Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

He knew her the moment he saw her. He chuckled to himself over the fact that she was dressed as a wood nymph, just as he'd thought of her yesterday in her father's study. She'd gone to great pains to conceal her identity, but he knew it was her by the way his body reacted to her mere presence. An invisible force pulled him toward her, his skin tingling in anticipation. She was dressed in a filmy gown that left her arms enticingly bare…it seemed as though miles of creamy skin awaited his touch. A crown of twigs encircled her head and flowers twined in her hair. As he had dyed his own locks with walnut oil to darken them, she must have used henna on hers, for it was now an alluring Titian shade. She was draped in greenery and floral garlands, and her mask covered most of her face. She laughed at something her companion said, and Nick's groin tightened immediately. God, he wanted this woman like he'd never wanted one before.

She took a flute of champagne off a passing tray and sauntered to the edge of the room, near a potted fern. Perfect. He adjusted his mask and headed in her direction.

Emmeline was enjoying herself immensely. She had danced and laughed with a freedom she couldn't ordinarily employ at a regular ball. Everyone seemed different tonight, the women more open, the men more dashing. Emmy was having a hard time deciphering those she knew and those she didn't, so she felt quite secure in the safety of her own costume. She had just melted into a potted fern to enjoy a few moments of solitude when the back of her neck suddenly prickled with awareness. She felt, rather than heard, the deep voice behind her.

"Having a good time, sprite?"

She turned to find a man dressed as a Greek god next to her, an enigmatic smile paying about his lips. That was really all she could see of him, except for sparkling eyes that studied her from the depth of his mask. They were lovely lips, and Emmy had the fleeting thought that they looked eminently kissable.

"I am, good sir. Do I know you?"

"I am Eros," he replied with his rich voice, sketching a small bow.

Good heavens! What cheeky man dared come dressed as the god of carnal desire? An involuntary thrill shot through Emmy. Try though she might, she could not recognize anything about the man. All the better, because tonight Emmy meant to grasp life by the horns. She fully intended to throw caution to the wind. She would be damned if her first kiss occurred on her wedding day. Everyone else allowed themselves some fun and indiscreet behavior, why shouldn't she? She had to be careful since she wasn't actually married yet, but she wasn't going to miss her chance to be a part of the bacchanal spirit.

"An interesting choice, sir. Perhaps you are intent on mischief tonight?"

He stepped closer to her and her skin tightened. "That depends on if I encounter someone with an interest in being mischievous," he replied in a sultry voice. Thump, thump, went Emmy's heart .

"And have you? Encountered anyone worthy of your attentions, I mean?"

"You tell me, sprite. Have I?"

He grinned and Emmy nearly collapsed under her own weight. What on earth was wrong with her? She'd wanted to be a little inappropriate tonight, but this man had her considering acting positively sinful. Lord in heaven, but he was striking all the right chords. Who on earth was this?

"I've enjoyed watching you light up the room this evening with your smile, sprite."

"You've been watching me?"

"I haven't taken my eyes off of you since you walked in the door," he said silkily. He held out a hand. "Would you care to waltz?"

Emmy hesitated only a moment before placing her hand in his. Zing! The contact shot an unexpected spark up her arm, and the thought of dancing so closely with a man while wearing so little had her trembling in anticipation. He led her to the dance floor, swept her into his arms, and all the world was forgotten. She heard the music through a buzzing in her brain while she concentrated on more important things, like the way his muscles flexed under her hand, and the way he smelled like…spice? Whatever it was, it toyed with her senses. Eros was an accomplished dancer, and she was lost in the romance of it until the music ended. They stopped, but he didn't release her from his arms, just stared intently into her eyes, an unspoken message passing between them.

Emmy nearly kissed him right there, in front of everyone, so powerful was this attraction. Her heart hammered in her chest, and perspiration pricked her skin. If there was a man made for an indiscretion, he was it. Could she be brave enough to take what she wanted?

"Are you well, sprite? You look flushed."

"I…I'm…it's quite, er…hot in here. I think I just need some air. Will you excuse me?"

"But of course." He led her from the floor, where she took her leave of him and practically fled to the garden. He rattled her. Wanting to explore passion and actually doing it were two entirely different matters, and she was losing her nerve.

Though the outside air was still unusually warm for this time of year, it was far less stifling than the ballroom. The full moon shone down on Emmeline, lighting her path in the dark garden. She noticed many of the lamps had purposely not been lit in order to maintain a veil of privacy for couples who wanted to engage in clandestine activities. Emmy secretly wished she were one of those couples, spending forbidden moments in a man's arms, learning what ecstasy was. She could never admit to anyone her secret, wanton desires. She behaved as she should, but in her heart, wanted desperately to…well, live a little. Be bold. Daring. Risqué. Her family and friends would never guess what passions she harbored beneath her prim and proper exterior.

