Nothing is more perfect on this Earth than to hold a Warlock in your arms and dance. It gives a whole new meaning to “make a joyful noise.”
Mr. Devan Farris’s personal notes of Lady Warwyk’s benefit soiree
“Sold! The pink satin with ermine trim to the Duke of Langham for one hundred and twenty-five pounds!” Mrs. Marcy hit the gavel on a block of wood to amplify the sound. Simultaneous cries of laughter and sighs of disappointment filled the room. “That concludes the auction.” The brilliant smile lit her face as a round of applause filled the room and slowly died. “On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, we thank each and every one of you for your bids. Now, let’s continue the dancing as the orchestra is about to start their next set.”
The Duchess of Langham’s face glowed as she turned to her husband. “Thank you, Sebastian. I dearly wanted it, but I didn’t want to bid against the others.”
“I had a hunch you liked it, Ginny.” The duke took his duchess’s hand and raised it to his lips. “It’s for a worthy cause. Besides, I have a selfish reason for winning it. I want to see you wear it. You’ll make the beautiful dress stunning.”
Avalon stood near enough to hear the exchange and bit her lip to hide her smile. That’s what a loving marriage should be. The love and care the duke and duchess shared for each other was apparent to all who attended tonight. Avalon’s heart skipped a beat at the lovely gesture that showed everyone that the Duchess of Langham was and would always be the most important person in the duke’s world.
To have someone who cherished you in that way would make your life a success whether you were rich or poor. She glanced at the other Cavensham family members in attendance, then stood still. For heaven’s sake, she’d never really considered it, but all of the Cavenshams’ marriages were so blessed. Each and every one of them had married their heart’s true love and had the same type of marriage as the duke and duchess.
Why couldn’t she have had the same type of luck in love? She quickly dismissed the envious thought. She had more than enough blessings in her life—her son, her sister, her community, and her charitable work. That was enough, and she should be thankful for all of it.
Her heart stuttered in protest, but she ignored it.
The reason the Cavenshams had been so successful in love is that they had a beautiful example in the Duke and Duchess of Langham. When she eventually had the conversation with Sophia about what to expect in marriage, she would use the duke and duchess as the perfect ideal. She’d also do the same with Thane when the time came. It would be her greatest achievement if she could ensure both her sister and her son had the gift of a loving spouse.
But at the moment, her greatest challenge required she collect the bid sheet that recorded the monies earned this evening, then give it to Miss Marcy to record in the Ladies Auxiliary’s bookkeeping journal.
“Avalon,” Sophia whispered in her ear. “Thank you for purchasing the green gown for me.”
She turned and found her lovely sister stroking the silk of the gown Avalon had managed to win. The bidding had been fierce for the beautiful garment, but Avalon had budgeted carefully this month. She wanted Sophia to have it. “You’re so welcome. I can’t wait to see you in it. I imagine you wearing it with a husband adoring you during your first Christmas together.”
Sophia’s gaze widened. “Whoever he is, I’ll make certain that he knows that I have the most wonderful sister in the world.” She turned suddenly serious as her fingers danced across the soft velvet bodice. “I don’t tell you this enough, but I love you. It had to be difficult taking me in as a child while you were raising Thane after losing Richard. You’re the best sister anyone could ever have.”
Avalon dipped her head until their eyes met. “Enough of such talk. I’d not have had it any other way.”
Sophia’s eyes grew misty.
The sight caused the same with Avalon. “Besides,” she said, sniffing quietly, “I beg to differ. You’re the best sister anyone could have. Who else would have helped me with Thane when he was a baby?”
Sophia’s natural buoyancy returned. “Remember when he wanted me to write him a personal bedtime story every day? I think that was the hardest but most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”
“You’re a dear to have done it for him,” Avalon said.
“He’s relentless when he wants something,” Sophia said. “He reminds me of you.”
“Me?” Avalon asked.
Sophia nodded and pointed to her new gown. “When you wanted to win this gown, you got it. When you believed that there should be a charity for women who’d fallen on hard times, you created it. There’s not a thing you can’t do when you put your mind to it.” She directed her attention behind Avalon. “I should speak with Penelope. She’s upset that the Duke of Langham bought the pink gown for his duchess.”
