Emma settled into the family's country estate and tried to ease her emotions. They all seemed to be tumbling around in her head during the carriage ride. First, Jefferson had wanted to escort her at the lake, then Prince Ali dancing with her at the Nolan ball. And then there was Killian. What on Earth was happening?
Had he been jealous?
What was there to be jealous about? Prince Ali was inquiring about Lady Jasmine and while he was attentive and an incorrigible flirt, there had been nothing in their acquaintance to suggest more than friendship.
She snorted at her own thoughts. Friendship had been the only suggestion anyone had made until this season. The season she was supposed to be able to fade into the background. Now the gossip sheets practically accused her of stealing the attention of every eligible (or not-so-eligible) bachelor in the ton.
It had been a shock when Aunt Ingrid allowed her to escape to the country. She might have said it was to prepare for the upcoming ball, but they both knew she was running away. And for once, her aunt allowed it.
No one needed her to assist with the preparations. The housekeeper and staff had everything planned and organized ages ago. So Emma decided to take her wandering thoughts outside, finding her little oasis among the blackberries. As a child, she'd thought it a secret cavern, but two years ago their gardener let slip how carefully they'd always kept it tended.
Since it was no longer a secret, they'd erected a gazebo and wove wisteria and blackberries all around it. That made it a proper place for a lady to escape to without taking away any of the magic her hideaway had held as a child. Emma settled in her place, smiling at the dry cushions she was certain had been delivered before she ventured outside.
A quiet song alerted her to a visitor - she knew the owner of that voice. How had he found her? His uncle's property - she supposed it was his now - lay within walking distance, but hadn't his business been in London? Why come here?
"Still hiding in the blackberries, Swan?" Killian asked as he walked into the gazebo.
Emma felt her chest grow tight having him so close. They'd danced and promenaded in London, yet having him here in her place made it feel so much more…intimate. "It isn't much of a hiding place if you found it."
He gave her a lopsided grin that was more endearing than the one he used in society. "Perhaps I know you better than you thought?"
"Only my penchant for solitude." She returned before she finally gave into her curiosity. "What brings you to the country, Killian- My-" There she was, stumbling over titles again.
"I told you, I'm only Killian to you." He leaned closer before resuming his customary position of sprawling against the seat. "And where might your maid be?"
"My maid?" Emma blinked in confusion. "Do you require something?"
"No, but I thought all ladies had someone as a chaperone." He waggled his eyebrows at her playfully. "Especially with rakish viscounts about."
"Ah, but spinsters are far from the influence of even your charms." She replied with a sour taste in her mouth. She hated that word. It was bad enough that she wasn't even five and twenty, but to give it a title like that?
He snorted quietly. "Makes them sound like witches in children's stories." Then he frowned at her. "You're barely of age. How can you possibly be considered…"
And because it was Killian, she rolled her eyes dramatically as he watched her. "This will be my sixth season without a match. I assure you, I've been on the shelf the last five seasons at least." She shook her head at him. "And I'm two and twenty, thank you. By the standards of the ton, I should be married with at least two children by now,"
His scowl deepened. "Bloody hell. Is that all they think you ladies are capable of?"
"Worse. It's all we're good for." Emma matched his scowl. "Men refuse to allow women an equal education and then complain we cannot hold a proper conversation."
She pursed her lips and closed her eyes. When she opened them, Killian was watching her with a sparkle in his blue eyes and a wide grin. "Quite passionate, love. I can't understand why those lads can't appreciate a conversation with you."
Reaching up from her book, she slapped his arm, earning a chuckle. He took the hand that hit him and pressed a kiss to her bare knuckles. "I do find the conversation one has on a dance floor a bit lacking."
"I have trouble picturing you with any of the young ladies this season." Emma mused. Ivy and Zelena had designs on him, but she just couldn't see him having a happy life with either of them.
"I had no idea you were so interested in my social calendar, love." He chuckled. "Please give me your assessment."
"Cheeky, but if you insist." She paused and her eyes flickered over him. His time away had taken the innocent gleam in his eyes. He looked…sturdy. She felt herself blush. His face and hands were tanned and she was shocked at the curiosity tickling at her. How far did that tan extend? She knew how he felt while they were dancing, but if he held her?
