I want you to enjoy the moment, savor every touch and feeling."

He slowed his caresses, before dipping his fingers into her folds again, searching the depths of her core with gentle motions.

Violet moaned again, and her lips parted as her soft pants filled the air. She melted into his hands like snow in the sun, lapping up every ounce of pleasure he was giving her.

"Must I stop?" he growled in her ear, sliding his fingers back up to the spot where he knew she ached for him the most.

"No…" she managed to utter between sobs of pleasure, urging him to keep up the pace.

His fingers slid up and down before drawing circles.

"Tell me what you want," he commanded in a voice that was thick with the desire coursing thigh his body.

Every stroke of his finger brought him closer to wanting to ravage her right there against the tree.

"I want you to touch me until I beg you to stop." Her voice was breathy and seductive, taking him by surprise as she opened her eyes and held his gaze.

The fiery challenge that lingered in the deep blue depths stoked his desire.

"Your wish is my command…" He nipped her earlobe before kissing his way down her neck and doubling his efforts between her thighs.

If she wanted him to touch her until she begged for sweet release, then he was only too happy to oblige.

Her pants grew louder as Greyson worked his fingers between her thighs, edging her toward the precipice of pleasure before slowing down and driving her back up to the edge. Her groans of pleasure and disappointment grew louder as he teased her, nipping the base of her throat every time she begged him for more.

The wetness dripping down her thighs let him know that she couldn't take any more before she exploded. Placing the tip of his finger exactly where she wanted it the most, he slowly rubbed in circles until her limbs began to tremble.

Violet pressed her back against the tree and threw her head back, her mouth opening in a silent cry when she climaxed.

She thrust her hips against his hand, riding the waves of pleasure that coursed through her like a relentless tidal wave.

"I've got you," Greyson whispered against her cheeks, holding her close when she collapsed into his arms, trembling as the height of her pleasure began to subside.

Her chest rose and fell with her ragged breaths. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she caught her breath. He whispered in her ear, telling her how beautiful she was and how much he'd enjoyed touching her like that.

But then a wave of shock and pleasure shot through him when he felt her hand ghost over the bulge between his thighs.

"Violet, you don't have to do that…" His voice was soft, strained.

"I want you to show me how to pleasure you," she whispered hesitantly against his neck, avoiding looking him in the eye.

Swallowing hard, Greyson took her hand in his and guided it to his breeches. His world erupted into white-hot fire when Violet cupped his throbbing manhood. He groaned against her neck and held her close, breathing in the scent of lavender that smelled like heaven to him.

"Like that?" she asked so passionately that his heart clenched despite the amount of blood that had rushed to his loins.

"Just like that," he moaned, before guiding her hand up and down and then removing his hand.

The subtle motions made the rest of the world fade into the background as Greyson leaned into her arms, pushing her back against the tree, the full weight of his body pinning her in place.

Violet seemed to enjoy the weight of his body against hers as she trailed her free hand up his back. Her strokes grew quicker when he thrust into her hand, spurring her on.

A light sheen of sweat beaded on his neck as his manhood thickened in her hands. The softness of her skin provided just enough friction to push him over the edge.

Grunting in pleasure, Greyson quickly placed his hand over her own, moving it to the side as his body spasmed with pleasure.

"Did I do something wrong?" Her voice was urgent as she withdrew her hand.

"No," Greyson grunted. His muscles stiffened with lust as he came down from his release, shifting his pelvis away from her while still pressing her against the tree. "You did everything right. I enjoyed every moment of it as much as you did."

He used his free hand to lift her chin before gently pressing a kiss to her lips. Her chest rose and fell rapidly once again when she returned his kiss with what seemed like sweet affection.

A sound in the distance made Greyson realize that they wouldn't be alone for much longer. Pulling away, he fixed his clothes before turning her around and securing the sleeves of her dress at the back. "I'm afraid we don't have a lot of time now. The others will be looking for us."

He leaned in and pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck.

Violet shivered and tilted her head to the side before turning to face him. The concern and worry in her eyes tugged at his heart.

Hooking his index finger beneath her chin, he once again tilted her face up to look at him. "This will be between us. We haven't done anything wrong."