“Will you take this sheet to Miss Marcy for me, dearest, on your way to see her?”
Sophia took the sheet, then left with her beautiful velvet gown draped over one arm. Once again Avalon stood by herself. The solitude didn’t bother her. She listened to the orchestra warm up for the next set and let her gaze sweep across the room. Of course, she wasn’t looking for a certain naughty vicar.
But she hated to call herself a liar.
“Looking for me?” Devan murmured behind her.
She turned slowly and there he stood in all his glory before her. His hair was a tad long for conventional wisdom, and black evening attire was a little too somber, but with that smile he graciously bestowed her way, he was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His every move and nuanced word sent a thrill running through her that settled into a molten heat that centered low in her belly. All she wanted for the evening to be perfect was to once again be in his arms.
“Why, Mr. Farris, I wondered where you’d run off to. Didn’t you mention something about a dance?” She tilted her head and delivered her best smile.
“You and I think alike.” He extended his hand. “Allow me to escort you to the dance floor.”
She placed her gloved hand in his and allowed him to lead her away. Her small hand fit nicely in his. The music started for the next dance, a lively reel.
Devan slowed their pace and leaned in close. “That’s inconvenient. I wanted a waltz.”
She didn’t hide the disappointment in her voice. “I did, too. But I could request one after this.”
“I have a better idea. Isn’t the music room close by?”
She nodded. “Two doors down.”
“Come with me. If I’m not mistaken, there’s a waltz about to start there.”
“What are you about, Devan?”
“Do you trust me?” he asked. His green eyes flashed in mirth.
Right then and there she linked her arm with his.
“I’m not certain.” When he looked down at her, she winked at him. “But since you’re my vicar, I believe you’re trustworthy … at least for the next five minutes.”
He tucked her arm closer to his as they left the ballroom. The lively reel filled the hallway with sound. When they reached the music room, Avalon opened the door, and Devan followed her in. Without a word, he pushed the door shut, locking out the boisterous music and the outside world. Along with a few candles, a cozy fire cast the room in a soft, warm light.
Avalon propped her hands on her hips and regarded Devan. “There’s no orchestra or even a pianist to accompany us. We can’t waltz without music unless you want me to play for you while you twirl around the room with a pretend partner.”
“I don’t want a pretend partner when I have a lovely, vibrant woman before me who wants to waltz. I’ll provide the music.”
“How?” she asked.
“When did you become so impatient? You’re like a child on Christmas morning,” he playfully teased. Devan placed one arm around her waist and she answered in kind by placing her hand on his shoulder. Her fingers itched to squeeze his solid muscular form, and slowly, she allowed herself the luxury. His shoulder tensed at her inquisitive touch, and Devan smiled down at her. Together, they clasped their other hands together. Her chest met his when he pulled her close, and her pulse quickened at such an intimate touch, one that many married couples shared in their everyday lives together. How much she’d missed by not having someone to share such ordinary things with.
Softly he hummed a little ditty as he gracefully twirled her around the music room, the movement slow and sensual as their bodies touched each other’s—leg to leg, hip to hip, and chest to chest.
She’d never been seduced, but this had to be what it felt like. She could only describe it as heaven on earth, and she never wanted him to stop moving or humming to her. Eventually, the perfect dance drew to a close when Devan slowed his steps and brought them to a complete stop.
“I should never doubt you when you say you’ll do something. I loved your music, and you, sir, have been blessed with a beautiful voice,” she whispered. Though they were the only two in the room, a whisper seemed more private and deserving of the moment between them.
He leaned close and brushed his lips over her earlobe. “Thank you. I’ve been singing since I was a little boy.” He released a soft sigh, and his warm breath on her neck caressed her. “It helps with your parish members, particularly the choir, if you can carry a tune.” He dipped his head lower, then placed his lips on the pulse of her neck. “Does it help me with you?”
She shivered, then moaned slightly. Heat exploded in her center then settled between her legs. Instinctively, she pushed her body against his.
Devan brought his hand to the small of her back to anchor her close. With a slight lean away, he examined her, taking his time to memorize each freckle sprinkled across her face. In time, his gaze eventually settled on hers. Only inches separated them.
She dared to take her eyes off his to study his rich, full lips. “Your mouth is perfect and deserves to be bitten.”