She wouldn't mind being a little improper with that Eros gentleman. He radiated sin, and she'd gotten the feeling that he wanted her as well, if only she was brave enough to take that leap. Perhaps it was just the outfit, but she felt a pull toward him, unlike anything she had felt in her life.

Well, except for yesterday. She was oddly drawn to her new fiancée, which had been unexpected. He was attractive enough, she supposed, but that wasn't it. She wanted to protect him, somehow…help bring him out of his shell. He seemed so nervous and shy. She hoped she could dispel some of that once they were married. Otherwise, life was going to be tedious. She sighed. She didn't suppose a man like that would be prone to exciting love-making. More's the pity. Just once she would like to be yanked against a hard chest and have the breath practically knocked out of her with excitement.

She left the rose garden and headed toward the maze, where the moon was the only light. Her slippers crunched softly upon the gravel as she wandered along, lost in thoughts of stolen kisses. A moan captured her attention, and she looked around, wondering if someone had been hurt, but she couldn't see anyone. A sharp gasp to her left had her head snapping in that direction, but all she saw was a giant hedge. She'd been in this maze many times and knew her way around, so she knew she must be outside one of the private hideaways the designer had planted. She crept off the path and into the grass, discerning that the sounds were actually coming from inside the hedge. A deep growl joined the moans, and Emmy couldn't help herself. There was a small bare spot at the back of the hedges, where she could peek into the clearing. Her eyes went wide at the sight.

A man and woman were there, and Emmy had no idea who they were or if they were supposed to be together, but they were clearly enjoying one another. Explicitly. The woman was standing with her arms over her head, holding onto a low tree branch, and the man was on his knees in front of her, apparently?—

Oh, my. Emmy had had no idea lovers would do such a thing. He had bunched the woman's dress up to her hips and was pleasuring her with his mouth, or so it seemed, judging from the reaction from the lady. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy and she was panting with every move of his head. Emmy couldn't quite see what he was doing, but she knew it was directly tied to the rapturous look on the woman's face. Emmy knew she shouldn't be spying, but really, this was fascinating. She wanted to know what, exactly, the gentleman was doing, and what it felt like. Clearly, it felt good.

"Spying, little minx?" came a whisper from beside her.

Emmy jumped so high she nearly lost her balance. She gasped. Standing next to her was Eros, with a roguish, knowing smile on his face.

"I…I just…I heard noises. I thought someone had been hurt."

The god chuckled, a warm, sonorous noise that made her insides quiver. "And you were only too happy to help?"

"I was—" Oh, there was no way out of this, and Emmy was mortified at having been caught.

"Curiosity is natural," he assured her. "But let's give them their privacy. Come with me," he beckoned, leading her away from the hedge and deeper into the maze. Enchanted, she silently followed. Who was this mystifying man ?

He obviously knew his way around the maze as well, for he stopped outside another private bower. This one appeared empty, and he turned to her, heat flickering in his eyes. "Care to join me?"

Emmy hesitated. Of course, she shouldn't. But she had come here to be daring, had she not? No one knew she was out here. These nooks were private—well, mostly. It was unlikely they would be discovered. This was her one opportunity to enjoy a dalliance before she was married to the staid Lord Marbury.

Her heart rate picked up as she squeezed through the hidden opening in the hedge. There was something about this man that she trusted, though she couldn't say why. She just had the feeling that he was not truly dangerous, he only seemed so. She had faith that he would not force her into anything she didn't wish to do.

Once inside the hedges, the world dropped away. There was a small stone bench in the corner, almost as if the little hideaway had been expecting company. The sounds of the ball had given way to the crickets chirping and the splash of the nearby fountain. The pair stood looking at each other for a full minute before Eros indicated the bench.

"Would you like to sit?"

Emmy sank gratefully down, her pulse racing as he lowered himself next to her. A faint breeze carried a wisp of spicy cologne her way, a scent she couldn't quite place. Cinnamon? No wonder he made her drool.

"You know you shouldn't be out here alone where any unsavory man could trap you, don't you?" he asked, a serious note underlying the playful tone.

"Perhaps I was hoping to be trapped," she teased, noting the way his eyelids flared at the suggestion. She shrugged. "I just needed some time to clear my head."

"Oh? Something on your mind?"

Emmy studied him, wondering if she should confide in him. "I suppose it won't matter if I tell you. We'll never see each other again," she decided with a sigh. "I am about to marry a man I don't know. We just met yesterday. He is heroically saving my family from destitution, and I am the sacrificial lamb."

"The beast."

Emmy laughed. "He's not a beast at all…in fact, he's quite shy, I think. We spoke little, and he seemed very uncomfortable. I did my best to reassure him that he could be himself with me, but it was still an awkward conversation."

"And what is it that worries you about this man?"