His voice broke when he realized just how much more he wanted to say. He wanted to tell her that she would always be safe with him, that nobody would ever harm her or break her heart again while he was at her side.

"Greyson, I—" she began.

Suddenly, they heard Stuart calling out for them, his tone filled with mirth, as usual.

"Greyson! Have you and Violet gotten lost? Should we send out search parties, or are you going to show yourselves any time soon?" His voice echoed between the trees, causing a few birds to take flight and rustle the leaves.

Thinking quickly, Greyson pressed his lips to hers, lingering for just a moment before pulling back. "We will talk again when we're alone."

He winked at her and gripped her hand, pulling her in the direction of Stuart's voice.

* * *

Violet's heart thudded in her chest as she allowed herself to lead her.

What have I just done?

She hiked up her skirts and hurried behind him. She had touched him, just like he had touched her. She'd never felt so close to anyone as she had done with Greyson at that moment.

I have to get away before it's too late.

The fear in her chest threatened to burst as they reached the little bridge where their group had split earlier.

"Where have you been?" Augusta asked them both, glancing at Violet's flushed cheeks and the necklace hanging just above the swell of her breasts.

"We got lost in conversation and ended up at the other end of the orchard. I didn't realize how far we had ventured until I heard Stuart's annoying voice," Greyson spoke quickly.

"Excuse me! My voice is not annoying—you just can't appreciate a healthy baritone." Stuart eyed him resentfully and pouted.

Rolling his eyes, Greyson dismissed his complaints and pushed past him, letting go of Violet's hand. "You are very delusional if you think that your voice is a baritone. It's more akin to the squeaking of a lowly dormouse."

Stuart stalked after him, aiming a punch at the back of his shoulder but missing when Greyson jerked away. Jason let out a laugh, following behind them.

"Is everything all right?" Augusta asked softly, her gaze fixed on Violet's face.

"I think I am, but I'm not sure if I will be for very long." Violet almost gave in to the tears that stung her eyes as she let out a shaky breath.

Augusta took a step toward her, concern marring her features. "Did something happen in the orchard?"

"Yes, but it wasn't bad. In fact, it was far better than anything I ever could have asked for." Violet lifted a hand to her throat and played with the emerald pendant.

"I don't understand. Why you look so upset, then?" Augusta asked softly.

Closing her eyes against the pain that threatened to spill over, Violet took a deep breath. She had been here before. She had felt the flutters in her stomach and the relentless hope that would soon lead her to her doom.

"We can't talk about it now, the others will be waiting for us." She put on a brave face and headed toward the men, who had stopped a short distance away to wait for them.

Greyson's eyes were searching her face, as if he were trying to read her soul.

I wish he would stop looking at me like that.

She felt her resolve shattering again. What if he had fallen in love with her? Her pulse raced at the thought of the unexpected gift, the flowers, and even the surprise luncheon.

I swear I haven't so much as looked at another woman since you've come along.

What did he mean by that? Did he mean that he had fallen in love with her and now found himself utterly devoted to her? Or did he simply mean that he was honoring their agreement to the best of his abilities?

The questions flooded her mind the closer they got to the men. She wanted to run past them—to keep running until her legs gave out.

"Is everything all right?" Greyson held her back as the others walked ahead, gently touching her hand as he looked at her.

A shiver of uncertainty raced down her spine when his thumb traced circles over her palm.

"Yes, thank you." She swallowed hard and met his gaze, wishing with all her might that he'd stop looking at her as if she'd changed his world.

Dread settled into the pit of her stomach at his changed behavior. The problem was that things would not remain that way forever. He'd profess his love, hoping to hear a confession in return. Then what would happen once she admitted how much she adored him? She knew all too well what would happen.

She would be left in the dust on her own, picking up the shattered pieces of her heart while he rode off into the sunset in search of something new.

"Will you meet me later to talk?" he probed gently, keeping his eyes locked on hers.

"Not today, I'm a bit tired after our walk. Perhaps we can meet for tea the day after tomorrow?"

She needed to buy herself some time before she'd tell him that things needed to end.