Love Reclaimed by Sorcha Mowbray

penetrating warmth of the alcohol as he waited for Marie.
    “Good evening, Heart.” Her melodious voice carried over to him from the left. She’d shortened his title, could it mean something? Perhaps she had softened toward him?
    “Ah, you look bewitching as always.” He bowed to her.
    “Please, join me in my office for a moment while I wait on Karen to bring my cloak.” She disappeared behind the tapestry that hid her office door.
    Following her inside, he determined to take a moment to steal a kiss before they left for his surprise. She stopped and turned around to find him close behind. So close she ended up captured within his arms. Soft, feminine curves pressed against him in delightful contrast to his masculine form. His gaze drifted to her parted lips, and he swooped in to capture the pink softness. Delving past teeth to find her tongue and the warmth of her mouth, he slid his tongue over her inner landscape. Probing, exploring, tasting.
    A sigh of a breath escaped her as she melted into him. His chest rumbled with the growl of desire he could not contain. Finally, he pulled away convinced if he did not end the kiss they would never make the evening’s entertainment. “Turn about so I can tie your mask.”
    “A mask?” Marie sounded breathless from their kiss.
    “I am taking you to the masked ball at Vauxhall. We shall have great fun eating and dancing in anonymity, and then we shall escape just before midnight and the big unmasking.”
    She could not hide her delight, even as words to the contrary crossed her luscious lips. “We should not take such a risk. What if someone recognized us, even with the masks?”
    “They will all be far too busy dancing and drinking to care who we are.” He placed the mask over her eyes and tied the ribbons behind her head taking care not to disturb her perfectly styled hair.
    “Very well. We shall go. But I warn you if we recognize anyone I shall insist we leave.”
    “We will consider the options should the need arise. I have a private dining box reserved for us.” A knock on the door preceded Karen’s entry with said cloak.
    Jonathan took the garment and slipped it over Marie’s shoulders. Arm in arm they left the office and then The Market.
     
     
    Alone in the carriage, Marie looked at Heart. When had he become Heart and not Heartfield ? And what possessed this bit of lunacy of his ? “Why the masked ball?” Her question broke through the comfortable silence.
    “I’m selfish. I want to see you dance and smile as you once did at the balls we attended. Before I left….”
    “I have not danced like that in many years, but I will endeavor to enjoy myself to the fullest this evening.” Her smile felt freer than any she’d granted in the last four or five years. The weight of being the perfect hostess and mistress lifted from her shoulders in an unexpected twist.
    The carriage halted and Heart, because he was still her heart after all this time, assisted her in exiting the vehicle. Arm in arm, they found their way down the shadowy winding paths through the flora and fauna from which Vauxhall Gardens received its named. The ball was already a crush. They surged through the crowd, hands linked. Arriving at their box, Heart swept her to safety and into his arms again. He straightened her mask, which had been knocked askew during their dash through the press of people. Then, he kissed her. A swift brush of lips before the service door opened and their waiter arrived.
    A lavish six-course meal left them secluded in their semiprivate box, free to touch and caress each other at will.
    “I remember the time you broke your arm trying to ride your father’s stallion.” Heart grinned, letting his gaze rest on her face as he drifted back in time.
    “I was so determined I had outgrown my pony. Papa grew terribly angry with me.” An ache in her chest took up residence. “That happened before the gambling problem started. Or perhaps he just had it under control then.