Emily’s departure to London left the grand estate of Heartland draped in a shroud of silence, the once vibrant atmosphere now subdued. The recent festivities and the lively presence of the viscount, who had returned to Chesterfield, had infused the estate with a sense of excitement that now seemed a distant memory.
Wrapping herself in a cloak, she slipped on her gloves with a practised ease. The ball hosted by Lord Edgar, the Earl of Eldridge, was an occasion she was expected to attend. The invitation had been an eagerly anticipated event, yet the weight of solitude pressed heavily upon her.
Just as she adjusted the cloak, a familiar sound broke through her thoughts—the soft creak of the door, followed by Edward’s deep voice.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said, his tone soft yet sincere.
He stepped into the room, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
“The footmen are waiting with the carriage.”
“There’s no need to apologise, Edward,” Jane replied, her voice gentle, as she looked up at him with a small, reassuring smile. “It’s your bedchamber as well.”
Edward’s eyes softened as he took in the sight of her.
“You look—” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “—beautiful.”
A flush of warmth spread across Jane’s cheeks at his compliment. There was something magnetic in his gaze, an invisible force drawing him closer.
Edward’s steps were measured as he approached her, his eyes never leaving her face. His fingers, warm and tentative, traced along her cheek with a tenderness that left Jane breathless. When his touch reached just above her lips, she felt her breath catch, her heart pounding in her chest.
Leaning in slowly, he closed the distance between them, his lips hovering a mere inch from hers. He studied her with an intensity that seemed to penetrate the very core of her being. Her eyes shone brightly in the flickering candlelight, her lips were a tempting shade of red, and the scent of roses and cinnamon enveloped him.
It was intoxicating, stirring a deep, unbidden longing within him.Without further hesitation, Edward’s lips met hers, the kiss starting gently, then exploratory. He felt her respond with an eagerness that matched his own, her soft lips moving against his with an ardour that ignited something primal within him.
His hands slid through her hair, the silken strands slipping through his fingers like a caress. Jane’s soft, muffled moans against his lips only spurred him on, deepening the kiss with a zeal that mirrored his own growing desire. His hands roamed over her back, the warmth of her body pressing against him, her fingers tangling in his dark curls, driving him wild.
He deepened the kiss, his tongue tracing her lips. The kiss grew more urgent, more heated, as he trailed kisses down her jawline to her neck, her back arching in response, every touch and sigh magnifying the intensity between them.
Reluctantly, Edward pulled away, his breath ragged, the need to breathe and the memory of the upcoming ball breaking through his overwhelming desire. His gaze lingered on Jane, whose hair was now tousled, and her lips swollen and reddened from their passionate embrace. The sight of her, so utterly dishevelled yet so undeniably beautiful, stirred a tumultuous mix of emotions within him.
“I shall wait for you in the carriage,” he said, his voice husky, unable to mask the lingering desire.
Jane nodded, her voice still trembling from the kiss. “Of course, I’ll be down in a moment.”
As Edward departed, Jane’s thoughts swirled with the memory of their kiss. The ride to the ball seemed interminable, her mind replaying the sensations, the warmth of his touch, and the intensity of his gaze. During the dance at the ball, Edward’s presence was inviting.
His hand at her back, the heat of his breath against her cheek, and his whispered compliments about her beauty all contributed to a growing connection she could no longer ignore. The way he twirled her, the warmth of his touch, and the sincerity in his gaze made Jane question her own feelings.
The notion of love, once distant and abstract, began to take shape. She felt a stirring deep within her, a realisation that the connection she felt with Edward was more than mere attraction—it was the beginning of something profound. The possibility of falling in love with him was becoming a reality, and as she glanced at him across the ballroom, she could not deny that her heart was already on that path.
Awww🥺🥺🥺
Looks like things are really getting heated and real
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P.S This is my favourite chapter and I enjoyed writing it🥺🥰
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Of love and deceit
Historical Fiction|Of Love and Deceit is available on Amazon as kindle and paperback. Links for purchases are in my Wattpad bio. Looking forward to your honest reviews| A damaged duke. A misunderstood duchess. A marriage forged in the fires of obligation. Jane Miller...
