Elijah's breath caught at Katherine's words. "I always hated being called Your Grace." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Yet, I find myself liking the way it sounds on your lips."

She gave him a sultry smile and he couldn't believe how lucky he was. She was finally here with him, and it felt right. He didn't want to think about anything else but her. Didn't want to think about being the Duke of Kent, he didn't want to think about his upcoming wedding, and he did not want to think about the rest of his life without her.

Needing to feel more of her, he stripped her up her nightgown and started kissing her mouth, then her neck, and before he knew it he was covering her breast with his hand. He never felt anything like this in his life. He never thought he would meet someone that took over his mind, body, and heart.

"I don't think I can ever stop touching you," he said against her skin.

Katherine giggled and he cherished the sound. "I feel you have too much clothes on," she said in a whisper.

He knew what she was asking, and he couldn't let it go that far. Not unless he was sure he was going to be with her forever. In an attempt to distract her, he kissed his way down her body until he got where he wanted most.

He groaned when he took her into his mouth. She was utterly exquisite

"Elijah..." she moaned as she buried her hand in his hair and arched into him.

After the hours spent learning her body in the cabin, he knew just how she liked to be touched. It didn't take long before she was coming apart from the pleasure he gave her. Elijah looked up at her as he laid down beside her.

Katherine turned towards him with hooded eyes. She traced her finger down his chest to the top of his pants. "You're still wearing too many clothes."

"Katherine..." He was going to tell her why this wasn't a good idea, but she had reached out and put her hand against his hard length.

"You were saying?"

She pressed her lips against his and he groaned into her mouth. He was lost to her and he knew it. If he was being honest, he knew he wouldn't be able to say no to her again.

She pulled back with a smile as she continued to move her hand against him. "Now, remove your pants, Your Grace."

Elijah couldn't hold back the smile that formed. "Is that an order, Kitten?"

"Yes," she breathed against his lips.

"Well then," he said before he deepened the kiss, "I must oblige you, milady."

Elijah got off the bed and removed his pants. He watched as Katherine took in the sight of him, her eyes pausing on the hardest part of his body. The way she looks at me, he thought. It was going to be his undoing. He climbed back in the bed and positioned himself between her legs, hovering over her.

"Are you sure about this? Once it's done..."

"I love you, Elijah. Make me yours."

He closed his eyes at her proclamation of love. He never thought he would hear that from someone who didn't want him for his title. He looked down at her and he could see her inner turmoil. She wanted this, yes. But she was scared. She knew that they didn't have a chance at the future either of them wanted.

With her words echoing in his mind, he slid himself inside her entrance in a deep, smooth stroke. "You are mine."

Elijah was all the way inside her and he hesitated when she winced from the pain. "I'm sorry it hurts, Kitten."

"It's okay," she replied as she pulled his mouth to hers.

He kissed her with a passion he didn't know he was capable of. When he felt her body relax, he started to pull himself out before thrusting back into her.

"Oh, my..." She said with wide eyes.

Elijah gave her a half smile. "Like that did you?"

"Yes. I want more..." She moaned as she ran her fingers down his back.

Elijah took control of her mouth and body. Katherine wrapped her legs around his waist as he started moving faster above her. Everything else around them disappeared.

Elijah buried his face in her neck as he started to get lost in his own pleasure. "My God, you are amazing."

When he sucked lightly on her neck, she came apart in his arms, calling his name. The way her body clutched his, sent him over the edge and he released himself inside of her. Feeling completely spent, he fell on the bed beside her.

"I had no idea," Katherine said as she continued to breath hard.

Elijah chuckled. "Neither did I."

She frowned at him. "Weren't there...others before me?"

Elijah let out a long breath. He didn't want to upset her, but she deserved the truth. "Yes, there were. I tended to be frivolous in my youth."

She was quiet for a few moments. "When was the last time you..."

He turned towards her so she could see the truth in his eyes. "It has been a very, very long time, Kitten. But I can honestly say, I have never made love to anyone but you."

William was waiting outside a local tavern. There was a letter delivered to him early this morning from Lady Elizabeth. A letter that instructed William to meet her here at ten o'clock sharp. He arrived early and has been waiting here for nearly two hours. He was worried she was either running late or she changed her mind. He couldn't blame her if she did. After all, it's not like he had a chance with her. She was promised to his best friend for Christ's sake. Perhaps he should just leave.

He started to walk away when a carriage pulled up. With the door remaining closed, he thought it was someone passing by. Then he heard that musical voice from inside say, "Come in, William."

His heart raced as he climbed inside the carriage and sat across from Lady Elizabeth. She was wearing a dark blue gown with a white design. Her hair was pinned on top of her head.

When he remained silent, she asked, "Is there something wrong with my appearance, William?"

He coughed into his hand when he realized he was staring at her. "My apologies for staring. It's just, you look..."

"Yes?" She prodded.

She wanted to hear what he thought about her, he realized. The look in her eyes told her she was desperate to hear what he thought. It was as if she didn't know how stunning she was.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Lady Elizabeth, I cannot put into words how beautiful you are."

Her cheeks turned red as she looked away from him. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," William answered truthfully. It really was his pleasure. He enjoyed everything about her. He felt like this time with her now was a gift.

As the carriage pulled off, William asked, "So, if I may ask, where are we going?"

She met his stare and gave him a smile that had him biting back a groan. She really had no idea how beautiful she was. "There is a place I would like to show you. If you don't mind, of course."

"I would love to."

They rode together quietly for a little while before she spoke. "William?"

"Yes?"

"I must admit, I find myself...nervous around you."

That wasn't good. "Lady Elizabeth, I'm sorry. If I make you uncomfortable, I can get out at--"

"No," she said, cutting him off. "That's not it. The truth is, I find myself very comfortable around you."

"But you said--"

"I am nervous. I have never been around a man who makes me feel...heated," she admitted with a blush.

He shifted in the small seat, his pants suddenly becoming extremely tight. "I-- I do not know what to say to that."

"Say anything."

William ran a hand through his hair. If he told her the truth, it could cause more problems for everyone. If he didn't tell the truth, it could still cause more problems. "What do you want me to say?"

She fidgeted with her dress, smoothing it out even though it wasn't necessary. "I want the truth. Do you feel anything at all for me?"

William closed his eyes tight before giving her a serious expression. "If I tell you the truth and say yes, I am betraying my best friend. If I lie and say no, I am betraying you. So, tell me Elizabeth, which is the right answer?"