While Delaney was searching the surroundings, Rowan moved with sudden speed. His civilized, polite gentleman persona completely vanished the very second they were out of sight.
Rowan stepped forward, closing the small distance between them instantly. He did not drop the wooden box, but he used his large, free right hand to reach out and gently, but very firmly, grasp the very nape of her neck.
His warm fingers tangled deeply into the soft dark hair at the back of her head. He pulled her completely against his chest and tilted her face up.
He crashed his lips down onto hers, pulling her directly into a deep, desperate kiss.
Delaney did not push him away. She melted instantly into his strong embrace. She raised her hands, grasping the lapels of his deep green coat, and hungrily kissed him back.
It was a sudden explosion of pent-up yearning and desire. They were both acting exactly like wild animals dying of terrible thirst, finally finding a cool, deep pool of water.
