Free A Curious Heart (Love Vine: A Regency Series) by Diane Davis White Page A

others who have noticed things lately, and I would have no untoward gossip. Keep clear of compromising situations until this matter is settled."
    * * * * *
    "Griffin, you must help me. Can you not see that without our help these four lovely people may go through their entire lives pining for lost love?" Allie begged, her hand holding fast to his sleeve as though he might try to withdraw before she had finished explaining.
    Her sapphire eyes pleaded and her pretty mouth pouted artfully, he realized, in order to give him the full effect of her beauty. When he pulled back, she tightened her hold, creasing his sleeve. That she was determined, he did not doubt. That he found her enchanting, he did not doubt. That she was a bit immature and in need of a good spanking, he doubted not at all.
    Gently, he removed her hand from the cloth of his coat and smoothed the wrinkles she had created, his eyes fixed on her loveliness, wanting to give her the world, but knowing he could not participate in such a mad cap scheme. He watched her face crumple as he spoke.
    "But writing love letters and signing other people's names—well, it's just not done. Besides, do you not think they can work out their own lives? Adults, every one of them. Sounds a bit cracked to me."
    Griffin, though captivated by Allie, was not in the habit of mixing into other people's business, especially  his cousin. He was uncomfortable just discussing such a plot, much less doing the things Allie suggested. He looked at her playfully, his mouth turning up in a smile. "Why do we not just allow nature to take its course?"
    The words just spoken had a double meaning, and Griffin proceeded to show Allie just what he meant by the other side of that coin. He gave her a look designed to show his intent, spiced with pure adulation and wanton heat. He thought this guaranteed to draw even the most reticent lady. Scooting closer, he placed one hand against her cheek, the other coming up to tilt her chin at an angle just so. Lowering his head, he bussed her lips gently, gratified when her eyes closed and she sighed in a manner most blissful.
    Griffin pressed closer and Allie wiggled on the bench, scooting toward him as well. With tender regard for her virginal sensibilities, he gently parted her lips with his tongue, felt her startled withdrawal, and retreated immediately to the more sedate and innocent kiss he had started with. Her inexperienced and tentative response drove him to madness and though she parted her lips slightly, he dared not attempt a deeper kiss, recalling her reticence just moments before.
    Allie's response demanded a more passionate embrace, but he held firm, telling himself she had no notion of real passion, and she would rush away frightened if he pursued that course any further. When he finally lifted his head and pulled away from the embrace, her soft cry of displeasure gave him both a sense of power and a jolt of guilt. Power that he could elicit such a wanton response from an innocent, and guilt that he had done so. Turning on the bench to sit forward, he placed his hands upon his knees and breathed in deeply, nearly gasping.
    "We had better go inside. They will be looking for us soon." Voice rough with unfulfilled passion, he dared not look in her direction, lest he forget himself and continue his pursuit. He knew that she was inexperienced and had never before been kissed. Her own rapid breathing filled his senses, her delicate scent filled his nostrils and the combination was more than he could withstand.
    "Is something wrong, Griffin? Have I offended?" Her plea pierced his heart and he turned again, grasped her in his arms.
     "Allie, pray open your sweet mouth and allow me to kiss you as a man kisses a woman."
    "Griffin? Allie? Where are you?" The sound of Lord Rothburn's sonorous voice filled the dark garden. "Best be getting inside. Guests are leaving and it is very late."
    Griffin instantly released Allie, moving away. The slight amusement in