Free Her Christmas Pleasure by Karen Erickson Page A

want you to leave.” The words rushed out, and she clamped her lips shut.
    “Why?” He had to know, had to hear her explanation.
    She rested her hands on his chest and plucked at a stray thread on his waistcoat. “I would miss you terribly.” Her gaze dropped from his. “So would Theo.”
    “Is that the only reason, Celia?” He touched her hair, the circle of ivy resting on top of her head. The sharp edge of a leaf pricked him, and he carefully plucked the wreath from her head, tossing it onto a nearby chair. She kept her gaze fixed firmly on his front, her fingers stroking and making his skin tighten with need.
    Such an innocent touch, yet it conjured all sorts of wicked imagery. All the things he could do to her, with her…
    “I think I was in denial, only because I was afraid to feel,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But it was obvious, and for so long. We make a good pair, Damien. Don’t you think?”
    “Celia.” He cupped her chin with gentle fingers and tilted her head back so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “I never confessed to you my feelings. I was afraid Lawrence would get in the way.”
    “But he’s…gone.” Her eyes were a wide, beautiful blue, filled with unshed tears. His heart ached. Was it a mistake to mention Lawrence’s name?
    “I know. And you’re still here. As am I. And I must agree.” He dropped a kiss to the tip of her nose and then brushed her mouth with his, a fleeting touch that filled him with yearning. “I too believe we make a good pair.”
    A shaky smile curved her lips. She shook her head, an errant tear falling to slide down her cheek. She dropped her hands to her sides. “I cannot bear the thought of you leaving. Will you stay?”
    “Do you want me to?” He wiped the tear away with the pad of his thumb.
    She nodded, and the hair he tousled while removing the ivy fell about her face. “I—I think my heart might break if you were to leave.”
    Damien’s heart might break just from hearing her confession.
    He wrapped his arms around her narrow waist and crushed her to him, pressing his face in her fragrant hair. Her words were like a balm to his soul, reassuring him he had what he’d always wanted.
    Celia. She was all his.
    “I love you.” His voice was fierce, his heart full to bursting. “I love you so much, Celia. And I believed I would never be able to tell you.”
    “Oh, Damien.” Her arms went around him and she stroked his back. “I love you too. I wish—I wish you would’ve confessed your feelings sooner.”
    “You weren’t ready yet.” He kissed the top of her head. Perhaps he hadn’t been ready either. “Though I can’t deny I’ve been silently suffering for what feels like an age.”
    She laughed and shook her head, withdrawing from him slightly. “I hope I didn’t put you through too much torture.”
    “It was the most torturous experience I’ve ever suffered through.” Her somber expression forced him to kiss her. “The reward will be more than worth it, I believe.”
    She melted against him and reached between them to rest her hand against the center of his chest, her palm atop his wildly racing heart. Their mouths met in a gentle, searching kiss, their tongues tangling lazily. He groaned.
    He should wait, should make an honorable woman out of her. He’d marry her as soon as he was able and bring her and Theo back to his small town house in London. Regretfully resign from the job with the marquis so he could continue his work for Urswick, managing the books and finances for his estates and holdings. He had a feeling the earl would be most pleased with the newfound arrangements.
    Hopefully the countess would become pleased as well.
    “I want you, Damien,” Celia murmured when she broke the kiss. She watched him with glittering eyes.
    All thoughts of keeping his hands from her flew out the window. Without a word, he bent and swooped her into his arms, earning a startled gasp. He strode toward the bed and deposited