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Colin pressed Penelope further into the corner of the hall. He did so in the misguided hope of maybe turning this nook, they traipsed into, deeper and more discreet. It was less than ten feet outside the ballroom and close to the servants’ steps, meaning not discreet enough.
After he and his betrothed took to the floor, Colin couldn’t seem to contain himself. She’d taken his hand and then a detour on their way to get refreshments.
They found the corner too naturally. Pen held onto him, stared into his eyes, leaning closer and he was done for. He stole a sloppy kiss and she reciprocated. It wasn't their first kiss. Their engagement had been anything but decent, although no one, not even their respective mama's knew.
However it was their first kiss that begged for something more.
He kissed down her cheek then up her neck. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He whispered, pressing his lips to her ear. She led his hands to fumble with the skirts of her dress. He couldn't breathe properly as he pressed his hand to the middle of her legs.
“We should stop this. You should stop. We’ll be caught.” Penelope whispered back. Her ivory features flushed within seconds.
“If you truly wanted me to stop, you’d not be gripping me closer.” Colin teased. Their heated gazes flew down to Penelope’s hands, tugging on his pale vest til her grip wrinkled the fabric.
“You do not know that.”
He ceased movement on her skirts with a devilish smile over his features. “Alright. Shall I stop?”
Penelope’s pretty head shook ever so lightly. Her eyes glued to the floor.
“I shall like to hear you verbalize your answer.”
“No. Don’t…” A hitch caught in her delicate throat. Her cheeks were red. “Don’t stop.” She held his arm tighter.
“I rather think you are edging me on simply to get us caught.”
“Or perhaps there is no forethought in my actions.” Penelope let his lips wander the skin of her neck. “Perhaps I just am indecent.”
“Perhaps.” Colin’s lips inched closer to the hem on her shoulder. Her body leaned into his hand touching a most forbidden place. “Or perhaps you want us caught. To make the wedding date move closer. Then we will not have the bother of chaperones keeping us from committing any sinful act we desire.”
Penelope lifted her finger to his chin. Aimed it so that he looked into her eyes. “You are astute beyond measure.”
Colin gulped at her words, feeling his desire overcome him. “You regard me higher than I deserve, Pen.”
“I regard you as you are.” Penelope’s eyes soften. Colin caught her hand with his as his thumb stroke over her knuckles.
He almost couldn’t speak from hearing Penelope’s words. His heart beat so loudly, maybe she could hear it from her vantage point. He kissed her sweetly before suggesting, “Perhaps we take our leave to the ballroom at once before I tarnish your virtue before the eyes of the ton.”
“Colin, you say such things.” Penelope faked shock, covering her glorious mouth with her gloved hand before quitting the pretense all together, smiling widely and taking his hand. “Alright, we shall head back to the ballroom, but only if you let your hands wonder when we dance.”
Colin, when his turn came, was not faking the shocked expression. “Penelope!” He hissed with no heat behind it.
“As of late stunning you with indecent suggestions is a most entertaining ordeal.” Pen took his hand, dragging back to the ballroom, both of them with silly smiles on their heated faces.