The thought nearly drove him to madness. But he couldn’t take her here, where any moment now, another amorous couple or some unsuspecting guest might stumble upon them. Reluctantly, he released her lips. Yet he couldn’t let go of her body.

“We must be careful,” she whispered, her voice hoarse, her lips looking thoroughly red and abused. He was responsible for that, but by God, he couldn’t regret it.

“Papa will soon notice that I am gone.”

“Nonsense, your father is occupied at the tables. And I’ve made sure your chaperone is otherwise engaged.”

Her eyes widened. Was it surprise or delight he saw in them?

“Pray tell, what did you do?”

He winked at her mischievously. “I made sure she had an ardent admirer this evening who will claim all her dances and ply her with punch.”

She flicked her fan lightly against his waistcoat. “You are cruel. What if she believes in his insincere attention?”

Quinn took her hand and led her fingers to his lips, kissing them one-by-one as he replied, “Who says his attention is insincere? Mayhap he simply needed a little encouragement to overcome his shyness.”

“You, my lord,” she said in mock-reprimand, “have not a single young man in your acquaintance to whom the label of ‘shy’ might apply. The company you keep is considered most . . . ” She hesitated, looking for the correct word. “ . . . debauched.”

“Does it matter what company I keep? All I truly desire is yours. And once you grant it, I shall be with only you.”

“You mean to say, once my father grants it.”

Quinn sighed, his chest heavy with what he had come to tell her tonight. He’d thought long and hard about it, had even discussed it with his older brother, who had thought the idea a viable one.

“What is wrong?” Her voice carried the sound of concern.

“Ah, perceptive as always. Is there anything I can hide from you?”

Rose gave him a coquettish smile, one that made his heart melt. “Do you want to hide anything from me, my lord?”

He pulled her closer. “If you call me ‘my lord’ one more time, I certainly shall. But when my name crosses your lips, I will be utterly incapable of doing so.”

Her eyelids fluttered as her cheeks colored in a deeper red. “Quinn.” More breath than sound, the word tumbled from her lips.

Capturing her chin between thumb and forefinger, he brought her mouth to his. “Ah, Rose, you tempt me so.”

He sensed her lift herself onto her tip toes, and he had no restraint left. All he could do was kiss her, take her soft lips, caress her wicked tongue, all the while pressing her soft curves to his body, fueling the fire inside him until he realized that he could not take leave of her tonight.

Nudging back from her lips, he put his forehead to hers. “My love, I will be leaving tomorrow. For the continent.”

A shocked gasp escaped her as she pulled her head back to stare at him in surprise. “Leaving?”

With his knuckles, he brushed over her cheek. “I purchased a commission and shall be joining Wellington’s army.”

Her lips quivered. “You are going to war?”

She pulled from him, but he dragged her back.

“It’s the only way. Your father won’t give his consent. I spoke to him. He simply laughed in my face.”

“You spoke to Papa? About me?”

He nodded. “I asked for your hand. He refused, saying I have nothing to offer you, no title, no wealth of significance. My brother will inherit the title; all I have is a small estate from my mother’s side. Your father doesn’t deem it sufficient.”

And why should he? Rose deserved so much more. She was the daughter of an Earl, a beauty at that, and suitors lined up wherever she appeared. Her father would be a fool to allow her to marry a second son, a man without a title.

“But he must understand.” Her eyes reddened, a sign that tears were imminent.

Quinn laid his finger across her lips. “Shh, my love. Hear me out. I have a plan. It will work.”

Rose raised her lids in hope. Ah, how he could see the love shining in her eyes, a love that burned for him. It was all worth it, just to see this.

“I have spoken to several officers in Wellington’s army. I can rise in the ranks very quickly. I’ll be fighting by Wellington’s side soon and come back a decorated war hero. Many doors will open for me; I will be wealthy, and despite the lack of title, your father won’t refuse me then.”

He could see the little wheels in her pretty head turn, the way frown lines showed on her forehead told him as much.