Secrets Behind Locked Doors

She could see the desire in his eyes. He wanted to kiss her, just as much as she wanted to kiss him, but he didn’t move.

Louisa felt the confusion wash over her. She wanted him so much, she wanted him to devour her with his mouth, to lay her down on the grass and cover her body with his own. Never before had she known such a strong physical attraction to someone. Yet at odds with the primal urge she had whenever she looked at him was the small voice in the back of her head telling her to run, to get as far away from the generous man with the serious eyes as possible. Falling for him could only bring trouble. He would hurt her just like everyone else, no matter how kind and caring he seemed now.

Despite a myriad of doubts Louisa still wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to feel his lips on her skin and shudder as he ran his fingers all over her body.

For a second she thought he was going to do just that. His eyes darkened and his breathing became a little heavier. Louisa held her breath.

‘Lord Fleetwood.’

Both Louisa and Robert jumped and took a step back.

‘I’m not interrupting anything, am I?’

Chapter Eight (#ulink_d7c836c2-d458-5dea-9fce-d85a64ba9040)

Robert couldn’t answer immediately; his brain had gone on an unscheduled holiday and left a mindless idiot in charge. He’d almost kissed Louisa. Again. Once was bad enough, but twice was unforgivable. And in a public park for anyone to see.

He forced himself to drag his eyes away from Louisa’s delectable mouth and turned to face the woman who was addressing him.

‘Mrs Knapwell,’ Robert said, his heart growing heavy as he realised who had interrupted them.

‘It’s delightful to see you, Lord Fleetwood, it’s been so long.’

Robert nodded, not able to find his voice.

‘And you’re looking so well.’

He grimaced. He didn’t feel well at all.

‘I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of being introduced,’ Mrs Knapwell said, turning to Louisa.

‘This is Miss Louisa Turnhill, my ward,’ Robert said stiffly.

‘Your ward?’ It was said with such incredulity that Robert had to suppress a smile. ‘I didn’t realise you had a ward.’