The Earl's Heiress by Hayleigh Mills

Author:Hayleigh Mills [Mills, Hayleigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Darkan Press Inc.
Published: 2025-08-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Arabella’s gown had outlined her body, and it was quite alluring. The low neckline revealed the pale skin above her perfectly round breasts and made Temple think of everything but dinner. He was hungry, but it wasn’t for food, although her skin made him think of honeyed cream. He imagined her flesh would feel soft and warm and taste like … The thought of tasting her flesh was heady. He felt the familiar stirring in his breaches. It was a constant presence whenever he thought of her. He had been clinging to control ever since they shared that kiss. He could feel his control slipping away now.

Temple meant every word of the compliment he had paid her. She was by far the most beautiful woman in the room tonight, and his heart swelled when he saw her. He wasn’t sure he approved of the style of her gown, but this was only because he noticed the admiring looks several gentlemen cast her.

For the first time this evening, his thoughts shifted to Lady Helena. Her family had declined the invitation. How would he feel if he saw her? Arabella sparked feelings in him that he thought he only had for Lady Helena. Lady Helena was certainly different from Arabella but much the same as the other young ladies of the haut ton. Somehow, he was pleased to know that Arabella was different and that she embraced it. Arabella was no shrinking violet, and she didn’t seek to be like everyone else. She didn’t need anyone’s approval.

When she heard the rumor that he was a murderer, she was ready to defend him against the haut ton. She was loyal, in addition to beautiful and witty, and he admired that quality.

Temple’s gaze scanned the room, but he didn’t see her. Dinner would shortly be announced, and Arabella was conspicuously absent. Temple had missed her, but he didn’t see her leave the drawing room as he was called away by Lord Hemming. He was beginning to feel out of sorts. Hopefully, she was not wandering the grounds alone because he was worried about her wellbeing. The last time she went off, she almost hurt herself. She seemed to have a knack for finding herself in difficult situations. That is how they met. However, he hoped nothing was amiss. This was hardly a night for adventure.

The countess stepped into the room and announced that dinner was served. Simultaneously, Arabella appeared, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Arabella sought out her family, and Temple escorted his mother into the dining room. The guests followed suit and took their seats. He was seated beside Arabella and he observed that she sat as straight as an arrow. She felt his gaze and her eyes lifted, filled with daggers and fire. As the meal progressed, he wondered what was the reason for the change in her temperament. She was more reserved than she would normally be, but as most of the guests were meeting her for the first time, they wouldn’t notice.

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