Free Damien's Destiny by Jean Hart Stewart Page B

she blushed a deep shade of rose as she evidently remembered exactly what they’d done on their walk.
    She looked down at the table.
    “I mean, London is so lovely at night. And the fresh air of the evening was delightful.”
    Damien’s grin was one of a sexually aroused man, eager to repeat the previous night’s experience. And go further if he could.
    “The walk was indeed delightful, my dear. Why shouldn’t we enjoy it just as much tonight?”
    The restaurant suddenly seemed stifling, as he threw down some money on the table without even calling for the bill and took her elbow. From the way the waiter hurried over and then bowed in gratitude he’d left enough.
    He was still smiling as they walked from the dining room to the lobby and then out into the cooler night air. London always seemed to have a slightly smoky smell but tonight the scent was less pronounced. Gas lights in the center of town kept the streets safe and the big Charing Cross Square was filled with pedestrians even at this time of evening. The air itself seemed charged. Every sound was a poignant reminder they were walking the streets of one of the biggest cities in the western world.
    She’d taken off her hat as soon as they left the hotel and Damien loved her being unconventional enough to expose her silky hair. The scent of her lily-of-the-valley shampoo wafted to him and he closed his eyes for a moment. He suddenly couldn’t abide the people and the bustle of this busy section. As they’d done the night before, he drew Toria with him and turned down a small side street toward the Thames.
    His impatience almost ruined their rapport. He no sooner got Toria away from the main street than he stopped and brought her into his arms. At first she gasped and pushed at him and he held still. Then she sighed and surprisingly melted against him.
    He lifted her chin with one strong hand.
    “Toria, trust me in this. I want only to kiss you again. I will never hurt you, surely you know that.”
    She nodded and raised her eyes to his, trust and something else. A little anticipation? He claimed her lips once again, this time a deeper kiss, his tongue invading and stroking. A kiss that soon had him quivering like the veriest untried youth. Toria slowly responded, at first with hesitation and then letting her tongue play with his. Damien’s whole body tightened and he knew he was not going to stay in control if he continued too far down this pleasurable path. He allowed his hands to hold her body closely, roaming a little and barely touching the sides of her beautiful breasts. Merciful Merlin but he longed to unclothe her on the spot and take her completely. His erection was so large he knew he was in for another sleepless night.
    Using his considerable willpower he managed to stop himself. Bloody hell but this was even more difficult than last night. Then he pressed one last light kiss against her lips and stepped back.
    She clutched at him to bring him closer again.
    “Did I do something wrong, Damien? Why did you stop? I don’t want you to stop.”
    Merciful Merlin, she’d been placed on earth strictly to drive him stark mad.
    He held her for one last light hug and then turned her in his arms so she walked beside him. He took her hand and started them both back to the hotel. She was a temptress who would send him straight to Hades if he didn’t resist her. She had no idea at all what just being beside her and touching her did to him.
    He sighed.
    “If you knew how I hated to stop you’d know you did everything just right, love. But I must see you back to safety. Our train leaves early in the morning.”
    That she didn’t fully understand was apparent as her expressive eyes were both puzzled and regretful.
    Damien’s feelings churned within him. Joy at her further small step toward love with him and deep regret he must proceed so slowly. Yet it was far better she’d want him to do more than be frightened away from where he longed to eventually take