Read A Compromised Innocent for Free Online Page B

nipple, then rolled and tugged. Sensation whipped though her, straight to the damp, enflamed folds between her thighs, and his hips began to shift in counterpoint to hers.
    It was enough to send her spiraling out of control, to send the flames high enough to consume her. To set her free in one giddy, rushing burst of ecstasy.
    Lizzie collapsed atop Oliver, stunned and lethargic. Oliver’s large hand stroked her back, soothing.
    When she caught her breath, she pushed up and stared at Oliver who sported a crooked smile. His eyes glittered and he watched her like a hungry hawk.
    The pace of the coach picked up, as the vehicle broke free of the congested snarl. It was as sudden as the passion that had taken her.
    What must he think of her? Lizzie looked away, embarrassment scattering the euphoria, and she pulled from his arms to settle onto the far seat.
    Oliver sat up slowly. “Are you all right?”
    Her heart still thudded in her chest in time with the throbbing reminder between her legs. “I’m not entirely certain.”
    He smiled, his hand warm and reassuring on her knee and his expression earnest. “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou. Coming apart in my arms. Stunning.” He sounded sincere and she blinked back tears of relief. Heavens, she did not want to cry. Not because she was insecure, but it was a near thing, her feelings raw.
    â€œOh.”
    â€œYes, oh.” Oliver clasped her hand between his large ones, an echo of their earlier intimacy. He kissed the tip of her nose. “When can I see you again?”
    â€œFor…this?” Now he thought her a loose woman.
    â€œLook at me, Lizzie.” He sat forward. “I want to see you again because I enjoy your company. I enjoy everything about you, not just this, as extraordinary as it was. Please. We’re almost to your aunt’s house. Tell me when I can see you again.”
    The fear and uncertainty eased. “Aunt Roberta plans for us to attend the Clarington ball.”
    His smile was wide, boyish. “Splendid. Save a waltz for me.”

Chapter Seven
    Lizzie never made it to the Clarington ball.
    A week later found Lizzie frustrated from confinement. Her aunt had not taken it well that Lizzie had been seen with Oliver, and she had waylaid her niece in the sitting room later that same day.
    â€œYou little slut!”
    Lizzie’s cheek burned with the imprint of her aunt’s hand, and she stared at the older woman in disbelief. Perhaps it shouldn’t have surprised her that Roberta would lash out, but it did; no one had ever slapped her before.
    â€œNot only have you been seen in Hyde Park with Wainsborough, you arrive at my doorstep fresh from his carriage!” Roberta’s scarlet gown cut a vivid slash across the ivory silk sofa she sat down upon. “I thought you were bright enough to heed my words, but I can see that you’re just as headstrong as your mother ever was.”
    Lizzie hung her head but would not feel remorse for having spent time with Oliver. How could she when her body still throbbed from the remnants of their interlude?
    She certainly wasn’t going to avoid him as her aunt would have her do. Lizzie didn’t delude herself; she didn’t expect more than a brief dalliance. How could it be more? The man was a duke, destined for a match of importance and great wealth, neither of which she could offer.
    â€œI told him to stay away from you. I won’t have this, do you hear?”
    â€œWhat do you have against the duke, Aunt Roberta? Most families would be pleased to have an acquaintance of such consequence, no matter how casual.” Of course, she’d had the basics from Oliver during their walk, but Lizzie feared there might be more to it from Roberta’s side, something she needed but dreaded to know.
    Roberta’s eyes glittered like jet beads. “Wainsborough is an unreliable knave. We