Emmeline fell silent. She'd never told a single soul about her inner wants and desires…but these masks took away the need to keep them hidden. Somehow, with this man, in this little spot of heaven with the stars overhead, she could be herself. "I long for adventure," she admitted. "Ladies are supposed to want to be wives and mothers, and be content with that. And I do want those things, but…I also want to be brave and bold, to experience life, not just watch it pass me by. I had hoped I might find someone who could accept those things in me."

"And you don't think this gentleman can?"

"I honestly don't know any gentleman who wants an outspoken, adventurous wife. But he, in particular, seems so very reserved. I pray I'm not consigning myself to a life of boredom."

Silence stretched between them.

"Sometimes, it's the quiet ones who have the most fire in them," he said softly.

Emmeline turned her head to look at him, and her breath caught. Even in the moonlight, she could see desire clouding his eyes as he moved to put his hand on the bench behind her, their bare arms brushing and sending a shock wave up her arm. Her pulse was at a full-on gallop now as she studied the eyes that were only inches from hers.

"Perhaps," he said, his voice pitched so low she almost couldn't hear him, "he is just waiting for the right woman to enjoy adventure with. Perhaps, like you, he harbors a boldness he doesn't show to the world. "

"I…I hadn't thought of that," she replied breathlessly. He leaned imperceptibly toward her.

"Tell me, my little woodland nymph, what else do you desire?"

Emmeline could hardly breathe, sure her heart was going to dislodge itself from her chest. "I…"

He brought his hand up to cup her cheek. "Tell me what you want, sprite."

"I…" She swallowed hard. "I want to be kissed under the full moon in a garden bower."

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Now that is a request I am happy to oblige."

He drew her head toward his as he leaned in and claimed her lips with a drugging kiss.

Emmy had the fleeting thought that a ruined reputation was absolutely worth this particular moment.

Nicholas could scarcely believe his current situation. He was used to being nearly invisible, and yet this lovely woman had not only noticed him, she wanted him. It was shocking. Add to that his own behavior and, well…this had been quite the evening.

The anonymity had given him strength. He hadn't stuttered once in their conversation, and had no trouble finding things to say. In fact, daring words fell out of his mouth with ease, words that challenged her to be bold. Words that made him feel brave, words that made him feel…

Normal. Like the practiced rakes that attracted wives year after year, while he watched from the sidelines because he was too shy to flirt. But tonight, he was Eros, not Nicholas, and the opportunity to be anyone other than himself had emboldened him.

And now he was kissing his future wife, though she didn't know it was he. He should probably tell her the truth, but that would break the spell, and this was much too special to ruin with honesty. A masquerade was all about secrets, was it not? He would tell her, of course, just not quite yet. Right now, he was reveling in having her in his arms, eagerly learning how to kiss him back. He growled low in his throat, his arm snaking around her waist and pulling her possessively against him. She responded with a little squeak and then melted into him with a sigh. Oh, yes, Nicholas could see having this woman by his side for the rest of his life.

He broke the kiss before he ravished her completely. She didn't know he wasn't a complete stranger.

"No…" she said in protest, and he grinned.

"More, sprite? Now you're just being greedy," he teased. He was breathless, his heart pounding, his blood rushing somewhere else. There was a drawback to dressing like a Greek god, he suddenly realized.

"I don't care," Emmeline whispered. "I've never…this is…I don't know what is happening."

Nicholas nodded. He felt it, too. The force of the passion that sparked between them was something he'd not experienced before, either. He really should tell her who he was, but he was afraid it would burst the bubble of magic surrounding them, and then he would be plain old Nicholas once more, and plain Nicholas was…well, boring.

Emmeline reached out and laid a small hand on his chest. He said nothing as he met her eyes, waiting to see what she would do. After a moment's hesitation, she ran her hand over his chest, exploring the muscles there, before moving on to caress his bare arms. He sucked in a breath as her hands wandered over his body, leaving goosebumps in their wake. How a simple touch could stir him so, he had no idea, but he was quickly losing the desire to behave. When she leaned forward and put her lips to the hollow of his throat, he'd had all he could take.

"We should get back to the party before I completely lose control, sprite," he said, gravel in his voice. "Another minute of this and I cannot be held responsible for my actions."

"I don't want to go back to the party. Not yet. "

"You'd rather be ravished?" he asked in disbelief.

Emmeline hesitated. "I think I might."

Nicholas stopped breathing. Holy hell.

What was he supposed to do now? He couldn't, in good conscience, make love to her, though he desperately wanted to do just that. It took every ounce of his willpower not to pounce on her.

"I want to know…would you do to me what that other couple was doing?"

Nicholas groaned. Much as he could imagine feasting on her in such an intimate way, he wanted no disguises between them when he did. So, he decided to settle for the next best thing.

"Come here," he commanded, pulling her into his lap. There would be no mistaking how badly he wanted her, but it couldn't be helped. Her eyes widened in surprise when her thigh brushed against him.

"Yes, sprite, I want you very badly. But I am not going to ruin you." He pressed a kiss to the valley between her breasts. "However, if you are sure, there are other ways…"