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“Because I was hungry for blood.” He released a dry laugh. “And a fool.”

She peered up at him, her eyes wide. “I think you are one of the cleverest men I have known.”

“Then I think perhaps you are the fool, Gus.”

Her lips curved slightly. “Did I not just say that I was?”

It would be so damn easy. There was no one around, no one to catch them. The last place anyone would expect Augusta to be would be by the lake so her parents certainly would not come searching for her. He even suspected he could have her eager and willing for him.

But that was only because of Henry’s foolish neglect of her.

Christ, his brother did not even know what he had here. Augusta kissed with the passion of a thousand women. She was open and eager and a quick learner. All he would have to do is lean in and brush his lips over hers. She’d taste of wine maybe or even brandy snaps. If he pressed her down against the grass, he’d be able to explore her body with his hands, take in the feel of her lithe body in a way that he’d never been allowed to do. He’d commit it all to memory and relive the moment forever.

Swallowing hard, he removed her hand from his and eyed the dry cut. “Another scar to add to my collection.” He handed her back her handkerchief. “And it seems I owe you gloves and a handkerchief.”

“That handkerchief was my favorite,” she said with a smile.

He narrowed his gaze at her. “Are you teasing me, Gus?”

“A little. Does it feel strange?”

“No.” He shook his head. “No, I quite like it.”

“Miles, I—” She pressed a palm to his chest and his heart came to a standstill. Her lips parted, her eyes darkened, pupils wide. He heard her intake of breath. This was it, the moment he could steal for himself. Every fiber of his being warred against each other, making him feel as though he were being torn in two. He wanted to kiss her more than anything in the world but there was no forgetting that she was Henry’s bride-to-be.

Whatever mistakes he’d made while Henry was away, whatever idiocy his brother was involved in to make him behave this way, Miles could not betray him. Not again.

“Your parents are likely looking for you,” he said hastily. “We had better return to the ballroom.”

“Oh.”

He could think of a few harsher ways to put it. Drawing up his shoulders, he stood and offered her a hand. She took it and allowed him to aid her to her feet. As soon as she was stable, he withdrew his hand. “The day looks to be growing pleasant. I think I may take a walk.”

“Oh,” she said again.

“Are you broken, Gus?”

She shook her head vigorously and gave a bright smile. “No, of course not, though I am a little tired.”

“I would escort you in but I suspect you and I arriving together after vanishing would not be the cleverest of ideas.”

“No, of course. You are right.”

“Stay away from the lake edge,” he warned as he turned away. “I have little desire to take a dip today.” He didn’t look back but he could have sworn he heard her mutter about what an ass he was. Blast, the woman just could not help making him smile.