"I think we both need to put the past behind us," she said, the tip of her finger tracing the mark seared into his skin as a permanent reminder. "It's easier for me. My scars do not impact daily life as drastically as yours. But perhaps sharing the burden makes it more bearable."
"You can move on, Grace. You can have a happy life. Who would want to share in my burden or my life? Who would want to live with a man who hides a murderous monster within?"
"Someone who loves you. Someone whose life would be meaningless without you."
He swallowed as fear and hope flooded his chest, the conflicting emotions fighting for supremacy. "I have never been a dreamer," he said, as his fear announced itself the victor. "I prefer to find a way to numb all painful memories."
He tried to listen to her thoughts, but his own mind struggled to focus.
"Well, I am here for you," she said. Her hand drifted down over his chest, over the muscles in his abdomen. "You have helped me more than you will ever know. Someone had stolen the light from within. You have found it, restored it. In time, I am confident it will shine brightly again."
He leaned closer and kissed her forehead. In all the years, during all his licentious encounters, he had never kissed any other woman in so intimate, so caring a way.
"I want to do something for you," she continued. "I want to help numb your pain."
He gave a weak chuckle. "Grace, you have just given me more than I could ever have hoped."
She rolled on top of him, her soft breasts brushing against his chest as she shimmied down under the sheets. "With your help, with your expert tuition, I am sure there is more I can give."
Leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses in her wake, she threw back the covers and knelt between his legs. The glorious sight alone was almost his undoing. He could sense her nerves, appreciated the selflessness of the act.
Which made the experience all the more magnificent, all the more memorable, all the more meaningful.
Chapter 15
"When we looked through our correspondence we found we had already been invited," Evelyn said as they made their way into the Croxton's ballroom. "It only took a little gentle persuasion for Lady Croxton to extend the invitation to visiting guests."
"She did look at me rather strangely when I entered the receiving line," Grace said. "I'm certain she thinks I'm Caroline and have given a false name with the intention of ruining her soiree."
Evelyn leaned closer. "Either way, it gives the gossiping birds a fat juicy worm to feed on."
Grace felt a sudden tickle in her tummy when Elliot moved to her side and put his hand to the small of her back, and she turned to face him.
"Would you care for some refreshment?" His vibrant green eyes sparkled as his gaze dropped to her mouth. "I believe you may have worked up quite a thirst this afternoon."
She liked the way his face lit up when he smiled as opposed to the look of pain and anguish she had witnessed earlier.
"I am in need of something to wet my lips," she replied brazenly in a bid to prolon
g the intimacy of the moment.
"I am brimming with suggestions." His sinful gaze fell to the exposed curve of her breasts. "But for now, it is best to settle for a glass of lemonade." Leaning closer, he whispered, "I should like you moist and hydrated when I take you home tonight."
Desire pulsed through her just thinking about all they had shared. The few hours she had spent in his chamber had altered her in some way. She felt stronger. Alive. Free.
"Why wait until then?"
Elliot laughed. The sound was music for her soul. "I fear I shall never be able to beat you when it comes to salacious banter."
"Good. I would hate you to find me tiresome."
"Tiresome?" He raised a brow. "I find you exactly the opposite."
Alexander stepped forward and jerked his head in the direction of the hallway. "Come. Let us leave the ladies to mingle and gossip. Remember we have but a few hours to gather as much information as we can."
Elliot bowed to her. "I shall return soon with your refreshment, my lady."
Grace gave an amused smile. "Hurry," she said aware of the numerous gazes directed her way. "I fear the vultures are circling. You may return to find nothing more than a pile of scraggy bones."