Page 10 of The Viscount's Daring Cinderella
Theodore liked that she was compassionate. He paused. Why did it matter anyway? If he aimed to bed her, he should not give a fig if she was compassionate. He raked his fingers through his hair, wondering what he truly wanted from Lady Beryl. Theodore discreetly assessed her. He was a good judge of age, and he believed that Lady Beryl was past the age when most young ladies of thehaut tonwould be married or at least be spoken for.
She caught him staring at her, and this time, he was the one who looked away. “You will get the chance to see what you have missed. London is vibrant during the season, and there will be much to do and see.”
Lady Beryl gave him a pointed gaze. “Now that you have your nieces to care for, are you going to London to seek a wife?”
Theodore coughed. She had taken him by surprise. It was undeniably direct. She was not afraid to ask. Apparently, she was a woman who knew what she wanted. What else was there? He wanted to know more.
Who are you really, Lady Beryl?
Theodore’s thoughts switched to his own character. He was a bit of a rogue. He owned the title and enjoyed debauchery but could never be accused of being a liar. In all his dalliances, he was careful not to lead the ladies to believe he wanted more than he could give. He took pains to ensure he was not to be caught in a compromising position. Some ladies were quite creative in their quest to reach the altar. There would be no scandal that could lead to a forced marriage. He would surely resent being trapped with a scheming wife.
“I do not wish to marry,” Theodore said decisively.
Lady Beryl immediately stood up and walked to the water’s edge, effectively hiding her expression. He hoped it was not one of disgust, although it would make no difference if it were.
At least a minute passed before she spoke. “Not marry? How extraordinary. Have you always felt that way?”
Lady Beryl bent to collect a few pebbles, stood, and threw each into the lake. She bent, repeating her actions a few times. Theodore’s gaze was drawn to her derriere, although he could not see much through all the layers of fabric. He imagined he could. She had a small waist, so he imagined wide hips and shapely legs. A prick of heat rushed through his body.
“Never say it is I who have now stolen your ability to speak?” she drawled.
He wrenched his mind from her shapely figure back to her questions. “I never felt the overwhelming need to marry. My brother was tasked with providing heirs and protecting the title and inheritance. I just wanted to enjoy my life.”
“I see,” she said softly.
She had moved away from him, but Theodore wanted her to be closer. He cleared his throat. “Would you like to walk along the shore, Lady Beryl?”
“Yes,” she said, tossing him a small smile over her shoulder.
Theodore stood up and joined her. They walked in companionable silence for a moment.
“You mentioned looking forward to your season, so I gather you wanted to marry,” Theodore said.
“I did.” She glanced at him furtively under her lashes.
“Did?” Theodore asked. This was what young ladies of standing were prepared for. They were groomed to provide a suitable match. He recalled then that her role in the upcoming season would be of a chaperone. Was that by choice?
She sighed. “I saydidbecause my circumstances have changed. I still wish to marry, but I do not know what the future holds for me.”
A few stones, logs and other debris made the path along the shore narrower. Theodore had to move closer to her to allow them to continue walking side by side unimpeded. Their shoulders and arms touched, and he was sure he felt her body heat through their clothing. His skin tingled as if there was no barrier between them. Lady Beryl stopped abruptly, and Theodore turned to face her. The air around them stilled. Her face was feminine and well-modeled. She had big, trusting eyes with thick black lashes, and her nose was exquisitely dainty.
Lady Beryl’s tongue darted out and licked her lips. Theodore swallowed, but there was still a lump in his throat. He stepped forward to close the distance between them. She did not step away from him. Her scent drifted toward him, flowers, and soft summer days. Time stood still as they gazed into each other’s eyes; hers were compelling and magnetic. His heart beat loudly in his chest, and Theodore was sure Lady Beryl could hear it. There was a charming flush to her cheeks when he fixed his gaze on her lips.
Theodore cupped her jaw, and his mouth swiftly covered hers in a demanding kiss, moving his lips over hers with sensual force. Lady Beryl was left open-mouthed, which was perfect.That was exactly what he wanted, and he took full advantage of it. His lips and tongue explored her as he demanded and cajoled. Lady Beryl gasped, and Theodore felt his heart thump even louder. Her taste was exquisite, and her scent filled his senses. Lady Beryl began kissing him back, mirroring his every stroke. She moaned softly and sighed when he pulled her tightly to him. His breath was ragged; the kiss assaulted his senses in such an intense way. He liked it.
Theodore’s hands were entangled in her hair, and the feel of her tresses heightened his need. His tongue traced the delicate softness of her lower lip, and she trembled in his arms. Her lips were warm and welcoming, and he deepened the kiss. The world faded around them, and to kiss her forever would never be long enough. They tasted each other deeply, and still, the kiss went on.
Lady Beryl pulled away. She raised her hand and touched her swollen lips. Her chest was rising and falling, her lush bosom visible over her bodice. Before he could form another thought, Theodore heard the resounding slap across his cheek. The sound reverberated across the lake and among the trees. The burning sensation came afterward. He was so stunned it took him a moment to comprehend what had happened. A woman had never struck him. As the fiery chit raised her hand to deliver another blow, he captured it in a vicelike grip. Theodore lowered his head and brushed her lips tenderly. He released her hand and stepped backward.
Lady Beryl touched her lips with a look of strange wonderment and something more. She had kissed him with such passion and felt the attraction too. Her cheeks were flaming red and her breathing was quick.
“You libertine,” she whispered before she spun around and headed back to her horse. She mounted and rode away without a backward glance.
Theodore’s breathing was still labored. His face still stung from where she had delivered the blow, and Theodore caressed his cheek. She was right. He was a libertine and he wanted her. Yet, he had his code for whatever it was worth. He would not have her unless she wanted him to. He was sure she slapped him because she was not expecting to be kissed.
Theodore smiled. He enjoyed intimacy and the pursuit of pleasure. He was not ashamed of it. He had a voracious appetite, and he liked to be well-pleasured. Right now, Lady Beryl had his attention. He was forthright and told her he did not wish to marry. This kiss would leave Lady Beryl without a doubt as to his intentions. She stirred his blood and he wanted to seduce her. She would not find a husband in him, but perhaps she would accept a lover.
CHAPTER 5
