Page 67 of Always the Chaperone
“I love you so much.” William tightened his grip on her. “And we are to be married! I have no idea how to celebrate. I can barely think.”
Charlotte smiled, and it was a different smile than before. Leaning up to his ear, she whispered, “I do.”
Chapter Nineteen
Charlotte clung toWill’s hand, knowing she would never have to let go again. His fingers felt strong around hers, comforting, with the promise of something more.
“How much further?” Will sounded impatient, and she laughed as they turned a corner. The night was dark but not cold. They had anticipation to keep them warm.
“Not far,” she said. “I thought you knew where my rooms were? You have been there before!”
He stopped abruptly, pulling Charlotte into his arms and kissing her deeply.
Fire existed between them, hot and wild. They controlled their feelings while still at the ball, but once they had left… It was a long way back to Number Fourteen, Queen Square.
Will tilted her head back to deepen the kiss, and Charlotte moaned at the intensity.
“I want you, Charlotte.”
“Not here,” she said breathlessly. “We have the rest of our lives to…”
“I have waited my whole life for you,” growled Will with a wicked smile. “I cannot wait much longer.”
Charlotte hesitated, then pulled his hands away and took a step back. “You will have to. Chaperone’s discretion.”
Will groaned. “Fine, you temptress, but you promised me it was not far.”
She laughed as she led him down the street by the hand. After so many years of being alone, ignored, and unwanted, she had finally found love and happiness. After so much confusion between herself and Will, they were to marry—and she had plenty of ideas of what to do in the meantime.
Charlotte had not exaggerated. They were about five minutes away from her rooms, but that was evidently too much for Will. After turning another corner and seeing it was not her street, he groaned.
“No, this is too much,” he said, and without warning, pushed her against a wall, thrusting himself against her and pouring kisses down her neck.
“Will!” She did not know whether she meant it as a halt or encouragement. All she knew was every place his lips touched burned like a brand.
“Charlotte,” moaned Will, his fingers playing with the ribbons on her gown.
“Will—no!”
He chuckled as one of the ribbons holding her bodice together came undone. She twisted away, reveling in the feeling and knowledge he wanted her so badly.
His eyes were on her, and she laughed.
“You are fortunate, Your Grace, that there is no one out on the street, or my reputation would be ruined!”
“Good. That is exactly how it should be.” Will moved closer. “Christ, Charlotte, if we don’t hurry, then I am going to have you against this wall.”
The thought of it made her shiver with pleasure, but she was not going to be tempted by such wildness. No, she was going to make him wait, and it would all be worth it.
“Down here,” she said breathlessly, walking hurriedly. “Here.”
They made it to her home, and she nearly tripped up the stairs to the front door.
Once inside, he reached for her. “At last, I can touch you.”
His hands moved slowly and purposefully down her waist to her hips. He caressed her gently, his eyes filled with desire.
“Yes,” she murmured as he trailed kisses along her neck.
