Excerpt from The Governess, Chapter 5 (continued):
Suddenly, she stood and said, “Please excuse me. I apologize again for intruding. I…I shall pick out my book and get along to bed so you can have your library back to yourself. And if you don’t mind, I…I shall keep this…this blanket until morning?” When he nodded his head in assent, she walked over to the nearest bookshelf. She could still feel his gaze upon her, watching her every move. Why didn’t she just leave, she asked herself. And yet if she did without her desired book, she surely would never sleep now!
Creighton was mesmerized by this unpretentious young lady as she picked her way through the shelves; the way her hair, in all its amazing length, moved and bounced when she took a step; the way the blanket shifted around her lovely curves as she swayed. Even from here, he could still distinguish her subtle fragrance which smelled of roses. What would it be like to hold her, he wondered? He shook his head from the thought. He refused to consider it!
Carly looked over her shoulder to see his hands raking through his dark hair. Oh! He must be so perturbed with her! She immediately said, “I beg your pardon, my lord. I can tell I have disturbed your solitude tonight. I will just go.” But she stood dumbly, transfixed by his stare.
How frightening he could be.
Carly was completely inexperienced with men and did not have a clue as to what this man was thinking or wishing of her. Where was her courage now that she needed it most? She was stupidly petrified of him and this silly situation. He was looking at her so strangely which completely unnerved her. The logs shifted in the fireplace, jolting her nerves. The receding light the fire was now giving was of little comfort.
Slowly, Lord Huntington stood and walked towards her in the darkening room, forcing her to back away from him until she was against the library shelving.
What did he want with her?
She refused to ask!
Lord Huntington was inches from her. She questioned him with her eyes while her breathing became labored. What was he going to do? Was he angry with her again? Might he really be a monster like the gossips made him out to be? The blanket fell to the floor, pooling at her feet. But she was helpless to do anything about it.
His eyes longingly took her in. So beautiful…she looked so soft and vulnerable. His rigid reserve wavered. As his hand came up and gently touched her face, she gasped out loud. Gently, softly his fingers rubbed her velvet-soft cheek.
Closing her eyes at the intimate contact, she could not breathe. Breathe, she told herself.
Tracing along her delicate jaw, he made her tremble from the touch of his warm fingers. Leaning in, he inhaled her fragrant skin and whispered only one word, “…enchanting.” She started. They looked into each other’s eyes, the firelight flickering upon their faces.
He leaned closer.
Unwillingly, she pressed her hands against his chest and just as quickly took them away, only to replace them again from fear of his proximity. Feeling his solid muscles, she grew more frightened of him still.
His breath was warm, making her quiver as he whispered in her ear, “You look like an angel. Where are your tiny wings? Your halo?”
She looked into his eyes, confusion clearly showing in her own. Such kind words from him filled her with frightening emotions. The kind of words that were a balm to her lonely heart. Slowly inhaling, she felt lightheaded and heady. She closed her eyes to his intense gaze. When she opened them, the softness of his look astonished her. He was so near.
Leaning forward almost against her, he reached his long arm above her head. Closing her eyes again, she thought he would kiss her. She unintentionally breathed in his masculine scent, catching her breath as she readied herself.
Her pulse raced. How could she endure this? But how could she escape?
Just run!
Please join me for another excerpt on Friday, May 6!
Thanks!
Ellise :)
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