Matilda's Freedom by Tea Cooper

Author:Tea Cooper [Cooper, Tea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Historical, Western, Historical Romance, Westerns
Amazon: B00D5G562S
Publisher: Escape Publishing - Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Published: 2013-07-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Kit’s footsteps sounded on the small stones that covered the footpath to her cottage, beating steadily in a rhythm like that of her own heart. Matilda, however, was not going to stop or turn around. She couldn’t. She had to make it to the cottage before he caught up with her.

She would not let him see the tears pouring down her cheeks.

She brushed the corner of her shawl across her eyes, lifted her skirt, and ran. Once through the door, she slammed it behind her. Then she leaned back, firmly pressed against it as if she could barricade herself in and keep him out.

It took only a second for the door to vibrate with the force of his knocking.

‘Matilda, let me in. I need to speak to you. Please.’

‘Kit. Go away. We can talk later.’

Oh God, please make him go away.

‘No, Matilda. Open the door now. I must speak with you.’

I can’t stand it. I can’t stand it.

Matilda stepped away from the door and it opened, but didn’t turn around.

His scorching gaze bored into her, but she refused to turn. To turn would be an admission, and with one glance at her tear-stained face, he would know just how much his words had hurt her. She would keep her pride and her dignity, if nothing else.

Kit’s hands dropped to her shoulders and she shuddered. She wanted nothing more than to lean back into the warm comfort of his solid chest, but she could not.

She would not.

His chin dropped and rested on the top of her head. His breath murmured against her scalp, making her shiver.

It was all too much.

Matilda couldn’t resist. She turned slowly, keeping her eyes downcast, and rested her cheek against the soft cotton of his shirt. She felt the beat of his heart against hers as it marked time with her own.

Kit’s fingers tightened around her waist as she leaned into him.

‘What are you trying to do to me, Matilda?’

‘Nothing.’

His grip intensified.

‘You’re leaving tomorrow to collect your fiancée.’

Kit’s head nodded against her hair. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of his body, the scent of his skin.

The last time. This would be the last time.

She lifted her hands to cup his face. His eyes were so dark—as she stared into them it was as if she could see into his very soul. It welcomed her and spoke to her of love and honesty, of the man she knew he really was. This was the man she loved, the only one she would ever love.

Sliding her hands into the thick hair at his neck, she stretched up onto her tiptoes, tilted his head and brought her lips to his. They teased and were full of promise, like butterfly kisses.

The vibration from his deep groaning echoed against her breast. His warm and soft lips moved against hers, and she sank into him. But she wanted more, more than just his kisses. And why shouldn’t she take it?

She was of convict stock—an ‘inferior member of society’.

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