"You mentioned once how you hoped to show your wife some of the sights you saw. I don't think you'll find so much adventure in many of the young ladies out this season."
"I would give my entire fortune to know your thoughts." He murmured, changing the direction of their conversation as he leaned close enough to trail a finger down her cheek. "What was it that made you blush, Swan?"
"Why do you always call me that? Cygnet? And now Swan?" She whispered.
"Because you're as lovely and graceful as a swan." He brushed his lips near her ear.
She felt her cheeks burn even as a shiver rolled across her skin. "Killian?"
"Emma?" He smirked, still teasing her cheek. "Will you kiss me?" His voice was a low rumble that had her gasping for breath.
She couldn't speak, couldn't move as his fingers caressed her neck and shoulders, leaving trails of fire in their wake. "Will you kiss me?" He asked again in a softer tone when she didn't respond.
"Swan?" Emma blinked and met his warm blue eyes. His smile grew slowly. "Would you prefer I leave you in peace?"
"I've never kissed anyone." She finally managed to stammer out.
"May I have the honor?" His voice was nearly a purr.
She licked her lower lip nervously. "Yes." She wasn't sure if she spoke or merely breathed.
Killian brushed his lips over hers once before he pulled her lower lips between his. The feeling set her on fire and had her melting into his embrace. He pulled away for a moment and smiled before dipping his head again.
Emma's head was spinning. Nothing had prepared her for this feeling - as if she were flying and coming home at once. A moan escaped her when his tongue touched hers.
His arms came around her as he pulled her into his lap. His fingers scorched her skin even through her dress. Everything felt too tight, too hot. She gasped something that might have been his name.
"Bloody hell." He growled and moved his mouth down her neck.
Her fingers twisted in his hair, trying to find an anchor. "Killian - oh God."
"Emma." He moaned right above her heart. "My love, my Swan."
She gasped and he brought his gaze back to hers with a searing heat. "Let me show you, love?" All she could do was nod. His grin turned slow and wicked. "That's my girl."
His hands slid under her skirts until his fingers touched her bare legs, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She tried to find the words to stop this madness, but she didn't want to. She wanted his hands everywhere. What had she become? His mouth returned to hers and it no longer mattered where they were. They were in her hidden sanctuary and for this moment, she was his.
His fingers found her center - she'd barely touched herself there in the dark of night - yet he knew how to play her body like an instrument. She gasped against his mouth and felt waves of pleasure washing over her until she was certain she might melt if he didn't hold onto her.
Killian didn't stop his delicious torture until it finally felt as though lightning had run up her spine from his fingers. She could barely breathe even as his fingers became more gentle. He kissed the tip of her nose then licked his fingers clean, moaning as he did. It was as though he'd found the most decadent treat he could imagine. But…that was her?
She shivered as she watched him. Visions began assaulting her - what other pleasures could he bring her? Logically, she knew that she should leave before this went too far, maybe she still would, but her legs felt like water and she was struggling to think like a proper lady.
"You are a goddess in your pleasure, Swan." He held her tighter and pressed his lips to her forehead. "You deserve to be worshiped properly." Brushing his lips to her ear, he added. "Thoroughly."
Emma whimpered as her imagination took flight with her heart. Everything she'd ever wanted was reflected back at her in those eyes. She wanted to reach out, trust what he offered, but then she remembered how he'd looked at her when he handed her from the carriage.
He was a Viscount in need of a wife. That was something her reputation would never allow her to be, but to give him anything else? To never be anything more than this passion? A sob caught in her chest. She'd loved him from the day they'd met. Could she watch herself become nothing in his eyes? To never tell him how he held her heart in those clever, wicked fingers?
Struggling to her feet, she mumbled a litany of apologies and excuses before she all but ran from his presence. Once she was out of sight of the gazebo, she did run.
—
Jasmine visits to show Emma her kitten - Raja
Killian finds her and brings her to the lake house he had built while he was away. He always planned to propose to her once it was built
large gazebo with a swing
Glass greenhouse full of her favorite flowers and one call the wild Swan anemone
Proposes with the flower
And his mother's ring - violet sapphire circles by diamond with flowers designed in the gold
Killian gives Emma her blackberries to keep with her