A deep rumble started in his chest, and his eyes flashed. “Do you want to bite me? Is that what you’re asking?”
“Perhaps.” She shook her head slightly while locking her gaze to his. “But I want to kiss you more.”
Those perfect lips tugged upward, but he didn’t move or say a word.
With each rhythmic breath, her chest brushed against his. All she wanted in this moment was to lose herself in his kiss and feel every inch of his body covering hers.
“What are you waiting for?” he finally asked.
“A sign, a hint, or something … that you’re receptive to my forwardness.”
“Lady Warlock, you’ll always have my blessing to kiss me senseless,” he said.
She answered him by tilting her head to his and wrapping her arms around his neck. Slowly, she pulled him to her. When her lips met his, her heart fluttered in approval of her bold actions. She deepened the kiss, and Devan groaned his approval. He opened his lips to her, and her tongue met his. She learned everything she could about his likes while finding pleasure for herself. Taking control of their kiss was such a heady experience, one she would never forget.
He pulled her tighter against him. With only evening clothes between them, it was easy to feel his arousal pushing against her midsection as if trying to reach her.
The man she held in her arms wanted her.
For her dancing, for her kisses, for simply being herself.
Did he have any idea that she’d give him everything?
The moonlight fell across his face as if worshipping him, and Avalon wanted to explore and touch every part of his face and body. From the hunger in his eyes, he wanted to do the same.
She kissed him again and moaned into his mouth, the small sound either a demand or a plea for mercy.
Either way, he took control of the kiss as if starving for her.
Somehow, they’d moved from the center of the room to one of the walls. His arms encircled her as his lips found hers again. Their kiss grew in intensity and she pushed against him, seeking relief from the delightful torment they’d created. Devan settled in between her widened legs.
“Closer,” she demanded softly as she pulled his hard body tightly against hers.
“Whatever, my—”
“Do not say ‘warlock.’” Her breathless sigh escaped.
He chuckled against her lips as she tilted her hips to meet his. The need to feel him next to her became unbearable. She adjusted her position until his erection pressed against her cleft.
“Avalon.” He whispered her name like the holiest of devotionals.
“Please,” she answered, not caring that she begged him for relief.
Their mouths met, and their tongues tangled as their movements became more frenzied. He pushed her against the wall, and she pressed harder against him—grinding and rubbing until she found a cadence that made the promise she’d soon soar. To where, she had no idea. But women found pleasure in lovemaking, and Avalon was determined to join their ranks.
She concentrated on every touch, every push, and every sensation they created together as it washed over her. Every part of her body circled higher and higher as if in an eddy that drew her closer to completion.
He possessed her in a kiss like a man starving for nourishment, then cupped her breast through her gown. He brushed his thumb over her nipple, and sensation flashed like a star bursting overhead, stealing her breath and all sanity.
She cried out his name.
Drunk with all the swirling sensations, she leaned her head against the wall and allowed her body to float back to earth. Devan cupped her cheek and rested his forehead against hers while the evidence of his desire pulsed against her stomach.
“Devan?”
He hummed in answer, then leaned slightly, keeping his body pressed against hers. His eyes devoured hers as he cupped her cheeks. “Did you?”
She couldn’t keep the ridiculous smile off her face and nodded. “I’ve never…”
He smiled with an arrogant lift of his lips. “Look at me.”
She tilted her gaze to his.
“Always remember that tonight there was no one else here except you and me. This was as unique for me as it was for you.”
She nodded her acceptance. “Is there anything I can do for you?” She swept her hand down alongside their legs. “Like you did for me?”
“Just let me hold you for a moment or two.” He brushed one of her loose curls behind her ear, then gathered her in his arms again. “I should be the one to thank you,” he said.
“For what?” Her voice had acquired a faraway dreamy quality she was unfamiliar with.
“For proving that you really are a warlock, a powerful one at that.” He rubbed the back of his finger in a leisurely manner against her cheek, threatening to whip her body into another frenzy at his tender touch. “I’m completely under your spell.”
She swallowed the words that threatened to escape. It was safer this way. He didn’t need to know that she felt the same way about him. His reputation led her to believe that one day he’d turn his attentions to another. When it happened, she didn’t want to be pitied as she picked up the pieces of her broken heart.