Page 2 of The Ward
“You brought the book?”
Unable to make my voice work, I quickly held up my burden, so he might see how dutifully I followed instructions. And when one corner of his lip curled, I nearly swooned.
“Excellent. Put it here.”
I placed the book on his desk and forced myself to look away from his mouth—wide, firm—in order to align the cover with the edge of the desk.
A Harlot’s Guide to the Forbidden and Delightful Arts.
Until the book’s arrival last week, I’d had no idea such things existed. Such published works! Of course I kept it hidden from Mama, and even my maid, but I’d spent quite a few instructive hours reading through the pages.
Often late at night.
Beneath the covers.
Where I might explore the sensations wrought upon my body by such…literature.
Why had he sent it to me?
When Lord Ardgave spoke again, I started, realizing he’d moved around the desk. “And have you examined this book, Cecelia?”
“Yes, my lord,” I whispered, gaze locked on his tie pin, pulse thundering in my ears. “I have read it through a few times.”
“Yes,” he drawled, and when I heard the smile in his voice, I looked up to catch the approving nod he gave me. “I thought you might.”
My heart had leapt at his approval, and I caught my breath even as I clutched my hands before me, hoping to receive it again. “I…I enjoyed it, my lord.”
Somethingflared in those midnight blue eyes, something I wanted to explore further. Something I hoped was satisfaction.
“Tell me, Cecelia…” His voice dropped even deeper as he stepped up beside me. “Howdid you enjoy it?”
We stood now, me facing his desk and him facing me, less than an arm’s reach apart. I found it difficult to breathe, almost overwhelmed by his presence. His scent—the same scent I remembered from so long ago, which had always represented strength and power to me—coated my tongue, made me yearn for—forsomething.
He was watching me intently, and although the topic was unseemly, I reminded myself hewasmy guardian. He was responsible not only for my past, but my future as well. At twenty-one, and still unmarried, it was unlikely I would be taken off his hands anytime soon.
I had a responsibility to please him.
So I managed a deep breath. “I found it…stimulating, my lord. Intriguing. It is…very different from anything else I have read.”
“Yes, I imagine so,” he chuckled. “It is a special printing of an ancient text, newly illustrated.”
Oh God, the illustrations! The illustrations had been the best part! Each page ofA Harlot’s Guidecontained an illustration of a sexual act, and a description. The long-dead author had explained the pleasure to be found—by both men and women—in each act, and I had found myself beyond aroused by some of them.
My mother’s brief description of the marriage bed, years ago, was nothing compared to this book.
I risked a peek into his dark eyes, and he was watching me expectantly. So I swallowed and hazarded, “They are quite…fascinating, my lord.”
He hummed, lifting his hand. I didn’t realize his plan until I felt the backs of his fingers against my forehead, then my temple, as he pushed a wisp of a curl behind my ear. I tried to tamp down on my shudder of—ofwhateverthat emotion was, but was unsuccessful.
“You have become quite a beautiful young lady, Cecelia,” he murmured.
I had to squeeze my thighs together. His touch had made me feel the way readingA Harlot’s Guidehad. “Th-thank you, my lord.”
“Cecelia.” He hadn’t moved away. In fact, he seemed to…lean closer? Did his nostrils flare, as if he were inhaling me? “It would please me if you called meLord Simon, the way you used to. I feel…I feel as if we’re close enough to allow that sort of intimacy, don’t you?”
My knees almost buckled. “Yes, sir,” I squeaked.Intimacy. Close.That’s what I’d always dreamed of from him.
With a sudden movement, Lord Simon straightened and marched to the other side of the desk. There he crossed his arms and leaned a hip against it, studying me. Unconsciously, I straightened my shoulders and clasped my hands tighter.
