Page 15 of Mr. Darcy's Storm of Temptation

"You," he said simply. "Just to hold you once more before we must be proper and distant."

He kissed her desperately, walking her backward until she was pressed against his desk. His hands found her waist, pulling her close enough that she could feel his heart racing against hers.

"Elizabeth," he groaned against her mouth. "These two weeks will be torture."

"For me as well," she gasped. "This ache, this need for you grows stronger every day."

His hands tightened on her waist. "When we are married," he promised against her throat, "I will spend hours worshipping you, learning every place that makes you sigh, every touch that brings you pleasure."

"Fitzwilliam," she whimpered, her hands fisting in his coat.

Footsteps in the hall made them spring apart.

"Brother?" Georgiana's voice called from the doorway. "Mrs. Gardiner is looking for Miss Elizabeth."

"Thank you, dearest," Mr. Darcy said, his voice remarkably steady considering his state. "We shall be along directly."

Georgiana glanced between them, taking in Elizabeth's heightened color and her brother's disordered hair, and blushed. "I shall tell her you are discussing... books."

After she fled, Elizabeth pressed her hands to her burning cheeks. "She knows exactly what we were doing."

"She is sixteen, not six," Mr. Darcy said with a slight smile. "And she loves you. She will say nothing."

That night, Elizabeth's last in the Blue Room, she heard a soft knock at her door. She opened it to find Mr. Darcy in the hallway, still fully dressed.

"I had to see you once more," he said softly. He did not enter, remaining properly in the hallway while she stood in her doorway, the door serving as a barrier between them. "Tomorrow, in front of everyone, I must be perfectly proper."

"Then be a little improper now," she whispered, reaching out to take his hand.

He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to her palm. "You will undo me entirely."

"Good," she said. "I want you to think of me every moment we are apart. I want you to burn for me as I burn for you."

"I will," he promised, his thumb stroking over her knuckles. "Every moment until I see you again."

They stood there for a long moment, hands clasped across the threshold, neither wanting to let go.

"I love you," she whispered.

"And I love you," he replied. "More than words can express."

Finally, reluctantly, he released her hand and stepped back. "Sleep well, my love."

"You know I will not."

"Nor will I," he admitted, then turned and walked away before his control shattered entirely.

The next morning's farewell was agony wrapped in propriety. The carriages were loaded, the Gardiners already seated. Mr. Darcy handed Elizabeth up with perfect formality, though his fingers lingered on hers a moment longer than necessary.

"Safe travels, Miss Elizabeth," he said, loud enough for all to hear. Then, more quietly, "Write to Georgiana. She will ensure I receive anything you wish to send."

"I will," she promised, clutching his hand briefly. "Two weeks?"

"Two weeks at most," he confirmed, his voice low and intense. "The moment my duty is discharged, I will come to you."

As the carriage pulled away, Elizabeth turned to watch Pemberley disappear. Mr. Darcy stood on the steps, a solitary figure watching her leave. Even from a distance, she felt the intensity of his gaze.

"Two weeks," she whispered to herself, her hand moving to touch the ring hidden beneath her glove. "Only two weeks."