Knight of My Dreams by Lynsay Sands Page B

That did not come up.” She frowned briefly, then moved to stand in front of him. “But does it really matter, my lord? I mean, you do really want to marry me, do you not? ’Tis not simply a case of having to marry, and I am the most likely candidate . . . is it?”
    Recognizing her fear, Jonathan took her hand. The last thing he wanted was for her to believe such nonsense. “Nay, Alice. You are not simply the most likely candidate. Even were there not a pressing need to marry, I would surely want to wed you. And most likely just as swiftly. In case you had not noticed, my passions become carried away whenever you are about.”
    She ducked her head and rubbed her fingers over the knuckles of his hand. “Actually, I had not noticed, my lord. It appeared to me last night that you were the one in control, and that I was the one carried away.”
    â€œThat is only because my mother interrupted us,” he assured her. “I kept telling myself that I could not take your innocence, that your satisfaction must be enough until I could get you properly wed to me. . . .” He grimaced. “’Struth, I was a heartbeat away from ravishing you there on the ground like some lowborn wench.”
    Alice blushed, but smiled. “And are you sure you will not mind being married to such a wanton as myself?” At his uncertain look, she quietly admitted, “I fear I do not think I would have minded being ravished there on the ground. In fact, I would not protest should you wish to do so now.”
    Jonathan felt his body harden and tighten at the very suggestion. He swallowed thickly. Damn, just the thought of it had him ready for action. Hesitating briefly, he glanced around, gauging the odds of getting caught. They might be getting married, but they weren’t yet. He wouldn’t see her shamed before he—His thoughts died abruptly as he became aware of Alice’s hand drifting down toward the more than obvious bulge between his legs.
    â€œPerhaps,” she murmured, meeting his startled gaze boldly, “you might even teach me to please you as you pleasured me, my lord. Your mother promised not to interrupt us this time.”
    â€œOh, Alice, my sweet.” Jonathan laughed. “Whether my mother was involved or not, you are definitely the right bride for me.”
    She smiled widely at those words and took his hand to lead him around the bench and toward the bushes behind it. “I am glad you think so, my lord. I, too, think we shall be terribly happy together.”
    â€œUntil my mother next interferes,” he added dryly.
    â€œOh, nay.” Alice paused and leaned into his chest, her expression serious as she slid her hands up around his neck. She drew his head down for a kiss.
    Jonathan’s legs nearly gave out at the shock of her aggression. His lovely lady was a very quick learner! He let his arms slide around her and pressed his hands against her bottom, urging her up against his hardness. Her tongue delved into his mouth and explored with an abandon that left him trembling. He actually moaned aloud when she broke the kiss and leaned back to murmur, “She has vowed never to interfere again.”
    â€œOh, that is all right then,” he whispered huskily, then claimed her lips once more.
    Jonathan had little real hope that his mother could fulfill that vow. The woman simply did not know how not to interfere. Still, he would keep that little tidbit to himself. He had no intention of scaring off the woman he loved. He was rather hoping that by the time Alice realized his mother simply did not have the nature to keep that promise, Alice would love her enough to overlook it. Lady Margaret of Fairley was a woman who grew on a person, and her intentions were always the best. She loved her son and wanted what was best for him. And this was one of the few times Jonathan agreed with his mother. As his new bride-to-be led him farther into the