Her eyes flew wide with alarm, and he grinned, marveling at how she could kiss him with such sweet abandon and then be shocked when asked about it. How adorable was this woman and how much would he miss her when she left?
"I like you," she stated, matter-of-fact, her hands clasped tight in her lap. "I never kissed a man before, you see, and after the wonderful day we've just had, well…" She paused, glancing at something in her lap, those sweet lips she'd just kissed him with clasped tight between her teeth, driving him to distraction. He gripped the seat, forcing himself to remain where he was and not move. Not molest her again in the carriage this time when there was no one to stop them.
"Well," she continued. "I decided that I wanted it to be you whom I kissed. You're probably going to be the only man I ever kiss, and so I took what I wanted. I do apologize if I shocked or offended you."
Hugh chuckled, leaning back in the squabs. She met his gaze, and he hoped she could read in his eyes that he was far from offended. Aroused, intrigued…yes. But offended? Hell no.
"Let me tell you, Molly, that you have my permission to kiss me whenever you desire. I've not been with a woman for some time, and your company these last few days has been a sweet elixir to my soul. A stolen kiss or two will hurt no one, especially me."
Her cheeks bloomed into a pretty rose hue, and he shifted to sit beside her, reaching up to brush her hair back behind her ear. "I'm glad you kissed me because I've wanted to kiss you from the moment I saw you in my atrium, in your pretty blue gown and excited about seeing Rome for the first time."
"Really?" A smile blossomed on her lips, and he couldn't help but grin back. "So I can kiss you whenever I like?"
He nodded. "I wouldn't be a gentleman if I did not suggest that if we're to kiss again that it should be in private. Perhaps St. Peter's Square is not the best location, but a carriage with the blinds drawn, well, no one will see us here."
"That is true." Molly glanced about the coach, her inspection taking in the lowered blinds. "I want to kiss you again. Am I not scandalous?"
"A little," he teased. "But so am I, so we're a good match." Hugh didn't wait for her to initiate the kiss this time. Instead, he seized her sweet face and kissed her, deep and sure. Their tongues tangled, heat licking his skin, his cock aching for her touch. He'd not reacted to a woman in such a way ever in his life. He wanted to make her crave him as much as he feared he would covet her when she left.
Her arms tangled about his neck, her breasts, full and heavy, sat against his chest. His hands itched to clasp a handful of the voluptuous flesh. To tease and pinch her nipples, he was certain would be puckered little knobs inside her dress.
The thought of licking, kissing her there, sent a bolt of desire to his cock. "You're so sweet. I cannot get enough of you," he gasped against her lips.
She stared back at him, her eyes cloudy with desire, her lips swollen from his touch. "And I, you."
Hugh took her lips again, hoisting her up against his person. Her stomach sat against his engorged cock. He wasn't sure what she would think of him, or his reaction to her, but when she undulated against him, sliding her sweet body to tease his, the world’s axis tipped.
It took all his self-control not to slide his hand down her back, clasp a nice handful of her ass and grind against her. She moved closer still, pushing him back against the window, her untutored kiss before becoming more proficient with each passing moment. Molly was a quick learner. If he weren't careful, she would undo him in the carriage like a green lad who'd never touched a woman before.
The carriage rocked to a halt, and with a jerk, he sat them up. "We're home." The word home reverberated about in his mind. The Roman villa was certainly his home, but he liked having Molly under its roof and being part of his life. To take someone about, a little slice of home that he vowed not to miss, soothed the beast that roared inside that hated what his family had done. Having Molly here reminded him of everything that he'd lost because of them. The possibility of a future. A wife as passionate and sweet as his houseguest was. Perhaps even Molly herself.
She sat up, adjusting her gown and addressing her hair as best as she could before the door opened, and Marcus set down the steps for them.
Hugh jumped down, turning about to help her alight. Her fingers enclosed within his and a bolt of awareness shot up his arm. He took a calming breath, pushing down the ache in his chest at the realization that she would be leaving in only a few short weeks. He wasn't so certain that he wanted her to leave at all.
If he could, he'd keep her for himself. Forever.
Chapter 6
The following day Molly toured the markets of Piazza Navona with Miss Sinclair, along with Hugh's manservant escorting her since Hugh had to address some missives from England that had arrived the day before when they were at the Vatican.
Molly picked up some flowers from one of the stalls and a collection of gifts that she would take back to England for her friends. One vendor was selling little porcelain statues of famous gladiators of ancient Rome. Hallie would love these, especially since she was so very fond of history.
They strolled the markets for some time, breaking their fast at a stall that sold bread and dried meats. Molly had never eaten in public like this before, and it was a marvel, a liberating feeling. She could get used to being a Roman citizen, especially if she were fortunate enough to return home to the villa and see Hugh each day.
The thought of him sent her stomach to catapult into a thousand circles. After their kiss in St. Peter's Square and then in the carriage on the way home, she had thought they would dine and spend time with each other for the evening, but Hugh had received a mountain of letters that even this morning was taking up his time. Stopping him from accompanying her today.
They made their way back to the carriage, Marcus carrying her parcels for her. Miss Sinclair had seemed to have a change of heart regarding the city and travel. She was all smiles and compliments on their outing. Marcus was a positive influence on her.
As she waited for the parcels to be hitched, her mind turned to Hugh. What was the business that was so very important that he'd been unavailable last evening and today? Perhaps he still had business dealings in London that needed taking care of. She had been monopolizing his time somewhat since he'd offered to take her about Rome. It was only expected that he would have to decline and stay home to complete his work some days.
Molly climbed up in the carriage, nodding to Miss Sinclair as she pulled off her bonnet, wiping her brow with her lace handkerchief. "What an enjoyable morning. However, I fear a megrim is settling in."
"If you're feeling poorly, I'll have Maria bring up a tisane for you. Will you be dining with the servants, or would you prefer to dine in your room?"
"I should not leave you alone with Mr. Armstrong as much as I have, Miss Clare. My duty is to keep you safe. It is already terribly scandalous that we're staying under his roof with him in residence. I just hope the news does not beat us back to London. Your reputation will be ruined."
Molly glanced out the window, grinning at Miss Sinclair's words. Her reputation was already ruined had anyone seen their kiss yesterday in the square and recognized them. She could not regret it, however. Her first kiss had been given freely to Mr. Armstrong, and from the moment he'd kissed her back, she knew that her bold actions had been the right thing to do.