Vampire Darcy's Desire

“The ballroom? Finally, we will dance?” Elizabeth’s breath caught in her chest.“Am I now tolerable enough to tempt you, or is it because I will no longer be slighted by other men?”

“You, my Minx, knew even that evening at the assembly that you tempted me, and I was a fool to deny it. If I offended you, I apologize. I fought, but not so gallantly, what I saw from the first time my eyes rested on you.”

“Even without music, we dance at last?” she repeated.

Darcy smiled mischievously. “I thought I might teach you to waltz.We can hum if you require music, my lady.”

“Waltz?” she gasped.“It is so…so scandalous!”

“Exactly,” he said, as he pulled her into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her.Their lips met. Elizabeth felt his body harden and her hungry response. “Fitzwilliam,” she moaned—a moan not of rejection, but of want—when they separated.

The need in her voice sent his senses spinning, and he rained

“I put a spell on you,” she said mischievously.

Darcy pulled back to look at her questioningly. “I am a man who believes in spells, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Really, Mr. Darcy? I would think you much too sensible.” Her tone remained playful.

His thumb traced the outline of her lips. “My judgments are often based on more than the facts; gut feelings come into play as well. I accept what others cannot see.”

“What do you see when you look at me, Fitzwilliam?”

“A conundrum.” He brushed his lips across hers. “A beautiful woman. An adventurous spirit.” He wanted to add soul mate, but did not. “A beautiful, adventurous woman who looks thoroughly kissed,” he added slyly.

Elizabeth arched one eyebrow. “Shall we return to the house? Jane should be awake by now, and I am sure Miss Bingley is in need of your company.”

“Do not remind me,Vixen.You will pay sorely for my attention to you,” he warned.

“I can handle Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth stepped away and began to straighten her clothing.“Better yet I can claim Jane’s illness as an excuse to avoid her. You must be the one to endure her rebuke.” She looked up and smiled sweetly.

Darcy smiled back as he reached out to tuck a stray curl under the edge of her bonnet. “You have no idea how often I pretend interest with Miss Bingley. Sometimes I imagine that is what marriage is—an endless meal with Caroline Bingley.” He saw her flinch. “Elizabeth, you misapprehend me. Caroline may have her hopes, but it will never be. I will not marry.”

“Let us go, Mr. Darcy.” She walked in a huff towards the horse.

Darcy followed close behind her. She turned so he could lift her to the saddle, but Elizabeth took no pleasure in his touch. He placed his strong hands at her waist. “Elizabeth Bennet, I give no attention to anyone but you, and you know it. Now, are we going to fight over someone as insignificant to me as Caroline Bingley? Surely you know the charms of my estate are such that if I wanted Miss Bingley, she would be mine.” He raised her chin with his hand.A single tear ran down her cheek.“No tears,” he chastised her as he wiped it away with his thumb.“Only memories.”

Elizabeth nodded and swallowed hard—her fit of jealousy so inappropriate. “Only memories.”

Darcy lifted her to her horse and helped her to adjust her seat before leading her back to the stables. They spoke no more of desire or of marriage or of anything besides how to sit on a horse properly. In the evening, she dined with her sister in their rooms while Darcy tolerated Caroline’s dismay at his teaching Elizabeth Bennet how to ride. He bit back many of his retorts, knowing they would only increase Miss Bingley’s vexation and her denunciation of the Bennet sisters. He did it more for Charles Bingley than for himself. While Caroline’s voice droned on, Darcy imagined holding Elizabeth in his arms and kissing her soft lips. The image sustained him and aroused him. The point on her neck where the blood coursed through her veins throbbed in him also. He nearly groaned in remembrance. “Tonight,” he mumbled as he forked up a piece of carrot.

“Did you say something, Mr. Darcy?” Caroline called out from her end of the table.

Darcy’s head snapped up. “Nothing of significance, Miss Bingley.”

“Of—of course, Mr. Darcy,” she stammered.

Darcy smiled, realizing he had her. He knew Elizabeth would not be so easily bested and would not agree with his every statement. “Then how is my giving attention to one of Charles’s nearest neighbors a detriment? A benevolent act builds goodwill, whether it is tending to Miss Jane Bennet or giving her younger sister a chance to learn to ride properly.The skill will only help Miss Elizabeth find a proper husband when she must marry. A landed gentleman would expect as much.”

“But I do not ride, Mr. Darcy. Are you implying an accomplished woman should take to horse?” Her voice held disbelief and a bit of suspicion.

“Couples often ride together in Hyde Park during the season. Why do you think I taught Georgiana?” His level gaze dared Caroline Bingley to deny what he said.

“If you wish to learn, Caroline, I will arrange a riding master,” Charles offered.

Caroline puffed up in her self-importance. “I will consider it, Charles.” She returned to her meal, slicing away at her full plate of meat. “If I choose to ride, I will ask Mr. Darcy to teach me, as he does Miss Elizabeth.”

“That cannot be, Miss Bingley. In our social circle, it is not done unless the lady and the gentleman are engaged, and we are not so attached. Country society allows more latitude. No one locally would reproach Miss Elizabeth, but the ton is not so kind to those of our standing.”